PAST AND PRESENT 



OF 



Bureau County, Illinois 



By GEORGE B. HARRINGTON, A. M., 



TOGETHER WITH 



BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES 



Of many of Its Prominent and Leading Citizens and Illustrious Dead. 



^*' J^ t^* 



ILLUSTRATED 



a^ a^ t^ 



CHICAGO 

THE PIONEER PUBLISHING CO. 

1906 



/^^/f 



hsf7 




2>cC>icate& to tbe 

pioneers 

of 

^Bureau Counts 



\ 








^[ ibxl^i/t'vi^ Ur*^^ 



HISTORICAL 



CHAPTER I. 

INTRODUCTORY. 

The discovery, settlement and progress of the 
American continent stands without a parallel in 
the annals of history. Beginning with its dis- 
covery until now it has been one grand march 
of civilization, a civilization that stands for the 
upbuilding of human society and the elevation 
of the race. 

Our forefathers landed on a barren and roek- 
bound coast, the deep blue ocean rolled behind 
them and an unknown landscape was spread out 
before them, but they were not disheartened, for 
they brought with them a fortitude that could 
penetrate the primeval forests and an indomitable 
will and a personal courage that could and did 
transform those dark and forbidding wilds into 
fields of wealth and plenty. The leafy forests 
fell before the axe of the pioneer and in its place 
the hamlet, town and city came into existence. 

American history is based on two civilizations. 
One had its foundation laid at Jamestown and the 
other at Plymouth Rock. The former was built 
upon an aristocracy governed by Shiveley, and tlie 
ruling thought that work was beneath tlie dignity 
of gentlemen, and that caste was permissible even 
in the new world. The other was made up of a 
people who believed that true dignity consisted 
in doing whatsoever came before them as duty in 
a courageous and heroic manner. 

No work was considered menial that had for 
its purpose the betterment of themselves and the 
progress of the world. This latter civilization 
extended its strong right arm of development over 
our country and in its pathway schools, colleges 
and churches sprang into existence, supported by 
the sturdy yeomanry of the period of the past, 
until this matchless inspiration of our fathers has 
evolved a citizenship that stands as a mighty 
force for the elevation and Christianizati(m of 



mankind. No State has added more to this ad- 
vance civilization than our own beloved Illinois. 
Her history must ever stand in the fore front 
of modern progress. 

Illinois can feel a just pride in the wonderful 
strides she has made in almost every phase of 
her history. In men she can point to a Lincoln, a 
Douglas, Logan, Yates, Ogiesby and a long list 
of illustrious men who have their names written 
upon the historic page and the memory of whose 
lives are enthroned in the hearts of the people. 
In agriculture, commerce, manufacturing, rail- 
roads, mineral productions she stands the peer of 
any country on the globe. Out of this rich 
territory Bureau county was organized and she 
stands as a high average in all that goes to make a 
wise and great people. 

Illinois, of which Bureau county forms an im- 
portant part, is the keystone of all this great com- 
pact of States. Her western border is laved by 
the great "Father of Waters" for more than four 
hundred miles ; her northern Ijorder touches the ex- 
treme southwest portion of the great chain of lakes 
whose waters find their way to tlie ocean by two 
distinct channels and there on the soil of Illinois 
stands that great imperial city, which perhaps 
may become the metropolis of the world, with her 
miles of shipping and with great railroads ramify- 
ing in every direction, bringing in and carrying 
out the products of our great civilization. With 
such a location and with such surroundings Illi- 
nois must ever be the pivotal State of this Union. 

It is not our purpose to enter into any lengthy 
discussion of the topography or geology of Bureau 
county. According to the geological investigation 
there have been three different times when glaciers 
or ice sheets have covered more or less of the 
State of Illinois, in consequence of which nearly 
all of the surface of the State is covered with soils 
of glacial formation. The first glacier covered 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



nearly all of the State as far south as St. Clair 
county. Wherever the drift or debris left from 
this first glacier still remains the surface is called 
the Illinoisan glaciation. 

The experimental stations for the purpose of 
soil investigation have divided this Illinois;m glaci- 
ation in three areas berause of the marked dlfer- 
ence in the agricultural values and properties of 
the soil. These three areas are called the Lower 
Illinoisan Glaciation, the Middle Illinoisan Glaci- 
ation, and the Upper Illinoisan Glaciation. The 
second glacier covered only three or four tiers 
of counties, from the north line of the State. 
Where the drift from tliis second glacier is now the 
surface it is termed lowan glaciation. 

Tlie third and last glacier covered aijproxiniately 
the northeast quarter of the State, and this area 
is called the Wisconsin glaciation. By carefully 
testing the action of these dilTerent glacia- 
tion.^; upon plant life our experimental sta- 
tion.s have been able to tell what is lack- 
ing in the diiferent soils for the different 
kintis of plant life. It has also been able to tell 
what should l)e used upon the various soils as 
fertilizers. Some of the soil is lacking in one in- 
gredient and some another, and some plants need 
one kind of nutrition and some another, so in 
order to get the best results it is necessary for the 
farmer to understand the nature and the needs 
of the ground lie cultivates. In Bureau county the 
prairie land is of the Wisconsin glaciation forma- 
tion and thi.s formation, is a black and productive 
soil. This kind of soil is adapted to legumes in 
crop rotation and is somewhat deficient in phos- 
phates and lime. The time has arrived when to 
cultivate and get the best results one must do 
something more than to plow the land and sow the 
seed. In a soil that has been under cultivation 
as many years as that of Bureau county it neces- 
sarily lo.ses some of its natural fertility and this 
loss needs to be replaced, and the question that 
every farmer should ask when he finds his crops are 
growing less year by year is, what is it that the 
.soil needs that should be replaced. Is it nitrogen, 
|)otassium. phosphorus or lime, or is it deficient 
in more than one of these ingredients? It should 
always be borne in mind that some of our crops 
exhaust more of the needed elements than 
others. While one kind needs an abundance of one 
ingredient another can do with less, so it has 
become a matter of expediency for the tillers of 
the soil to give due heed to many of the useful 
suggestions that emanate from our experimental 
farm stations. The writer makes no claim that he 
is able to instruct the Bureau county farmer in 
his lino of work, but he does claim that he has 
been somewhat of a student in reviewing the re- 
ports that have been issued from time to time 
from the various experimental stations and has 
become fully convinced that to obtain the highest 
and best results in soil culture attention must 
be given to the scientific principles developed by 



actual and honest investigations. We throw out 
these suggestions trusting that they may catch the 
eye of some of the young and progressive farmers 
and lead them to a closer contact with the very 
efficient experimental stations of our State. There 
has been on the part of quite a large number of 
the farmers of Illinois a spirit of indilference in 
regard to scientific cultivation, but we venture this 
assertion, that in the future he who gives thought 
and attention to the facts brought to light in 
regard to scientific agriculture will be the success- 
ful man. 

So far as known the Indians were the first in- 
habitants of Illinois. The discoveries made in 
regard to prehistoric man indicate that at some 
remote period a race of people lived on this con- 
tinent that was more advanced in civilization 
than the American Indian, but who they were, 
where they came from or what became of them is 
a scaled book. In many places through the middle 
west unmistakable evidences have been found of a 
civilization that is now e.xtinct. What seems 
to be the ruins of old forts and places of defense 
have been unearthed at different times and places, 
indicating that whoever occupied them were a 
warlike people. The many kind of mounds that 
have been found through Illinois demonstrate to 
a certainty that these people whoever they were 
once held dominion here. When that time was 
and how long this country was under their rule 
probably will never be known. So with the Amer- 
ican Indian. Many theories have been advanced 
in regard to their origin, but it is only a theory, for 
all we have is naught but vague tradition and all 
we can state as a historic fact is that they were 
here in Illinois in 1673 when Marquette, Joliet 
and others discovered it. 

Mar(|uette and Joliet on their arrival at the 
village of the Illinois Indians in IGTS, found it 
in possession of the Kaskaskia tribe, a branch of 
the Illinois confederacy. The Illinois confederacy 
(known as the lllini) was made up of five tribes, 
namely: Mitchigamis. Kaskaskias. Peorias, Caho- 
kias and Tannnarois. The Jlitchigamis really 
belonged west of the Mississippi, but had become 
a iiart of the confederacy by adoption. The name 
of the lake and State of Michigan was derived 
from the name of this tribe. The Kaskaskias oc- 
cupied the country between Lake Michigan and 
Lake Peoria, and from their tribe came the name 
of the river Kaskaskia. The Peorias were located 
in the region around Lake Peoria and from them 
the city and lake received its name. The Cahokias 
lived upon the .\merican bottoms along the ^lis- 
sissippi River. From this tribe came the name of 
the village, creek and mound Cahokia. The Tam- 
niarois lived in southeastern Illinois and impressefl 
their name upon the town of Tamaroa. These 
were the tribes of Indians that lived in Illinois at 
quette, but the reader will remember that it was 
the time of its discovery by the explorer Mar- 
nearly one hundred and seventy years after that 



PAST AND TRESEiVT OF BUKEAU CULX'J'V. 



before the first white settler appeared in what is 
now Bureau county and these tribes had all disap- 
peared, either driven away, exterminated or joined 
other bands. When the first settlers of this county 
came the Indians of this locality were a small rem- 
nant of the once powerful tribe of Pottawattomies 
that originally occupied the lower peninsula of 
Michigan; they were also allied with the Ghip- 
pewas and Ottawas. All of these tribes belong to 
that all powerful Algonquin family that once ex- 
tended from the Atlantic Ocean to the Rocky 
Mountains. Space forbids any extended discus- 
sion upon this very interesting topic. We have 
simply tried to give the reader a few facts that 
might direct his investigation if he is interested 
along this line of thought. Volumes have been 
written upon this subject and still there is room 
for more. We have been writing in this volume 
about the first settlers of Bureau county, but who 
can tell but the very soil we tread upon is not 
impregnated with the ashes of a vanished race, who 
once built their altars and their temples amid 
groves and bowers long since extinct. Surely 
"God moves in a mysterious way His wonders 
to perform." 



CHAPTER II. 



THE NORTHWEST TERRITORY. ILLINOIS. 

The treaty of peace, which was signed in Paris 
September 3, 1783, by Benjamin Franklin, John 
Jay and John Adams, who represented the Col- 
onies, granted the independence of the United 
States in the territory extending from the At- 
lantic Coast to the Mississippi River. Much 
of this territory, especially that part of it which 
George Rogers Clark had conquered in 1779 and 
which we had retained by labored diplomacy, when 
the treaty of 1782 was dravm, was claimed by Vir- 
ginia and she really governed it. But New York. 
Massachusetts and Connecticut also contended 
(hat they, too. had rights therein. Some of the 
States, and especially Maryland, were opposed to 
having all of this vast stretch of territory, which 
included all of the country north of the Ohio River 
as far east as Pennsylvania and west to the Mis- 
.■^issippi River, containing about two hundred and 
thirty-eight thousand square miles, added to any 
one State, or divided between two or three States. 
^Faryland proposed that this region should become 
the property of the general government and re- 
fused to ratify the Articles of Confederation until 
the four States that claimed the northwest ter- 
ritory should yield their claims to the United 
States. Finally this idea prevailed. For several 
years Congress wrestled with the different plans 
of organizing this territory which at last resulted 
in the Ordinance of 1787, which placed this prop- 
erty under the control of the general government. 
Out of this territory the five great States of Ohio, 
Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin were 



formed in the order named. Illinois being the 
third admitted, became a sovereign State in 1818. 
The famous ordinance of 1787 has been justly 
called the great "American Charter," for by its 
passage human slavery was forever prohibited with- 
in its borders. Strange as it may seem, this ordin- 
nance received the unanimous vote of eight States, 
namely, Massachusetts, Virginia, Delaware, New 
York, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Caro- 
lina and Georgia, all that were present and all 
were slave holding States except Massachusetts. 
But at that time slavery had not become a political 
question. Indeed many of the foremost states- 
men of the South were strongly opposed to the 
continuance of its existence. It is reported that 
Grayson of Virginia explained his vote by saying 
that the anti-slavery clause in the ordinance would 
prevent the raising of tobacco, cotton and indigo 
north of the Ohio River. So it seems that the 
South looked upon the measure as being beneficial 
to their commercial interests. In speaking of this 
enactment Daniel Webster said : "We are accus- 
tomed to praise the law-givers of antiquity; but I 
doubt not whether one single law, ancient or 
modern, has produced effects of more distinct, 
marked and lasting character than the ordinance 
of 1783." 

Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, speaking of 
this act said : "Never probably in the history of 
the world did a measure of legislation so accurately 
fulfill and yet so mightily exceed the anticipations 
of the legislators. It has been well described as 
having been a pillar of cloud by day and of fire 
bv night, in the settlement and government of the 
northwestern States." The concjuest of Clark in 
1779 was one of the great victories which led to 
the successful termination of the Revolutionary 
war and to his foresight and indomitable will to- 
gether with his matchless courage we owe as a 
nation and a State, a debt of gratitude that will 
probably never be fully realized by the generations 
that have and are to reap the benefits of his great 
achievements. We only regret that space forbids 
us to chronicle some few of his heroic struggles in 
. winter's cold and summer's heat and by so doing 
give the young readers of this volume an inspira- 
tion to read and to know the trials and hardships 
of the fathers of this great commonwealth, that 
have brought about the glorious privileges of the 
present time. In 1788 General Arthur St. Clair 
was appointed governor of this new territory. 
There was a revision of the ordinance of 1787 
which Virginia accepted and St. Clair was again 
appointed governor in 1789. The seat of terri- 
torial government was located at Marietta (Ohio). 
The county of Washington (Ohio) was the first 
co\inty organized. Then followed Hamilton, which 
was also in Ohio. In 1790 Governor St. Clair 
came into the Illinois country and established a 
county which was named after himself. This 
was the first county established within the terri- 
tory of Illinois and comprised about one-third of 



PAST A>:D PEESEXT of BUREAU COUNTY. 



the State. The population at that time was about 
two thousand. Perrin's history of Illinois tells 
of the belief of witcheraf r at that time. In referring 
to the matter he says : "Two negroes were executed 
for witchery at Caliokia, as mentioned by Governor 
Reynolds in his 'Pioneer History of Illinois.' At 
this e.xecution a flock of crows was observed fly- 
ing over the scene and it was remarked by the as- 
sembly that the spirits of the witches had gone 
into the crows and taken flight." He also says 
that in 1783 the first American schoolmaster ar- 
rived upon the soil of Illinois. In 1~'J5 St. Clair 
county was divided and the southern portion took 
the name of Randolph county, while the northern 
portion retained its original name. 

After this division both counties remained sub- 
ject to the government of the northwestern territory 
until May 7, 1800, when the original northwestern 
territory was diviiied into two parts. Soon after 
this the eastern part became the State of Ohio, 
and the western part was formed into the Indiana 
Territory and Gen. William Henry Harrison was 
appointed governor. The act of Congress pro- 
vided that from July 4, 1800, the territory lying 
northwest of the Ohio River and "west of a line 
beginning at the Ohio River opposite the mouth 
of the Kentucky River" to Fort Recovery, thence 
north to the Canada line, should be known as In- 
diana Territory. 

Thus il will lie seen that Indiana Territory con- 
tained within its borders all of Indiana, Illinois, 
Wisconsin and over one-half of Michigan. Illi- 
nois remained as a part of this territory, being sub- 
ject to its juris<liction until 1809 wl.en on Feb- 
ruary 3 of that year, by an act of Congress, the 
Indiana Territory was divided and Illinois com- 
menced its territorial life on the first day of 
March following, embracing all the territory west 
of the Wabash River north to Canada. " The 
population as shown by the census of 1810 was 
12,282. The first governor of Illinois Territory 
was Ninian Edwards. He was appointed by Presi- 
den William Henry Harrison in 1809 and when 
the territory was raised to the second grade in 
1812 he was again appointed and was held in that 
position until Illinois was admitted as a State 
in 1818. He was also elected first United States 
Senator together with James B. Thomas, and was 
elected governor in 1826. He died at Belleville 
in 1833. The county of Edwards was named after 
him. In 1812 Illinois was raised to a territory 
of the second grade and Gallatin, Johnson and 
Madison counties were formed that year. That 
the reader may fully underst^ind what'is meant by 
the territory being raised to a territory of the 
second grade the writer will say that in May, 
1812, Congress provided for the extension of the 
rights of suffrage and gave to the territorial legis- 
lature unlimited powers of legislation unless it 
conflicted with the ordinance of 1787. From this 
time on to the admission of Illinois as a State no 
special historical events occurred, although during 



this period several new counties were formed, to- 
wit: Edwards county on November 28, 1814; 
White county on December 5, 1815 ; Monroe coun- 
ty on January 6, 1816; Jackson and Pope coun- 
ties, on Jantiary 10, 1816; Crawford county on 
December 31, 1816; Bond county on January 4, 
1817; Franklin, Union and Washington counties 
on January 2, 1818. During this period according 
to Perrin's history (which the author of this work 
has found to be reliable) steamboats first made 
their appearance upon the western waters. In 
\vriting of this period Perrin, in his history of 
Illinois, saj's: "After having passed through its 
various vicissitudes and changes involving differ- 
ent occupants, discoverers, claimants, possessors 
and owners to which were added nine j-ears of its 
own individual territorial period, Illinois finally, 
one hundred and forty-five years after its discovery 
by white men was admitted as an integral part 
of the Union and granted all the rights of sov- 
ereignty pertaining to each of the members of our 
great sisterhood of States. It was the twenty-first 
to be admitted. A new design for our national 
flag had been adopted some time previously and the 
first st.ar that was added to the constellation on 
the field of azure blue was the star of Illinois." 
The war of 1812 did not disturb the people of 
Illinois Territory to any great extent except as 
the British agents incited the Indians to deeds 
of cruelty and in many cases the white people 
had to flee to forts for protection, and in several 
places they pillaged the houses and massacred the 
occupants. The terrible slaughter by the Indians 
at Fort Dearborn was during this period. The 
government gave bounties to soldiers of the war 
of 1812. Land was jriven them in what is known 
as the Military Tract. The area of this tract 
embraced all of the land between the Illinois and 
Mississippi rivers for one hundred and sixty-nine 
miles north of the mouth of the former. His- 
torians do not agree about the extent of this Mili- 
tary Tract. John Moses in his history published 
in 1895 says it extended one hundred and sixty 
miles north. Perrin and Stevens say one hundred 
and sixty-nine miles. We are inclined to believe 
the latter is correct. We insert this bit of history 
here, as a large portion of our population at the 
present time have only a vague idea of the extent 
of this tract. The ordinance of 1787, as before 
stated, provided that not less than three nor more 
than five States should be formed from this ter- 
ritory. If the Illinois Territory had been ad- 
mitted as a whole the State would have embraced 
all of Wisconsin. But the act further provided 
as follows : "That, if Congress shall hereafter find 
it expedient, they shall have authority to form 
one or two States in that part of the said territory 
which lies north of an cast and west line drawn 
through the southerly bend or extreme of Lake 
Michigan." Congress finally decided to make two 
States from this territory and in 1818 a petition 
was presented to Congress by Nathaniel Pope, dele- 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



9 



gate from tlie territorial legislature, asking for ad- 
mission as a State. Judge Pope, realizing the 
importance of Illinois having a good harbor on 
Lake Michigan made a strenuous effort to have 
the northern boundary on parallel 43° 30' north 
latitude instead of the southern limits of Lake 
Michigan, as the original act provided. Accord- 
ingly after a long and spirited discussion the pres- 
ent boundaries of Illinois were made permanent. 
It was a grand stroke of diplomacy on the part 
of Judge Pope, for by it fourteen of the most 
northerly counties were saved to the State. Had 
it not been for the earnest and efficient work of 
Judge Pope in all probability the northern bound- 
ary of our State, instead of being 42° 30', would 
have been at the extreme south end of Lake ^Michi- 
gan and Chicago would have been a city of Wis- 
consin. After ll.xing the boundaries of the State 
a convention was called to meet at Kaskaskia, at 
which place a constitution was framed and adopted 
August 26, 1818. Illinois had now become a 
member of this Union endowed with all the rights 
of statehood. This new State contains about 
55,400 square miles. Its extreme length from 
north to south is 378 miles and its greatest width 
is 212 miles. At the first election held for the 
officers of this new State Shadrach Bond was 
elected governor. Governor Bond was inaugu- 
rated October 6. 1818. The capital of the State 
was fixed as Kaskaskia, which place had been 
the seat of the territorial government. During 
the administration of Governor Bond from 1818 
to 1822 the following counties were formed : Alex- 
ander county on March 4, 1819; Clark and 
Wayne counties on March 26, the same year. The 
first legislature also provided for the removal of 
the capital and Vandalia was selected, to which 
place the seat of government was moved in De- 
cember, 1820. The population of Illinois at that 
time was 55,211. In 1821 the following counties 
were formed, to-wit: Greene, Sangamon, Pike, 
Hamilton, Montgomery and Fayette. By an act 
of the legislature in 1821 the original boundaries 
of Pike county were as follows: "Beginning at 
the mouth of the Illinois River, and running 
thence up the middle of said river to tlie fork of 
same, thence up the south fork of said river until 
it strikes the state line of Indiana, thence north 
with said line to the northern boundary line of this 
State, and thence west with said line to the place 
of beginning." It will be seen that by this act 
of the legislature that Pike county contained 
nearly one-third of the State. Beck, in the Gazet- 
teer of Illinois, writing of Chicago in 1823, savs 
it is "a village of Pike county, situated on Lake 
Michigan, at the mouth of Chii^ago creek. It con- 
tains twelve or fifteen houses and about sixty or 
seventy inhabitants." 

In 1819 the legislature passed an act in regard 
to free negroes, mulattoes, servants and slaves. 
This art is known as the "Black Laws." 
AN .A'CT EEsrECTiNG Free Negroes, Mulat- 



toes, Servants and Slaves. Approved March 

30, 1819. 

Sec. 1. Be it e/nacted by the people of the state 
of Illinois represented in the general assembly, 
'That from and after the passage of this act, no 
black or mulatto person shall be permitted to settle 
or reside in this state, unless he or she shall first 
produce a certificate, signed by some judge or 
clerk of some court in the United States, of his 
or her actual freedom ; which certificate shall have 
the seal of such court affixed to it; on producing 
the same to the clerk of the circuit court of the 
county in which he shall intend to settle, it shall 
be the duty of such clerk to make an entry therof, 
and endorse a certificate, stating the time the same 
was entered in his office, and the name and de- 
scription of the person producing the same; after 
which it shall be lawful for such free negro or 
mulatto to reside in this state. 

Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That it shall 
be the duty of all free negroes and mulattoes, who 
shall come to reside in this state after the first 
day of June next, and having a family of his or 
her own, and having a certificate as mentioned in 
the fir.st section of this act, to give to the clerk 
of the circuit court at the time of making an 
entry of his certificate, a description, with the 
name and ages of his, her or their family, which 
shall be stated by the clerk in the entry made by 
him of such certificate; and the clerk shall also 
state tlie same on the original certificate ; Pro- 
vided, however. That nothing contained in this or 
the preceding section of this act, shall be con- 
strued to prevent the overseers of the poor in any 
township, from causing any such free negro or 
mulatto to be removed wdio shall come into this 
state contrary to the provisions of the act con- 
cerning the poor. 

Sec. 3. And be it further enacted. That it 
shall not lie lawful for any person or persons to 
bring into this state after the passage of this act, 
any negro or mulatto who shall be a slave or held 
to service at the time, for the purpose of emanci- 
pating or setting at liberty any such negro or 
mulatto; and any person or persons, who shall so 
bring in any such negro or mulatto for the purpose 
aforesaid, shall give a bond to the county com- 
missioners of the county where such slave or slaves 
are emancipated, in the penalty of one thousand 
dollars, conditioned that such per.son so emanci- 
pated by him, shall not become a charge on any 
county in this state ; and every per.son neglecting 
nr refusing to give such bond, shall forfeit and 
pay the sum of two hundred dollars for eacli negro 
or mulatto so emancipated or set at liberty, to be 
recovered by action of debt before any court com- 
petent to try the same, to be sued for in the name 
of the county commissioners of the county, where 
the same shall happen, to the use of the county. 

Sec. 4. And he it further enacted. That every 
black or mulatto person (slave and persons held 
unto service excepted), residing in this state at 



10 



PAST AM) riiKSEXT OF BUREAU COU.NTY. 



the passage of this act, shall on or before the first 
day of June next, enter his or their name (unless 
they have heretofore entered the same), together 
with the name or names of his or her family, with 
the clerk of the circuit court of the county in 
which they reside, together with the evidence of 
his or her freedom; which shall be entered on 
record by the said clerk, together with a descrip- 
tion of all such persons; and thereafter the clerk's 
certificate of such record sliall be sufficient evi- 
dence of his or her freedom: Provided, neverthe- 
less, That nothing in this act contained, shall be 
construed to bar the lawful claim of any person 
or nersons to any such negro or mulatto. 

Sec. 5. And he it further enacted. That it shall 
not be lawful for any person or persons residing in 
this state after the first day of June ne.xt, to hire, 
or in anywise employ any black or mulatto person, 
unless such person shall have one of the certifi- 
cates aforesaid; and any person who shall hire or 
employ any black or mulatto person contrary to 
the provisions of this section, shall pay the sum of 
one dollar and fifty cents for each day they shall 
hire or employ any such black or mulatto person, 
recoverable before any justice of the peace, or court 
competent to try the same, in the name of the 
county commissioner of the county w-here the 
offense may be committed ; one-tliird thereof to the 
person giving the information, and the other two- 
thirds shall be paid to the owner or owners of the 
black or mulatto person, if any there shall be, and 
apply for the same. 

Sec. 6. And he it further cnarted. That if any 
person or persons, shall liarbor or secrete any 
black or mulatto person, the same being a slave 
or owing service or labor to any other person or 
persons, and knowing the same, or shall in any- 
wise hinder or prevent the lawful owner or owners 
of such slaves or servants from retaking and pos- 
sessing his or their slave or servant, shall be 
deemed guilty of felony, and upon conviction 
thereof, before any court competent to try the 
same, shall sufTer the pains and penalties pre- 
scribed by law for persons guilty of receiving 
stolen goods, knowing Uiem to be stolen. 

Sec. 7. And be it further enacted. That every 
black or mulatto person who shall be found in this 
state, and not having such a cprtificate as is re- 
quired by this act, shall he deemed a runaway 
slave or servant; and it shall be lawful for anv 
inhabitant of this, to take such black or mulatto 
person and carry them before some justice of the 
peace: and should such black or mulatto person 
not produce such certificate as aforesaid, it shall 
be the duty of such justice to cause such black or 
mulatto person, to be committed to the custody of 
the sheriiT of the county, who shall keep such 
black or mulatto person, and in three days after 
recei%'ing them, shall advert'se (hem at the door of 
the courthouse, and shnll transmit a notice and 
cause the same to be advertised for six weeks in 
some public newspaper, printed nearest to the 



place of apprehending such black person or mu- 
latto, stating a description of the most remarkable 
features of such supposed runaway ; and if such 
person, so committed, shall not procure a certifi- 
cate or other evidence of their freeilom within the 
time aforesaid, it shall be the duty of the sheriff 
to hire them out for the best price he can get, 
after having given five days' previous notice 
thereof, from mouth to month, for the space of 
one year. And if no owner shall appear and sub- 
stantiate their claim before the expiration of the 
year, the sheriff shall give a certificate to such 
black or mulatto person, who on producing the 
same to the next circuit court of the county, may 
obtain a certificate from the court, stating the 
facts, and that the person shall be deemed a free 
person, unless they shall be lawfully claimed by 
their proper owner or owners thereafter. And as 
a reward to the taker up of such negro, there shall 
be paid by the owner, if any, before he shall 
receive him from the sheriff, ten dollars, and the 
owner shall, moreover, pay to the sheriff for the 
justice, two dollars, and reasonable costs for 
carrying such runaway to the sheriff; and shall 
also pay the sheriff all fees for keeping such run- 
away as other prisoners: Provided, however. That 
the property owner, if any there be, shall be en- 
titled to the hire of any such runaway from the 
sheriff, after deducting the expenses of the same: 
And provided also. That the taker up shall have a 
right to claim any reward which the owner shall 
have offered for the apprehension of such run- 
away; should any taker up claim such offered re- 
ward, he shall not be entitled to the allowance 
made by this act. 

Sec. 8. And be it further enacted. That in case 
any black or mulatto person shall not be claimed 
by the owner in the time aforesaid, and such 
person shall have obtained a certificate from the 
court aforesaid, they shall receive all the amount 
of the wages for which they may have been hired, 
after paying the expenses; and any person apply- 
ing to the proper authority as provided by the laws 
of the Fnited States, or of this state, for judging 
in such ca.ses for reclaiming any black or mulatto 
person as his. her of their slave or servant, and 
who.se character for veracity is not such as to 
satisfy any judge or justice of the peace, or other 
proper authority, that the oath or representation 
of such claimant is entitled to credit: and should 
such claimant he a stranser, it will be necessary 
that such aulhority should be made satisfied that 
such claimant or claimants are citizens of the 
United States, and that they are entitled to such 
credit as is before required, before they act 
thereon, otherwise than securing those claimed, 
until a decision can be had therein : and sliould 
any person or persons fraudulently obtain posses- 
sion of any free negro or mulatto, by false swear- 
ing before any competent authority, such person 
or persons so offending, shall he deemed guilty 
nf perjury, and on conviction thereof shall be 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



11 



liable to sutler the penalties prescribed by law for 
such offenses. 

Sec. 9. And be it further enacted. That any 
person or persons, who shall forcibly take and 
carry out of this state any negro or mulatto 
(slaves excepted by their owners), owing service 
or labor to any person in this state, or who shall 
forcibly take out of this state, any free negro or 
mulatto having gained a legal settlement in this 
state, shall forfeit and pay for every such offense 
the sum of one thousand dollars to the party in- 
jured, to be recovered in the name of the people 
of the state of Illinois, by action of debt in any 
court having cognizance of the same: Provided, 
however. That this section shall not be construed 
so as to prevent the owner or owners, or their 
agents, from removing their servants, who shall 
run away and be found in th's state, to any state 
or territory where they may belong, nor to persons 
who shall be traveling or removing their servants 
through this state, to any other state or territory. 

Sec. 10. And he it further enacted. That ser- 
vants shall be provided by the master with whole- 
some and sufficient food, clothing and lodging, and 
at the end of their service, if they shall not have 
contracted for any reward, food, cothing and lodg- 
ing, shall receive from him one new and complete 
suit of clothing suited to the season of the year, 
to-wit: A coat, waist coat, pair of breeches and 
shoes, two pair of stockings, two shirts, a hat and 
blanket. 

Sec. 11. And he it further enacted, That the 
benefit of the said contract of service, shall be 
assignable by the master to any person being a 
citizen of this state, to whom the servant shall in 
the presence of a justice of the peace, freely con- 
sent that it shall he assis.ned ; the said justice 
attesting such free consent in writing; and shall 
also pass to the executors, administrators and 
legatees of the master. 

Sec. 12. And he it further enacted. That any 
such servant being lazy, disorderly, guilty of mis- 
behavior to his master, or master's family, shall 
be corrected by stripes, on order from a justice of 
the county, wherein he resides : or refusing to work, 
shall be compelled thereto in like manner, and 
moreover shall serve two days for every one he 
shall have so refused to serve, or shall otherwise 
have lost, without sufficient justification : all neces- 
sary expenses incurred by any master for appre- 
liendintr and bringintj home any absconiling ser- 
vant, shall be repaid by further services, after such 
rates as the circuit court of the county shall direct, 
unless such servant shall give security, to be ap- 
proved of by the court for the payment in money 
within six months after he shall be free from 
service, and shall accordingly pay the same. 

Sec. 13. And he it further cnnctcd. That if any 
master shall fail in the duties proscribed by this 
act, or shall be guilty of injurious demeanor to- 
ward his servant, it shall be redressed on motion 
hv the circuit court of the countv wherein the 



servant resides, who may hear and determine such 
cases in a summary way, making such orders 
thereupon, as in their judgment will relieve the 
party injured in future. 

Sec. 14. And be it further enacted, That all 
contracts between masters and servants, during 
the time of service, shall be void. 

Sec. 15. And he it further enacted. That the 
circuit court of every county shall, at all times, 
receive the complaints of servants, being citizens 
of any of the United States of America, who re- 
side within the jurisdiction of such court, against 
their masters or mistresses, alleging undeserved 
or immoderate correction, insufficient allowances 
of food, raiment, or lodging, and may hear and 
determine such case in a summary way, making 
such orders thereupon as in their judgment will 
relieve the party injured in future ; and may 
also, in the same manner hear and determine com- 
plaints of masters and mistresses against their 
servants, for desertion without good cause, and 
may oblige the latter for loss thereby occasioned, 
to make restitution by further services after the 
expiration of the time for which they had been 
bound. 

Sec. 16. And he it further enacted, That if any 
servant shall at any time bring in goods or 
money, during time of their service, shall by gift, 
or other lawful means, acquire goods or money, 
they shall have the property and benefit thereof 
to their own use ; and if any servant shall be sick 
or lame, and so become useless or chargeable, his 
or her master or owner shall maintain such ser- 
vant until his or her time of service shall be ex- 
pired ; and if any master or owner shall put 
away any lame or sick servant, under pretense 
of freedom, and such servant becomes chargeable 
to the county, such master or owner shall forfeit 
and pay thirty dollars to the overseers of the 
poor of the county where'n such offence shall be 
committed, to the use of the poor of the county, 
recoverable, with costs, by action of debt in any 
circuit court; and, moreover, shall be liable to 
the action of the said overseers of the poor at the 
common law for damages. 

Sec. 17. And he it further enarfed. That no 
negro, mulatto, or Indian shall at any time pur- 
chase any servant, other than of their own com- 
plexion, and if any of the persons aforesaid shall 
nevertheless presume to purchase a white servant, 
such servant shall immediately become free, and 
shall be so held, deemed and taken. 

Sec. 18. And he it further enacted. That no 
person shall buy, sell or receive of, to, or from 
any servant or slave any coin or commodity with- 
out leave or consent of the master or owner of 
such slave or servant: and any person so offend- 
ing shall forfeit and pay to the master or owner 
of such slave or servant four times the value of 
the thing so bouglit. sold or recovered, to be re- 
covei'ed with costs of suit before any court hav- 
ing cognizance of the same ; and every servant 



12 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



upon the expiration of his or her time shall be 
entitled to a certificate from the clerk of the court 
of the county where such sersant is indentured 
or registered, and such certificate shall indemnify 
any person for hiring or employing such person. 

Sec. 19. And be it further enacted. That in 
all cases of penal laws where free persons are 
punishable by fine, servants sliall be punished by 
whipping, after the rate of twenty lashes for 
every eight dollars, so that no servant shall re- 
ceive more than forty lashes at any one time, 
unless such offender can procure some person to 
pay the fine. 

Sec. 20. And be it further enacted. That every 
servant, upon the expiration of his or her time, 
and proof thereof made before the circuit court 
of the county wliere he or she last served, shall 
have his or her freedom recorded and a certificate 
thereof, under the hand of the clerk, which shall 
be sufficient to indemnify any person for enter- 
taining or hiring such servant; and if such cer- 
tificate should happen to be torn or lost, the 
clerk, upon request, shall issue another, reciting 
therein the loss of the former. 

Sec. 21. And be it further enacted, That if 
anv slave or servant shall be found at a distance 
of ten miles from tenement of his or her master, 
or the person with whom he or she lives, without 
a pass or some letter of token, whereby it may 
appear that he or she is proceeding by authority 
froni liis or her master, employer or overseer, it 
shall and may be lawful for any person to appre- 
hend and carry him or her before a justice of the 
peace, to be by his order punished with stripes, 
not exceeding thirty-five, at his discretion. 

Sec. 22. And be it further enacted. That if 
any slave or servant shall presume to come and be 
upon the plantation, or at the dwelling of any 
person whatsoever, without leave fmra his or her 
owner, not being sent \ipon lawful business, it 
shall bo lawful for the owner of such plantation 
or dwelling house to give or order such slave or 
servant ten lashes on his or her bare back. 

Sec. 2.S. And he it further enacted. That riots, 
routs, unlawful assemblies, trespasses and sedi- 
tions speeches by any slave or slaves, servant or 
servants, shall be punished with stripes, at the 
discretion of a justice of the peace, not exceeding 
thirty-nine, and he who will, may apprehend and 
carry him, or her, or them before such justice. 

Sec. 24. And be it further enacted. That if 
any person or persons shall permit or suffer any 
slave or slaves, servant or servants of color, to 
the number of three or more, to assemble in his, 
her or their house, outhouse, yard or shed, for the 
purpose of dancing or reveling, either by night or 
by day, the person or persons so offending shall 
forfeit and pay the sum of twenty dollars, with 
costs, to any person or persons who will sue for 
and recover the same, by action of debt or indict- 
ment, in nnv court of record nroper to try the 
same. 



Sec. 25. And be it further enacted. That it 
shall be the duty of all coroners, sheriffs, judges 
and justices of the peace, who shall see or know of, 
or be informed of any such assemblage of slaves 
or servants, immediately to commit such slaves or 
servants to the jail of the county; and on view of 
proof thereof, order each and every such slave 
or servant to be whipped, not exceeding thirty- 
nine stripes, on his or her bare back, on the day 
next succeeding such assemblage, unless it shall 
happen on a Sunday, then on the Monday fol- 
lowing; which said stripes shall be inflicted by 
any constable of the township, if there should 
be one therein, or otherwise by any person or 
persons whom the said justices shall appoint, 
and who shall be willing so to inflict the same; 
Provided, however, that the provisions hereof shall 
not apply to any persons of color who may assem- 
ble for the purpose of amusement by permission 
of their masters, first had in writing, on condi- 
tion that no disorderly conduct is made use of by 
them in such assemblage. 

a. Foregoing is a copy of Act 1819, pp. 354 
and suite, with grammatical and typographical 
mistakes as in original. 

In 1822 Edward Coles was elected Governor. 
During his administration in 1825 La Fayette vis- 
ited this country, and, by invitation of the legis- 
lature, made a short tour through Illinois, and 
was given a reception at Ivaskaskia. The act 
establishing free schools was passed January 15 
the same year. The following counties were also 
formed during Governor Coles' term of office: 
Edgar, Marion, Fulton and Morgan, in 1823 ; 
Clay, Clinton and Wabash, in 1824; Calhoun, 
Adams, Hancock, Henry, Knox, Mercer, Peoria, 
Putnam, Schuyler and Warren, in 1825; Ver- 
milion and McDonough, in 1826. The adminis- 
tration of Governor Coles was somewhat stormy 
and vexatious. Although the ordinance of 1787 
provided that slavery should not exist within the 
borders of the Northwest Territory, and ought 
to forever have settled that question, yet various 
interpretations were presented, from time to time, 
trying to sot that ordinance aside. Governor Coles 
was anti-slavery in sentiment, and in his inaugural 
address he met the issue frankly and squarely, giv- 
ing his views in a bold and fearless manner. After 
a long and bitter fight over the proposition to 
change the constitution, the legislature finally 
adopted a resolution subrnitling the question to 
the people. In the remarkable campaign that fol- 
lowed most of the leading men of the state ar- 
rayed themselves against the state administration. 
This struggle for supremacy must ever be con- 
sidered one of the greatest triumphs for human 
liberty. When the ballots were counted on the 
second day of August, 1824, there wore 4972 votes 
for and 6640 against the amendment, making Il- 
linois at once and for all time a free state. Ninian 
Edwards was governor of Illinois from 1826 to 
1830. During his administration the legislature 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



13 



authorized the selling of school lands, for the pur- 
pose of loaning the funds to the state to meet 
its current expenses. This was an era of educa- 
tional awakening, during which time McKen- 
dree College was located at Lebanon and Illinois 
College located at Jacksonville; also the starting 
of what is known as Shurtleff College, now located 
at Upper Alton, sprang into existence. These 
three institutions have done much toward estab- 
lishing the higher education of the present time. 
The population at the close of Governor Edwards' 
administration, in 1830, had increased to 157,445. 
During the four years he was governor the follow- 
ing counties were formed: Shelby, Perry, Taze- 
well and Jo Daviess, in 1827 ; Macoupin and 
Macon, in 1829. I quote the following from Per- 
rin's History of Illinois: "The ordinance of 1787 
contained the following language: 'Eeligion, mo- 
rality and knowledge, being necessary to good 
government and the happiness of mankind, schools 
and means of education shall forever be encour- 
aged.' " 

The act of Congress which enabled Illinois to 
prepare for statehood provided that section sixteen 
in every township should be "for the use of 
schools.'" Also that 5 per cent of the net proceeds 
of the sale of land by Congress should be divided 
by devoting two-fifths thereof to the making of 
roads and the balance for the encouragement of 
education. One-sixth of this balance was to be 
used for a university. Also an entire township, to 
be designated by the President, together with one 
already reserved for the purpose, was to be appro- 
priated for the use of a seminary, which provision 
was accepted by Illinois and became the basis of 
our school and university system. The law of 
1849 made the secretary of state ex officio super- 
intendent of schools. This law led up to that 
of 1854, by which the office of state superintendent 
was established and also the system of free schools. 
In 1870 Illinois framed a new constitution, which 
made the state superintendent of public instruc- 
tion an executive officer and extended his term of 
office to four years. The following have been state 
superintendents : 

Ninian Edwards 1854 

William H. Powell 1857 

Newton Bateman 1859 

Newton Bateman 1861 

John P. Brooks 1863 

Newton Bateman 1865 

Newton Bateman 1867 

Newton Bateman 1869 

Newton Bateman 1871 

Samuel W. Etter 1875 

James P. Slade 1879 

Henry Baab 1883 

Eichard Edwards 1887 

Henry Eaab 1891 

Samuel Inglis 1895 

Joseph H. Freeman 1895 

Alfred Bayliss 1899 



Alfred Bayliss 1903 

The following are the state educational institu- 
tions: Illinois State Nomial University, Nor- 
mal, established by an act of the legislature, 
February IS, 1857; Northern Illinois State Nor- 
mal School, De Kalb ; Eastern Illinois State Nor- 
mal School, Charleston; Western Illinois State 
Normal School, Macomb ; Southern Illinois Nor- 
mal University, Carbondale; University of Illi- 
nois, Urbana; Illinois Institute for Education of 
Blind, Jacksonville, Illinois; Institute for Educa- 
tion of Deaf and Dumb, Jacksonville. John 
Eeynolds was inaugurated Governor December 9, 
1830. In 1834 he was elected to Congress, and 
resigned as Governor. Zadoe Casey was elected 
Lieutenant Governor in 1830, but was elected to 
Congress in 1832, so that on the resignation of 
Governor Reynolds, there being no Lieutenant 
Governor, the office fell to William L. D. Ewing, 
who had been elected president pro tem of the 
Senate, which made him the next officer in rank. 
The Black Hawk war, which we shall speak of 
in another part of this volume occurred during 
this administration. The following counties were 
formed during this period: Coles and McLean 
in December, 1830; Cook and La Salle in Janu- 
ary, 1831; Eock Island, Effingham and Jasper in 
February, 1831; Champaign and Iroquois in Feb- 
ruary, 1833. The inauguration of Joseph Dun- 
can occurred on December 3, 1834. In his in- 
augural address he urged the legislature to take 
under consideration the improvement of our pub- 
lic school system. Also a general system of pub- 
lic improvements, chief among which was the 
construction of the Illinois and Michigan canal. 
The question of removing the state capital had 
been discussed under the preceding administratiori 
and had been submitted to the people. Jackson- 
ville, Alton, Peoria, Springfield and Vandalia 
were contestants, but neither received a majority. 
As the people made no choice it was decided by 
the legislature, and on the fourth ballot Spring- 
field was selected and the seat of government 
moved there in 1839. An act for the construction 
of the Illinois and Michigan canal was passed 
by the legislature in January, 1836. The gov- 
ernor was given authority to negotiate a loan of 
five hundred thousand dollars and three commis- 
sioners were named to look after the interests of 
the state. This canal was to begin "at or near 
the lown of Chicago," and "end near the mouth 
of little Vermillion in La Salle county." It was 
to be not less than forty-five feet wide on the 
surface and thirty feet at the bottom and at least 
four feet deep. After considering the matter and 
consulting canal experts, the commissioners ac- 
cepteil the recommendation of the chief engineer 
and finally constructed the canal with a surface 
width (if sixty feet, and with a bottom width of 
thirty-six feet and a depth of six feet. Much 
money was expended during this period of our 
statehood on internal improvements. 



^/ // 



14 



PAST AND rUESKNT UF BLKEAU CUl'MV. 



It was during Governor UuiKan"s term of of- 
tice that the country was thrown into a state of 
great excitement on account of the assassination 
of Elijah Lovejoy at Alton in 1837. This event 
will be discussed in another part of this volume. 
The following counties were formed under this 
administration: Will, Kane, Mcllenry, Ogle, 
Whiteside and Winnebago, in January, 1836; Liv- 
ingston, Bureau, Cass, Boone, De Kalb and Steph- 
enson in 1837. 

Thomas Carlin was inaugurated governor on 
December 7, 1838. Instead of following the con- 
servative views of his predecessor in regard to in- 
ternal improvements. Governor Carlin urged the 
wisdom of an opposite policy. As a result of this 
unwise policy all kinds of schemes were set on 
foot for the "supposed betterment of the internal 
affairs of the state. Railroads, water ways, bank- 
ing and. in fact, almost every kind of improve- 
ments imaginable were advocated and many of 
them commenced. The state was bonded heavily. 
some of the bonds were sold in foreign countries, 
others to banks on credit, which afterwards failed, 
these with other blunders on the part of the over- 
sanguine officials of this young commonwealth, 
entailed great loss upon the state. The extrava- 
gant vagaries thus seemed to have possession of 
the legislators of this period in regard to finance. 
n>ads ahnost like a chapter from the Arabian 
Knights. The five millions that had been ap- 
[)ropriatcd for the Illinois and ilichigan canal 
were nearly all expended and the work was sus- 
pended until 1845, at which time the state made 
a loan of one million six hundred thousand dol- 
lars for its completion, wliich was effected in 1848. 
In 1871, all indebtedness having been settled, it 
was turned over to the state. 

This is a brief sketch of the most important 
events of Governor Carlin's administration. The 
following counties were formed during this time: 
Marshall, January, 1839; Brown, Du Page, Dane 
(changed to Christian in 1840), Logan, Jlenard. 
Scott, Carroll, Lee, Jersey, Williamson, De Witt, 
Lake, Hardin and Stark, in Febr\iary, 1839 ; 
Henderson, Mason and Piatt, in January, 1841 ; 
Grimily. Kendal], I\iclilanil and Woodford, in 
February. 1841. 

The census of 1840 showed a population of 
476,183. 

Thomas Ford was inaugurated governor on De- 
cember 8, 1842. During the four years of his 
ailministration the Mormon disturbance, which 
ha<l been felt for some time previous, was at its 
height. This sect, which numbered at that time 
about sixteen thousand, had become obnoxious to 
the people in that part of the state, not only on 
account of their religious teachings, hut almost 
every charge in the category of crime was laid at 
their door. Their headquarters were located at 
Nauvoo. in Hancock county. They organized a 
kind of special court or council, which provided 
by an ordinance that none of their number could 



be arrested unless the writ was issued and served 
by the officers of their own council. This prac- 
tically amounted to setting up a separate govern- 
ment in defiance of the constitution and laws of 
the state. The people became more and more 
aroused at the depredations that were being com- 
mitted until finally the governor ordered arrests 
to be made and assured the parties arrested that 
they should receive a fair trial. Joseph Smith, 
the Mormon leader, and his brother Hiram were 
arrested and sent to the county jail at Carthage 
to await their trial. Notwithstanding the fact 
that Governor Ford had stationed there three 
companies of the state militia to guard the pris- 
oners, the infuriated populace rose en masse and 
marched to Carthage, surrounded the jail and de- 
manded that the Smiths be delivered into their 
hands; this being refused by the officers, the jail 
was broken into and a charge made by the mob. 
At the first volley fired Hiram Smith, the brother 
of Joseph, the self-styled prophet, was killed. The 
so-called prophet made a determined effort to 
escape, but he soon fell riddled with bullets. 
Those accused of being connected with the mob- 
bing of the Smiths were arrested, tried and ac- 
qnitted in 1845. The successor of Joseph Smith 
was Brigham Young. The killing of the Smiths 
did not allay the determination on the part of 
citizens that the Mormons must go. Accordingly, 
through the instrumentality of Governor Ford, an 
agreement was entered into whereby the Mormons 
were to leave tiie state, as a sect, in the spring of 
1846. During the intervening time arrangements 
wore made and by the first of June the sixteen 
thousand Morjnons, wdio had claimed to possess 
in their creed, a new and direct revelation from 
God, had, like the red men of the forest, com- 
menced their journey tovVard the setting sun, and 
finally established theniselves in 1847 in the Great 
Salt I^ake valley of TTtah. Thus was settled one 
of the most perplexing questions that the state has 
ever encountered. 

In addition to the foregoing facts, this adminis- 
tration was called upon to furnish troops for the 
^fexican war, and nobly did it respond. Six regi- 
ments were mustered into the service and sent to 
the front with the gallant General James Shields 
at the head. If space would permit we should be 
more than ])lea"ed to write a short review of his 
eventful life. Born in a foreign land and coming 
to this country when a lad, w-here he lived more 
than half a century, during which time he fought 
for us in two wars, was wounded and carried off 
the bloody field of Cerro Gordo, as his comrades 
thought to die, but rose to new life and to new 
honors, representing three great commonwealths 
in the United States senate, and died in 1870, 
i-i|M' in years and honored, and mourned by the 
ubiili' (iiiniirN'. 

J)uriiig (Jovernor Ford's administration the 
following countie-i were formed: .Mi'.ssac and Jloul- 




COURTHOUSE, PEINCETON. 



PAST AND TEESEXT OF BFREAU COUNTY. 



17 



trie in February, and Cumberland and Pulaski in 
March, 1843. 

On December 9, 1846, Augustus C. French took 
his seat as governor of Illinois. At this time the 
public generally was interested in discussion of 
the proposed revision of the constitution of the 
state. The constitutional convention met on June 
7, and continued in session until August 31, 
1847, after which the proposed revision was sub- 
mitted on March 6, 1848, to a vote of the people 
and ratified. Governor French was elected for a 
second time, practically receiving the whole vote, 
and on January 8, 1840, he was reinaugurated. 
This new constitution provided that, "no state 
bank shall hereafter be created." In 1850 the 
population was S51,.570. In 18.51 the Illinois 
legislature passed an act incorporating the Illi- 
nois Central Railroad Company. This act also 
ceded each alternate section for six miles each 
side of the road to aid in its construction. In 
return for this grant, the company agreed to give 
back to the state 7 per cent of its gross earnings, 
which has proven to be a source of a largo annual 
income to the state. During this administration 
Saline county in February, 1847, and Kankakee 
county in February, 1851, were formed. 

In January, 1853, Joel A. Matteson was in- 
augurated as governor. During his term but lit- 
tle transpired of an historic nature. The country 
was in a state of general prosperity until near its 
close, when the panic of 1857 began to be feared. 
This was a period in Illinois when a large number 
of young men who afterwards became prominent 
in the state, Oglesby, Yates, Logan and many oth- 
ers were just coming into notice. Under this ad- 
ministration the republican party came into ex- 
istence. 

On the 15th day of January, 1857, William H. 
Bissell took the oath of ofEce as governor. This 
was followed by an era of great financial depres- 
sion. Values depreciated to such an extent that 
many banks, corporations and personal institu- 
tions were forced out of business. So great was 
the financial crisis that it knocked at the door of 
every enterprise throughout the whole country. 
Governor Bissell had served in the Mexican war 
and at its close was three times elected to Con- 
gress. These were strenuous times, sectional feel- 
ings ran high, both north and south were alert to 
the signs of the times. In a reply to a speech 
made by one of the congressmen from the south, 
in regard to the parts the different regiments 
played at the battle of Buena Vista, Bissell arous- 
ed the ire of Jefferson Davis to the extent that he 
sent him a challenge, which Bissell accepted, but 
through the intervention of mutual friends the 
matter was honorably adjusted and no duel oc- 
curred. Governor Bissell died in March, I860, 
and his unexpired term was filled by Lieutenant 
Governor Wood. It was under this administration 
that the giant intellects of Lincoln and Douglas 
clashed in forensic debate. 



At Bloomington Mr. Lincoln delivered his great 
speech before the republican convention, the key- 
note of which was: "A house divided against it- 
self can not stand." ]\!oses, in his history of Illi- 
nois, published in 1895, says: "Before delivering 
this speech Mr. Lincoln submitted it to his friends, 
not one of whom approved of it except his law 
partner." But with his usual courage he arose 
and said : ''Friends, the time has come when 
these sentiments should be uttered; and if it is 
decreed that I shall go down because of this speech 
then let me go down linked to the truth — -let me 
die in the advocacy of what is just and right." 
During the campaign of 1858 Lincoln and Doug- 
las held seven joint debates, to-wit, at Ottawa, 
Freeport, Jonesboro, Charleston, Galesburg, 
Quincy and Alton. These meetings attracted na- 
tional attention and were attended by a great con- 
course of people at each place. During this ad- 
ministration Douglas county was formed, in Feb- 
ruary, 1857, and Ford county, in February, 1859. 
The last-named county finishes the list of coun- 
ties. The population in 1869 was 1,711,951. 



YATES— 1861-1865. 
On January 14, 1861, Richard Yates was in- 
augurated as governor. His administration was 
ushered in amid the throes of a great Civil war, 
a war that was waged with almost unparalleled 
tenacity and courage by both sides. Illinois sent 
to the front during this war 259,092 soldiers. The 
president's emancipation proclamation caused 
much wrangling and discord in the legislature. 
In fact, the session became so turbulent and 
seemingly disloyal that the governor tliought best 
to exercise his constitutional rights, which he 
finally did, and accordingly on the 10th day of 
June, 1863, the legislature was prorogued. 



OGLESBY— 1865-1869. 
Richard J. Oglesby was inaugurated as gover- 
nor on January IG, 1865. On January 31, 1865, 
the thirteenth amendment to the national consti- 
tion was passed; the Illinois legislature being in 
session, it took quick action and became the first 
to ratify the amendment. During Governor 
Oglesby's term of office an attempt was made to 
remove the capital from Springfield, but the mea- 
sure failed to carry. This question is probably 
settled for all time, as on February 25, 1867, the 
legislature voted to build a new state house, the 
cost of which was not to exceed $3,000,000. 



PALMER— 1869-1873. 
On January 11, 1869, John M. Palmer was 
inaugurated as governor. The only distinctive 



18 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



feature of his administration were the constitu- 
tional convention and the Chicago fire. The new 
constitution was ratified hy the people July 2, 
1870. The most important change made was the 
prohibiting of special legislation. The citizens 
of Chicago called for aid to protect them from the 
scores of thieves and robbers who had rushed to 
the city for the sole purpose of plunder. The 
government came to their rescue by sending Unit- 
ed States troops. To this Governor Palmer stren- 
uously objected on the ground that the state was 
amply able to furnish its own protection. After 
a bitter discussion in the legislature and by the 
people generally it was finally dropped by all par- 
ties and only the remembrance of it now remains. 
In this file $200,000,000 of property was de- 
stroyed and one hundred thousand made home- 
less. The loss of life was estimated at about two 
hundred and fifty. The population of Chicago, 
according to the census of 1870 was 298,977, and 
of the state, 2,539,891. 



OGLESBY AND BEVERIDGE— 1873-1877. 

Richard J. Oglesby was inaugurated as gov- 
ernor for the second time on January 13, 1873. 
On January 21. he was elected United States sen- 
ator and two days later he resigned his office as 
governor and John L. Beveridge took his seat as 
chief e.xecutive of the state. The centennial of 
the independence of the United States was cele- 
brated during this administration and Illinois 
appropriated ten thousand dollars for its support. 



CULLOM— 1877-1881. 
On January, 8, 1877, Shelby M. CuUom was in- 
augurated as governor. John A. Logan's office as 
senator expired on the fourth of March following. 
The two leading parties were so evenly divided 
that the inde[)on(k>nt members of the legislature 
held the balance of power. The contest was long 
and bitter, but finally on the fortieth ballot Judge 
David Davis of Bloomington was elected as Lo- 
gan's successor. The great railroad strike of 1877 
was about the only event that moved the people 
during this administration. The census of 1880 
gave the pop\iiation as 3,077,871. 



them together again in special session in March, 
18.S2, to provide for these measures. At this spe- 
cial session the reapportionment was adjusted and 
the cession of the canal was referred to the people. 
In November of the same year the people voted to 
code the canal to the United States. Governor 
Cullom's message on this occasion was a strong 
and decided plea for water transportation, from 
which we quote the following paragraph : "I be- 
lieve that the most important work is the improve- 
ment of our rivers, lakes and canals, and the con- 
struction of such new canals as will unite the 
waters, and whenever it can reasonably be done, 
-horten distances for the transportation of freights. 
The government in the past has contributed many 
millions of dollars and millions of acres of pub- 
lic domain in aid of the construction of railroads 
across the continent, and in different portions of 
the undeveloped territory of the United States. 
It should now direct its expenditures to utilizing 
the waters of the country in the interest of cheap 
transportation." January 16, 1883, Governor 
Cullom was elected to the United States senate. 
and Lieutenant Governor John M. Hamilton be- 
came governor on February 7. The Harper high 
license law was passed that year, which provides 
as follows: -'That not less" than $500 shall be 
paid jier annum for keeping a dram shop, nor less 
than $150 for the sale of malt liquors only." 



CULLOM AND HAMILTON— 1881-1885. 

In 1880 Cullom was re-elected and on January 
10, 1881, was inaugurated governor for the sec- 
ond time. In his message to the legislature he 
recommended the ceding of the Illinois and Mich- 
igan canal to the general government, hut the 
legislature failed to act on this matter and also 
failed to reapportion the state into congressional 
and legislative districts. Accordingly, he called 



OGLESBY— 1885-1889. 
Richard J. Oglesby is the only man who has 
ever been honored by three elections to the gov- 
ernorship of Illinois, but on the 13th of January, 
1885, he was seated for the third time. As Gen- 
eral Logan's term as senator was to expire on the 
4th of March, he again appeared before the legis- 
lature as the republican candidate for re-election, 
while the democrats presented the name of Col. 
William R. Jlorrison. The first joint session did 
not occur until February 18, when there were 
present fifty-one senators and one hundred and 
fifty-one representatives, and the first ballot stood 
as follows : Logan, 101 ; Morrison, 94 ; Haines, 
4: scattering, 3; Logan lacking one vote of elec- 
tion. On the 19th and 20th every member of 
both houses was present and the balloting prac- 
tically showed the same results. No more joint 
ballots were taken for about three months, as 
-sometimes one side and soinetinies the other, and at 
other times both parties refused to vote, the object 
being to prevent a quorum. On April 13, J. H. 
Shaw, a democrat from the thirty-fourth district, 
died. This district gave Cleveland a plurality 
vote of two thousand and sixty ; on account of 
its being so strongly democratic no efTorts were 
made by the democrats to get out the votes, but 
the republicans made what was called a "still- 
hunt," and to the great surprise and humiliation 
of the democrats, William H. Weaver, the repub- 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



19 



lican candidate, carried the district by 336 ma- 
jority. On May 14, the day before Weaver took 
the oath of office, a supreme effort was made to 
elect Morrison, every democrat was present and 
he received 101 votes. After the fourth ballot the 
democrats began to change to ex-Judge Lambert 
Tree of Cliicago, who, on the sixth ballot, re- 
ceived 101 votes. No further ballots were taken 
until the ISth. when every member was present, 
at which time General Logan received 103 votes, 
Lambert Tree 96, scattering 5. Thus ended one 
of the most extraordinary political contests in 
the history of our state. The division of the par- 
ties was as follows : The senate was composed of 
twenty-six republicans and twenty-four democrats 
and one green back democrat; tlie house, of sev- 
enty-six members, each, and E. M. Haines, call- 
ing himself an independent. This gave Haines 
the balance of power. 



FIFEE— 1889-1893. 
Joseph W. Fifer was inaugurated as governor 
on January 1-1, 1889. Nothing of a general his- 
toric nature occiirred diiring this administration, 
only the preparation for the World's Columbian 
Exposition and the creation of the Chicago sani- 
tary district, and the construction of the drainage 
canal. The population of the state in 1890 was 
3,826,351. 



ALTGELD— 1893-1897. 
In January, 1893, John P. Altgeld was inaugur- 
ated as governor. He being the first and only for- 
eign-born governor leads me to say that he was a 
native of Germany. Born in 1848, he came to 
this country when but a lad, and was reared on a 
farm in Ohio. When only sixteen years old he 
enlisted in the Union army and served till the 
close of the war. The most prominent feature of 
his administration was the pardoning of the three 
men who were imprisoned for the part they took 
in the Haymarket riot in Chicago, in 1886. This 
act of his was commended by some and criticised 
by others. I simply give this as a matter of his- 
tory and leave it without comment. The Colum- 
bian Exposition, held during his term, is worthy 
of more than a passing notice. Four cities com- 
peted for its location, to-wit. New York, Wash- 
ington, St. Louis and Chicago. Each city pressed 
its claims, New York taking tlic ground tliat the 
exposition was cosmopolitan in its design, conse- 
quently the location should be on the seacoast, 
where it could be easily reached'by visitors from 
other countries. In reply, the Chicago people said 
the exposition was mainly for our own country 
and consequently should be located somewhere 
near the center of poiiulalion so that it would re- 
ceive the greatest patronage possible. They fur- 



ther argued that the foreign visitors would have 
no knowledge of our country and resources by 
simply landing at New York City and spending 
a few days on the exposition grounds; but if Chi- 
cago was chosen these people would pass over a 
long stretch of the country and be able to form 
some idea of our great and productive interior. 
On the eighth ballot the lower house of Congress 
voted that Chicago should be the place. The lo- 
cation was ideal. And the "White City" rose as 
by magic, overlooking the restless waters of the 
beautiful lake and for six months, from May 1 till 
the last of October, millions from all lands and 
climes came and went, until the grand final clos- 
ing, when the curtain fell and all that is left of 
that ''Dream City" is its delightful memory. 



TANNER— 1893-1901. 

In January, 1897, John R. Tanner was sworn 
in as governor. On February 15, 1898, the battle- 
ship Maine, while on a friendly visit to the harbor 
of Havana, was destroyed and many lives sacri- 
ficed. This tragedy aroused the whole people 
from all parts of the country, and war was soon 
declared with Spain. Governor Tanner con- 
vened the legislature in special session on Febru- 
ary 17, 1898, and asked them to give him author- 
ity to tender the support of the state to the gov- 
ernment, which was promptly given. This placed 
Illinois first on the list in offering assistance to 
the president in this crisis. President McKin- 
ley's first call for troops asked Illinois for seven 
regiments of infantry and one of cavalry. These 
regiments went into camp at Springfield. Under 
the second call for troops two more regiments of 
infantry wore furnished, also one battery of light 
artillery. The adjutant-general's report shows 
that the Illinois regiments saw service as follows : 

The First and Second Infantry (Chicago) 
regiments, in Cuba ; the Third Infantry, in Porto 
Rico; the Fourth Infantry, in Cuba; the Fifth 
Infantry, at Cliickaniauga, Newport News and 
Ijexington; part of the Sixth Infantry in Cuba 
and part in Porto Rico ; the Seventh Infantry 
(Chicago), at Camp Alger and Camp George G. 
Meade; the Eighth Infantry (colored), in Cuba; 
the Ninth Infantry, in Cuba; the First Cavalry 
at Camp Thomas and Fort Sheridan ; Battery A 
(Lislit Artillery), in Porto Rico. 

The jiopuhition of the state in 1900 was 4.821.- 
550. 



YATES— 1901-1905. 
Richard Yates was inaugurated January, 1901. 
He was born at Jacksonville, Illinois, December 
13, 1860. just thiriy-three days before his father 
was inaugurated as governor. He was the only 
chief executive whose birth occurred within the 



•20 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



borders of our state. The first session of the legis- 
lature after his election reapportioned the state 
into twenty-five congressional and fifty-one sena- 
torial districts. It also appropriated $250,000 to 
cover the expenses of the St. Louis Exposition. 



DENEEN— 1905. 
In January, 1905, Charles S. Deneen was in- 
augurated as governor of Illinois and is the pres- 
ent incumbent. Governor Deneen was born in 
Edwardsvillo, Illinois, May 4, 1863. 



CHAPTER III. 
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE COUNTY. 

Bureau county was named in honor of Pierre 
de Beuro, a half-breed trader, who was the first 
man to establish a trading post within the pres- 
ent limits of Bureau county. This post was lo- 
cated near where Bureau Creek empties into the 
Illinois river. This post was established about 
the time Illinois was admitted into the Union. 
The next trading post was also managed by a half- 
breed known as Bulbona. His cabin was located 
about two miles south of Wyanet on what is known 
as the David Jones farm. This post was estab- 
lished in the early twenties and its site was pic- 
turesque, being situated upon a high bluff over- 
looking a large stretch of country. On this point 
near the cabin was erected a tall flag pole from 
which floated the "stars and stripes." 

Bulbona bought furs from the Indians and dis- 
posed of them in Peoria, where he in turn pur- 
chased gaudy trinkets, which the Indians were 
very anxious to possess, and exchanged them for 
more furs. Thus at this early time Bulbona was 
enabled to carry on a profitable business. The 
writer was at this historic place a few years ago 
and found the old cellar of the cabin and the de- 
pression where the flagstaff stood plainly visible. 
If the history of this old landmark could be ob- 
tained no doubt many thrilling tales could be told, 
for here the Indians congregated to hold their 
dances and to partake of the "fire water" that 
was furnished them by Bulbona, but a true and 
correct account of those wild and frenzied scenes 
will never be written, for the foot of civilization 
now presses the soil where the red man trod, and 
in the place of the war-whoop and the chase we 
find the beautiful homes and the waving fields of 
the present generation. As near as we can ascer- 
tain the first real permanent white settler of this 
county was Henry Thomas, who settled near the 
Thomas Vaughn place, north of Wyanet, in 1828. 
John Di.xon, Reason B. Hale and John and Jus- 
tice Ament with their families came the same 
year. 

.Mthough the families mentioned were the first 
actual settlers, it seems that Charles S. Boza, 



whom many of our citizens well remember, passed 
through this county in company with John Dixon, 
his brother-in-law, in 1827. They took through a 
drove of cattle from Springfield to Galena for the 
lead mines markets. Bradsby, in his history of 
this county, tells the story as he received it from 
Mr. Alexander Boyd, who was a familiar form on 
the streets of Princeton until his decease in 1902. 
The story is substantially as follows : It was then 
an unoccupied wilderness from Peoria to Galena, 
and their only guide was a wagon track made a 
few days before by a party going from Galena to 
Peoria. It is thought that this was the first 
wagon that ever tracked the prairies of this 
county. From Peoria to Galena not a white man 
was to be seen. Indian villages and wigwams 
were the only signs of human existence to be seen 
during the entire journey. This was a long and 
tedious trip; the streams were crossed by swim- 
ming the cattle and horses; but at last they reached 
the lead mines and disposed of their cattle, re- 
ceiving most of their pay in silver. On the re- 
turn trip their food became exhausted. That with 
the treachery of the Indians made it a most trying 
experience. The silver that Boyd received for his 
cattle was put into a sack and tied upon the pack- 
horse. When the party reached the river, where 
Dixon is now located, they tried to make arrange- 
ments with the Indians to take them across in 
their canoes; they easily made an agreement with 
them, but when they were ready to go the Indians 
with whom the agreement was made could not 
be found. While waiting to obtain means of 
crossing, one of the bucks jumped upon the back 
of the horse carrying the silver and went whoop- 
ing down the river. The reader can imagine that 
our old pioneer, Charles S. Boyd, did not have 
at that time any very great admiration for the 
daring feat of this dusky athlete. But every 
cloud is said to have a silver lining; so this case 
was no exception, for in a short time the young 
brave returned with both pony and money and no 
loss was sustained. At last the Indians took the 
men across in canoes and the horses were made to 
swim the river. This is only one of the many, 
many almost tragic experiences of that early 
time. Mr. John Dixon was at that time a resident 
of Peoria and was county judge and circuit clerk; 
he also worked at his trade as tailor. He was so 
impressed with the beauties of the country over 
which they passed on this trip that he at once re- 
signed his offices and came to Boj-d's Grove in 
Milo township and started improvements. This 
was in the fall of 1827, and it is a question wheth- 
er he or Henry Thomas was the first actual set- 
tler. Ho remained at Boyd's Grove until 18.30, 
when he sold out his improvements to Charles S. 
Boyd and removed to Dixon and purchased the 
Ogee ferry, which for years afterwards was known 
as "Dixon's Ferry." He became a very prominent 
factor in all the important movements of his 
time. The present beautiful city of Dixon that 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



21 



lies on both sides of Eock river was named in 
honor of this grand old man. He had at one 
time a plenty of this world's goods, but through 
the kindness of his great heart he lent the use of 
his name to trusted friends and through their 
failures and unworthiness he became poor and 
died in poverty in 1S76. Thus ended the event- 
ful life of one of Bureau county's early, if not the 
earliest, settlers. He died ripe in' years and his 
memory is cherished by a truly grateful people. 

John Dixon, Charles S. Boyd and Oliver Kel- 
logg were three brothers-in-law from whom the 
cities of Dixon, Boyd's Grove and Kellngg's Grove 
received their names, which will probably be 
handed down through the generations yet to be. 
The history of Charles S. Boyd's early experiences 
in this county deserve more than a passing notice. 
Charles S. Boyd and Elizabeth Dixon were mar- 
ried in the city of New York in June, 1814. Illi- 
nois at that time was a vast and practically an 
unknown stretch of country, extending from the 
Ohio river on the south to Canada on the north. 
Notwithstanding this and realizing that great 
liardships and privations were before them, Mr. 
Boyd and John Dixon started on April 13, 
1820, with two ox teams to make the jour- 
ney to a settlement that had started where 
the city of Springfield now stands. They 
were seevnty-two days on the way, arriv- 
ing at their destination on June 24, 1820. 
Their journey was a long and fatiguing one. At 
Pittsburg they bought a flatboat for sixty-five dol- 
lars and putting their teams and all on board 
floated down the Ohio river to Shawneetown. 
where the boat was sold for five dollars, and they 
again moved across the prairies with their ox 
teams until they reached the location for which 
they sought. Mr. Boyd remained in Springfield 
about ten years. He dug the first well and built 
the first brick chimney in that city. His house 
stood near where the capitol now stands. Mr. 
Boyd's partner in business was William S. Hamil- 
ton, a son of the lamented Alexander Hamilton, 
who lost his life in a duel with Aaron Burr. Mr. 
Hamilton had in his possession the silver-mounted 
pistols which his father used in that tragic scene. 
The pistols were very heavily mounted with silver 
and were left in the care of Mr. Boyd when in 
1830 he came to this county. Boyd's Grove was at 
that time an important station on the state road, 
between Peoria and Galena. Over this road four- 
horse coaches made the trip three times each week. 
A relay of horses was kept at the Grove and it 
was there that stages met at night and transferred 
baggage and passengers, and here, with straw 
strewn upon the floor for a bed, the travelers 
would rest until early morning, when they would 
again resume their journev. In the winter of 
1832, on the night of February 18, Mr. Boyd's 
house with nearly all of its contents was burned. 
The snow was two feet deep and the temperature 
was at the zero point when this family was driven 



from their home with scanty clothing to protect 
them from the elements. Among the few articles 
saved were two feather-beds, which proved to be 
a great blessing, as they saved the bare-footed 
children from becoming terribly frozen. No im- 
mediate relief could be had as the nearest neigh- 
bor was more than twenty miles away. Fortu- 
nately the smokehouse was left and in it had been 
stored some hams and bacon, so into this crude 
room, twelve by sixteen feet, the family was shelt- 
ered until a temporary camp was prepared. This 
camp was near the cabin where Shabbona, the 
white man's friend, with his plurality of wives 
and several children, lived. Mr. Boyd's daugh- 
ter, Mrs. Dr. Paddock, who now lives in Prince- 
ton, although a child at that time, has a vivid 
remembrance of those distressing days. She in- 
forms us that through the kindness of this old 
chief their family was supplied with nearly all of 
the meat that was used by them for the rest of the 
winter. Shabbona's skill as a marksman was re- 
markable, and it was a delight to him to teach the 
j-oung braves and also the white children how to 
use the gun. Mrs. Paddock also informs us that 
she spent many happy hours in those childhood 
days in playing and shooting at a mark with the 
young Indians. Shabbona alwavs rewarded the 
best marksman with a silver quarter. 

In the spring of this year (1832) rumors began 
to be circulated that there was to be an Indian 
raid, headed by Blackhawk, but many of the set- 
tlers were slow to believe it, as they thought Black- 
hawk with his tribe was beyond the Mississippi. 
Shabbona, realizino- the danger, advised sending 
the old men, women and children to the forts for 
safety. Accordingly Mr. Boyd took his wife and 
younger children to Fort Clark, at Peoria, but he 
and the larger boys stayed upon the farm and put 
in a crop, taking their guns into the fields with 
them, as they were liable to be attacked at any 
moment. They also slept during the summer in 
the brush patches near the caliin, not deeming it 
prudent to remain in it during the night. One 
morning when tlie boys were sitting upon a bench 
cleaning their guns, they heard the click of a ritle 
and looking up they saw an Indian running from 
a small patch of hazel brush near by. What the 
result might have been had not the Indian's gun 
missed fire, no one can tell. One night during this 
summer a small party of men arrived at the Grove 
with dispatches from Dixon to Fort Clark. The 
men, being anxious to return, as the Indians 
were in close proximity to Dixon, wlien (hoy 
left, they prevailed on Mr. Boyd to allow one of 
his boys to carry the papers on to Fort Clark. His 
son Alexander volunteered to carry the orders. 
Accordingly, in the early twilight of the morning, 
after being cautioned by his father to keep on the 
high ]U'airie and ride as fast as his liorse could go, 
he started on this perilous journey of fortv miles, 
which he safely made in six hours. On arriving 
at the fort he hitched his horse outside the stock- 



n 



I'A.ST AND PHHSEXT OF BUIJEAU L'OUMTY. 



ndu and presented himself at tlie gate, requesting 
to see the oflSeer in command. The orderly con- 
ducted him to headquarters, where he delivered 
his messages. He was kindly received and highly 
commended for his bravery. After scanning him 
closely — he was in his shirtsleeves, bare-footed 
and wore a hat minus half the brim — the officer 
ordered him to be taken to the commissary de- 
partment for a new suit. The order was obeyed 
and the young hero appeared in a new outfit, per- 
fect from hat to boots, .\fter this transformation 
lie was allowed to visit his mother and the young- 
er children, who had been taken as before men- 
tioned to the fort as a place of safely, and the 
next day returned home. 

After living at the Grove twelve years, Mr. 
(loyd in 1S12 moved to Princeton, where he lived 
until his death in ISSl. in his eighty-ninth year, 
and so closed the long and eventful life of this 
early pioneer. A num who had lived to see more 
progress in his own life time, than all the genera- 
tions that had preceded him. He was eleven 
years old when Fulton demonstrated to the world 
that steam navigation was possible; he was thirty- 
six years old before any ]iractical railroading was 
introduced; he was nearly fifty when the first pub- 
lic test of telegraphy was made; he lived to see 
the hand sickle, which had been in use for ages, 
give place to the mammoth reaper; the post-boy 
to the postal-ear; but we forbear to enumerate — 
they are gone and gone forever, and the rumble 
of the stage-coach and the crack of driver's whip 
are hushed in the silence of forgetfulness. 

The pistols referred to as belonging to the son 
of .Vlexander Hamilton were given to Mr. Boyd 
for safe keeping: on the fated night when the 
house was burned these pistols were destroyed and 
the silver upon them was melted, also sonie silver 
coins. After the fire had spent its fury and the 
ashes became cool, the silver from the pistols and 
coins ivas gathered and E. S. Philips, of Spring- 
field, Hlinois, made it into .spoons and ^Irs. Dr. 
Paddock of this city now has them for table use. 

In 18-39 John and Justin Anient came to the 
county and settled at Red Oak Grove, which is 
located in the northeast corner of Walnut town- 
ship, where they lived until after the Blackhawk 
war. These two brothers eame from Kentuclcy 
and were important factors in the scenes of those 
early times. After a few years' stay at Red Oak 
John sold his claim and moved upon what is now 
known as the Butt's farm, just north of Princeton, 
where he lived until his death. 

Abram Stratton was one of the pioneers of 
1829. His experience was one well calculated to 
try men's souls. As early as 18fi.") he was counted 
as the oldest settler in Bureau county. He was 
bom and reared in Ulster county. New York, and 
at the age of twenly-four started on foot to brave 
the hardships and trials incident to a trip to the 
far west, as Hlinois at that time was considered 
to U' the limits of the then present and probable 



future civilization. But not daunted by obstacles, 
not dismayed by hardships, not frightened at 
danger, this brave soul pressed on toward the set- 
ting sun ; sleeping or awake, he was most of the 
time surrounded by a primeval solitude. If there 
is anything that will thrill one's nerves and de- 
press one's spirits it is to feel that he is absolutely 
alone, so that a cry for help will be answered only 
by the echo of his own voice. Most of the way 
from Detroit he followed an Indian trail. The 
mail at that time was carried by post-boys, and 
they passed over the route from Chicago to De- 
troit only a few times during the year. But de- 
spite all these heart-soi-e experiences, he steadily 
kept his pace westward and at last the beautiful 
prairies of Illinois gladdened his vision, and after 
walking over much of her undeveloped lands he 
finally drove the stakes of his future home on 
West Bureau, in this county. After spending the 
winter in Peoria he started back to New York, 
being guided only by a pocket compass. He re- 
mained but a short time at his old home, where 
he purchased some farming tools for himself and 
some of his neighbors, and shipped them by boat 
as far as the St. Joseph river in Michigan, at 
which place he arrived soon after on foot. It was 
late in the fall, the weather was cold and stormy, 
the lake boats had ceased running for the season, 
yet nothing daunted, he hired two Frenchmen to 
take him and his boxes of freight around the head 
of the lake in a dugout canoe, to Chicago, distant 
one hundred and twenty miles. The trip was a 
most trying one, the roughness of the lake com- 
pelling them at times to unload their goods and 
wait for the waves to subside, but at last after 
nine days of toil and exposure they arrived at 
Fort Dearborn. After a short rest Mr. Stratton 
hired a man to take his bo.xes to Plainfield, about 
thirty miles southwest of Chicago, where he 
bought a pair of oxen and built a sled, loaded on 
his goods and again started on his journey. The 
weather was extremely cold, the snow deep, no 
visible road, his only guide being points of timber 
that lay across his route. In this entangling maze 
he still pressed on until he arrived at a trading 
house on the Illinois river. Here he was di- 
rected to cross at a point just above Hennepin 
island, and then to follow^ up stream on the ice 
until he came to some blazed trees, where he 
would find a road which had been cut out by the 
settlers a few weeks before. But to his great dis- 
apiiointuient he found the ice too thin in places, 
to hold up the oxen and sled, so he was obliged 
to leave the river and cut a road through the tim- 
ber. This was a slow way of making progress, 
and during this time he lost his bearings and 
wandered about trying to find his way to the resi- 
dence of Elijah Epperson, a little northwest of 
where Princeton now stands. The snow in places 
was so deep that it had to be shoveled awav before 
the oxen could get through it. At last night set- 
tled down over them and both man and team were 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY 



23 



in an exhausted condition, so much so that fur- 
ther progress could not be made and about where 
the John H. Bryant house now stands lie pitched 
his camp. After shoveling away the snow for the 
cattle and sled he felled a dry tree and taking his 
flint and tinder he started a lire, and there in 
that zero weather, under the open sky, while the 
oxen were browsing on twigs of fallen trees 
Abram Stratton slept the sleep of the bold pioneer. 
On the following morning he found his way to 
Mr. Epperson's cabin and the day following he 
reached his claim on West Bureau, having spent 
two weeks on the journey from Plainfield. Mat- 
son, in his "Eeminiscences of Bureau County," 
says that "Mr. Stratton kept this yoke of oxen and 
sled, with them he frequently went to church or 
visiting, and with them he tied from the countj 
at the commencement of the Black Hawk war. 
In the fall of 1831 Mr. Stratton married Misa 
Sarah Boggs, their wedding being the second one 
celebrated within the limits of Bureau county.'' 
Mr. Stratton continued to live on his farm until 
his death, which occurred in 1877. And sc 
passed from earth another heroic soul, who had 
spent a long and strenuous life in blazing the 
way that has led up to our advanced civilization. 
Sylvester Brigham was born in New Hamp- 
shire in 1807. He was the oldest of a large fam- 
ily of children, who were taught, as all of the 
youth of that sturdy generation were, that life, 
and especially success in life, meant industry, 
economy, and self reliance. With these ideas firmly 
fixed in his mind, coupled with the wonderful 
stories of the productiveness of the great West, 
Mr. Brigham became restless under the restric- 
tions in that sterile country and said to his father 
that he could not be content to settle down until 
he had seen the much talked of prairies of Illi- 
nois. Accordingly, in 1839, at twenty-two years 
of age, he, with a young man by the name of 
Sherley, took their departure for this undeveloped 
and to them unknown country. They came to 
Detroit by boat and from there, with their rifles 
for companions and laiapsacks for their supplies, 
they resumed their journey on foot, traveling 
through Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and part of 
Iowa, and acording to Mr. Brigham's own ac- 
count, for six weeks they saw no white man except 
themselves, mingling only with the Indians and 
sleeping on the ground wherever night overtook 
them. On this trip they passed through what is 
now Bureau county, which was then an almost 
unbroken waste, although Mr. Henry Thomas was 
living in West Bureau, and at his house they made 
a short stay and finally located claims near there. 
After remaining a few weeks to do some work 
upon their claims, they returned to New Hamp- 
shire, where Sherley remained. Mr. Brigham's 
father had remarked to the family, before his 
son's return, that when Sylvester "got back home 
he would be satisfied to stay there" : but, "No,'' 
he said to his father. "I can not remain here. It 



ivill take something better than you have in New 
Hampshire to hold me." So the following spring, 
1830, he again started for the AVest, this time 
bringing James Forristale with him. They came 
down the Ohio river and up the ilississippi and 
Illinois to Peoria on the first steamboat that ever 
came that far up the Illinois. Instead of taking 
the claims they had located the fall before, Mr. 
Brigham made a new claim on what is now known 
as the Hensel farm in Dover, on section 23. He 
also entered the present Joseph Brigham farm 
for his father, who was expecting to come west 
in the near future. Mr. Brigham remained on this 
claim during the years of 1830 and 1831, improved 
his land and raised a small crop. During the 
winter of 1830 he lived alone in his cabin among 
the Indians, who were his daily visitors. In 1832 
he again returned to New Hampshire to assist his 
father's family in moving to Illinois, arriving at. 
Hennepin in October, where they remained two 
years on account of the Indian troubles. Mr. 
Sylvester Brigham was here all through the Black 
Hawk war, stood beside Mr. Phillips, his cousin, 
when shot by the Indians, and narrowly escaped 
the same fate himself. His life was a strenuous 
one while braving these early dangers. He lived 
upon the land he entered until 1853, when he 
sold and removed to Kansas, where he died in 
1872. James Forristall, Mr. Brigham's companion 
on his second trip, entered land near the main 
part of Bureau, where he lived until his death. 
Thus ended the career of two men whose youth 
and vigor was spent in the development of this 
new civilization, which robbed nature of her be- 
witching charms and gave us in its stead the 
hum of industry and the luxuries of the present 
time. 

James Coddington was another early settler of 
Bureau county, coming here in 1831. He was a 
native of Maryland, born in 1798. The Indian 
troubles being in an unsettled condition and the 
future outlook being somewhat cloudy, he deemed 
it prudent to wait developments; accordingly he 
went back to his native state and did not return 
until 1833, when he settled in Dover township on 
section 27, where he lived until his death, in 1876. 
Mr. Coddington reared a large and highly re- 
spected family, which is a richer legacy than cof- 
fers of gold or acres of land. 

John Deeper, father of H. B. Deeper, now liv- 
ing in this county, was born in Pennsylvania in 
178(i. His father moved to Georgia when he was 
a lad. where he grew to manhood, married, and 
moved to Tennessee in 1808. Not being in sym- 
pathy with the institution of slavery, he disposed 
of his property in Tennessee and moved to Illi- 
nois territory in 1816. He arrived in Madison 
county, which then comprised more than one- third 
of Illinois territory, on April 5, having been forty- 
five (lays on the journey, a distance that can now 
be ciixcred in less than one-half of a single day. 
ill the fall of this year he settled in Bond county. 



24 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



remaining there until 1823, when he moved to 
what is now Morgan county, near where Jackson- 
ville now stands. Jacksonville was laid out in 
1825. The central part of the state at that time 
was rapidly tilling up with settlers, so much so 
that Mr. Leeper thought l)est to again move far- 
ther north, so in the fall of 1831 he moved his 
family to Putnam county and settled about three 
zniles northeast of the present town of Hennepin, 
and made claim to 2, -500 acres of land. During 
the Black Ilawk war he built a stockade around 
his house to protect his family from the Indians, 
while three of his sons enlisted to help carry on 
the war. In 1833 Mr. Leeper sold his land and 
moved into Bureau county and bought an unfin- 
ished saw mill which was located on Bureau creek 
about one and one-half miles northwest of Bureau 
Junction. In 183.5 a large amount of land was 
entered in close proximity to this mill, and after 
finishing the saw mill he added machinery for a 
grist mill, also for carding wool and turning wood. 
Mr. H. B. Leeper informs us ihat this mill had 
all of the then modern improvements and that it 
carded the wool, sawed the lumber, and ground 
the grain for many miles around. The mill burned 
in 1838 and was never replaced on such a large 
and perfect scale as before, although there was a 
small mill there for many years after. Jlr. Leeper 
died in 183.") and was buried in Oakland cemetery, 
bis body being the second interred there. Mr. Lee- 
per was a man full of energy,- push and enthusi- 
asm, always ready to take hold of any good work 
that was calculated to better the condition of his 
community or the world at large. He was optimis- 
tic in his thoughts, a friend of the church and 
school, and stoixl for everything that goes to make 
up good and pure citizenship. He was elected to 
the legislature in 1827 from Morgan county; was 
also county judge; but his home was his castle 
and there he loved to work and plan, not only for 
his own inmiediate family, but for the good of all 
with whom he came in contact. Mr. H. B. Leeper, 
one of his sous, now lives in Princeton at the ripe 
old age of 8."). He was elected sherilf of Putnam 
county in ISfiO. 

Cyrus Langworthy was one of the well remem- 
bered men of the early days of this county. He 
was a man of great physical strength, and having 
courage to match it, he was well fitted for the 
many places of trust which he was called upon to 
fill. He came to this county in 1834, was elected 
sheriff in 1838. and again in 1810, being the first 
man elected to that office in Bureau county. In 
1812 he was sent to the legislature from this dis- 
trict. Mr. Langworthy served in the war of 1812, 
entering the army at nineteen years of age. Some 
time after he had retired to private life, there was 
a change in the politics of the county and the pre- 
vious party's record was investigated. A commit- 
tee was appointed aiul the records examined. 
Among the number who had to pass "under the 
■•od" was Cyrus Langworthy. After going care- 



fully over his accounts and settlements with tlie 
county, the committee reported that Bureau county 
owed Cyrus Langworthy thirty-seven cents, which 
of course brought great satisfaction to him and 
liis friends, for it proved that he had not only 
managed public att'airs with ability but with scru- 
pulous integrity. Mrs. J. C. Taylor, a daughter 
of his, resides in Princeton at the present time. 

In 182y Warren Sherley made a claim at Hea- 
ton's Point. This was the first claim in that vicin- 
ity. Eli and Elijah Suiith were among the early 
settlers. They came here in 1831 on their wed- 
ding trip. The two brothers married sisters and 
started from Massachusetts for their future home 
in Illinois. Dr. Chamberlain accompanied them. 
Instead of coming into Princeton in a Pullman 
car, they selected an ox team express and when 
near their journey's end the express sidetracked 
and was stuck fast in the mud. It was night and 
they were looking for Forristall's cabin. After work- 
ing at the mired down wagon for a time they gave 
up the eliort and started on their journey again. 
I)r. Chamberlain having the only horse in the 
party, took Mrs. Eli Smith on horseback behind 
him, while Mr. Elijah Smith and wife rode on the 
backs of the oxen. At last it became so dark that 
they were obliged to camp for the night, cutting 
brush for a bed. Their camp was near the present 
site of Maiden. After sleeping upon their beds of 
boughs with the Ijroad canopy of heaven for their 
shelter, they awoke and found themselves sur- 
rounded by the seemingly endless waste of grass 
and flowers as far as the eye could reach, }-cs, far 
be3'ond the ken of human vision lay the trackless 
prairies of Bureau county. No sign of civilization 
met their anxious gaze, but, nothing daunted, they 
again mounted their steeds and pressed on and 
finally reached Forristall's in the early twilight. 

Mr. Eli Smith, father of Henry Smith, set- 
tled about two and one-half miles north of Prince- 
ton, where Henry Smith was born and now lives, 
and lived there until his death, in 1871, a period 
of forty years. During the Black Hawk war he 
was obliged to leave his claun for two years. Mr. 
Eli Smith and his brother Elijah built a double 
log cabin, in which they lived for some years. 
Reader, pause and reflect. Can you realize the 
fortitude, the courage, the indomitable will that 
it takes to pass through such scenes as this? There 
are two classes of individuals for which the writer 
has supreme admiration. One is the pioneer who 
came here and endured the hardships and priva- 
tions of frontier life thai they might make a home 
for themselves and their children, and in so doing 
subdue the country for coming generations to en- 
joy. The other is for those who in the hour of 
their country's peril bade adieu to home, kindred, 
and friends and went forth to do and to die, if 
need be, that their country might live. So when 
Decoration or Old Settlers' Day comes around and 
we are asked to contribute a small amount for the 
defraying of expenses, may we, who today are en- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



25 



joying the benefits of what their toil, struggles, 
and privations vouchsafed to us, with a heart of 
thankfulness give of our time and our means the 
amount necessary to peri3ctuate the sacred memory 
of those heroes of war and of peace. 



PROVIDENCE COLONY. 

A colony was formed in Providence, Rhode 
Island, in 1836 for the purpose of settling in Illi- 
nois. There were seventy-two stockholders in the 
colony, who owned from one to sixteen shares, and 
each share was to draw eighty acres of land, mak- 
ing the whole amount 17,000 acres. A committee 
of seven was appointed to select and enter the 
land. The following were the committee selected: 
Com. Morris, Colonel C. Oakley, Asa Barney, L. 
Scott. Edward Bailey, S. G. Wilson, and Caleb 
Gushing. This committee, after thoroughly inves- 
tigating the unimproved sections of the state, 
finally selected township 16, range 8, which is now 
Indiantown, in Bureau county, for the location of 
the colony. Most of the land in this township was 
then vacant. After entering the land the com- 
mittee laid off a town and named it Providence. 
Two of the men remained until fall and built a 
large frame building out of the colony funds, and 
into this colony house the families moved when 
they arrived in the spring of 1837. In March, 
1837, the Providence colony, nmnbering about 
forty persons, took a sailing vessel at Providence, 
Rhode Island, and started for Illinois. The pas- 
sage to New Y'ork was cold and stormy, so much 
so that the safety of the boat and passengers was 
for some time in doubt, but they arrived in New 
York without serious accident. After spending 
one day in New Y'"oi-k they crossed over to the 
New Jersey side and then proceeded on their way 
by canal luivigation at the rate of about two and 
a half miles an hour. The canal, owing to rains 
and melting snow, was in a poor state of repair 
and transportation was much impeded, but they 
at last reached Pittsburg and took a boat to Cin- 
cinnati, and from there to St. Louis, and from 
St. Louis to Hennepin on a flat-boat, reaching 
the last named place on May 7, 1837. The next 
day they hired ox teams to take them to Provi- 
dence, the place that they in the future were to 
call home; but it looked like anything but home 
to those tired women and children on the night 
of the eighth of May, 1837, just as the sun was 
sinking down into the western ether, when they 
arrived in sight of the unfinished colony house 
that had been prepared for them. 

The spring was backward and the prairie had all 
been burned over and it was lilaek and gloomy. 
The women acknowledged that they were home- 
sick, but the men, having less regard for truth, 
denied it, but they were. Their former home was 
nestled by the murmuring waters of New Eng- 
land, and as they cast a glance in that direction 



it seemed a long, long distance away. The house 
which they all went into was in an unfinished con- 
dition; it was before the days of stoves and one 
firej)lace was all they had. They cooked, they 
ate, they slept in this one building until some 
houses could be erected. Much could be said of 
the individuals belonging to that colony. They 
were a company of energetic and enterprising men 
who did their full share in the development of 
Bureau county. 

Caleb Cushing and Alfred Anthony both lived 
to be over eighty years of age. Asa Barney was 
one of the leaders of the colony. He rode on horse- 
back, being guided by a pocket compass, to Gales- 
burg, in 1836, and entered the land for the col- 
ony. Of all {hat number of men, women, and 
children that moved into the Providence settle- 
ment in 1836, just sixty-nine years ago, but one 
lives to tell the story, and that is C. E. Barney, 
son of Asa Barney. 

Robert Hinman came to the county in 1838 
and settled in Wyanct township on section 36. 

In the early ''30s the Mercers arrived in what 
is now Bureau county. This family traces its 
line of ancestry back to Scotland. They early 
settled in Virginia, where, during the Revolution- 
ary war, they did valiant service in the cause of 
the colonies. Some of the family were very near 
to Washington in the trying period of colonial 
days. They were also members of the Continental 
Congress. After the close of the war, some 
branches of the family settled in Ohio and were 
extensively engaged in business ; but in 1833 Will- 
iam Mercer, father of Drs. Joe and William Mer- 
cer, of Princeton, Illinois, started for the west. 
Going down the Ohio and up the Mississippi 
rivers, he reached St. Louis, where he was strick- 
en with cholera, and was without medical aid ex- 
cept the services of his son Wilham, then a lad of 
but eighteen years. 

The natural alnlity of the boy and his devotion 
to his father restored him to health and strength, 
and he moved on and came to Bureau county, 
where he lived the remainder of his life. His 
descendants are quite nimierous and have filled 
many places of trust. 

Mrs. Jennie M. Bude, to whom we are indebted 
for this sketch, Mrs. Rachel M. Hamlin, of Prince- 
ton, Illinois, and Prof. Joseph A. Mercer, of Pe- 
oria, Illinois, are the remaining descendants of 
Dr. William Mercer, the lad whose thoughtful 
care saved his father's life. 



CHAPTER IV. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT CONTINUED. 

In August, 1831, Daniel Smith, Roland Mose- 
ley and John Musgrove, with their families, came 
to Bureau county. Moseley and Smith were from 
Massachusetts, and Musgrove from New Jersey. 
They came across the country to Buffalo, and 



v'ti 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUREAl' CorXTY, 



there they took passage by steamboat to Cleve- 
land, then ilown through Ohio on the Muskin- 
gum river to Marietta, where they took a boat 
down the Ohio river to the Mississippi, then up 
the river to St. Louis and from there took a boat 
to Naples on the Illinois river. On arriving at 
Naples they found it very difficult to obtain pas- 
sage farther ; here they left their families and set 
out to find a place to locate. Mr. Moseley and 
Mr. Smith, coming from Massachusetts, had heard 
of the lianipsliire colony, and accordingly directed 
their course toward Bureau (then Putnam) 
county. After looking about they decided that 
the county would please them, so they selected 
some claims. At that time Timothy Perkins had 
claimed for himself and family all the timber and 
adjoining prairie between the Arthur Bryant place 
and the Caleb Cook farm, but Smith and Moseley 
made a contract witli him for two farms and they 
were to buy building material of him. A few 
months previous to this Perkins and Leonard 
Roth had built a sawmill on main Bureau, a short 
distance from where the old McManis mill stood 
for so many years. This was the first sawmill 
built within the limits of Bureau coimty and, with 
one exception, the first one north of Peoria. Mose- 
ley and Smith marked out their claims by cutting 
their initials on witness trees and after contract- 
ing with Jlr. Perkins for boards and slabs to be 
delivered on their land for a shanty they returned 
to Naples for their families. Accordingly the 
three families, with all of their goods and be- 
longings, were placed on board a keel boat at 
Naples and passed up the Illinois river as 
far as the mouth of Bureau creek. Soon 
after their arrival at the Bureau they were all 
iiken sick witli intermittent fever, only one of their 
number being able to be about. It was a most 
trying time for these three families among strang- 
ers in a .strange land, surrounded by an almost 
trackless wilderness and at the mercy of the wild 
men of the forest, yet with all the influences that 
surrounded them there came a ray of light, for 
even at that early date the Good Samaritan had 
preceded them. James Forristall, although living 
twelve miles distant, was a kind and sympathe- 
tic neighbor to them, spending days and even 
weeks in administering to their necessities. Daniel 
Smith, father of D, P. Smith of Ohio, and Dwight 
Smith of .'Vrlington, fotind shelter for his family 
in a shanty, built of split puncheons, wdiich stood 
on the Dooliltle farm, southeast of Princeton. 
Here Mr. Smith died a few weeks after his ar- 
rival and was buried northwest of Princeton, near 
the Stoner farm, he being the first white man 
buried within the limits of Bureau county. The 
death of Mr. Smith left Mrs. Smith alone to care 
for three small children in a strange and new 
conntry, witli limited means. Tier lot was a hard 
one, yet she with S[iartan bravery stetnmed the 
tide, fought the fight and came off victor, and 
lived to enjoy all the comforts of modern life. 



surrounded by kindred and friends, and passed to 
the better land in 1892 at the age of eighty years. 

Immediately after Stillman's defeat on May 16, 
183^, the Smiths and Moseleys received word 
through Shabbona that Indians were raiding the 
community. The wonl was received just at night 
on May 18. They were the only two families left 
on tiiis side of the river, but they did not know it 
at that time, so they waited till the next morning 
before they left. These two families lived close 
together, about two and one-half miles southeast 
of Princeton. The night before they left the 
Indians were about one mile w-est of Princeton, 
on what is now known as the Knox farm. That 
night Roland Moseley stood guard at his own 
cabin and sent Frederick Moseley, father of 
Douglas Jloseley of the Citizens National Bank, 
who was only twelve years old, over to stand 
guard with Daniel P. Smith, who was about eight 
years old, and his mother at the Smith cabin. 
Frederick had a rifle, Daniel an old shotgun, and 
the mother an ax. It was a long and anxious night, 
but no Indians came. The next morning they 
went to the fort at Hennepin. While they were 
on the way to Hennepin it is said that Sample 
and his wife were burned, being tied to a tree on 
what is known as the Knox farm. Of this trag- 
edy there is no authentic account, it comes from 
the confession of some Indian scouts, given years 
afterward and is mentioned here simply as a 
rumor and the writer of this volume does not place 
much confidence in the truth of the same. 

While the two families were at the fort a man 
by the name of Hays came rushing into the stock- 
ade crying, "Indians! Indians!" and said he saw 
a large band of Indians just above Hennepin, at 
the iniiiith of P.ui-onu creek. The people at tlie fort 
had but little ammunition so the women and chil- 
dren were put into a keel boat and the men were 
to push the boat from shore and let it float down 
the river if the Indians came, while the men were 
to stay and defend themselves. They did not dare 
to have any lights on the boat as it would direct 
the Indians to it and they would all be killed. 
So tlii'V stayed and watched all night for tiicir ap- 
proach, but they did not make their appearance. 

Before the Smiths and Moseleys went to Hen- 
nepin Mr. Moseley had been to St. Louis and 
bought i)rovisions for tlie year. In their hurried 
flight to the fort they hid the flour, bacon and 
other supplies under some bushes near the house, 
and fortunately the Indians did not find them. 
The blockliouse at Hennepin was about sixteen 
by eighteen feet and two stories high. The men 
occupied the upper part, where holes had been 
made for shooting, and the women were in the 
lower story. While these two families were at the 
fort the massacre of Indian Creek took place, 
when fifteen jieople were brutally murdered and 
two small uirls taken prisoners. INIr. Smith tolls 
us he saw the gun barrel that Davis bent over the 
heads of those inhuman monsters while he was 




THE OLD J. H. BRYANT CABIN. 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



29 



trying to save his lii'e. It was brought back to 
Hennepin by one of the party that went in search 
of the savages. It was found in the blacksmith's 
shop, where Davis was at work when attacked. 
Mr. D. P. Smith and Mrs. Dr. Paddock, a daugh- 
ter of Charles S. Boyd, are the only living wit- 
nesses of those perilous times, so far as the writer 
has been able to learn. Their lives have been 
long and eventful and have touched human ex- 
periences upon every side; they have heard the 
war-whoop of the red men and listened to the 
songs of advanced civilization; they have viewed 
these prairies in their native loneliness and have 
beheld the waving fields of husbandry; they have 
looked upon the wigwam and tepee and have seen 
and enjoyed the palatial residences of toda}', and 
when we stand in their presence there comes across 
our vision a far-away scene that floats along down 
the billowy sea of life and unites the distant past 
with the great present by the golden cord of 
memory that will soon be severed. 

Mr. Charles Phelps and family came to Prince- 
ton from Northampton, Massachusetts, in 1836. 
He sold his small place of five acres in Northamp- 
ton and came to this county and purchased 
three hundred acres on section 3 in Princeton 
township. Here he built a house sixteen by eigh- 
teen feet out of native timber. This was at a time 
when a large number of settlers were coming in 
and for two or three years the farmers found a 
home market, supplying the new arrivals. After 
that the grain and produce was haided to Chi- 
cago. Mr. George Phelps, now living in Prince- 
ton, who came here with his father in 1836, tells 
us in 1844 he made a trip to Chicago with an ox 
team, taking a load of wdieat, the wheat was in 
sacks, and when they encountered low wet places 
they took the sacks upon their backs and carried 
them across to dry land, then drove the oxen across, 
reloaded the wheat and passed on. It took them 
about ten days to make the Journey, sleeping under 
the wagon at night. Some of the time wheat 
brought only twenty-five cents a bushel in Chi- 
cago and dressed pork one dollar and fifty cents a 
hundred. It took the Phelps family four weeks 
to make the journey from Ma.ssachusetts. They 
drove from Northampton to Albany, then took 
canal boat to Buffalo, then they took boat to De- 
troit, driving their own team the remaining dis- 
tance. Mr. Phelps remembers the time that five 
hundred Pottawattamies were taken through 
Princeton on their way to Cliicago, under the care 
of government officers, where they were to receive 
the last installments for the land sold to the gov- 
ernment. 

The Bryants have ever been important factors 
in Bureau county affairs. John, Arthur, Cyrus 
and Austin all came here in their young manliood 
and lived and died in the homes they had made. 
Arthur gave his attention to horticulture, Jolin, 
Austin and Cyrus were engaged in agriculture. 
•Cyrus was the first circuit clerk, being appointed 



by the county commissioners. The writer has up- 
on his table a letter written by Cyrus Bryant to 
Marcus Everett, under date of June 4, 1837, in 
which he says : "We have had much of our at- 
tention taken up for six months past in procuring 
a division of the county of Putnam and we have 
at last succeeded. There was so much chicanery 
practiced by the Hennepinites that we cordd not 
get an act passed creating a new county at once, 
because the legislature could not be satisfied from 
the petitions and remonstrances which party had 
a majority, so they left the matter to a vote of 
the people of the county of Putnam, and we got 
the majority for making a new county. Its name 
is Bureau. There has been a heap of pulling and 
hauling and all sorts of electioneering to defeat 
us, and it has caused us to spend some time and 
money to put down the false representations 
which the opposite party were striving to propa- 
gate among the people. Suffice it to say we have 
succeeded, and our election for county officers is 
to be lield tomorrow. Princeton in all probability 
will be the seat of justice for the new county." 
He also said in the same letter : "Princeton has 
three stores and one more being built." Thus it 
will be seen that the political waters were some- 
times troubled even in those primitive days that 
our modern platform speakers would lead us to 
believe were devoid of wrangle and strife, and 
that everything pertaining to public measures was 
meted out to the people with the utmost fairness 
and that deceit and sophistry were almost un- 
known quantities. All ! my readers, the history 
of the race demonstrates to a certainty that selfish- 
ness is one of the strong attributes of humanity 
and it shows itself in every walk of life. It is 
found in the hovel of the poor and in the palace 
of the rich ; it revels in the halls of wealth and 
plenty and stalks unblushingly amid the scenes of 
squalor and want; it sits on the seats of the lowly 
and rides in the chariots of power, in view of this 
great truth let us not be pessimistic and feel that 
evil is advancing and that good is receding, but on 
the contrary let us lift up our eyes and behold 
the world of today, fuller, riches, grander than 
ever before, more hearts ready to respond in hu- 
man sympathy, more hands ready to alleviate hu- 
man suffering, and more money ready to satisfy 
human wants. It is true that selfishness and greed 
sometimes almost chills the very blood in our 
veins, yet when we strike the level wc find the 
tide of correct living constantly growing higher. 
If any one should ask what is the cause of the 
world's advancement in the higher attributes of 
our nature, we would say the church and the 
scliool and coupled with these the refining and puri- 
fying influence of epic poetry. No one can read 
the great and immortal sayings that have origi- 
nated in the brain and flowed from the pen of a 
Bryant, a Longfellow, a Holland, a Whittier, a 
Tennyson aiul a score of others that could be men- 
tioned, without havintr their higher and better 



30 



I'AST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU CULNTY. 



natures stroiigthfiieil. As civilization advances, 
the comforts and luxuries increase, and what was 
a luxury a few decades ago has become a neces- 
sity of today. The following is a copy of the diary 
kept by the mother of John H. Bryant on her 
trip to Princeton over seventy years ago in the 
spring of 1835. This was printed in the Bureau 
County Republican a few months ago, and we feel 
that niany will be interested in comparing the 
present commodious way of traveling with that 
of the past: 

In the year 1835 the widowed mother of the 
poet, Willfam Cullen Bryant, accompanied by her 
son Austin, with his wiie and baby, and her un- 
married daughter, Louisa, left the old homestead 
at Cummington, Massachusetts, to live in Prince- 
ton, Illinois. 

They departed from Cummington on May 11 
and arrived in Princeton June 14. Two days were 
consumed m reaching Albany by stage. From 
that point "the journey can best be described by 
quoting directly from a yellow, faded, little diary 
kept by Mrs. Bryant, and now in the possession 
of her great-grandchildren in Princeton. To the 
modern traveler the tale may prove interesting. 

"May 13. Got to Albany at 5 p. m. ; went on 
board the boat 'Amherst,' owned by Captain 
Thompson, of Peru. Boat very full; a great 
number of noisy children — no sleeping the first 
night. 

"May 14. Steady rain all day; have to keep 
shut up; all well; started before noon; went 
through West Troy, seven miles from Albany. 
Trees almost leaved out, though the spring is very 
backward. 

"May 15. Passed Schenectady, thirty miles 
from Albany, in the morning. On the Mohawk, 
land very rich ; a beautiful country. 

"May 16. Passed IJtica, a very handsome city. 
Evening, a lady came on board to ride ten miles. 

"May 17. Sabbath pleasant. Passed Syracuse 
a little before night; got out and walked for the 
first time since I came on the canal: passed the 
salt works; twenty-five acres covered with a roof. 

"Alay 18. Halted at Lyons: quite a village. 
More passengers came on board : so full before, 
could hardly live. 

"May 19. Clear, very warm. Passed Roches- 
ter about noon ; a very handsome place ; the Gen- 
esee river passes through Rochester; the falls are 
there where Samuel Patch jumped off and was 
killed. 

"ilay 21. Got into Buffalo before light; before 
noon left the canal boat 'Amherst' for the schooner 
'Navigation,' Captain Thorp. Have a small cabin, 
crowded with passengers, many crying children ; 
no rest day or night. 

"May 22. A very fair wind, brisk before night. 
Most all sick, but able to sit up and wait on them- 
selves. Men not much sick ; they tarried on deck. 

"Jfay 23. Vessel rocks very much ; lay by for 



the night, which is a great comfort, to be still and 
wear away sickness. 

•'May 24 (Sabbath). All fell better; pleasant 
on deck. Got to Detroit about sunset; put up 
for the night ; went on shore. 

"May 25. We are now in the Detroit river, in 
the course of the day got into Lake St. Clair. 
This spring the channel has been staked out; not 
finding the stakes, and fearing they would get 
out of the channel, lay by before sunset. 

"May 2T. Lay by, wind contrary. Sewed a 
little on a pair of pantaloons. 

"May 28. Went to move on; got stuck in a 
sand bank; took till afternoon to get off; went 
a little way, ran on again; got oft' about sunset 
and put by ; dangerous going in the night. 

"May 29. Went on a good jog through the 
River St. Clair. Wind not strong enough to go 
through the rapids ; have to lie by ; men went on 
shore and got some bread, milk and fi.sh; provi- 
sions very high. Li the night a vessel struck 
ours. 

"May 30. Wind fair through the day, but not 
strong enough to go on; had to lie by; very dis- 
couraging. 

"May 31 (Sabbath). Set out to go up the 
i-a])ids; after we got on the lake, went at a good 
jog; go about six miles an hour. 

"June 1. All remain sick; no cooking or eating. 

"June 3. We enter the Straits of Michigan. 
At evening we struck either a sandbank or a rock, 
but slid oif immediately; anchored for the night. 

"June 4. Morning foggy and but little wind ; 
went on Big Beaver island : the girls went after 
boxberries in a boat ; men got some cowslips for 
greens. 

"June G. Mrs. Newman sick with St. An- 
thony's fire. 

"June 7. Afternoon, landed at Chicago, went 
to the Steamboat Hotel ; very much crowded with 
passengers; sought another lodging; hired a wagon 
to carry us a mile, for which we paid a dollar. 
Slept under a roof where there were four beds, 
in which we all slept, fourteen in number. 

"June 8. Our boxes on shore, Mr. Pratt tarried 
all night at the storage house. Walked out after 
tea to see the place; a very hot night; disturbed 
by the dogs. Austin looking out for a team to 
carry us on to Princeton. 

"June 10. Austin bought a horse, gave $80. 
to put in his wagon to go on to Princeton ; hired 
a man to go on with a team to carry the family ; 
went about eighteen miles; started at 10. fore- 
noon, got across the wet prairie, took tea at Widow 
Barry's. 

"June 11. Put up for the night in a miserable 
log hut. Raymond and William slept on a bag 
of wool ; .\ustin, the driver and Jlr. Pratt slept 
on chairs; TiOuisa and myself on the floor. 'J''here 
were so many men going on to Chicago there was 
no getting lodgings. The public land is coming 
into market. 



PAST AND IM;KSENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



31 



"June 13. Eainy; had a very muddy road; ate 
no breakfast; stopt at Holdennau's Grove and took 
the first good cup of coffee I liave had for a month. 
Eode to a neat, comfortable looking house, with a 
dooryard, and put up for the night. 

■'June 13. Eode fifteen miles before we came 
to a house to put up for the night; crossed the 
Little Vermilion, a bad stream; water so high it 
wet our feet. Put up at a poor log hut. 

"June 1-1 (Sabbath). Eode twenty miles to 
Princeton; found all well; tarried at Cyrus" over 
night." 



MICHAEL KUrTEEMAN. 
The experiences and personality of Michael Kit- 
terman are both interesting and unique. He was 
born in Franklin county, Virginia, in the year 
1800. When a young man he came to Indiana, 
where he married Miss Lydia .Clark, a native oi." 
Kentucky. In 1828 he made a trip through the 
west, and was so well pleased with this part of 
the country that he made arrangements to make 
it his permanent home. Accordingly, in 1831, 
he, on horseback, with four dollars for expenses, 
started for Illinois. He left his wife and two 
children at home, while he came to Bureau county, 
took up a claim and, by odd jobs during the sum- 
mer, built a small cabin, and in the fall returned 
for his family. The writer of this book was pres- 
ent at the old settlers' meeting in 1877 and heard 
Uncle Mike, as he was familiarly called, tell the 
story of his coming in his own brisk way. Bradsby 
gave the same account in his history of 1885, but 
we believe it will bear repeating, as a new gen- 
eration is now upon the stage of action. He says : 
"I came to this county in 1828 and looked around 
and thought the country would suit me pretty 
well. In 1831, about the 18th of March, I left 
Indiana and thought I would come out to this 
country. I came on down here to the Mackinaw. 
It was high : I couldn't get across. I didn't know 
what to do. I did not like to lay by. A man told 
me if I would go up to the narrows I could cro^s 
by swimming my horse. I went there and found 
it so. A man there showed me over the river 
and said: 'You can't go through today.' I had 
faith I could. I had a good horse, and mountc^d 
and started on a wagon track, and traveled until 
it was dusk, and then I got ditwn and sat on my 
saddle and held my mare by the bridle all night. 
It commenced getting cold, and snowed a little; 
not enough, liowever, to cover the wagcm track. 
In the morning I put my saddle on my mare and 
started. At 4 o'clock that day I struck the rapids 
above La Salle. I stopped at a house near by. 
Everyone kept tavern then. They got me some- 
thing to eat. Next day I came down to Hen- 
nepin. There was no way of crossing the river. 
I hired Jim Willis for half a dollar to fcriT uu' 
over to the Hall settlenu'iit. I hired out to old 



John Hall for six months at nine dollars a month. 
Every Sunday I would get a chain and axe of him, 
and I hauled up two or three logs each day and 
built me a cabin. Then I went back for a woman, 
and when I got her and came back there was a 
man living in my cabin. This was on section 
16. I had not a dollar in the world. I drove 
down to where I now live and have lived there 
ever since. I cut a log about four feet long and 
put some coals on it and burned a mortar ; perhaps 
I was a week doing it, of nights. I got my mortar 
dug out and got me a pestle, and every night I 
pounded meal enough to do me next day. I never 
enjoyed myself as much as I did then. When the 
mills were built I went up to Fox river to get a 
grist. When I wanted salt I had to go to Chi- 
cago. It would take eight days to go up and eight 
days to come back. I took my food along. When 
I was there once I wanted some whisky. I went 
all over Chicago for it. I could get whisky, but 
nothing to put it in. Well, I went into a saloon 
and the keeper said : 'I have got a five-gallon 
jug.' 'Well, what will you fill it for?' Says he: 
'I'll put in five gallons and give you the jug for 
a dollar.' I took it. I lived under the wagon 
coming back and had all the whisky I wanted to 
drink. I believe I have split enough rails at fifty 
cents a hundred to fence in a township. I have 
split five hundred rails a day at eight dollars a 
month." Mr. Kitternian was a man of native abil- 
ity and of great energy. He came here in the 
prime of his manhood and lived and died upon 
the land he entered. He passed through all the 
varied scenes and trials incident to frontier life. 
He knew what poverty and destitution meant; 
what struggling for an existence in the twilight 
of civilization meant; all these experiences had 
been his. Yet his brave heart never faltered, his 
strong arm was never lowered, but with heroic 
courage he fought on until at last the victory was 
his and he found himself surrounded with all 
that heart could wish — a fine home, broad acres, 
his stock, as it were, on a "thousand hills." This 
was his condition when, in 1885, at the age of 
85, he was touched by the angel of death and he 
slept. 



JOSEPH SMITH. 

One of the noted characters in the early settle- 
ment of this county was Joseph Smith, but who 
was best known as "Dad Joe." Dad Joe was 
born in Bourbon county, Kentucky, in 1786. In 
the early part of the last century he, with his wife 
and three children, Elizabeth, Nicholas and Jo- 
seph, left their home in Kentucky and started for 
Tllinois. They joui-ueyed slowly, but persistently, 
toward their future hoiui'. At Lockwoods Mills, 
Wayne county, Indiana, in 1823, Iheii' fourth 
cliild, Catherine, wiis horn, 'i'liis daughter in 
ISI.'i married Eobci't Coullri' iiml sclilrd ujion a 



32 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



farm about seven miles north of Priiicetou, where 
she lived until her death, which occurred on May 
5, 1903. Dad Joe arrived with his family at 
Peoria in the fall of 1823. Mr. Smith first built 
a cabin on this side of the river, but afterward 
changed claims with a neighbor and wont on the 
other side, where it is said that he had nightly 
music from the wild beasts that hovered around 
his cabin. He made his home, while building his 
cabin, with a Frenclmian Mho was a govermnent 
interpreter and whose wife was si half-breed Pot- 
tawattomie. This family was wealthy, for those 
days, and indulged in many luxuries in the way 
of "line jewelry and silk clothing. It was here that 
Smith first received the sobriquet of '"Dad Joe."' 
The Frenclmian, coming home one day, heard little 
Catherine, who was just beginning to talk, call 
her father "Dady Joe, Dady Joe." This pleased 
the Frenchman, who laughed heartily, and, slap- 
ping his hands together, he said: "Dady Joe, 
Mammy Joe, Little Dady Joe," and "Dady Joe" 
he always called Mr. Smith from that time. The 
settlers soon shortened it to "Dad Joe." The 
climate not agreeing with the family they de- 
cided to leave the river bottoms. Accordingly in 
182G they moved to Galena, which place they 
reached soon after the "Red Bird" troubles. Be- 
tween twenty and thirty chiefs were imprisoned 
at that time in the fort at Prairie-du-Chie;i. It 
was a time of great danger, as the Indians were 
not in an amicable mood, but, on the contrary, 
were anything but friendly. Dad Joe built a 
cabin and surrounded it with log fortilications, 
so as to make it as safe as possible while he was 
away working in the mines. Nicholas, the oldest 
son, who had inlierited some of the grit and pluck 
of his father, was working for a man who lived 
on an Indian reservation. One day while he was 
there seven big, burly Sioux came to the cabin and 
ordered a dinner of warm biscuits, of which the 
Indians were extremely fond. Without delay they 
wen; siipplieil with a liberal amount, which they 
quickly swallowed in enormous quantities, and 
after this gluttonous meal they ordered the host 
to bring water, which he did. The loader took the 
pail of water and threw it upon the ground and 
then ordered more, which was brought, with the 
same result. He then handed it to Nicholas, with 
a demand that he also sliould bring water. Nich- 
olas took the pail and deliberately dashed it at the 
Indian's feet. This act of defiance pleased some 
of the Indians and they roared with laughter, but 
the one who gave the order became enraged and 
sternly addressed the white men as follows : "You 
are on Chimoka man's land, but if you are not 
off by this time tomorrow we'll kill" you." He 
then turned away and thoy all liled out of the 
cabin. One of those who laughed at Nicholas said 
to him as they passed out : "You live in Peoria ; 
get out as quick as you can." But they remained, 
and were not molested. After spending the winter 
at Galena, at that time entirely surrounded by 



hostile tribes that were growing bolder and more 
aggressive. Smith again packed his little all and 
struck the trail direct for Rock Island, where the 
United States troops were located at Fort Arm- 
strong. This was in 1827, before the first white 
settler ever set toot in Bureau county. It seems 
almost lilce a fable or the creation of some erratic 
brain to chronicle such scenes as these when we 
realize that this whole country has been brought 
from barbaric darkness into the sunlight of mod- 
ern civilization, and that within the space of one 
man's lifetime. 

Black Hawk's beautiful village of Sankenuk was 
still in its glory when the Smiths arrived at Rock 
Island. The peaceful flow of the Father of Waters 
still charmed and delighted them ; the great, track- 
less forests were still their hunting grounds; the 
squaws tended the maize fields and the young 
braves pursued the chase and drew the finny tribe 
from beneath the jjlacid waters of the great river. 
Here they lived; here they were happy. On his 
arrival Smith bought a fine timber claim of Gard- 
ner & Carver, about one mile southeast of Black 
Hawk's village and about four miles up the river 
from Black Hawk's watch tower. They lived in 
one of the Indian wigwams until the new cabin 
was built. Young Nicholas made friends with the 
Indians and entered into their sports. He was 
an expert wrestler and fleet runner. He was more 
than a match for the young braves, generally com- 
ing out ahead in their races. Gardner and Mc- 
Carver nuulo their home with the Smith family 
and told the Indians they were relatives, and had 
it not been for them it is probable that the Smiths 
would not have been troubled by their dusky 
neighboi's. Those two men had sold whisky to the 
Indians, and they thought they had otherwise 
been dishonest with them. One day while "Dad 
Joe" was away from home eight big Indians came 
to the door and had trouble with Gardner, while 
about sixty more were lounging in the grass. 
Gardner and McCarver's whisky barrels still stood 
in the yard, and the Indians helped themselves, 
using Mrs. Smith's baking tins to distribute it, 
and while they were so doing they left the taps 
out of the barrels and the whisky was soon on the 
ground. The whisky excited the braves to such 
an extent that they jumped to their feet and com- 
menced a war dance. At this time Mrs. Smith, 
becoming alarmed at the threatening appearance 
of the savages, took her little baby in her arms 
and started for the spring, Nicholas following 
with a horse [listol. His mother said to him: "Do 
not shoot, no matter what happens, for if you 
do we shall all be killed.'' Two Indians seized 
Nicholas, and before he could rid himself of them 
another caught his mother, who by this time had 
reached the stake and rider fence. At this turn 
of affairs young Joseph Smith, who had mounted 
a pony to ride out to notify the hands in the field, 
wheeled his pony about and rode at full speed 
against his mother's assailant, thereby warding off 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



33 



the blow of the tomahawk raised above her head. 
The Indian, thus bailled,, again seized hold of Mrs. 
Smith and again raised his tomahawk to strike 
the deadly blow, when he was brushed away by the 
nervy Joe and his pony the second time. Thus 
the struggle went on, until Nicholas, having dis- 
posed of his assailants, came to the rescue, when 
the Indian loosed his hold and fled. Nicholas then 
took the family down the river, where lie hid them 
in a cave in the blufl' overlooking the river, then 
went back where he could keep watch of the situ- 
ation. Some of the Kickapoos being in that 
vicinity and hearing of the trouble came to the 
assistance of Nicholas, and they took the family 
down the river to their village. The Indians put 
the women and children on a pony and led it 
down the river in the edge of the stream, so they 
could not be tracked. Mrs. Smith received a se- 
vere cut on the side of the face, but otherwise was 
not injured. The Kickapoos took Mrs. Smith to 
their council tent, placed her upon a large mat and 
put the baby in her lap and placed little Catherine 
(the late Mrs. Coulter) beside her, when the 
squaws carefully cared for her wound by washing 
and cleansing it. then brought them some deli- 
cacies to eat, such as honey and wild grapes. The 
Kickapoo braves took their guns and went back 
to where Nicholas was waiting for his father's 
return. About dark the Indians, putting their 
ears to the ground, announced that he was com- 
ing, for they could hear the footfall of a moccasin 
horse. AVhen Mr. Smith was informed of the 
condition of things he went immediately to the 
Kickapoo camp and took his wife and children 
back to their own home. The Kickapoos went 
along so as to protect them. Smith demanded of 
Black Hawk that the one who tomahawked his 
wife should be punished, and if it was not done 
he would see to it himself. Keokuk, the second 
in command under Black Hawk, came to Smith's 
cabin with thirty warriors for Mrs. Smith's in- 
spection, but the oft'ender was not among them. 
Finally Black Hawk came in person with thirteen 
of his braves, all decorated with paint and 
feathers, ready to start on the war path for some 
of the small tribes in the north. He notified Mr. 
Smith he had come to tell him that the man who 
tomahawked Mrs. Smith did not belong to his 
tribe, but left at once after committing the of- 
fense. Becoming tired of the continual apprehen- 
sion for the safety of his family, he in the fall 
of 1838 moved to the Reed settlement, about 
fifteen miles this side of Peoria. After arriving 
there he received word from Oje, the Frenchman 
whom he lived with when he first arrived in Peoria, 
to come to Dixon, where Oje then lived. The 
Smiths again packed their small belongings and 
started for Oje ferry, what is now Dixon. This 
was in the fall, the weather was cold and chilly. 
Mrs. Smith was in delicate health. The Green 
river country at that time was almost one ex- 
panse of mud and marsli, and the traveling was 



disheartening. When they arrived at the river 
there was no way of getting across. Smith made 
a raft, put his wife's bed upon it, floated her and 
the children across and then returned for his 
wagon. The horses swam over. 

The old Galena road, running from Peoria 
through Dixon to Galena, had just been opened. 
On this road there were but three families at that 
time. John Dixon's, at Boyd's Grove ; Thomas, at 
West Bureau, and the Ament brothers, at Red 
Oak Grove. These families located there during 
that summer. After a long and lonely journey 
the Smiths arrived at the Oje ferry, where they 
found the Frenchman located. "Dad Joe" did not 
take kindly to the prospect, and in the morning 
started back to Red Oak Grove, where the Ament 
brothers were located. The Aments gave the 
Smiths a part of their claims and they at once 
went to work building a cabin, which they com- 
pleted before the winter set in. Mrs. Smith was 
the only woman in all that north country for miles 
around, so the travelers soon learned that they 
could get refreshments cooked by a woman if they 
went by "Dad Joe's'' house. This soon led to a 
change in the old road. Instead of going by 
Ament's it went by Smith's. The grove still bears 
the name of this worthy pioneer. At this place 
"Dad Joe'' built a three-story cabin, and here the 
weary traveler of those primitive days found rest 
and refreshments. They were fed on wild turkey, 
prairie chicken, quail and the choicest venison, 
fresh from the storehouse of nature. This, with 
plenty of milk and butter and wild fruit, made up 
a bill of fare that would make the most fastidious 
epicurean's mouth water. Here the second school 
of what is now Bureau county was taught, in a 
room in the Smith cabin. The teacher was Moses 
Thompson. When the weather was bad the chil- 
dren stayed all night. Here in this primitive way 
in those trying days lived this big-hearted, honest 
old "Dad Joe." Now the scene is changed. The 
wild turkey, the fleet-footed deer, the skulking 
wolf and the sly fox have all passed away. The 
cabin has been obliterated and become a part of 
mother earth. The travelers have gone to their 
long home and the host and hostess are in their 
last resting place in the quiet city of the dead. 
But the memory of those perilous times lives and 
grows richer as time passes on. 
"You mav break, you may shatter the vase if you 

will, 
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still." 

While living at the grove they were not free 
from the constant menace of the Indians. In 
1829 the family fled to the fort, and again in 1830 
and 1831. The Black Hawk war came upon the 
Smiths without any warning, but when things 
began to look strained young Nicholas rode to 
Dixon to interview some friendly Indians camped 
there. AMien he reached the camp he found a 
large bodj' of strange Indians present. The friend- 
ly chief told him to stay all night and he would 



34 



PAST AND PKKSEXT OF BL'REAU COUNTY. 



have a talk with him in tlie luoniiug, but he must 
not lie seen talking with him that night. The 
next morning he secretly told him he thought that 
he and his fatlier's family were in Peoria, saying 
also "that every family between here and Peoria 
are gone." Nicholas mounted his horse, and as 
he left the old chief told him to look out for the 
tall grass. On arriving at home he took his mother 
and small children in a wagon and started for 
Galena, where he arrived in safety. "Dad Joe" 
and his son Joseph stayed at home and joined 
Stillman's army. One of the daring feats of the 
Black Hawk war was performed by young "Dad 
Joe." Governor Reynolds being at Dixon, it be- 
came necessary to get an important dispatch 
through to Fort Will)er, on the Illinois river, 
opposite Peru. He called for volunteers. "Dad 
Joe" said, "Here is a boy that will go," pointing 
to his son Joseph, who was about fifteen years 
old. Accordingly the dispatch was concealed in 
his clothing and he mounted the favorite horse, 
"Old Pat," and started. It was a long and peril- 
ous journey, beset by savages, who were lurking 
in the ravines and tall grass along his route, but 
on he went, and carried his message and returned 
in safety and received great praise from the com- 
mander of the fort and also from Governor Rey- 
nolds. 

After the war closed the Smiths returned to 
their home at the grove, where Mrs. Smith, whose 
maiden name was Katharine Kipplinger, died in 
]83-j, and soon after this "Dad Joe" traded his 
farm at the grove to a Mr. Klston for the farm 
that is now known as the Colonel Thompson place, 
which is located on the Dixon road, about a mile 
north of the covered bridge. Here he lived until 
his death, in 1852, in his sixty-seventh j'ear. We 
are indebted for much of this account to Miss 
Georgie Beede, who visited Mrs. Catherine Coulter 
shortly before her death (Mrs. Coulter being the 
daughter who is known as little Catherine in this 
sketch), and obtained these facts, and they were 
published in the Bureau County Record a few 
years ago. The articles were so well written that 
wo have given in many places Miss Beede's exact 
language. 



MURDER OF BUNN. 

In the summer of 183T the body of a murdered 
man was found near Lost Grove, now .Vrlington. 
Beside the boily was found a Bible. On the first 
blank leaf of the book was found written in a 
beautiful hand this well-known poem: 
"Holy Bible, book divine! 
Precious treasure, thou art mine." 
At the close of the poem was written the name 
of Frederick Hunii. ()?i the upposite side of the 
leaf was written : 

FRKDEHICK BUNN, 

Ifingstead, 1831. 

The gift of his friend, Mrs. Gardner. 



'I'he body of the murdered man was nude, and 
near by was found a suit of old and soiled cloth- 
ing. From the general appearance of the body 
it was evident that he was unused to manual labor, 
and from the circumstances surrounding the find- 
ing of the body it was believed that the murderer 
substituted the dead man's clothes for his own 
and the bundle of clothes found belonged to the 
perpetrator of the deed. The body was found by 
Rev. Rufus Lumary. An inquest was held and the 
bodv buried, as told in the reminiscences of M. B. 
Garlen. In presenting the book to the library Mr. 
Swanzy added this raemorandiun : "This book 
was in the possession of D. G. Salisbury, J. P., 
until his death, in 1860, and I wrote the mem- 
orandum on the flyleaf at that time. The Lumary 
mentioned was the Rev. Rufus Lumary spoken of 
in "West and Northwest," page 119, by Beggs, 
])ub!ished 1868. Thus it will be seen that the 
library association is indebted to Andrew Swanzy 
for this valuable relic of pioneer days. So it seems 
that this man Bunn met this tragic death on the 
lonely prairie, surrounded by God's primeval cre- 
ations, with no eye to pity and no hand to save, 
while somewhere in this broad land friends were 
anxiously waiting and watching for the form that 
never returned, feeling the full import of that 
beautiful saying of Tennyson: 

"But Oh for the touch of a vanished hand 
Ajid the sound of a voice that is still." 



AVEST BUREAU SETTLEMENT. 
The first settlers on West Bureau came from 
Urbana, Champaign count}-, Ohio. Henry Thom- 
as, being the first, settled here in 1828. As has 
been noted he was the first settler in the county. 
Following him was Ezekiel Thomas, in 1829 ; John 
Phillips and Eli Frankenberger came in 1833; C. 
C. Corso in 1834. In 1837 William Franken- 
berger, Mo.ses and Trader Thompson and Nicholas 
Smith made claims. In 1838 Rev. Simon Lemon 
joined the settlement, and in 1840 Mr. Jeremiah 
Mathis and son, Eli R., arrived. Later came Ed- 
ward Mercer, Sr., and Edward, Jr. The senior 
Mercer was a doctor and also a preacher of the 
Protestant Methodist church. They also came 
from Ohio. William Carter, Solomon Sapp and 
his brother, I'phraim, came from Delaware in 
1836. Still later came Samuel Fay, Flavel Thurs- 
ton, Jackamier and Allen. In 1833 John Phil- 
lips, with wife and two children, arrived, as he 
said, at "the beautiful land of sunshine," where, 
he had been told, "money grew on bushes." This 
in a way proved true, for, arriving too late to pre- 
pare a winter's supply of food for them, his cows, 
oxen and sheep were fed on boughs of trees and 
bushes, whii'h he cut for them. They moved into 
a squatter's small cabin on the east edge of Bureau 
timber on what was known for many /ears as 
the Flavel Thurston place. This little cabin had 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



35 



liut one small window ami no dour, iu lieu of 
which the mother used a thick quilt during the 
winter and next summer. Here iu this cabin, on 
September 2d. 1834, another daughter was born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Phillips, and is said to be the 
second white child boru within the present limits 
of Bureau county. This daughter is the widow of 
the late Eli Mathis, of Princeton, and the mother 
of Mrs. Andus Best. She is still living, and en- 
ters into all the activities of life, and to her the 
writer is indebted for most of the information in 
regard to this early setlement. This cabin was 
located on the Indian trail leading from the Mis- 
sissippi river to Chicago, and here Shabbona and 
his tribe frequently passed back and forth, often 
stopping to cook their game and bake their johnny 
cake by Mrs. Phillips" lireplace. Mrs. Philliiss and 
the children were alone much of the time, as Mr. 
Phillips, in the summer of 1834, went to Galena 
to work in the lead mines to obtain money to enter 
some land near his cabin. Mrs. Phillips' little 
boy, James, had one gray and one brown eye. This 
attracted the Indians" attention, and they on sev- 
eral occasions tried to traile a girl pappoose for 
him. They would not trade a boy, for he would 
make a warrior. They made so much of little 
, James that the mother spent an anxious summer, 
fearing they might kidnap him. 

During this summer Cornelius Corss built a 
sawmill and sawed lumber, from which boards 
were obtained to make doors and floors of a new 
cabin. The clapboards were split out with a frow 
and the chimney was built of sticks and clay 
mortar. In these early days the boys were busy 
at farm work and the girls were carding, spinning 
and weaving. All of the cloth was made at home 
for the whole fauiily. Mrs. Mathis informs us 
that she well remembers her iirst calico dress. Her 
father hauled wheat to Chicago and sold it for 
"2-5 cents per bushel and paid 25 cents a yard for 
the calico. In 1840 Mrs. John R. Sapp (nee 
Carrie Mercer) taught school in the neighbor- 
hood. John M. Zearshaw built the first frame 
house in West Bureau settlement and Mr. Mathis 
the second. In 1841 the first frame school house 
in the neighborhood \\as built. The first teacher 
in the frame school house was the late Anthony 
Sawyer, then Trader Thomas. J. Stubbs, Melvin 
J. Keith, and later, in 1849-1850. Hon. L. D. 
Whiting taught the school. He lived in a log 
cabin west of Wvanet. 



CHAPTER V. 
BLACK HAWK WAR. 
The many tales and reminiscences of the Black 
Hawk war are familiar to every household in Il- 
linois. No period of our existence as a state has 
had so much real and imaginary history written 
as that from 1830 to 1833, and probably no other 
period has had so many exaggerated accounts writ- 



ten for the general reader as this. In our research 
for this article we have consulted a large number 
of works bearing upon this subject, written by 
men whose ability and integrity should not be 
questioned. Yet when you sum up all tire facts 
and incidents of this short and decisive struggle 
you will, if of a reflective turn of mind, wonder 
why it was necessary to call out eight thousand 
volunteers to assist fifteen hundred regular troops 
to drive from our state about four hundred poorly 
equipped and scantily" fed Indians who were also 
incumbered by being obliged to looK after the 
comfort and safety of about one thousand squaws 
and pappooses. Yet such seems to be the fact, 
and iu this short campaign of a little over three 
months millions of dollars were spent and more 
than one thousand lives sacrificed. Probably the 
real cause of the war grew out of the fact that the 
white man, especially the early pioneers, despised 
the Indian and said "he must go." They also 
said that "all good Indians were dead Indians." 
The prime cause, however, grew out of the inter- 
pretation of the treaty of 1804 between the gen- 
eral government and the Sac and Fox Indians, 
who were at that time living in tlie northwestern 
corner of the state, their territory coming down 
as far south as Rock river. The government 
agreed to pay these two confederated tribes the 
sum of one thousand dollars annually, and for this 
annuity the Indians ceded to the govermnent all 
the territory lying between the Wisconsin river, 
the Fox river, the Illinois river and the Missis- 
sippi and about one-third of the state of Mis- 
souri. This tract of land contained about 
50,000,000 acres. The treaty, however, contained 
a clause that as long as these lands remained in 
the hands of the United States the '"Indians be- 
longing to said tribes should have the privilege of 
living and hunting upon them."" It undoubtedly 
was the vague and mystifying wording of this 
treaty — whether intentional or otherwise we cannot 
say — that was made a pretext for the war. The 
conditions at this time were about as follows: 
Near Pock Island, a few miles above the mouth 
of Rock river, was located the chief dwelling place 
of the Sacs. This tribe for a long series of years 
had undisputed possession of the eastern side 
of the Mississippi river between the mouths 
of the Wisconsin and the Missouri. Their 
village near Rock Island was their metrop- 
olis, ajid was named Sankenuk. It contained 
about five hundred families. Here they had 
lived for generations, here their children were 
born and here lay the bones of their fathers. Here 
also were their cultivated fields. The Sacs seemed 
to be divided into two factions. One of these was 
friendly to the Americans, tlie other to the British. 
The latter were under the leadership of Maka- 
baimeshekiakiak, which signifies Black Sparrow 
Hawk, but commonly called Black Hawk. Black 
Hawk was now an old )nan, and had been a war- 
rior from bis youth. He bad led many a war 



36 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUEEAU COUNTY. 



party and vanquished many a foe and had never 
been defeated. He had served with the English 
during the war of 1812 and had fought under 
the great Tccumseh. He was noted for his per- 
sonal courage and also for his kindness to his 
subdued enemies, but he always contended that 
the so-called treaties were not valid, as they had 
been signed by a few drunken braves who had no 
authority to negotiate with the government. Black 
Hawk, although brave and aggressive, did not 
possess those higher qualities that are essential in 
a commander. While he was kind and affection- 
ate to his family and kindred, he was, in his per- 
sonal de])ortment, grave and melanchol)', and was 
disposed to brood over the supposed wrongs which 
he had received from the Americans. This, 
coupled with the thoughts that his tribe would 
soon be extinct, and the land of his youth, the 
home of his fathers, with its fertile fields, its sil- 
very lakes and llowing rivers, were soon to pass 
into the liands of his hated enemy, made liini sour 
and morose, and in his heart he thirsted for re- 
venge. 'J'he land occupied by the Sacs became 
noted as being very fertile, and soon after Il- 
linois was admitted as a state a class of people 
called squatters were always pressing toward the 
frontier. These squatters settled on unsurveyed 
land, and were many times fifty miles ahead of 
the real settlements, and in this way much of the 
land previously cultivated by the Indians was 
squatted upon without a shadow of right or title. 
The Indians used to go on their annual hunts and 
leave the squaws to look after putting in the crops. 
The whites, knowing the habits of the Indians, 
took advantage of their absence and appropriated 
these lands to their own use. They even went so 
far as to drive away the squaws and fence up the 
land, so that when the braves returned the white 
man was in possession of their iields. There was 
constant trouble upon the frontier. Complaints, 
disputes and actual collisions occurred between 
the Indians and the trespassing whites, until 1828, 
when (ioviTunr Edwards demanded the expulsion 
of the Indians, and as a result of his ell'orts Pres- 
ident Jackson ordered their removal aci'oss the 
Mississippi in 182!), but by a personal appeal from 
Colonel George Davenport, of Kock Island, the 
time was extended to April 1, 1830. In 1829 
Colonel Davenport and some of his friends pur- 
chased from the general government the site of 
this beautiful village of Sankeniik and nearly all 
of the lands cultivated by the Sacs. Their ob- 
ject in so doing was to permit the Indians to 
remain there undisturbed. Black Hawk, not 
understanding the motive of Colonel Davenport, 
became greatly enraged at him. Learning this 
fact Colonel Davenport offered, with the consent 
of the government, to exchange these lands for 
others or to cancel the sale and let the Indians 
remain in possession. Keokuk, with some of his 
followers, made a journey to Washington to 
efTcct a change, in compliance with Colonel Dav- 



enport's offer. But President Jackson would not 
consent to the arrangement, and notified the 
Indians that all of the lands embodied in the treaty 
of 1804 must be surrendered and they must remove 
to the west side of the Mississippi, as he had pre- 
viously ordered. It seems that Keokuk, as well 
as the United States Indian agent at Fort Arm- 
strong, advised peaceable compliance with the or- 
der. But Black Hawk, sore and dejected, after 
consulting with White Cloud, the prophet, and 
the British agent on the Canadian frontier, re- 
fused to go. When the Sacs returned from the 
annual hunt in the spring of 1830 they found that 
the settlers had practically taken possession of 
their fields and nearly destroyed their beautiful 
Sankenuk and had even disturbed the graves of 
their ancestors with the implements of civiliza- 
tion. The white settlers at this time numbered 
about forty, and, becoming frightened at the at- 
titude of Black Hawk, petitioned Governor IJey- 
nolds for protection. Accordingly, on May 2i; the 
governor issued a call for troops. General Ed- 
mund P. Gaines was in command of the military 
district at that time and ordered six companies 
of regular troops to Rock Island to assist the seven 
hundred militia that had been called for by Gov- 
ernor Reynolds. The militia assembled at Beards- 
town early in June, but instead of seven hundred 
there were nearly double the number. General 
Gaines, hearing that the Winnebagos, Pottawato- 
iiiies and Kickapoos were going to join Black 
Hawk, asked the governor to send him a battalion 
of mounted men. The combined forces of the 
army, numbering about twenty-five hundred, ap- 
peared liofore the village of Sankenuk on the morn- 
ing of June 2."i, 1831. JMack Hawk, having only 
about three hundred warriors with him, at once 
saw that the odds were too great and that he could 
not hope to cope successfully with so formidable a 
foe. Realizing this, and night coming on, he 
quietly withdrew his forces and successfully re- 
tired to the west side of the river, about ten or 
twelve miles below. On the following morning 
General Gaines, discovering that the Indians had 
crossed tu the Iowa side of the river, ordered the 
village burned, and then marched the troops to 
where Rock Island now stands. Being somewhat 
chagrined o\-er the fact of Black Hawk's escape 
in the darlaiess, he declared that he would over- 
take and disperse the whole tribe. Black Hawk, 
hearing of his intentions, and knowing the fate 
of his followers if they were ]nirsued, returned to 
General Gaines' head(|uarters, where, on June 
30, a treaty was signed, in which he agreed that 
neither he nor his tribe would ever return to the 
east side of the river unless they had permission 
from the United States government. This treaty 
was never ratified by Congress. And so ended the 
first campaign of the Black Hawk war, the cam- 
paign of 1831, without either powder or blood 
being sacrificed. Black Hawk, feeling his humil- 
iation, and realizing that he had forever lost the 




OLD LEEPEKTOWN MILL. 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



39 



fertile fields that surrounded his beautiful village 
of Sankenuk, and also knowing that his tribe must 
suffer for the necessary food to carry them through 
the coming winter, again became restless and dis- 
satisfied. Neopope. second in command under 
Black Hawk, shared these same feelings with his 
leader. Accordingly he again visited the "British 
father" at Maiden, on the Canadian frontier, also 
the Winnebagos and Pottawatomies, and brought 
back word that they were all in sympathy with 
this transplanted tribe. Eelying upon them for 
support, and following the advice of White Cloud, 
the prophet. Black Hawk resolved to again go 
back to the land of his fathers, and, if permitted 
by the government, to again cultivate the fields 
where his youth ^nd young manliood had been 
spent, and if refused that privilege to move on to 
the Winnebago country and join with them in 
raising a crop. This was a direct violation of the 
treaty, but Black Hawk claimed the treaty hail 
l)ecome void by the failure of the government to 
properly pi'ovide supplies for the Indian fam- 
ilies. Be that as it may, he, with his warriors, 
their wives, children and all of their belongings, 
on the sixth day of April. 1832, crossed the Mis- 
sissippi back into Illinois. 

They started on the warpath at Keokuk, ren- 
dezvoused at Fort Madison, crossed the river a 
few miles north of that city, taking their ponies 
over on what was known as "floats."' These floats 
were made hj lashing three canoes together and 
covering them with poles, which in turn were 
covered with boughs and leaves to a thickness 
sufficient to make a platform strong enough to 
carry as many ponies as could be made to stand 
upon it. After crossing the Mississippi they trav- 
eled up Eock river into Wisconsin, doing but little 
damage to the settlers. 

At this time, according to the most reliable his- 
tory, there were but a few settlers in northern 
Illinois ; in fact, it was almost an uninhabited wil- 
derness. ''Some thirty families had settled along 
Bureau creek, and a few cabins had been built at 
Peru, La Salle, Ottawa, Holdman's Grove and 
Indian creek, besides the towns of Chicago and 
Galena."' The Indian trails at this time were 
without number, crossing and recrossing the coun- 
try in all directions, but the leading ones were 
from Chicago to Galena and from Galena to 
Peoria, but there was but one wagon road north 
of the Illinois river, and that was the road spoken 
of in another part of this volume as extending 
from Peoria to Galena. On this road a daily stage 
coach run, carrying passengers and mail to the 
lead mines of the north. There were relay sta- 
tions at Kellogg's Grove, Apple river, John Dix- 
on"s, at Dixon"s ferry, on Eock river; "Dad Joe" 
Grove, Henry Tliomas", on West Bureau, and 
Charles S. Boyd"s, at Boyd"s Grove. The great 
Sac trail connected Rock Island with the country 
along the south end of Lake Michigan, and from 
there it passed on to Maiden, on the Canadian 



frontier, for there was where Black Hawk got 
his inspiration from the "British father" to war 
with the whites. After the treaty of 1831 had 
been signed, Black Hawk, wishing to wreak his 
vengeance upon some one, fell upon a small band 
of the- Menominees. who were encamped on a 
small stream near Prairie-du-Chien, and nearly 
anniliilated them. General Joseph M. Street, the 
Indian .agent, demanded the surrender of the 
murderers. This demand Black Hawk refused 
to obey, contending that this bloody massacre was 
ju.stiliable. The "overnment being informed of 
this outrage and of Black Hawk"s refusal to sur- 
render the perpetrators of the crime, sent General 
Henry Atkinson to Fort Armstrong with a coni- 
]5any of regular troops to enforce their surrender. 
But Black Hawk, with his usual alacrity, crossed 
the river seven days liefore General Atkinson had 
any knowledge of his intentions. The fact of the 
Indians having crossed back into Illinois becom- 
ing known created great and widespread excite- 
ment among the settlers. General Atkinson did 
not lack in personal bravery, and was not unduly 
alarmed, but not knowing to what extent other 
tribes would follow the lead of the Sacs, deemed 
it prudent to prepare for- any emergency that 
might follow. Accordingly, he called upon Gov- 
ernor Eeynolds for a force of state militia to as- 
sist the regulars in protecting the frontier. On 
April 16, 1832, the governor called for troops and 
ordered that they should rendezvous at Beards- 
town on April 22. 

The following description of the disposition of 
troops has been taken from what we consider the 
best authority upon this subject, as a great deal 
has been said and even written in regard to this 
war that is wholly without fact or foundation : 
"The volunteers were organized into four regi- 
ments, an odd battalion, a spy battalion and a 
foot battalion, and were placed under the com- 
mand of Brigadier General Samuel AVliiteside. 
These regiments were commanded respectively by 
Colonels John Dewitt. Jacob Fr}-, John Thomas 
and Samuel M. Thompson; the spy battalion by 
Major James D. Henry; the odd battalion by 
Major Thomas James, and the foot battalion by 
Major Thomas Long."' The governor also ordered 
a troop of two hundred mounted men to guard 
the frontier between Eock Island and the Illinois 
river, and placed them under Major David Bailey, 
and the same number to guard the country border- 
ing the Mississippi, and these were commanded by 
Major Josiah Stillman. The entire force called 
out numbered 1935 men and the regulars about 
one thousand. The troops, accompanied by Gov- 
ernor Eeynolds, broke camp at Beardstown on 
.Vpril 27 and nuirched north, arriving at Fort 
.Vrmstrong, wliich is situated on the island of 
Eock Island, on May 7, where they were mus- 
tered into the service of the United States. Here 
they were met by Colonel Zachary Taylor, with 
about three hundred additional troops. One of 



40 



PAST AXD PKESENT OF BUKEAl' COUNTY. 



the lieutenants in liis comiiiaud was Jetlerson 
Davis, a future son-in-law and later president of 
the Southern Confederacy, while Abraham Lin- 
coln was in command of one of the companies of 
the fourth regiment of volunteei-s. Moses, in his 
history of Illinois, says: "A story is related of 
•Old Zach,' as he afterward came to be called, 
that upon ordering an advance movement, in which 
ho did not feel certain of the conduct of the vol- 
unteers, some of whom seemed to hesitate, he rode 
out in front of them and made them a little 
speech. He said : 'Soldiers, the order you have 
just hoard must be pronijitly obeyed. The safety 
of all depends upon the obedience and courage of 
all. You are citizen soldiers, some of you may 
fill high offices or even i)e president some day, but 
not if you refuse to do your duty. Forward, 
inarch !' " It truly was a remarkable circimi- 
slance that away out on the frontier, on the very 
border of civilization, in the golden sunlight of 
that beautiful morning in Hay, that there should 
stand, within the sound of one man's voice, three 
men whose future lives had so much to do with 
the destinies of this great republic. Yot such is 
the recorded fact, for there on the banks of the 
"father of waters," linder the folds of the stars 
and stripes, already having received orders to 
march, stood Zachary Taylor, the hero of Mon- 
terey and the twelfth president of the United 
States; JefTerson Davis, the traitor and future 
president of the so-called Southern Confederacy, 
and .\braham Lincoln, the great euuuicipator and 
martyr president. The army was mobilized into 
two divisions. One, under General Atkinson, as- 
cended Rock river in boats; the other, under Gen- 
eral Whiteside, marched along the eastern bank. 
ft being in the early s])riug time, the streams were 
out of ihoir i)anks, and the ground was soft and 
full of water; so much so that both divisions had 
a bard and fatiguing trip. Their objective point 
was Prophet's village, and Whiteside was the first 
to reach it. To their disap])ointment they found 
it deserted, but regardless of their fatigued con- 
dition the troops pressed forward and reached 
Dixon's ferry on May 12 in a weary and jaded 
condition, being also short of supplies. Here 
they met Majors Stiilman and Bailey, who had 
united their forces and were thirsting for blood, 
at least they thought they were, for they seemed 
to think that no foe, however strong, could long 
stand before them. They had an abundance of 
ammunition and supplies, and refu.sed to become 
a part of the main forte. In view of this fact 
Governor Reynolds orderccl them to advance to 
"0I<1 Man's"" creek, where it was thought they 
would lind some hostile Indians and have a chance 
to lest their bravery and cover themselves with 
glory. Black Hawk's dream of conquest was fast 
fading away, as he had failed to bring the Winne- 
bagos and Pottawatomies under his command, as 
only a few fif these tribes joined liis army. In 
view of this fact, and in accordance with the nat- 



ural tendency of his disposition, he became sus- 
picious and charged them with treachery. While 
in this despondent state he learned that a com- 
pany of mounted troops had encamped a few miles 
away. Supposing them to be a part of General 
Atkinson's anny, when they were only a few- 
rangers under Stillnum, he immediately dispatched 
a few braves to inform General Atkinson that he 
was ready to meet him at his headquarters in 
council. He also sent five other braves to watch 
the result of the deliberations. Wlien Stillman's 
soldiers saw the flag of truce they disregarded all 
rules of warfare and rushed forward, seized the 
jiarty as prisoners and also gave chase to the five 
Indians sent to watch the proceedings, and two 
of them were slain. The Indians who escaped re- 
turned to camp, where Black Hawk was making 
jireparations to go to meet Atkinson under a flag 
of truce. 'UTien he received the news of the treat- 
ment of his men, who were under the protection 
of a white flag, his rage knew no bounds. He tore 
into shreds his own truce flag and called liis 
braves around him and swore them to avenge the 
death of their comrades who had been so wantonly 
butchered. He had with him only about forty 
braves when he started out to meet the white 
troops. The Pottawatomies, his supposed allies, 
refused to go with him and departed for their own 
villages in the north. When the rangers saw him 
coming they made a wild, reckless and undis- 
ciplined charge. Black Hawk ordered his men to 
fall back into ambush and await the advance. 
When the rangers began to realize that they were 
really in the presence of the foe their enthusiasm 
suddenly left and they made a halt. BlacK Hawk, 
taking advantage of their disorderly and uiulecided 
condition, immediately raised his terrifying war- 
whoop, and rushed out to meet the whites, at the 
same time giving them a volley from their rifles, 
which was olTectual in causing the rangers to stam- 
pede in all directions. Any way was the right way 
with them if it led away from the Indians. Noth- 
ing could stop their flight. On through their own 
camp they went, never stopping till they arrived 
at Di.xon's, thirty miles distant, and many of 
them forgot to stop even there, but. remembering 
that tliey had business at home that needed their 
attention, went at breakneck speed until they were 
sheltered under tlwir own roofs, miles away from 
the dark and bloody ground of Sillman's run. 
The frightened rangers si)read the story through 
the country that Black Hawk, with an invincible 
army, was marching dow^n upon the defenseless 
settlers, wreaking wrath and vengeance upon the 
people. Those who had returned to their farms 
again lied to the forts for protection, and dread 
and consternation again reigned among the in- 
habitants. 

Thus ended the military farce of "Old JIan's" 
creek, now called Stillman's run, a small stream 
in Ogle county. The casiuilties of that so-called 
battle were few, eleven whites licing killed and two 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY 



41 



wounded, while the Indians lost but three killed, 
and they were under the supposed protection of a 
white flag at the time. The umnilitary conduct 
of Stillman and his men has caused a great amount 
of discussion pro and con, and the general opinion 
among those best prepared to judge correctly is 
that the men were strongly under the influence 
of liquor and were having a whisky jubilee when 
the three Indians bearing the flag of truce made 
their appearance. The sight of these braves 
kindled their already stimulated patriotism into 
a flame of indiscretion. But tiiov soon found that 
enthusiasm did not necessarily mean courage. A 
few days later General Atkinson, with his entire 
iorce, proceeded np Rock river, leaving what re- 
mained of Stillman's men to guard the wounded, 
who were left at Dixon's ferry, but again, to their 
shame, they showed the white feather, for as soon 
as Atkinson had fairly started they once more 
proved themselves unworthy of the confidence of 
their leader, as they left their post and fled. Yet 
it is highly probable if these men had been prop- 
erly drilled and disciplined they would have made 
brave and efficient soldiers. But as it was, they 
came together from the different settlements and 
were organized in a haphazard kind of a way, and 
when the test came they were not equal to the 
requirements of good soldiery. Hearing of their 
cowardice General Atkinson, with his regulars, 
returned to Di.xon's, leaving General Whiteside 
to follow Black Hawk. The Indians, feeling ex- 
ultant over their easy victory, and after they had 
replenished their wasted supplies from Stillman's 
abandoned camp, retired into the swamp on Lake 
Koshkonong, near where Fort Atkinson now 
stands, in Jefferson county, Wisconsin. Leaving 
their women and children there they returned to 
Rock river, recruiting what they could on their 
way from the Winnebagos and Pottawatomies. 
Their forces \\'cre divided into several small com- 
panies. Black Hawk's band being the largest, con- 
sisting of aljout two hundred braves. In addition 
to the Sacs forces, about one hundred roving Pot- 
tawatomies, under the notorious Mike Girty, also 
a few Winnebagos in small bands preyed upon the 
settlements, burning houses, killing stock and 
using the tonuihawk and scalping knife wherever 
they dared u])on the defenseless inhabitants. The 
massacre of Indian creek, in La Salle county, was 
especially exasperating. Hero a band of about 
thirty Indians belonging to different tribes nearly 
annihilated the families of Will Hall, AVilliam 
Pettigrew and AVilliam Davis. Sixteen were 
butchered in cold blood and two Hall girls were 
carried away prisoners. The seat of war had by 
this time moved .north into Wisconsin, only scat- 
tering bands playing "hide and seek" with the 
rangers remained in Illinois. Consequently the 
Illinois troops refused to serve longer, as they 
said they did not enlist to flglit Inclians outside 
of their own state. Besides, their tinu; had ex- 
pired. General ^A'hitesido urged them to continue 



in the service, but to no avail. Accordingly, after 
a counsel of war was held it was decided that the 
troops should return to Ottawa and be mustered 
out of service. So on May 28, under the super- 
vision of Lieutenant Robert Anderson, the hero 
of Fort Sumter, the army, consisting of thirty- 
seven companies, was disbanded. This practically 
left the settlers all along the frontier unprotected 
from any depredations the savages were liable to 
commit. Governor Reynolds immediately issued 
his third ]3roelamation, asking for 2000 men to 
enlist for the war, and General Winfield Scott was 
ordered from the east with 1000 regulars. Gov- 
ernor Reynolds and General Atkinson made a per- 
sonal appeal to the discharged rangers. Accord- 
ing!}', three hundred of them re-enlisted for twenty 
days. xVmong the three hundred were Ain-aham 
Lincoln and General Whiteside, both enlisted as 
privates. The last troops called went into camp 
at Fort Wilbourn, near the present city of Peru, 
June 1.5. These troops were organized into three 
divisions or brigades, and each division had three 
regiments and a spy battalion. The volunteer 
force was also strengthened by the addition of a 
battalion under Colonel Henry Dodge. Including 
the regular troojjs this new army ininibered about 
four thousand men. The first brigade was formed 
with 915 men, and elected Alex Posey as com- 
mander. The late General John A. McClernand 
was a member of his staff. The second brigade 
was imder the command of General Milton K. Al- 
exander, and the spy battalion under Major Wil- 
liam McHenry. The third brigade elected Gen- 
eral James D. Henry as their leader. These three 
brigades, with their subdivisions into i-egiments, 
constituted the volunteer army. A portion of the 
first brigade was ordered to station themselves 
between Galena and Rock river. The other two 
brigades marched through to Dixon, where the 
third tirigade, with Gent-ral .\tkinson, rcuuiined for 
a time, and the second, under General Henry, was 
sent to Plum river, which empties into the Mis- 
sissippi from Carroll county. The Indians at this 
time, owing to the \\-ildness of the country and 
the larg-e number of their small bands, were hard 
lo locate, yet there were many slcirmishes and 
small engagements, which resulted in the death 
of many of the white troops and more or less of 
the Indians, but with no decisive results. On the 
sixth of June Black Hawk led in person an attack 
upon the fort located at Apple river, about twelve 
miles east of Galena. This fort was defended by 
(,'aptain Stone. After a short struggle they gave 
up the attack and withdrew-, but laid waste the 
country around. Also on June 11 there was a 
short skirmish at Pecatonica, between Black Hawk 
and a portion of General Posey's brigade, in which 
three whites and eleven Indians were killed. An- 
other small engagement took place on June 16 at 
Burr Oak Grove, where tlie company of Captain 
onyan was attacked by a jjarty of about seventy 
braves. While this was a fiercely contested com- 



42 



PAST AND I'KESEXT OF BUREAU COT'XTY. 



bat, the Indians were repulsed with a loss of but 
three white men and the loss of the enemy not 
known. There were also three killed and two 
wounded in a skirmish near Prairie Grove on June 
17. The battle of Kellogg"s Grove, where Polo is 
now located, occurred on June So. 1832. Major 
John Dement, father of Henry 1). Dement, e.x- 
secretarv of state, had been ordered by Colonel 
Zachary Taylor to defend tnis post at all hazards. 
Hearinor that a large force of the Indians, com- 
manded by Black Hawk in person, was in close 
proximity to their camp, he sent a scjuad of about 
fifty men to recoanoiter. As they came in sight 
of tlie enemy they at once made a dash, and Black 
Hawk, with his accustomed cunuingncss, allowed 
them to proceed until they were well advanced into 
the ambush, where they received the reserved vol- 
leys of the concealed savages. Major Dement, see- 
ing and realizing their danger, tried to recall them, 
but could not make them hear in season to prevent 
the collision. The troops, upon receivinsr this un- 
e.\pected reception, broive and ran, ]>ursued by the 
Indians. All that saved an ignominious defeat 
to the regulars was the brave and heroic action 
of Major Dement, who repeatedly rallied his men, 
exposinghimself to the greatest danger, but after 
a series of maneuvering he succeeded in withdraw- 
ing his men back into the stockades. The braves 
followed up the attack, but without any particular 
result except the killing of lorty-soven horses 
that had ...i-u left oiiimu,- the inclosiirc. The loss 
in this encounter was four whites killed and two 
wounded, and the Indians were reported to have 
lost sixteen. As before stated the Indians had 
left their families at Lake Koshkonong, and Gen- 
eral Atkinson, supposing ii.at the braves made that 
their headquarters, started from Dixon June 27 
with his main army, numbering about 2()00. They 
crossed the state line into Wisconsin June 30 
near where Beloit now stands. On reaching the 
outlet of the lake, on the second of July, they 
found no Indians. Two days after the arrival of 
.Mkinson's army at the lake (general Henry came 
with his forces, and on the sixth of July (ieneral 
Posey's brigade, accompanied by Dodge's com- 
mand. Here they all were in this desolate land of 
swamp and lakes, but no Indians were there to 
either welcome or repel them. In Dodge's com- 
mand there were some Winnebagos, who pretended 
to be friendlv with the whites, but probably in- 
tended to lead them into ambush, where they could 
wreak their vengeance upon them. One of the 
chiefs olfercd to pilot the army to Black Hawk's 
camp, winch he said was on Bark river, a little 
stream that flows into KosliKonong from the east. 
Another ollered to guide General Atkinson to the 
secret hiding place of the Sacs, but he located it 
in a difTerent direction. While the soldiers were 
looking around, trying to find the Indians. Black 
Hawk left his hiding place, which was a hi^h bluff 
on the east side of Bock river, where he had ex- 
pected Ut meet the whites, and fled. About this 



time Governor Reynolds, becomiuc: impatient at 
the seeming waste of time and strength, decided 
to leave tlie army and return to the walks of civil 
life. At tills time a new campaign was arranged. 
General AtKinson and the regulars \vent into a 
fortified camp on Bark river, a small stream which 
empties into Lake KosliKonong. not far from where 
the present town of Fort Atkinson now stands. A 
part of the army, under Alexander and Henry, 
were sent to Fort Winnebago for supplies. A 
small force under Colonel Ewing was sent back 
to Dixon, while General Posey, with what was 
left of his command, was sent to Fort Hamilton 
to guard the mining districts. The expedition sent 
to Fort Winnebago for supplies fell in with a half- 
breed scout and fur trader, who gave to General 
Henry the exact location of Black Hawk's forces. 
Accordingly, he determined to return to General 
Atkinson, who still remained on Bark river, by this 
route, where the Sacs were said to be located. On 
making his intentions known to his men. also to 
the forces under General Alexander, there was a 
decided protest by a part of the militia, and Gen- 
eral Alexander's soldiers refused to follow General 
Henry, but took the shortest route back with their 
supplies to General Atkinson. General Henry 
therefore, with about seven hundred and fifty men, 
with Chief Poquette and several Winnebagos for 
guides, set out for the hiding place of the Sacs. 
They arrived at the supposed place on July 15. 
but here asrain no warlike Indians were found. 
The Indians that remained in the village said 
the warriors had gone about a half day's march up 
the river to Cranberry I^ake. General Henry, not 
feeling justified in taKmg his men any further 
without permission, dispatched two adjutants to 
General .Atkinson for orders, ooon after starting 
on their journey to head(|uarters they discovered 
a fresh trail leading westward. This news being 
communicated to General Henry, and he becom- 
ing satisfied that the Indians had given up the 
struggle and started for the Mississippi, at once 
ordered his command to pursue and capture, if 
possible, the fleeing army. The soldiers, who had 
for weeks been chasing back and forth without 
any perceivable results, now were exultant with 
joy. Cheer upon cheer rent the air and echoed 
and re-echoed over those virgin prairies and 
through the primeval groves as the troops started 
in pursuit of. as they thought, a vanquished foe. 
The energy displayed by the advancing troops has 
seldom if ever been excelled. They waded through 
swamps and in water sometimes up to their arm- 
pits. Wet, tired and hungry, they still kept up 
the chase. Sonic of the Winnebagos, becoming 
disheartened, deserted the rauKs of the Sacs and 
were picKed up by General Henry's men. They 
increased the zeal of the whites by telling them 
that the enemy was only a few miles ahead. Every- 
thing that would retard their prosrress was discard- 
ed, and on every hand were evidences of the hasty 
flight of the Indians. Camp kettles, blankets and 



PAST AND PBESENT OF BUBEAU COUNTY. 



43 



disabled ponies, and, iu fact, everytliiug that would 
hinder their flight was thrown away. The troops 
pressed on through the site of Madison, now Wis- 
consin's capital, until, on the afternoon of July 
31, the rear guard of the braves, under Neapope, 
was overtaken, and a running engagement took 
place. This was continued until the bluffs of the 
Wisconsin river were reached, where Neapope, 
with a small band of warriors, made a stand. In 
a short time Black Hawk, with a few more, joined 
liim — probably they both had about iifty men — 
their object being to stop the pursuit of the white 
soldiers and let the main force escape. Black 
Hawk, seated upon a white pony, directed the 
battle. The lighting was severe upon both sides. 
Finally the Sacs made a charge, which was re- 
pulsed uy the troops under Colonels Fry and 
James. The Indians then fell back into ambush, 
and kept up their firing until driven out at the 
point of the bayonet. Then the whites came upon 
a larger force of Indians, when another charge 
was made, the Indians fleeing to the place where 
the old men, women and children were crossing the 
river. This last charge of the whites ended the 
battle of Wisconsin Heights. The loss of the 
Indians has Ijeen variously estimated at from forty 
to sixty: the whites lost one killed and eight 
wounded. 'I'he night following the Indians placed 
the noncomljatants upon rafts and canoes and sent 
them down the Wisconsin river, hoping tliat they 
would be allowed to cross the Mississippi without 
further trouble. Fort Crawford was located so as 
to guard the mouth of the Wisconsin river, and 
was occupied by a body of regular soldiers. On 
hearing of the Indians' apparent intention, Gen- 
eral Street, Indian agent at Prairie-du-Chien, sent 
Lieutenant Eitner with some regulars with orders 
to allow none to escape. The orders were carried 
out with a vengeance and cruelty almost unparal- 
leled in the annals of history. They went forth 
to meet the fleeing savages, and, iipon sight, fired 
a volley which killed fifteen of their number, while 
thirty-two women and children and four braves 
were made prisoners and about fifty were drowned. 
What few were left fled to the forest and there 
most of them met death either by exposure and 
starvation or by the merciless hand of a baud of 
revengeful Menominees led by white officers. Such 
is the disgraceful story of that properly named 
nuissacre. To return to the army at Wisconsin 
Heights — where the soldiers slept on their arms 
the night following the victory and awoke to find 
the enemy had fled. When the fact of their escape 
became Icnown the army at once started to Join 
General Atkinson at Blue Mounds, which is lo- 
cated in Iowa county about thirty miles south- 
west of Madison. On July 28 all of the troops, 
both regulars and volunteers, met at Helena, an 
abandoned village on Wisconsin river, where they 
made use of the logs taken from the old cabins 
to fonn rafts, which safely took them to the oppo- 
site side. The sights that met their eves as thev 



followed the trail of the disheartened savages was 
sickening. Evidences of starvation and suffering 
were visible upon every hand; trees were stripped 
of their bark to satisf}' the terrible pangs of 
hunger; flesh was cut from the carcasses of dead 
annuals, and at intervals the bodies of dead Indi- 
ans were found who actually died from starvation. 
Black Hawk reached the Mississippi in advance 
of the troops, at a point where a small stream 
known as Bad Axe empties into the Mississippi, 
about forty miles above the mouth of the Wiscon- 
sin river in what is now Vernon county. At this 
point Black Hawk expected to cross, but on ac- 
count of the scarcity of canoes but little progress 
had been made when the transport AVarrior came 
down the river on a return trip from an expedi- 
tion to wai-n the Sioux of the return of the Sacs. 
She had on board a few regulars, also a small 
nimiber of volunteers under the command of Lieu- 
tenants Holmes and Kingsbury. Black Hawk 
raised the white flag as a token of his subpiission 
and asked that a boat be sent ashore. The crew, 
fearing some treachery, replied that he must com.e 
(in board the transport. Black Hawk tried to 
explain to them that he had no canoe, therefore 
it was impossible. Not waiting to fully under- 
stand the situation, they discharged three mur- 
derous volleys of canister from the Warrior. The 
Indians returned the fire, and in the affray twenty- 
three Indians and one white inan were killed. 
The steamer, after this reckless and wholly un- 
called for slaughter, repaired to Prairie du Chieu 
for fuel. Black Hawk, realizing that further re- 
sistance was useless, during the night, in company 
with White Cloud, the Prophet, together with a 
small band of women and children, fled to the 
northeast, where he had been promised conceal- 
ment by some of the Winnebagos. 

On August 2 the division of the army under 
General Henry came upon tlie remaining Indians 
at the battlefield of Bad Axe and immediately 
made an attack. Atkinson soon after arrived with 
the main army and for a few hours the terrible 
scene of carnage and death were too barbarous to 
recite. The Indians, being weak and almost help- 
less from hunger and fatigue, were an easy prey 
to the desultory and brutal soldiers. No quarter 
was given — only revenge seemed to be in the 
hearts of the troops. They charged the Indians 
with bayonets, driving them into the tree tops and 
into the river to be drowned, while expert marks- 
men with unerring aim dispatched men, women 
and children indiscriminately. And to add to her 
former shame, the transport Warrior returned and 
again poured grape and canister into the ranks 
of the disheartened savages. Yet, during all this 
strife, matched against terrible odds, the braves 
stood with heroic fortitude, never flinching when 
a crisis overtook them, but with face to the foe 
they met danger and death witli a seemingly stolid 
indifference. In this uncalled for ensragement, 
twenty whites were killed anrl twelve were 



44 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



wounded. The Indian loss was about one hun- 
dred and fifty killed in battle and about an equal 
number drowned. Black Hawk hearing from his 
liiding place the firing of the troops and knowing 
the probable fate of his tribe, also feeling the 
pangs of remorse at having left thorn to their fate, 
came back to the .scene of slaughter in season to 
witness the last expiring struggle of his once pow- 
erful tribe. Viewing them for a time and becom- 
ing fearful of his own safety, he gave one long 
last whoop of despair, and a.s its sound floated out 
over the landscape and died away in the distance, 
he turned and fled again into the depths of the 
forest. The whites took some forty prisoners, 
mostly women, and in all about three hundred 
had succeeded in crossing the Mississippi, mostly 
non-combatants, all of them in a weak and half 
starved condition. They now thought they were 
safe, as they were on the land where they were 
first ordered to go, but in defiance of all princi- 
ples of justice, General Atkinson, to say the least, 
allowed if he did not order a band of Siou.x under 
Wabasha to attack tlinin and nearly lialf of the 
remainder perislied in their hands. The remnant 
sought out Keokuk who refused to join Black 
Hawk and placed themselves under his protection. 

On the 1.5th of August the volunteers were 
mustered out of the service at Dixon by General 
Winfiold Scntt, who had recently arrived with a 
force of regulars and liad taken command. His 
troops had passed tlimui^h a terrible scourge of 
cholera; about two hundred and fifty fell lieforc 
its ravages. The cost of the war in round numbers 
was about two millions of dollars. The campaign 
lasted about three months. The Indians crossed 
into Hlinois on May (5. 18.32. and the war termin- 
ated with the battle of Bad Axe on the second day 
of August, the same year. .\s before stated. Black 
Hawk fled, for protection, to the Winnebago na- 
tion, where he rema'ned xintil the United States 
authorities sent him word that if he would sur- 
render liimself to General Street, the Indian 
agent at Prairie du Ghien, that ho would be im- 
mediately set free. He replied that he believed 
the offer to be an untrutli ; but for the sake of 
his starving wife and children, he would comply 
with the terms. Accordingly, on the 2rth day of 
.\ugust, 18.32, he was conducted to the garrison 
at Prairie du Ohien and surrendered to General 
Street, whereupon, it is stated, that he delivered 
the following speech : 

iir.ACK hawk's sphech. 

"My warriors fell around me. It began to 
look dismal. T saw my evil day at hand. Tlie 
sun rose clear on us in the morn'ng; at night it 
sank in dark clouds and looked like a ball of fire. 
This was the last sun that shone on Black Hawk. 
He is now a pri.«oner to the white man. But he 
can stand the torture; he is not afraid of death. 
He is no coward. Black Hawk is an Tnd'an. No 
Indian need hliish with shame at ti>e history of 
his life. Black Hawk has only fought the battles 



of his country against the white man, who came 
year after year to rob us and take from us our 
lands, where rests tiie bones of our fathers. The 
white man knows the cause of this war. They 
are the ones who should droop and wither in 
shame. This is my message to the pale face. 
Black Hawk is satisfied. He will go to the world 
of spirits contented. He has done his duty, and 
the Great Spirit will meet and reward him. The 
white men do not scalp the heads, but they do 
worse; they po'son the hearts. Farewell to my 
nation! Farewell to Black Hawk." 

On September 21, 1832, the final treaty of 
peace was signed. Accompanying Black Hawk as 
prisoners of war were his son Xeapope, Wishick 
and White Cloud the Prophet. The prisoners 
named were held as hostages for peaceable be- 
havior of the still hostile Indians. They were 
taken to Washington, where they met President 
Jackson, to whom, according to reports. Black 
Hawk made this speech. "I am a man and you 
are another. We did not expect to conquer the 
white people. I took up the hatchet to revenge 
injuries, which could no longer be borne. Had I 
borne tlicni longer, my people would have said 
Black Hawk is a squaw; he is too old to be a 
chief. He is no Sac. This caused me to raise the 
war whoop. I say no more of it. All is known to 
yon. Keokuk once was here, you took him by 
the hand and when he wanted to return you sent 
him back to his nation. Black Hawk expects, 
that like K("okuk. lie will lie ])pnnitt(>il to return, 
too.'" 

The President assured him that when he was 
satisfied that there would be no more trouble with 
his jieople they should return. They were held as 
prisoners at Fortress Monroe until June 4, 1833, 
when they were taken back to Fort Armstrong and 
released from captivity. On their way back they 
passed through many of the principal cities of the 
country and every where great crowds of people 
gathered to see them. 

After being liberated he returned to his people 
on the Iowa River, where he remained until the 
reservation was sold in 1836, when he went to the 
Des ^loincs Reservation, where he died in 1838. 
at the advanced age of about eiglity years, and 
was buried in the Indian fashion in a sitting po- 
sition with his face toward the rising sun; his 
gun, tomahawk and blankets being placed by his 
side for use in the happy hunting ground. Thus 
ended the life of the mighty chief and the great 
warrior of the Sacs. 

Had not the state authorities listened to the 
appeals of a few law-breaking squatters and by 
so doing interfered with the policy of the general 
government it is altogether probable that the war 
would never have occurred, as the Sacs for a small 
compensation could have been peaceably and per- 
manently removed beyond the Mississippi. 

So far as we are able to ascertain Mr. Elijah 
Phillip was the only white person killed within the 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUEBAU COUNTY. 



45 



present boundaries of Bureau county by the Indians 
during the Black Hawk War. The many dijTerent 
accounts of this cold blooded tragedy vary some- 
what in detail, but the essential facts are narrated 
about the same. We have tried to gather the real 
facts in the case and we believe that we have come 
as near the truth as possible at this distance in 
years from that early time. Mr. Phillip and John 
Ament held claims adjoining each other on the 
east side of Bureau Creek on section 13 in Dover 
township, a few rods from the present home of 
Matthew Taylor. Upon these claims they had 
erected cabins and were occupying them when 
notified by Shabbona that Black Hawk's bands were 
roving through the country destroying property 
and killing and scalping the settlers. On hearing 
this and knowing of the Indian Creek massacre 
they at once fled with their families to the forts 
on the Illinois River, leaving their household goods 
in their abandoned cabins. Near the claims of 
Ament and Phillip were those of a Mr. Hodge, 
fathor-in-law of Mr. Ament. Mr. Forestal, Syl- 
vester Brighani, Ziba Dimmock and Aaron Gunn. 
Soon after they left their cabins troops began to 
collect at La Salle and vicinity and at that time 
about five thousand mounted men were mobilizing 
at La Salle. In view of this fact it was thought 
to be safe for some of the men to return to the 
settlement and look after the things they had left 
in their cabins. Accordingly the above named 
party started on June 16 (some accounts say 17) 
for their claims. They arrived at Ament's cabin 
about 4 o'clock in the afternoon. They spent the 
rest of the day in various ways. Some of the party 
visited their own claims which were nearby ; others 
gathered wild fruit and assisted Ament in his 
work of caring for his belongings. The whole 
party felt that they were perfectly safe and re- 
tired for the night wholly unconscious of ap- 
proaching danger. They lay for a long time dis- 
cussing the great possibilities of this then new 
counti'v and went so far into the future in their 
imagination that some of the party even saw the 
possibility of the open prairie being settled; others 
said no, but possibly it might be used for grazing 
purposes. As they lay discussing the past and 
s)icculating in regard to the future they were 
startled by a shrill whistle which was answered by 
a like whistle in another direction. While they 
were somewhat disturbed over the matter they 
finally accepted the supposed knowledge of one 
of their party who knew of the bird of night in 
those primeval woods that had this same shrill 
sound in his night song. So at last they soundly 
slept. But, alas, the morning i-cvealed to them 
the source of the sound that startled them in the 
night. Mr. Phillip arose at daylight and started 
to go to his cabin, but he had gone only a few feet 
when the crack of a rifle was heard and Phillip lay 
prostrate upon 1he ground in the agonies of death. 
Brigham was the first to realize the situation when 
he, looking out, said : "Boys, here are more than 



fifty Indians." The door of the cabin was in a 
dilapidated condition, but Brigham and Gunn 
placed it in position as best they could and stood 
with guns in hand prepared to sell their lives as 
dearly as possible. The Indians, seeing that they 
stood ready to defend themselves turned back into 
the hazel brush and hid from sight. The party 
held a consultation, some wishing to do one thing 
and some another, but meanwhile they removed the 
mortar from the chinks between the logs so as to 
be alile to use their guns in case of an attack. Dim- 
mock, a young lad of only fifteen years, was anxious 
to start out and run for his life, but they would 
not allow him to go, as they felt it was sure 
death for any one to expose himself outside the 
cabin. But after deliberating for a time it was 
agreed that if he could call one of the horses up 
to the cabin he might mount it and ride to Henne- 
pin and notify the people at the fort and secure 
help. Accordingly he with the help of an ear of 
corn called the pony to the door and placing the 
bridle upon him and springing upon his back, 
started on his perilous journey. Those remaining 
in the cabin anxiously watched him in his flight 
until he was lost in the distance, then turned their 
attention to making their refuge more secure. 
Young Dimmock urged his horse to his utmost 
speed until he reached Hennepin, when he spread 
the news of Phillip's assassination and immediately 
about seventy men started to the rescue of the 
imprisoned party. They reached the scene of the 
tragedy, which was about twenty-five rods east of 
where the house of Matthew Taylor now stands, 
neat 4 o'clock on the afternoon of the same day. 
They found the body of Phillip where he fell, 
pierced by two bullets and also mutilated by the 
tomahawk, but was not scalped. The rescuing 
party made an extended search for the savages, 
but none could be found and from the appearance 
of their camp, which was near by, it is probable 
that they left soon after the shooting of Phillip. 
The body of Phillip was taken to Hennepin for 
burial. His grave was the first one dug in the ceme- 
tery at Hennepin. Mr. Aaron Gunn, one of the 
rescued party, suffered so from fright that his hair 
became white in a short time. Phillip's claim ex- 
tended across Bureau Creek and contained a good 
mill site and he was making preparations to build 
a dam across the creek and erect a mill for sawing 
timber. The Indians were much opposed to the 
settlers building dams or in any way interfering 
with the waterways, as they thought it prevented 
the fish from going up stream, and they regarded 
fishing and hunting as their natural right, and any 
one who interfered with that right was considered 
as an enemy. In view of this fact it was the 
opinion of some of the early settlers that Phillip 
was the only man the Indians were lying in wait 
for, as, according to the testimony of Mr. John 
Ament, one of the party, the Indians came within 
five feet of the door and could have killed the 
entire party had they desired to do so, but they 



-k; 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY 



passed by and disappeared, seemingly satisfied 
with their atrocious work. The Indians numbered 
about forty and from the appearance of their camp 
they had probably been there some little time wait- 
ing for the return of the settlers, and after they 
had wreaked their vengeance they fled back into 
the swamps of the north. Such scenes as are here 
narrated are some of the penalties of progress. 
The poet says : 

"Life evermore is fed by death. 

In. earth and sea and sky; 
And that a rose may breathe its breath. 

Something must die." 

So in the grand march of civilization, hardships, 
privations, solitude and even death must go before 
the ever onward stride of advancement as it blazes 
the way to that better and higher state of human 
society whose pedestal nf hope and prosperity rest 
upon the sufferings of the past. 

SIIABBONA. 

The name of this chief we find spelled in several 
different ways, but have chosen the above, as it 
seems to be more nearly Anglicized than any other. 
Shabbona has ever been justly considered the 
white man's friend, yet his tribe, many of them at 
least, felt that they had been wronged by the pale 
faces, but before discu.-ising his attitude toward 
the settlers we wish to narrate some of the cir- 
cumstances that led up to his final derision. As 
stated, at the approach of General Whiteside, 
Black Hawk passed up Rock River only a few days 
in advance of the troops. At Dixon he was in- 
vited by Mr. Di.xon to dine with him and he ac- 
cepted the invitation. We have the authority 
of a daughter of Jlr. Dixon, who was there at 
the time for the statements here made. The old 
chief was much pleased that Mrs. Dixon sat at 
the table and ate her dinner with him and her 
husband. Mr. Dixon bad lived among the Pot- 
towattomies so long that he spoke their language 
readily. Black Hawk talked very freely about the 
situation and how liis people had suffered during 
the previous winter, after being driven from San- 
kenuk and also of his reasons for coming back to 
Illinois, and said he was going up the river to 
rent land from the Pottawattomies and Winne- 
bagos; but after the assault made by Stillman's 
men upon the three braves bearing a flag of truce 
and their subsequent flight. Black Hawk became 
exasperated at the conduct of the soldiers and un- 
duly elated over the fact that a few of his tribe 
had so successfully dispersed the rangers. Know- 
ing there was an under-current among the Potta- 
wattomies that was anxious to avenge some sup- 
posed wrong they had received. Black Hawk sent 
runners to every one of their villages urging them 
to attend a war dance that was to be held near 
Shabbona's camp which was then at Paw Paw 



Grove near the head of Indian Creek — ^then in 
La Salle county, now in De Kalb. Here Black 
Hawk, mounted upon his favorite pony, dressed it 
is said in the red coat and epaulets of a colonel 
of British cavalry, with a huge sword hanging by 
his side, came rushing into the presence of Shab- 
bona, followed by his under chiefs and his entire 
army expecting by such a display to at once excite 
the Pottawattomies into a war fever so that they 
would Join with them in the dance and then be- 
come an ally in the crusade against the whites. As 
they approached the lodge of Shabbona they placed 
the war-post in the ground ready for the dance. 
But to Black Hawk's great disappointment Shab- 
bona showed no interest in the pow-wow that 
followed, but surrounded by his chiefs sat silent 
and indifferent and the young Pottawattomies 
seemed to act as if they were being held in check 
by some unknown influence and but few joined in 
the dance, which was soon discontinued. Black 
Hawk, seeing his failure, tried his matchless elo- 
quence upon Shabbona. He possessed by nature a 
wonderful magnetism in speech; his voice was 
smooth and melodious and he had the art of 
modulation to such an extent that it seemed 
almost classical. He commenced by thanking the 
Great Spirit for giving him power to vanquish 
his white enemies under Major Stillman. say- 
ing that Stillman's army fled before his men 
like deer before a pack of wolves. Then re- 
hearsing the grievances he and his tribe had 
received from the whites, closing his speech. After 
making a strenuous personal appeal to Shabbona 
to join him as follows: "Shabbona, if you will 
permit your young men to unite with mine, I will 
have an army like the trees in the forest and will 
drive the pale faces like autumn leaves before 
an angry wind." "Aye," Shabbona replied, lay- 
ing his hand down heavily upon Black Hawk's 
shoulder, "but the pale faces will soon bring an 
army whose numbers are like the leaves on the 
trees and sweep you and your army into the great 
ocean beneath the setting sun." Shabbona at that 
time was not only chief of the Pottawattomies, 
but was also at the head of the Ottawas and 
Chippewas. He had seen enough of the whites 
to realize that the red men of the forest were 
no match for them. In view of this fact Black 
Hawk's eloquence had no effect upon him and 
he emphatically said: "No, neither I nor my 
tribe will make war upon the paleface." Shab- 
bona had fought with Tecumseh and was second in 
command when that noted chief fell and he then 
made a vow to the Great Spirit that if he spared 
his life that he would never again go to war 
against the palefaces, and this vow he sacredly 
kept. His attitude in this regard was not pleas- 
ing to the younger chiefs and braves of his tribe 
and he was soon superseded by Wauponsee as the 
war chief of the Pottawattomies. Although Wau- 
ponsee had a noted record as a warrior hr stoo<l by 
Shabbona in his decision in regard to joining 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Black Hawk, for he, too, had seen the courage and 
felt the cold steel of the white man upon more 
than one battledeld. Notwithstanding Shabbona 
had successfully prevented his people, as a tribe, 
from joining the Sacs, he knew that there was an 
element of discontent and revenge lurking in the 
hearts of some of his followers that was liable to 
be fanned into a flame of vengeance, and for fear 
that some of these dissatisfied ones might form into 
bands or join with the Sacs and commit some atroc- 
ities upon the defenseless settlers, he determined to 
go personally and warn the dwellers who were scat- 
tered along the groves and besides the rivers ex- 
tending from Bureau Creek on the west to the 
Du Page on the east, a distance of nearly one 
hundred miles. After doing all that he could 
to dissuade Black Hawk from allowing inno- 
cent women and children to be tortured and mur- 
dered by his men, he with his son Pyps, or Pepper, 
taking their lives in their hands, started out on 
their perilous journey. He was unknown to most 
of the whites, besides he could neither speak nor 
understand their language. All he could do was 
to talk by signs. This w'as not his only source 
of trouble and danger, for Black Hawk when he 
positively refused to become his ally withdrew 
from his war dance, became his deadly enemy, and 
sent fleet-footed spies to follow his every action. 
Not only that, but he sent out oily-tongued orators 
to all of the villages of the Pottawattomies to in- 
flame their minds against the settlers. Shabbona 
ilid not even know how his own people felt in 
regard to the war, so intent was his mind upon 
the safety of the pioneers. In his thoughts by day 
and in his dreams by night he saw on the one 
hand peaceful homes and happy families with in- 
nocent children prattling around the door of the 
settler's cabin. On the other he heard the war 
'whoop of the savage, the shrieks of the defenseless 
women and children, and saw the tomahawk and 
scalping knife raised above the heads of those who 
were vainly pleading for mercy. Becoming more 
and more distracted by the thoughts of the prob- 
able desolation and death that would follow the 
trail of the enraged Sacs, Shabbona silently stole 
away from the war dance and determined if possi- 
ble to notify every settlement between Bureau 
Creek and Du Page or Princeton and Plainfield. 
Mounting his favorite pony he ])assed quietly 
alouir until he was bevond sight and hearing: of 
the Indian camp when he urged his pony to its 
utmost speed, going here and there and everywhere 
that a settlement had been started, warning them 
to flee to the forts as the Indians were on the war- 
path. Some of the settlers did not heed his 
warning and perished at the hands of the savages. 
Nothing daunted, he still kept on in his zig-zag 
course from settlement to settlement until his pony 
gave out and dropped dead beneath him. Hastily 
taking off the saddle and bridle, he started on- 
ward on foot to the house of a friend, George Hol- 
lenbeek, where he obtained a swift horse and con- 



tinued on his errand ; he had now been thirtj 
hours in the saddle without sleep or rest. On his 
way he visited the scene of the Indian Creek mas- 
sacre where he met .Mr. Davis and urged him by 
signs — as he could not speak English — to take his 
family and go to the forts, but was driven away 
without ceremony, but so great was his desire to 
save the shedding of blood that he returned and 
again urged them to leave for a place of safety, 
but to no purpose. Shabbona"s son was equally 
active in saving the settlers, they dividing their 
route. No nobler type of manhood has ever been 
chronicled upon the pages of history. He went 
at the peril of his life, not knowing even how his 
tribe would treat his efforts to save desolation 
and death. Yet his great heart beat in defiance of 
all and firmly relying upon the Great Spirit he 
fearlessly rode over marshy swamps, forded swol- 
len streams and passed through tangled jungles. 
On, on, he rode under the blazing noonday sun 
and in the blackness of night — without food or 
shelter until his task was done, when he quietly 
retired to the home of his kindred and family on 
the undulating prairie where Plainfield now 
stands. We only regret that space will not allow 
us to give a more extended account of this remark- 
able man, for his history is both interesting and 
inspiring, but we can only devote a few lines more 
in tracing his career to its final closing. Shab- 
bona was born among the Ottawas in Canada in 
1775. About the year 1800 when he was twenty- 
five he came on an extended hunting expedition, 
which led him into the Pottawattomie country. 
The chief of the Pottawattomies was so impressed 
with this young brave of the Ottawas, that he and 
his wife gave their consent to his marriage with 
their daughter "Wiomex Okono." This marriage 
ceremony was performed with great pomp at her 
home in Chicago. Although Shabbona kept his 
vow to the Great Spirit that he would never more 
go on the war-path, and in consequence of this 
he ceased to be war chief of his adopted tribe, yet 
he was advanced to a more influential position, 
that of head-man or peace chief of the confeder- 
ated tribes of the Pottawattomies, Ottawas and 
Chippewas, and for twenty years, ranging from 
1812 to 1832, was the influential Indian of the 
three nations. But, strange and cruel as it may 
seem, the facts of his subsequent history show 
that for his noble deeds and personal sacrifices 
he was ostracised by his own nation and race and 
later was robbed by the whites of what had been 
ceded to him by the Government and he was left 
for years a wanderer in the states of Illinois, 
Kansas, Iowa and Missouri without home or in- 
terested friends or any means of support. He 
called Shabbona Grove in De Kalb county his 
home until 18.36, when his nation was moved 
across the Mississippi. The Government had by 
the treaty of 1829 ceded two sections of land to 
Shabbona near Paw Paw Grove, but when he went 
temporarily to Iowa to help locate his tribe there 



48 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



were some greedy settlers who coveted this land, 
ceded to Shabbona, who said to the agents of 
the Government: '"Shabbona has gone and left 
this land ; now let the Government dispose of if 
Consequent] V it was sold and Shabbona, the friend 
of the palefaces became a penniless wanderer. 
From IS.Jl to 1857 Shabbona spent most of his 
time traveling. During this time he visited the 
settlers in northern Illinois frequently. Many of 
them knew him personally. His last visit to 
Princeton was in 1857, when he called on many 
of the old settlers and seemed pleased at being 
able to again have the privilege of talking over 
the scenes that occurred a quarter of a century be- 
fore. He was everywhere kindly received and his 
heart, that had not grown old with his body, 
kindled into a new flame the love of his earlier 
years. In the spring of 1857 a subscription paper 
was started and five hundred dollars was soon sub- 
scribed for the benefit of the old chief. Mr. Lucien 
P. Sanger, of Ottawa, was one of the active pro- 
moters of the enterprise and he, after consulting 
Shabbona, purchased twenty acres of timber land 
lying on the south l):ink of the Illinois river in 
Grundy counts'. Knowing that an Indian could 
not hold title to land in foe simple Mr. Sanger 
caused the title to be given in trust to the judge of 
the circuit court of I-a Salle county for the follow- 
ing uses and pur])oses, to-wit: "This grant to 
be held in trust for the use and benefit of Shab- 
bona, Indian chief of the Pottawattomies, and his 
heirs forever, the use. rents and profits thereof to 
be enjoyed by the said Shabbona and his heirs 
exclusively."" The ladies of Ottawa took upon 
them.selves the responsibility of building a house 
upon the land deeded for Shabbona"s benefit. On 
the fourth of July, 1857, a celebration was held 
in Ottawa and in the evening a grand ball was 
given for the ]>urpose of raising funds for the 
building of the house. That with the voluntary 
contributions gave sufficient means to erect a house 
sixteen by twenty-four feet and one and one- 
half stories high. But Shabbona and his wife. 
Wiome.x Okono, never occupied it, preferring to 
live, as their fathers had done, in a tepee in a small 
ravine nearby. Shabbona had become old and 
feeble and life was hanging by a brittle thread, 
and he was waiting, waiting for the Great Spirit 
to Bummon him to the land of his fathers. Ac- 
cordingly on the 17th day of July, 1850, Shabbona, 
the once mighty chief, passed into the groat be- 
yond at the advanced age of eighty-four. Ho 
was buried upon a lot given by the ^lorris Ceme- 
tery- Association, located about two miles east of 
Morris. His wife and three of his daughters at- 
tended his funeral as mourners. November 30. 
1864, Wiome.x Okono, or Conoke. the widow of 
Shabbona, was drowned while crossing Mazon 
Creek about three miles southeast of Morris. She 
is supposed to have either fallen out or to have 
been thrown out of her little democrat wagon, 
as she was found with her little granddaughter 



clasped in her arms, both dead, having been 
drowned in about si.x inches of water. In the later 
years of her life she had grown to an enormous 
size, weighing over four hundred pounds, and 
rode to town in a large chair placed in the wagon. 
From this chair she is supposed to have fallen 
and probably fell upon the little child, crushing it 
beneath her great weight. They were buried 
by the side of Shabbona, where a few years ago. 
a huge boulder, proper carved, was placed as a 
monument to their memorv. 



JOHN BOWEN. 

In the spring of 1849 a negro, calling himself 
John Bowon, who had escaped from his master in 
St. Louis, arrived in Princeton. Bowen was a 
fine looking, well-built young man and was will- 
ing to work. He was handy with tools and, in 
fact, was an all-around hand and found ready 
employment among the citizens of Princeton. He 
was fairly intelligent and quite a regular attend- 
ant at Lovejoy's meetings. Mr. 'SI. J. Keith, of 
Dover, from whom the writer obtained the facts 
for this skoich, tolls us he became quite well ac- 
quainted with Bowcn and, as he was a good talker, 
obtained mucli information in regard to the condi- 
tion of the slaves in Missouri. He was not a full 
blood, but had quite a dark skin. Things moved 
along ])leasantly with Bowen until one Sunday the 
])eoplo were somewhat startled to see one of the 
white ladies of the town taking a pleasure ride 
with this young mulatto, but John kept on in the 
oven tenor of his ways until the morning of .July 
."x when he started in to cut the grass in the field 
about east of the Barnes place on the Dover road. 
John was hap|>y ho had escaped the degradation 
and shackles of slavery and now stood out before 
I lie world as one of its factors. He was leveling 
the tall grass with his sturdy stroke humming one 
of the old plantation aii's. Avhon suddenly from a 
concealed place two men armed with bowie laiives 
and revolvers sprang upon him, throwing him to 
the ground : then with a small rope bound his 
hands togetlier and fastened the ends of the rope 
about their own bodies. In this way they intended 
to take John to Hennepin and there down the river 
to St. Louis. But other eyes had been looking 
on the scene. Mr. Hinsdale Phelps, who lived 
nearby seeing the situation that John was in. im- 
mediately started across the field to Lovejoy's 
residence. Mr. Lovejoy with his usual speed and 
determination was soon at the office of Judson 
Waldo, a justice of the peace, and swore out a war- 
rant for all three, the negro and his captors, for 
riot and put it in the hands of J. Y. Thompson, 
sheriff, wlio served it at once and took them 
before Justice Waldo in the court house. Love- 
joy, Levi North and C. L. Kelsey defended the 
negro and Milo Kendall was called to defend the 
alleged owners of John. .Vfter the trial com- 




OLD EED MILL, LEEPERTOWN. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



51 



menced Mr. North moved that the prisoner be 
released, as the men who held him captive were 
on trial themselves for disturbing the peace. This 
motion was being argued by the attorneys when 
one Tallet, who kept a low-down tavern in a 
building where Delano's store now stands, came 
into the court room and stated that he had au- 
thority to take the prisoner Ijefore another Justice 
for trial. Sheriff Thompson ordered him to leave 
the room. Tallet refused to go and the sherilf 
stepped toward him, revolver in hand. As the 
sheriff started toward Tallet the whole crowd in 
the court room raised up and confusion was every- 
where present, but amid it all several persons kept 
their heads and gave their attention to freeing 
the negro. M. J. Keith started for John's rescue 
at the same time Lovejoy, James H. Scaverns and 
Oliver Jaynes placed themselves beside the negro. 
Seaverns and Keith clutched the rope that bound 
the prisoner and pulled for dear life, while Love- 
joy caught Bowen, who claimed he owned John, 
by the hair and crowded him back away from the 
others, while Oliver Jaynes cut the rope between 
the hand of Keith and Bowen and then cut the 
rope that fastened him to the other man. Keith 
and Seaverns then untangled the rope from John 
and an opening was made in the crowd and John 
darted out a free man, and Eev. Lovejoy without 
hat or coat followed closely hallooing at the top 
of his voice : "Go it, John ! Go it. John !" and 
John went and not one of the crowd knew where 
but they did know that Mr. Bowen, the man who 
claimed to own John, went back to St. Louis with- 
out his man. Those men who so heroically re- 
leased this colored man have, with the exception of 
M. J. Keith, passed to the other shore, but the 
remembrance of their good deeds remains on the 
tablets of time. 



CHAPTER VI. 

ORGANIZ.\TION OF THE COUNTY. 

On the admission of Illinois into the union in 
1818 she had but lifteen organized counties and 
most of the present Bureau county, at that time 
wai3 in Bond county. Bond county comprised a 
strip of land about twenty-five miles wide from 
east to west and extending from Clinton county 
on the south to the Wisconsin line on the north, 
a distance of about two hundred and seventy miles. 
We remained in Bond county until 1821 when the 
State was redividcd and all of the territory north 
and west of the Illinois River was organized as 
Pike county, comprising nearly one-third of the 
whole State. In 1823 Pike county was reduced 
nearly to its present size and Fulton county was 
organized, with little more than its present terri- 
tory, north of the Illinois; that left all of the 
northern part of the State without co\mty organi- 
zation and it was attached to FuUon county. The 
present territory of Bureau remained attached to 



P'ulton county until 1825 when Putnam county 
was oi-ganized and embraced all of the land nortli 
of the Illinois River as far south as the north 
line of the present limits of Peoria county and 
west to the eastern boundary of Knox county. 
The southern boundary of Putnam county fol- 
lowed the Illinois River to the south fork (Kanka- 
kee), thence up said fork to the Indiana state 
line, making nearly one-fifth of the State. In 
1827 Jo Daviess county was organized and took in 
all the northwest part of the State as far south as 
the northern boundary of the military tract on 
the Mississippi River, thence east to the bend of 
the Illinois River, about where Bureau Junction 
is now located; thence north to the Wisconsin 
line. It will be seen by this description that most 
of the land in this county, at that time, was in 
Jo Daviess county. In 1831 Putnam again suffered 
a loss of a large part of her territory. La Salle 
and Cook counties were forined at this time and all 
of the unorganized territory was attached to La 
Salle county, leaving in Piitnam all of Bureau, 
most of Stark and nearly all of Marshall. From 
this time on Putnam county enjoj'ed undisturbed 
tranquility, so far as losing territory was con- 
cerned, until 1837 when Bureau county knocked at 
her door, not for admission, but for separation, 
and in 1839 Marshall and Stark were organized 
and Putnam, the proud imperial county with her 
ten thousand square miles was, like Sampson of 
old, shorn of her strength and became the smallest 
division of this great commonwealth with only 
170 square miles left. From the foregoing state- 
ment it will be seen that Putnam county was 
formed in 1825 under the administration of Gov- 
ernor Coles and from this territory Bureau county 
was taken. By an act of the legislature, which 
was passed February 28, 1837, during the admin- 
istration of Governor Duncan, Bureau county 
came into existence. The act provided that three 
commissioners should be appointed to locate the 
county seat and tlie legislature also fixed the day 
for the first county election. But the act further 
provided that the voters of Putnam county should 
have the opportunity to express by ballot their 
wish in regard to the formation of the new county 
before the act should take effect. The boundary of 
the county was the same as now with the excep- 
tion of Milo and AVheatland, which were added 
during the administration of Governor Carlin in 
1839. As might be expected, this was a time of 
great activity among the voters both east and 
west of the Illinois River. The act provided that 
an election should be held on the first Monday 
in March. In view of this fact excitement ran 
high. The voters upon the east side of the river 
were determined, if possible, to make the vote 
a negative one and retain the territory that was to 
be known in the future as Bureau county under 
her jurisdiction. The voters upon the west side 
were equally in earnest in gelling the people to 
support the plan for organizing the new county. 



52 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Prominent among this number were John H. 
Bryant, Cyrus Bryant. William Hoskins, J. H. 
Olds. John .Viiifut. Cyrus Lantrworthy. K. T. Tem- 
pleton, Koland Moseley, Robert Thompson, John 
Musgrove, Butler Dunham and many others whom 
space forbids us to mention. The day of elec- 
tion at last arrived and the whole counfy was 
ablaze with e.xcitement — those on the west side 
for and those on the east against the measure. 
Even women and children gave up the day to hel]i 
their respective sides. It must be remembered at 
that time there were no closed carriages, auto- 
mobiles or trolley lines to carry voters to and from 
the polls, but they came on horseback, in crude ve- 
hicles and on foot to cast their ballots. The re- 
turns were slow in coming in, but when the vote 
was canvassed it was found that the proposition 
had carried by about thirty majority. In Prince- 
ton the peo])le were wild with excitomcnt ; houses 
were illuminated, guns fired, bonfires kindled, tin 
horns blown and almost ever conceivable kind of 
music and noise was made that the jubilant peo- 
ple could invent. Near the public square about 
where the house of D. H. Smith now stands a 
large coffee pot was filled with powder and buried 
about three feet deep, with a fuse attached, and at 
the appointed time the match was applied and 
from the explosion the very earth tremliled and 
houses swayed as by an earthquake. 

Bradsby in his history tells of some convivial 
scenes that I will not mention, leaving the reader 
to draw from his imagination the picture of what 
those early days might have Ijrouglit forth. Not- 
withstanding the votes showed tliat the measure 
had carried, the cry of illegal voting was raised 
by the people on the east f^ide of the river and the 
authorities at Hennepin declared that there was 
no division and that the election would be eon- 
tested. This threat had no terror for the stalwart 
pioneers of Bureau, for her course of action was 
being directed by men of courage and decision — 
men who dared to do what right and justice dic- 
tated. Accordingly the three commissioners who 
had been a])pointed for the purjiose of locating the 
county seat met in ^lay and named Princeton as 
the place most suitable for its location. Thus 
briefly we have described some of the incidents and 
scenes of that most important period in our coun- 
ty's history. The men who figured in those excit- 
ing days have long since gone to their reward. 
More than two generations have passed since those 
worthy pioneers laid the foundation of this great 
and productive county. Only a few people now 
live here who were even children at that time. 
So all that we have now is the sacred memorv 
of tho.se heroic souls who left home, comforts, op- 
portunities and friends to come into this new 
country and brave tlie trials, hardships and priva- 
tions incident to such a life and to rear upon her 
virgin soil a manhood that stands in the front 
ranks of this advanced age, but that Tnemorv has 



taken a deep and lasting hold upon the hearts 
and minds of this generation. 

An election was held on the first Monday in 
June to elect county officers, at which William 
Hoskins, Arthur Bryant and Robert Masters were 
elected county commissioners: Cyrus Langworthy. 
sheriff; Thomas Mercer, clerk; John H. Bryant, 
recorder; Jacob Galer, coroner, and Robert Stew- 
art, surveyor. Dan Stone being Judge of the fifth 
judicial district at that time ordered court to be 
held in Princeton the following August and ap- 
pointed Cyrus Bryant clerk. We find by the 
record that courts were held in •'"Hampshire Col- 
ony Church"' until 184.5, at which time the new 
court house and jail were completed. The jail 
was built of hewed logs, was twelve feet square 
and lined with sheet iron, and prisoners were let 
ilown into it and taken from it through a trap 
door at the top. there being no doors at the sides. 
Such a Iniilding would be quite inadequate for 
modern criminals. Yet the ability to escape from 
our present prisons and jails seems to have kept 
])ace with the improvements in architecture. 
Bradsby tells us in his history and the writer of 
this volume has verified it. that at the time of 
the organization of this county that there were 
two prominent roads or thoroughfares within its 
liorders. One of these was the great stage road 
from Peoria to Galena. This was the one which 
nearly all of the travelers took in going and com- 
ing from the celebrated lead mines. This was also 
the mail route. This road passed north and south 
through the coimty a few miles west of Prince- 
ton and was dail^- ]iassed over each way by a four- 
horse coach to accommodate the constant stream 
of passengers going to the lead mines of the north. 
The other was the trail of the Sac and Fox In- 
dians, running east and west and was followed 
by many of the early emigrants on their way 
west. It is said to be the route taken by Scott's 
army on its march from Chicago in 1832. We 
know of but one place in Bureau county where this 
trail is now visible and that is in the old burial 
ground at Dover. Mr. A. L. Steele called out 
attention to it. There was also an Indian thor- 
iiuglifare over Indian Hill in the township of 
Mineral. At this early time there were many 
bands of roving Indians and they frequently 
passed through this county. The first meeting of 
the county commissioners was held June 7, 1S37. 
The records show that they were sworn in by John 
H. Bryant. Nathan Chamberlain was the first 
county school commissioner. The first official act 
of commissioners according to the records was to 
appoint Degrass Salisburv countv treasurer, who 
gave a bond of $l.-),000 with Thomas S. Elston and 
John H. Bryant as sureties. Nearly all of the 
north part of the coimty was included in the vot- 
ing precinct of dreenfield, and Joseph Fassett, 
John Kendall and J. T. Holl)rook were made 
judges of election and the house of Tracy Reeve 
was the voting place. Brush Creek was outlined 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



53 



and Brown Searls, Job Searls and Harmon Kel- 
lums were appointed judges. The voting place 
was the house of William Hoskins, which was lo- 
cated on what is now known as Searls' ridge in 
Selby township. In the spring of 1839 Dover pre- 
cinct was formed, coming mostly from Greenfield 
territory. In September, 1838, Brush Creek pre- 
cinct was changed, a part of it lieing taken to form 
the Hall district. At the first meeting of the 
commissioners the Windsor district was also 
formed and Morris Spaulding, Joseph Robinson 
and Amariah Robinson were made judges. The 
voting place was the house of Augustus I^ang- 
worthy. At the same meeting Princeton precinct 
was set off with voting place at the house of Ste- 
phen Triplett. The judges were John Musgrove, 
Benjamin Smith and EHjah Smith. Also Coal 
Creek with voting place at Thornton Cummings 
near where Sheffield now stands and Sampson 
Cole, Thornton Cummings and Moses Stephens 
were judges. This is in brief the history of the 
first voting places in Bureau county. Reader, 
can j'ou realize that within the space of one life- 
time such a transformation has taken place as 
we see about us? From the wild and pathless 
prairie covered with its primeval dress of emerald 
green mingled with flowers of every hue; studded 
with lakes upon wdiich no white man's boat ever 
rocked ; threaded with rivers in which no white 
man's oai- ever splashed : and dotted with groves 
where the blow of the white man's axe was never 
heard, and across this vast expanse of undeveloped 
solitude there lived and roamed another race of 
nren. A race whose past history Is a sealed book. 
A race whose ancestral life has never been traced. 
But here they were with all their past blotted 
out, living only for the present, and believing in 
the most extravagant traditions of their fathers — 
and now as you pass over this same expanse you 
see the iron horse of commerce with its breath of 
steam, carrying its freight of human souls and 
burdened with the products that come from the 
hand of civilization. We ask this question for the 
purpose of directing the mind of the young reader 
to the debt of gratitude we owe to the early 
pioneers of our State and county. 

As before stated, the commissioners located the 
county seat on the 20th of June, 1837. A tax of 
one-half of one per cent was ordered to be laid on 
all personal property in the connty "except meat 
cattle under three years old" ; and a tax of one- 
fourth of one per cent on all lands in the 
county for roads and bridges. It was also 
ordered that the Circuit Court sliould be held 
in the "Congregational Chui-ch" in Prince- 
ton until a more permanent place could be 
provided. John H. BryaJit was authorized 
to procure a "table and jiigeon box"' for the 
recorder's office; fifteen dollars was appropriated 
to purchase plank to cover the bridges across the 
sloughs on Main Bureau, near Elijah Smith's, and 
for this purpose Enos Matson was appointe<l agent : 



fifty dollars was appropriated for the bridges near 
Robert C. Masters and near Simpson HufEaker's 
and James G. Foristals and Robert C. Masters 
were appointed to attend to the work. Arthur 
Bryant was authorized to expend five dollars on 
bridges in township 16, range 9 east, and William 
Hoskins was authorized to expend fifteen dollars 
on roads in township 16, range 11 east. The com- 
missioners then selected the following names as the 
first grand jurors in the county: Jonathan S. 
Colton, Robert Scott, Moses Trichnor, John Hall, 
Stephen B. Fellows, David Nickerson, John Mc- 
p]lwaine, Tracy Reeve, Aaron Mercer, John Anient, 
Marshall Mason, Peter Ellis, George Bennett, Cor- 
nelius Corss, Elijah Smith, Thornton Cummings, 
James G. Everett, Roland Mosely, James Howe, 
Morris Spalding, Robert Clark, Austin Bryant and 
Amariah Watson. When the grand jury met Gil- 
bert Kellums, Lyman Howe, J. H. Olds, Stephen 
Smith and a Mr. Spalding were placed on the 
jury to fill vacancies. 

The following were selected as the first petit 
jury : Butler Dunham, James Smith, Brown 
Searlc, Arthur Thornton, James G. Swan, James 
Seaton. Curtis Williams, Demarcus Ellis, Obediah 
Britt, James G. Foristals, Henry Thomas, Simson 
Huff'aker, Elias Isaacs, Joseph Fassett, Aquilla 
Triplett, W. II. Wells, Benjamin Newell, Sampson 
Cole, Enoch Pratt, Elijah Merritt, Joseph Beelor, 
Erastus Sherwin, Michael Ivitterman and Caleb 
Cook. The records show that the first order ever 
drawn upon the county treasurer was for making 
roads and constructing bridges. In June, 1837, 
a special court of the commissioners was called. 
Benjamin Mitchell and Peter Butler, the commis- 
sioners appointed to locate the county seat were 
sworn into office, taking an oath to faithfully 
consider the interest of the jieople and the situ- 
ation of the settlements. On the day of taking 
the oath they made a wi-itten report as follows: 
"We have determined to select the public square 
in the town of Princeton, on the west side of said 
square, designated as lot No. 33, as near the center 
as practicable ; Provided. D. G. Salisbury, Thomas 
S. Elston and J. II. Bryant shall execute a bond 
approved by the county commissioners for $7,500, 
and a bond to execute a deed for eight and one- 
half acres of land, payable to said commissionei's 
for the purpose of erecting a court house and other 
public buildings." The records show that fifteen 
dollars was paid Benjamin l\Iitchell and twenty 
to Peter Butler for services in locating the county 
seat. At the Aug\ist term R. T. Templeton was 
appointed county treasurer. His bond was fixed 
at $15,000 aud Cyrus T.anguorthy, W. O. Cham- 
berlain, John M. Gay and Thomas Epperson were 
his sureties. On the' 7th of August, 1837, an elec- 
tion was held and the following officers were 
elected: Degrass Salisbury, probate justice; Rob- 
ert T. Templeton, treasurer; Thomas Mercer, 
county clerk; also several justices of the peace 
and constables were elected. The record also 



54 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



shows that Jonathan T. Holbrook gave bond to 
keep a hotel with David Holbrook as surety. At 
the August session of the county commissioners in 
1837 the subject of roads was discussed and meas- 
ures taken to provide for tlie same so as to accom- 
modate the ditferent settlements as far as possible 
and these roads were to be made not only to pro- 
vide for the present inhabitants, but future needs 
were anticipated. Among the men appointed to 
look after tiie interest of the new roads to be made 
in the different parts of tlie county we noticed 
those of John H. Bryant. David Robinson, Jona- 
than Colton, John Clark, Jesse Perkins and Rob- 
ert Stuart. It will be seen by this that Bureau 
county early realized the necessity of good roads 
and we fully believe that the same idea prevails 
at the present time. At the election held in Octo- 
ber, 1.S3T. Benjamin Smith was elected county 
clerk. At a meeting of the commissioners an order 
was made allowing Sheriff I.angworthy sixty-three 
dollars for expenses in prosecuting JIcBroom and 
Stuart charged with passing counterfeit money. 
They were two noted criminals in the early history 
of the county. The county at this time was di- 
vided into eighteen road districts and Asa Barney. 
Caleb Ilaskel, Daniel Radcliffe, Amariah Watson. 
Jesse Perkins, William Alann. John Hall, John 
Clark, Chauncey D. Colton, Stephen B. Fellows. 
William Cowan, Lewis Chilsou. Thomas J. Ste- 
phens, Ezekiel Thomas, Lyman Stowcl, Peter 
Ellis, Nathan Racklcy and Zenas Church were ap- 
pointed as road supervisors. .Vrthur Bryant was 
appointed in IS.'iS to direct the building of a 
bridge across Bureau Creek on the road from 
Princeton to French Grove and one hundred dol- 
lars was ap])ropriated for same. The county hav- 
ing no official .seals Benjamin L. Smith was ap- 
pointed to secure same for the county clerk's office, 
which he did. although it took a trip to St. Louis 
to procure them. In March. 1838, the commis- 
sioners released the signers of the $7,500 bond be- 
fore mentioned on the following conditions (which 
we copy from the record) : "Onlored that the per- 
.=oiis bound on a bond for .«even thousand and five 
hundred dollars to the county commissioners of 
Bureau county and now on record, be released 
from the same provided the following propositions 
are complied with, viz.: To build for the county 
a jail and jailer's home agreeable to the plan fur- 
nished by tiie county commissioners; to deed to 
the county the half acre of land on which the 
Congregational meeting house now stands, to- 
gether witii the house thereon ; to deed for the use 
of the county one-fifth of a five acre lot owned by 
W. 0. Chamberlain ; also thirty-four feet by forty- 
two feet on lot No. thirty-one on the Public Square 
adjoining a lot owned |)y Fellows and Downing." 
The following oflicers were elected at the .\u- 
gust election in 1838: Robert Garton, recorder; 
Cyrus Langworthy, sheriff; David C. Searle, cor- 
oner, and Robert Clark, William Hoskins and 
Tracy Reeve, commissioners. The law provided 



that at the tirst election of commissioners the 
length of term of each should be decided by a 
••drawing by lots." This resulted in giving Robert 
Clark three years, William Hoskins two years and 
Tracy Reeve one year. :Many of the grand and 
petit jurors appointed by these commissioners wer^ 
men who in local affairs figured conspicuously at 
that early date and their children and children's 
children are among our best and most honored 
citizens at the present time, but space forbids 
naming them in this volume. lii November of 
this year Stephen Smith was elected county sur- 
veyor and Asa Barney and John Long were ap- 
pointed assessors. It seems that the county officers 
were in no hurry to qualify, as Cyrus Lang- 
worthy, who was elected in August. 1838, did not 
file his bond until June 5, 1839, giving Robert C. 
Masters and John Clark as sureties. 

At the August election in 1839 D. G. Salisbury 
was elected Probate Justice; Oliver Bogle, re- 
corder; R. T. Templeton, treasurer; Stephen 
Smith, surveyor; S. F. Deming, clerk: William 
Frankerberger, commissioner. The pay for the 
graud jury was fi.xcd at seventy-five cents a 
day for active service in court. In 18-40 the office 
of count}- collector was established and Carlton 
Combs was appointed, giving a $4,000 bond, with 
Nathaniel .\pplegate and Degrass Salisbury as 
sureties. .\t the August election of 1840 the offices 
were filled as I'oUou's : Cyrus Langworthy, sheriff; 
Daniel Brvant, coroner; William Hoskins, county 
commissioner. In 1841 there seems to have been 
quite a contention among the people in regard to 
the Dover road. The road angled then the same 
as now and the land owners were anxious to have 
it go on section lines, while the people who hauled 
loads to and from Chicago and other places were 
just as desirous that it should remain as it was, 
giving them a more direct and shorter route. The 
question was finally settled by an act of the legis- 
lature and most of the way the road was unchanged. 
At a meeting of the commissioners the county, 
which had previously been divided into two as- 
sessor's districts, was changed into one and Robert 
(Jarliu was appointed assessor. At the August 
election 1841 Thomas fiercer was chosen school 
commissioner and at the September term Robert 
E. Thompson took the place of Robert Clark as 
one of the county commissioners and Carlton W. 
Combs gave his bond of $3,000 as collector and 
J. IT. Bryant. James S. Everett. Cyrus Bryant and 
Oliver Bogle were his sureties. In the fall election 
of INl'i the following officers were elected: Enos 
Smith, county commissioner; Justin II. Olds, 
county collector; Stephen Smith, sheriff, and Hen- 
ry Thomas, coroner. The bond of Justin H. Olds 
was fixed at $18,000. Some idea can be formed 
of the monetary cimdition at that time by the 
order passed at Countv Commissioners' Court June 
7. 1843, wliich is as 'follows: "Ordered, that the 
county treasurer be and he is hereby authorized 
to sell and dispose of all Shawneetown money in 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



55 



the treasury for any sum not less than thirty-six 
cents on the dollar. And also to sell and dispose 
of the certilieates of the State Bank of Illinois 
at any sum not less than thirty cents on the dol- 
lar." At the election in August, 1843, we find the 
offices filled by the following named persons: 
Degrass Salisbury, probate justice; Oliver Bogle, 
recorder; Martin Ballou, treasurer; Justin H. 
Olds, surveyor: C. W. Combs, county clerk, and 
William Hoskins re-elected county commissioner. 
In 1844 Moses T. Greeley was elected county com- 
missioner; Stephen Smith, sheriff; John Minier. 
coroner, and George W. IMinier, surveyor. 

In August, 1846, Jacob Sells was elected county 
commissioner to fill the place of William Hoskins. 
Stephen Smith was re-elected sheriff and James 
Chenoweth county judge, and Justin H. Olds was 
appointed overseer of the poor for the county. 

In 1847 Stephen Smith was again re-elected 
sheriff and A. T. Thompson county clerk. In 1848 
J. V. Thompson was elected sheriff and J. T. 
Thompson county treasurer. We have now given 
the important changes in the principal offices and 
measures through the period when the county was 
under the management of county commissioners. 
The records are not as clear nor as full as those of 
more recent date, but we think they are suificient 
to give one all of the facts he will care to know. 
We think perhaps it may be of interest to the 
reader to know that at the electien held on Satur- 
day, March 17, 1838, to decide the question as 
to whether Princeton should be incorporated or 
not that there were twenty votes cast for incorpora- 
tion and none against. The votes were cast bv 
Andrew P. Smith, Stephen Wilson, W. H. AVolls. 
Noah Wiswall, Cyrus Longwoi'thv, John Long, 
Robert C. Masters.' Samuel Triplett. John Walter, 
Butler Denham, John Vaughn, Oliver Bogle, E. 
II. Phelps, Joseph Houohton, Joseph Smith, Rob- 
ert Stuart. John H. Brv'ant, Justin H. Olds, Thom- 
as S. Elston and Robert T. Templeton. These 
men. one by one, have joined the great majority 
who now rest from their labors in the ''bivouac 
of the dead." But the municipality which they 
instituted has lived and expanded, verifying the 
saying that "men die but institutions live." We 
have tried to eliminate from the recorded events 
of the early history of the county everything that 
would not be of general interest or of statistical 
value. We find a few special legislative acts that 
we believe will be of interest to the people, to-wit : 
March 2. 18.39, Greenfield changed to La IMoille. 
March 6, 1842, county authorized to borrow $.'5,000 
to complete court house. Town of Gold created 
February 12. 1853. In 1849 by a large majority 
vote Bureau coimtv adopted the township system. 
Instead of three commissioners legislating for the 
county each township elected a supervisor to look 
after the interest of their own township and the 
general welfare of the county. Three county com- 
missioners were appointed to designate the bound- 
ary linos and name the township. The countv 



was divided into twenty-three townships about 
as they now are with the exception of two town- 
ships, to-wit, Manlius and Wheatland ; the former 
being a part of Greenville unHl 18-")4; the latter 
is only one-half of a congressional township and 
was joined to Milo until 1857. 

The first meeting of the supervisors was held 
on April 8, 1850. At this meeting the record 
shows that fifteen townships were represented at 
the organization of the board as follows : Rich- 
land (now Ohio), John Ross; Greenville, William 
.Martin: Dover. Enoch Lumery; Berlin, Enos 
Smith; Westfield, Michael Kennedy; Selby, Wil- 
liam Hoslrins; Princeton, John H. Bryant; Con- 
cord, Thomas Stevens; Brawby (now Neponset), 
Thomas Gattridge; Jefferson (now Macon), Allen 
Horton; Indiantown, Timothy N. Ferrell; Arispie. 
George JIcManis; Leepertown, John Wherry; 
Milo, William B. Whipple; Fairfield, Whicher 
Dow. 

On the third ballot John II. Bryant was elected 
chairman. The record does not show that any 
further business was done that day. On April 
10 the following additional members took their 
seats: John D. Pinnell, Bloom (now Hall) ; Ed- 
ward JI. Wilson, Center (now Wyanet) ; C. C 
Corse, Bureau; Richard Brewer, Walnut; A. G. 
Porter, Clarion ; R. B. Frary, La Moille ; Ebenezer 
Kent, Mineral. At this first meeting of the board 
the name of Jefferson was changed to Macon and 
Bloom to Hall and Richland to Ohio. So bega\ 
one of the history making epochs of this county. 
N^ot one of these men live to tell the story. Quite 
a number of them were active in county affairs for 
many years, but the scythe of time at last struck 
them down and they were gathered to their fathers. 
Thus one generation builds for another and passes 
off the stage of action and only the few realize 
that they have ever been. 

Bureau county was among the first to adopt 
township organization and there are still a I'cw 
coimtics left in the State that cling to the old com- 
missioner system. Simon Kinney, Jacob T. 
Thompson and Tracy Reeve were the commission- 
ers appointed to fix the boundary line of townships 
and to name the same. The proceedings of this 
first board were published in the Bureau County 
Advocate. The names of the men who have served 
on the board of supervisors from each township 
will be found following the short history given of 
the same. Among those who have had a long term 
of service on the board are: A. G. Porter, Clarion; 
D. P. Smith and William Wilson, Ohio; 0. L. 
P>earss, Walnut; Lee Brown, Fairfield: Michael 
Skeffington. Westfield; George Rackley and Enos 
Smith, Berlin; Warren Poole, Dover; .\. B. Kins- 
man and Potter AVhite, Manlius; Henry Snyder, 
Hall; Anthony Morassy, Gold; E. P. Edwards, La 
Moille; A. W. Lawton, Concord; T. J. Haley and 
Jacob Carper, Macon; John McCnllough, Milo; 
Jonas More and S. G. Soverhill, Indiantown; J. 
H. Wolsli and Orriii '\\'ilkinson, .Arispie; J. M. 



5fi 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUliEAU rOUNTY. 



Fisher, Princeton. C. G. Swanson lias for many 
years been assistant supervisor of Princeton. 

From 1837 to 1845 northern Illinois was the 
home of a large number of bandits who were rov- 
ing through the country, stealing horses, entering 
houses and taking money and valuables, and way- 
laying travelers on the public highway, in fact, 
committing all kinds of depredations, but no clue 
could be obtained of the perpetrators of the crimes. 
This band of outlaws had a most perfect organiza- 
tion, which included iii(>n high up in social and 
political circles. The organization extended 
through Illinois, the southeast part of Iowa and all 
through Missouri. They had a more perfect un- 
derground railroad than the anti-slavery people 
ever had. They had their confederates stationed 
all along the line and men, too, who were above 
suspicion wore their accomplices. Mr. Michael 
Kittcrman of this county lost a very valuable pair 
of horses and no trace of them was ever found. 
Two of this notorious gang. Fox and Birch, used 
to operate through Bureau county. Birch after his 
arrest told of the stealing of a pair of horses 
southwest of Princeton supposed to be the Kitter- 
man team. This state of affairs culminated in 
the murder of Col. George Davenport on the 
island of Rock Island July 4. 1845. The whole 
people became aroused and the murderers were 
run down and four men arrested, namely, Robert 
Birch, John and Aaron Long and Granville Young, 
and a man by the name of Fox escaped. Birch 
confessed to lieing accessory to the crime and was 
given a life sentence, but afterwards escaped. John 
and Aaron Long and Granville Young were hung 
in Rock Island liefore a great concourse of people. 
At the hanging when the drop fell John Long and 
Granville Young met death instantly, but the rope 
around the neck of Aaron Long broke and al- 
though he had previously denied any knowledge of 
th(< murder, he now confessed and was soon 
launched into eternity. 'J'liis was the grand finale 
of the great murder trial of 1S45 and from that 
time on the country was freed from the nefarious 
work of the bandiili. 

M. l'>. GARTEN. 

.\L j;. (Jartcn. one of the early settlers of this 
county, was born in Indiana in 1S20 and came 
with his parents to Illinois in is:!;i. They made 
the journey with a teatn and followed the trail 
of the soldiers till they arrived at Fort Ifeiniepin 
on the Illinois river. At this point they found a 
postoffice and store in a block bouse and few set- 
tlers in Hennepin, which at that time was the only 
town within a radius of fifty miles. Mr. Garten 
and his father crossed the river and purchased a 
claim of Amos Leonard for $.'?00. This jiropertv 
now known as the Andrew Wise farm and is lo- 
cated aiiout six miles southeast of Princeton. 
They remained there and improved their place, 
having for neighbors Indians and a few settlers. 

Mr. Garten was a factor in this county for 



nearly three-quarters of a century. He was one of 
the few early pioneers left. He died July 18, 
189G, at the 'advanced age of 86. The following 
is a short account of some of his experiences given 
hy himself: 

"The scpiaws with their papooses came to call 
on us. The papoose, strapped to a board, was set 
up against tlie cabin while the mother came in 
to see what we had in our house. The old Indian 
warriors talked much of the big battles they had 
fough.t with other Indian tribes between Ottawa 
and Peoria. The old men also told of the big 
snow that fell sixty years before, about 1773, 
and remained so long that the buffalo and other 
large game nearly all perished, and when spring 
came the few survivors wended their way across 
the 'Father of Waters," and this was the last 
seen of iiuffalo in Illinois. 

■J'lSKILWA. .\X INDIAN TOWN. 

'"I rode over Princeton prairie before it was 
settled and even then quite frequently saw the 
larger buffalo bones and horns on the dry prairie. 
Tiskilwa, or Indiantown, as it was then called, 
was simply a large Indian camping ground to and 
from which many Indians came and went, and 
where many lived in wigwams almost continuously 
and raised corn. They erected no wooden struc- 
tures, and when they left for a season their shelter 
and ponies accompanied them. There were sev- 
eral old trails leading to other camping grounds 
and frontier settlements which in many places 
were worn down several inches in depth. 

THE Bir, INDIAN COUNCIL. 

'T was. not at the Indian council held at In- 
diantown in 1833, but I was subsequently on that 
council gnuind with a white man who was at the 
council and understood well all that the chiefs 
and great men said on that noted occasion. Black 
Hawk made the call for the council, and there 
were chiefs and great warriors from the Rocky 
mountain tribes in attendance. When they had 
all assend)led they built a great council fire around 
which all save one were seated. Black J lawk stood 
erect in their midst and said: 'The white man is 
coming over our boundary lines. He is cutting 
down our trees to build his wigwam and is kill- 
ing our game. If the Indian tribes will unite 
and send their warriors they will stand as thick 
as the trees in the grove, and they can drive the 
white man back to the rising sun. If we do not 
our papooses will cry with hunger, and we and 
our squaws will be driven back to the setting sun 
where there are no good hunting grounds and 
where we will die, and there will be no more In- 
dians in these good hunting grounds where the 
(Irent Spirit has placed us." 

Sl'KKCnr OK SENACIIWINK. 

"Then the Big Chief Senachwine arose and 
said : "I have been three times to see the great 
chief of the ])ale face, the president of the United 
States, at Washington. He has a big tribe and 
cares not to unite with other tribes as he has many 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



57 



warriors to fight his battles. If our warrior* 
would come and stand as thick as the trees in the 
grove the White Chief's warriors would gather 
about us as thick as the leaves on the trees and 
the pale face warriors could drive us where their 
(^ireat Chief may bid us go.' 

"The council soon saw that Senachwine was 
right, but Black Hawk wanted a war and many 
of his warriors joined him. When they crossed 
the Mississippi on their way to attack the Illinois 
settlements the white man's friend, Shabbona, rose 
in his might to save them. He rode far and wide 
to tell the settlers that Black Hawk's warriors 
had crossed the 'Big River' and were on their way 
to the Illinois, and for them to tlee to the fort 
at once. The timely warning of the faithful Shab- 
bona were heeded by nearly all. The Hall fam- 
ily were killed and two of the girls, Rachel and 
Sylvia, were taken prisoners. 

DINNER WITH SHABBONA. 

"The last time that I saw Shabbona he and his 
squaw ate dinner at our house. They had been 
to see President Jackson about swapping a piece 
of land they had on the Mississippi river for a 
piece in Lee county. They said they ate dinner 
with President Jackson and Shabbona thought 
President Jackson a good and great man as he 
gave him a coat and wanted him to wear hoots, 
but said that he told Jackson, 'boots heap good 
for white man but no good for Indian.' 

"When the Pottawotoniies went to Chicago and 
the government paid them their last installment 
for the territory of Illinois and removed them in 
wagons to Council Bluffs the most of them rode 
their ponies, there being about 500 Indians in the 
j)rocession. When the head of the cavalcade 
reached Princeton two or three of the whites had 
a barrel of whisky to sell to the Indians, who 
soon got to drinking and commenced the war- 
whoop. 

"While there the young chief Shabbona and I 
went into Gay's store and he bought some ribbon 
for his young squaw. When we came out of the 
store quite a large crowd was around the place 
where they were buying and drinking whisky, or 
as the Indians called it, "good water.' ]\latters 
were getting in 'high spirits' and I told young 
Shabbona to send one of his men back to inform 
the Indian agent as to the state of affairs. 

"I assisted in burying the traveler who was 
found dead on the trail about one mile south of 
Lost Grove and not far from the present site of 
Arlington. The body was discovered by Rev. 
Lumery. That nisht I with others rode around 
to the few scattering neighbors, requesting them 
to assemble the next morning at the point where 
the body was found. On the following day when 
the few people had assembled, my father, Robert 
Garten, summoned a jury and held an inquest 
over the body. They found that the man had been 
shot through the right arm and the skull was frac- 
tured. The body when found was entirely desti- 



tute of clothing and conditions pointed unmistak- 
ably toward robbery and cold blooded murder. A 
grave was dug, the body was wrapped in a sheet, 
which my mother had sent for and the body was 
placed in a box. My father offered a prayer and 
performed the burial services. We lowered the 
body to its final resting place and after filling up 
the grave, we rode over the prairie in hopes of 
discovering some further evidences of the crime 
and some possible clue of its perpetrators. 

DISCOVEES A CLUE. 

"Dr. Chamberlain and I were riding up the trail 
when we discovered a bundle of clothing tied up in 
a handkerchief. We beckoned to some hunters 
near by and they came to us. We opened the 
bundle and Dr. Chamberlain holding up a shirt 
which it contained, exclaimed, 'The damned mur- 
derer failed to shoot the shirt through the right 
arm as the dead man was shot.' Near tlie cloth- 
ing was found a pocket bible, on the fly leaf of 
which was plainly written : 'Frederick Bunn and 
Thomas Dustus. Presented by Mrs. Gardner.' 

"We then rode up to the grove and there found 
that some one had been lying in the high grass 
near the trail. We also found three other trails 
through the grass, all of which led to the point 
where the body was found. From these facts, all 
were of the opinion that the traveler was shot 
while riding on the trail near the grove, and fall- 
ing or leaping from his horse, was pursued a mile 
lief ore being killed, as two large clubs were found 
near the liody. 

CONEESSION OF THE CRIME. 

"Several years after the above related events, I 
was told that a man by the name of Green, sen- 
tenced to be hanged, confessed that he and another 
man killed a lone traveler on Indian trail near 
Lost Grove and secured $1,200, a good horse, 
saddle and bridle and a good suit of clothes, hut i 
would not divulge the name of his partner in the 
crime. 

"I cast my lii-st vote for President W. H. Har- 
rison at Princeton in 1840, and my sixteenth vote 
for President Roosevelt in the same town in 1904. 
When I became of age I was elected constable and 
served as deputy sheriff during the regime of tlie 
noted 'Banditti of the Prairie,' during which 
Colonel Davenport of Rock Island was murdered, 
the Long brothers hanged, travelers found robbed 
and killed along the public highways and horses 
stolen on every hand. 

MADE STATE DETECTIVE. 

"Later I was appointed and commissioned by 
tlie governor as a state detective. On one occa- 
sion a man came to me about midnight with the 
information that the noted outlaw, Sam Patch, 
was stopping over night in the neighborhood. 
Well mounted and armed I rode alone to the house 
designated by my informant, tied my horse in 
the edge of the grove and creeping cautiously to 
the house, was fortunate in. finding my game sound 
asleep in bed. I made no delay in securing his 



58 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



clothing and grip. I then spoke to him. With 
a quick spring, his eyes flashing like those of an 
enraged tiger, he met me face to face. Well cov- 
ered by my trusty gun, he gave due heed to my 
reading a state warrant and realizing fully that 
I had the 'drop on hinv he accompanied me to 
Lee county where he was tried for horse stealing. 
In my business as detective I was frequently so 
long absent and unheard of that my father and 
friends would send a tracer after me, ijut fortu- 
nately I escaped all snares. Jiy parents were both 
born, raised and educated in Virginia. My mother 
was the daughter r.f Flower Swift, of Grayson 
Court House, Virginia, and to me seemed a re- 
markable woman. I have heard her say that when 
she was a girl at home, she with others remained 
up all night molding lead bullets and putting 
them in sacks to send to our soldiers in the war 
of 1812. It is quite probable that she had a 
lover in the army from the fact that in 1815 
she and Robert Garten were married and removed 
to Lawrence county in 1816 where they improved 
a farm and remained until 1833 when they re- 
moved with their family to Illinois. 

THE FARMIXCi I^VXDS. 

"Wc remained on the claim some four or five 
niilrs northwest of Ilenuepin — now owned by Mr. 
Wcise — until 1835, when my latlier sold it to 
Colonel Pitman, of Kentucky. AVhen land be- 
came subject to entry in that section, we took a 
claim and bought another on Big Bureau creek 
one and one-iialf miles northwest of the present 
site of Dover, where my father built the first two- 
story frame house built in this country." 

^^r. Garten lived with his ])arents working on 
tiu'ir home farm at the same time improving a 
elaim for himself, until 1845 when he returned 
to Lawrence where he married the daughter of 
Hon. M. Helnier, a prominent citizen and suc- 
cessful merchant of that county, ^[rs. Helmer, a 
southern lady, was a cousin to President Polk. 
.\fter a brief wedding tour they returned to the 
home of his wife where he clerked in her father's 
store for one year, when they purchased the busi- 
ness which he continued quite successfully for 
thirtv-three vears. 



CHAPTER VII. 

IMCI.KJlOXS. 

'J'hc Iransl'orniing i)o\vcr of tlic Ciiristian re- 
ligion can not lie successfully denied even by the 
most skeptical. Our forefathers landed upon .the 
wild and l)arren siiores of this new continciit willi 
but little of this world's riches, but they ]ms- 
sessed that which was far more comforting and 
sustaining in the dark hours of solitude an^l peril 
which they were called to endure for thev bold 
within their breasts an uncompromising faitli in 
the directing power of the eternal God ai.d liie 
rfllicacy of the Christian religion, .\lthough their 



zeal and misguided judgment sometimes led them 
into paths of error and wrong yet out from urder 
those clouds of darkness and gloom there can.e i!ie 
Star of Hope and progress that finally le,I them 
into the full sunlight. A Christian character ihat 
ripened into the higher and broader life of the 
present time. It needs no argument to convince 
any fair minded person that the religion of the 
gospel of Christ has been the mo.st potent influ- 
ence in bringing about our advanced civilization 
as a nation and a people. The civilization of the 
Oriental world whicli has been in being for cen- 
turies, under various forms of religion, has done 
but little to raise the people to a higher and more 
advanced standard of living. The same fashions 
and customs ])revail as in the days of Confucius. 
Ileatlieiidom is nne vast sc])ulchre of iniried hopes 
and opportunities; located as it is in one of the 
most productive regions of the globe under the 
golden sunlight of the temperate zone, threaded 
with rivers and studded with lakes, with forest 
of the most valuable timber and rich in minerals 
and yet with all these natural advantages she re- 
mains in her squalor and degradation, plowing 
with sharpened sticks, eating wilbout knives and 
forks and distorting the feet with wooden shoes, 
beside paying homage and offering prayers to hid- 
eous idols. Such is tiie condition of heathendom 
today and sucli it is likely to remain unless the 
seeds of Christianity can be sown within her bor- 
ders and allowed to germinate until the little 
leaven shall leaven the whole peo])le. Contrast 
the above descriiied civilization with that of Christ- 
endom and draw your own conclusions. ;md espe- 
cially wotdd wc invite you to consider the evolu- 
tion of our own country. A little over four hun- 
dred years ago in a quiet harbor on the coast of 
Spain three small vessels were being fitted for an 
unknown voyage. Everything being in readiness 
the good-l>y('s were said, the vessels loosed from 
their moorings and the long and jierilous voyage 
of discovery was instituted. Their course lay 
across the broad expanse of ocean upon whose 
bosom no sail had ever floated, no keel had ever 
ploughed and no compass had ever directed, al- 
though trials, danger and distress followed in 
their pathway and at times almost overpowered 
them, they moveil on placing their trust in the 
ever living God and relying upon liim for gruid- 
ance and protection, until at last they laiuled \i]ion 
an unknown shore where the iirimeval landseape 
and a race of savage men were all that met their 
vision. Yet nothing daunted they raised the ban- 
ner of their country and beside it the cross of the 
Christian's hope, and out of this beginning has 
emanated the grandeur of our present inheritance. 
For somewhat over a hundred years this country 
was left in its original solitude. But at last came 
the decisive hour of religious intolerance and with 
it came the thou/ibt that toward the setting sun 
there was a land which was free from the tvranny 
and oppression of the past, a land where mankind 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



59 



could ofier up their devotions to an All-wise Cre- 
ator untrammeled by lust and unfettered by tra- 
dition and with this thought in view our fore- 
fathers came to our shores and here in the track- 
less wilderness, surrounded by savage beasts and 
more savage men, they built the lowly cab- 
in and erected the altar of faith and prayer. 
Settlement after settlement came into existence 
and wherever they were planted the church and 
school house followed in quick succession and 
out of these small beginnings has come the grand 
civilization of today. Our seminaries, colleges, 
asylums and benevolent institutions are all the 
outgrowth of Christian fellowship. This being 
true it is but right and proper that we should 
take sufficient space in this volume to give a short 
history of some of the different churches of Bu- 
reau county. In doing so we do not expect to be 
able to gather all of the facts and experiences that 
would be interesting to the people, but what we 
do give we trust will be acceptable. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF PRINCETON. 

The old Hampshire Colony church or First Con- 
gregational church of Princeton was organized in 
Northampton. Massachusetts, March 23, 1831. 
Rev. Ichabod S. Spencer preached the farewell ser- 
mon from the following text: '"Fear not, little 
flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give 
3'ou the kingdom." 

At that time E. S. Phelps and wife, Amos G. 
Morse and wife, Elisha Wood and wife, Samuel 
Brown, Dr. Nathaniel Chamberlain. Levi Jones 
and wife, Alva Whitmarsh and wife, Elijah Smith. 
Sylvia Childs, Clarissa Childs, John, Leonard and 
Maria Lyman, became members. The parting of 
friends and the severing of home ties is always a 
period of sorrow and it was doubly so in this case, 
for the people really felt, at that early time, it was 
Imrying their friends alive to have them move to 
the western frontier; indeed, it was an undertak- 
ing of no small proportions. After a few w-eeks 
of visiting and farewell and ,good-by meetings, the 
colony started on May 7, 1831, for its western 
home. The colony was organized in 1830 and 
sent some of its members ahead to select a suit- 
able location for them when they should arrive. 

At Albany the colony took a canal boat to Buf- 
falo, where they spent the first Sabbath. From 
Buffalo they went by steamer to Detroit, and 
from there they went with hired teams to Chi- 
cago, leaving Detroit ilay 25. From Chica- 
go they went to Bailey's Point, which is lo- 
cated near the Vermillion river, about eight 
miles south of La Salle; here Mr. Jones, who had 
preceded them had built a double loghouse to re- 
ceive them. They arrived on June 9, 1831, hav- 
ing been five weeks and two days on their journey. 
They remained there a few days to rest and re- 
cuperate, and finally they reached the cabin of 
James Foristal. one mile north of Dover, at sun- 
set, July 4. They were now at the end of their 
journey and ready to face any formidable obstacles 



that might come up before them, and truly their 
experiences were such as would "try men's souls.'' 
Their first meeting was at the home of Elijah 
Smith, a little north of where Princeton now 
stands. At this meeting Dr. Nathaniel Chamber- 
lain was elected clerk in place of Amos C. Morse, 
whom death had removed. Days of darkness and 
disappointment were in store for this little band 
of early Christians, who had so courageously left 
home and kindred to settle in this undeveloped 
country, bringing with them their Bible as a 
guide and their faith as an anchor to their hopes, 
yet with all of their fortitude and trust there were 
times when they felt like saying as did the psalm- 
ist of old, "Tearfulness and trembling are come 
upon me, and horror hath overwhelmed me." 
Their numbers were reduced by death and re- 
movals until there were only four of their mem- 
bers left, and these were compelled to abandon 
their homes to escape the vengeance of the hostile 
savages. Such was the experience of this old Hamp- 
.shire Colony church, which was the only Congre- 
gational church in Illinois at that time, but : 

"God moves in a mysterious way 
His wonders to ]ierform, 

He plants his footsteps in the sea 
And rides upon the storm." 

In about two years the members began to re- 
turn and new members joined, and in February, 
1834, the first communion was held and the fol- 
lowing named persons joined the church : Joel 
Doolittle and wife, Lazarus Reeve and wife, and 
Nathaniel Chamberlain, Sr., and wife. In the fall 
of 1833 Lucien Farnham became their pastor. In 
1835 the new church was commenced which was 
located on a lot south of the courthouse square. 
It was thirty-two by forty-four feet and two 
stories high. The lower part was used for school 
purposes and was called the Princeton Academy. 
Mr. Alvin M. Dixon taught the first school in the 
summer of 1836. This church was occupied until 
1848, when a new brick church on the present 
site was erected at a cost of about four thousaud 
dollars. In 1869 the church was repaired and add- 
ed to at a cost of about eight thousand dollars, 
and was also supplied with a pipe organ. This 
church was used as a place of w^orship until the 
spring of 1905, when it was razed to the ground 
and the present modern and beautiful edifice was 
commenced and now nears completion. This build- 
ing is one hundred and nine feet long and sixty- 
six feet wide, and borders on tlie Gothic style of 
architecture. It is beautifully finished with an- 
tique oak. The auditorium has a seating capacity 
of three hundred and the annex, which can be 
made a part of the uuiin audience room as occa- 
sion requires, will accommodate two hundred 
more. The seats face the southwest corner, where 
the pulpit is located. The new pipe organ witli 
fifteen stops, which was |iiirchased in 1899, is 
placed in an alcove on I be west and the choir 
stands in front of il. Tin' wliole structure is wcH 



6(1 



PAST AND rUESKXT OF P.UKEAU COUNTY. 



arranged and i.-^ a credit lu tlic church aud city. 
In the basement may he found a spacious dining 
room, with a modern kitchen attached and with 
every facility tor doing tlie work easily and with 
dispatch. The church is built of cement blocks 
and with its stained windows makes both a pleas- 
ing and an imposing appeiirance. In its early 
history this church released twenty-four mem- 
l)ers at one time, who formed themselves into 
what is now the rre.«byterian iluireh of this city. 
In Marcii, 1838, seven meinijers were released to 
join the Congregational church of Dover. The 
pastors of this church have been men of more 
than average worth and ability. Some of them 
have possessed great personal as well as profes- 
sional strength. Eev. Owen Lovejoy's life and 
character stands out before tiie world at once he- 
roic and uni(juc, and he must ever be reckoned as 
one of the great men of his time. He saw the 
truth and fought for it. He was one of tlie few 
men of the world who had the courage of his con- 
victions. His talents were not confined to the 
churcii alone, but upon the broad field of forensic 
strife his gleaming sword of logic and eloquence 
leaped from its scabbard and with its point toward 
the enemy stood unmoved and immovable in the 
cause of human rights and human liberty. Eev. 
Richard Edwards was also a man of great per- 
sonal worth and his pastorate over this church was 
one calculated to give strength and vigor to all 
who came in contact with his true and genial 
manhood. Di'. Edwards was an educator, his whole 
life up to the time he took charge of tiiis church 
was spent along educational lines. He was presi- 
dent of the State Xormal school at Normal, Hli- 
nois, for a period of fourteen years, and upon his 
resignation he immediately entered upon his pas- 
torate here and when he left it was to take the 
]iosition of superintendent of public instruction of 
Illinois. He now resides in Bloomington, this 
state. Many, in fact most of the old pillars of the 
church, have crossed the dark valley and now rest 
linm their labors and surely their works have 
followed them. We well remember the faithful 
lew whose seats were never vacant, unless sickness 
iiv unsurmounted obstacles prevented. Among 
this number we would name I\Ir. and Mrs. Chaun- 
cey Colton, Lazarus Eeeves and wife, John Wal- 
ters, James Smith and wife. Hart ^lorris and 
wife, Mrs. Egbert Curtis, Mr. Curtis, Hinsdale 
Phelps and Eev. Edwin Smith, but space forbids 
further mention. All of these are now members 
of the church triumphant. Mrs. Egbert Norton 
is the oldest living member, having joined in 183C. 

I'ASTOnS OF THE KlIiST CONGRKOATIOX.VL CHURCH 
OF PniNCETO.N. 

Lucien Farnham, 1834-39; Owen Lovejoy, 
1839-55; N. A. Keyes, 1856-57; S. D. Cochran, 
18.57-58; W. B. Christopher, 1858-59; Samuel 
Day, 1860-Gl; H. L. Hammond, 1861-62; D. H. 
Blake, 1862-64; Flavel Bascom, 1864-69; R. B. 
Howard, 1870-75; Eichard Edwards, 1875-84; 



Stephen A. Norton, 1884-91; Elihue H. Votaw, 
1891-93; Edwin More, 1894-98; James H. Mac- 
Lareu, 1898-1902; John W. Welsh, 1903. 

-METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF PRINCETON. 

As early as 1832 Eev. Zaddock Hall organized 
what was called the Peoria Mission. In this 
county his appointments were met at the houses of 
Joseph Smitli, north of Princeton, on Bureau 
Creek; Samuel Williams in Hall town; John Hall 
Selby township ; and at Abraham Jones', two miles 
northwest of Princeton. The members at that 
time were James and Betsy Hayes, Abraham and 
Mary Jones, Barton and Susanna Jones, Eobert 
and Mrs. Clark, Joseph and Mrs. Smith, and 
Eliza Epperson. All of the above named early 
Christian pioneers have long since passed to the 
silent land. It will be seen by this that the 
Methodist church, with their usual energy and 
enterprise, was early on the ground of this new 
field of labor. In 1833 the Peoria Mission was 
divided and Bureau county was placed in the 
Northern division, called tlie Ottawa Mission, and 
Eev. William Eoyal became the preacher in 
charge. In 1834 the mission was again divided 
aud the west division became the Bureau Mis- 
sion and was placed under the charge of Rev. 
S. E. Beggs. In this last named circnit there 
v.ere three appointments — at Abraham Jones', 
Princeton, Jolin Scott's, Tiskilwa, and John Hall's, 
Selby. According to Mr. Leeper's account in 
Bradsby's history Eev. Beggs collected seventy 
dollars from one hundred members during 1834. 
Sometime in the summer of 1836 Rev. Denning 
came to the Bureau Mission, where he remained 
about six years, when he joined the Eock Eiver 
Conference. During his stay with the mission 
ho was the class leader in the Princeton settle- 
irients: these meetings were hold at the house of 
.Vbraham Jones until 1838. after that at Eev. 
Denning's. In 1836 a paper was circulated ask- 
ing pledges to raise money to build a church, and 
(juite an amount had been pledged when unfor- 
tunately the brick that were to go into the new 
house were spoiled in Ijurning and other mis- 
haps occurring, the matter was dropped. In 1837 
I he early ijioneer ])reacher, Zaddock Hall, had 
charge of the I'riiu-eton circuit. In 1838 the 
first church building was commenced and was 
finished the next year. In 1840 Princeton was 
placed in the Eock River Conference. In 1845 
a brick church was built; this building has been 
known for many years as Union Hall ; it is now 
used for a livery stable. The Union Hall church 
was used until the present commodious brick 
building was completed in January, 1864. This 
church originally cost about twelve tboaisand dol- 
lars. The corner stone was laid with Alasonic 
honors July 24, 186.3. 

It was dedicated January 23, 1861 ; the ser- 
vices on this occasion were conducted by F. M. 
Eddy, D. D., assisted by Rev. J. M. Vincent. The 
church at present is large and prosperous. The 




FIRST CONGEEGATIOXAI- CHUEC'H OF LA MOILLE; 



TAST AND PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



63 



day of small tilings has passed awav and they 
are now upon a solid foundation, both financially 
and spiritually. Mr. N. j\Iatson a few years ago 
presented this society with a fine toned bell cost- 
ing five hundred dollars, and his widow, at her 
death, left them a ten thousand dollar legacy. 
In 1905 the auditorium was reseated and deco- 
rated anew and a fine twenty-five hundred dollar 
pipe organ was purchased and placed in position, 
so at the present time the church is modern and 
the architectural finish is pleasing to the view. 
The present membership of the church is: Sab- 
hath school 300. men's club 77. 

The following named persons have been pastor 
of this church": Zaddock Hall, 1832; William 
Koyal. 1833; S. E. Beggs, 1834; Zaddock Hall, 
ISSV; George Smith. 1838; Eufus Lumry, 1839; 
Jonathan Snow, 1840-41; Ilarvev Hadley, 1843- 
43; J. G. Whitcomb. 1844; Leonard Whittaker, 
1843-46: 0. A. Walker, 1847-48; George Levisee. 
1849 : J. H. Moon. 1850 ; Martin P. Sweet, 1851- 
53 : John W. Stagdill, J. 0. Gilbert, Silas Searl. 
Charles French, Thomas J. Hagertv ; W. C. Will- 
ing, 1862-63 : N. H. Axtell, W^ a! Smith, S. N. 
Griffith, J. M. Caldwell, W. D. Skelton, J. C. 
Stoughton, W. H. Gloss, John Ellis, James Baum. 
W. D. Akinson, L. M. Hadley and C. A. Bunker, 
1885: T. V. E. Sweet, 1886-87-88; T. E. Stro- 
bridge, 1889-90-91-92-93; G. C. Clark. 1894-95; 
J. A. Whipple. 1896-97-98-99-1900; J. Hastie 
Odcrers, 1901-02-03; W. B. Slaughter. 1904- 
05-06. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

On October 26, 1837, the Presbyterian cliurch 
of Princeton was organized at the residence of 
Rev. A. B. Church, with a membership of twenty- 
four. These first members were previously 
identified with the Hampshire Colony church, but 
for certain reasons had ceased to be connected 
with the mother society and organized for them- 
selves what at that time was known as the Second 
Congregational church of Princeton. Of this 
number not one is now living. The first year the 
services of this churcli were held in the upper 
story of Epperson's store, when a frame church 
was erected about where the present church now 
stands. In 1844 they voted to change the name 
and to be known thereafter as the Presbyterian 
church of Princeton. The membership comprises 
many of our most substantial citizens, and its loca- 
tion is perhaps the most desirable that the city 
affords: the grounds are shaded and m'cII kept. 
The present brick house was built in 1856 at a 
cost of about fifteen thousand dollars: a new 
pipe organ was placed in the church, and 
in 1901 the church was redecorated and reseated : 
this, with the annex to the auditorium, render^ 
it both pleasing and commodious. The ground-^ 
have recently been graded and cement walks laid 
to the street on the east and north, wliile tlie front 
has been parked to the street with cement boun- 
daries. These improvements, together with its 



natural advantages, makes it artistic and attract- 
ive. The first board of elders were Daniel Eailn- 
sou, Austin Bryant, Isaac Brokaw and Samuel 
Carey. The present membership numbers two 
hundred and ninety-five, Sabbath school 212, 
men's association 65. The pastorate of this 
church has, as a rule, been in the hands of able 
men; in fact, the membership of this society is of 
such a character that none other would be called. 
The first pastor was Eev. A. B. Church, who 
served seven years, and was followed by Eev. John 
Stoker, one year; Eev. William Perkins, two 
years and six months : Eev. Ithamer Pillsbury, 
seven years; Eev. Mr. Carson, a short time; Rev. 
I. C. Barr, eighteen months ; Rev. I. Milligan, 
fifteen years and six months ; Eev. I. C. Hill, 
eighteen months; Eev. D. G. Bradford, five years; 
Eev. Mead C. Williams, D. D., from December, 
1880, to March, 1893 : Eev. Glenroie McQueen, 
D. D.. from June. 1892, to June, 1896; Eev. 
Geo. W. Smith, D. D., from December, 1896, to 
November. 1898 ; Eev. Harrv B. Allen, from July, 
1899, to November, 1903 ; Eev. Harry M. Mark- 
ley, called May, 1904, still pastor. 

ENOLISH LUTHERAN. 

The English Lutheran church was organized 
February 27, 1858, in Bascom and White's hall. 
\t this time twenty-five persons became members. 
The first deacons were Lorenzo Kaar, J. S. Miller ; 
and George Kaar and J. Boyer were appointed 
elders. Their first church was built in 1864 and 
cost eighteen hundred dollars ; later a parson- 
age was purchased at a cost of twelve hundred 
dollars. The present church was erected in 1892 
and cost ciglit thousand dollars. It is pleasantly 
located on ilain street, and the interior is well 
arranged and the grounds have recently been im- 
proved. The meinhorsliip nundiers 364; Sabbath 
school, 275: Christian Endeavor, 53; Men's club. 
43. The following are the different pastors : S. 
Harbaugh, January, 1858, to August, 1858 ; A. A. 
Trimper. August, 1858, to Januarv, 1859 ; S. 
Eitz. May, 1861, to November, 1861 ; D. Har- 
baugh. November, 1861, to Januarv, 1863; D. S. 
Altman, Januarv, 1863 to March 1865; D. Har- 
baugh. March, 1865. to September, 1865; D. Har- 
baugh. June, 1866, to September, 1866; J. Elser, 
September, 1866, to March, 1S6S ; C. A. Gel- 
wicks, August. 1868, to August, 1872; J. W. 
Elser, October, 1873, to July, 1877; W. Eems- 
berg. July. 1877. to May. 1882; A. J. B. Kast, 
October. 1882, to Octolier, 1884; D. P. Grosscup. 
May, 1885, to November, 1887; V. A. Tressler, 
April, 1888, to April, 1889; IT. M. Bannen, June 
1890, to April, 1896 ; C. E. Derr, June. 1896, to 
August, 1898 ; J. W. Eichelberger. one year ; C. 
J. Keifer, March, 1900, to September, 1903; M. 
W. Horn. February. 1904. 

niRISTIAN CHURCH. 

The Christian church of Princeton was organ- 
ized by John M. Yenrn.shaw in March. 1840. 
James and Catherine How, Daniel E. and Rachel 



04 



PAST AND i'KKSEXT UF JJLliEAL fULXTY. 



[low, Jonathan and Eliza Ireland, Daniel Bryant, 
Clark and JIary Bennett, John M. Yearnshaw, 
Hachel and Juliett Radclill', Elraira Elston. Sarah 
ilinier, Mary Hayes, W. ^M. How and ^largaret 
McElwain were the original members of this 
church. Their meetings were first in what was 
called the Commissioners' House, near the court 
house. In 1846 they built a brick church on the 
side of the court house square. President Gar- 
field preached there one Sabbath about the time 
of the commencement of the war in 1861. Their 
present house of worship was built in 1870. It is 
a fine brick church and is located on South Main 
street and cost eleven thousand dollars. Eev. 
Isaac Errett, of Cinr-innati, conducted the dedi- 
cation ceremonies. 

Men's Club— Ira Gibbons, president : 0. .\. Cole, 
secretary. 

Sabbath School— Cecil C. Carpenter, superin- 
tendent; Dr. M. II. Hickman, assistant superin- 
tendent; Hattie LafTerty, secretary. 

Endeavor Society (sixty-eight members) — N. E. 
K'obinson, president. 

The following have acted as pastors since its 
organization : John M. Yearnshaw, George Mc- 
Manus, Daniel P. How, Charles Berry : J. C. 
Stark, 1861-1862; T. ]5rooks. April 1, 1862, to 
February 22, 186.3; J. C. Gaston, Februarv, 186.3, 
to November, 1864; D. P. Howe, December, 1864. 
to 186.5 : Pev. Brooks, 186.5-1867 ; J. G. Waggoner, 
1867-1868; T. Y. Berry, 1868-1869; G. W. 
Mapes, 1869-187.3; Rev. Olds, 1873-1874; A. J. 
Thompson, April to October. 1874; T. Toof. Octo- 
ber, 1874, to December, 1876; Geo. F. Adam-. 
June, 1877, to Julv, 1878; L. R. Norton, Decem- 
ber. 1878, to October, 1880; \V. H. McGinnis, 
November, 1886, to November, 1888 ; D. A. Hunt- 
er, November, 1888, to October, 1889; W. B. 
Gallaher, November, 1889. to November, 1890; 
William Branch, Januarv, 1891. to September. 
1891; W. L. Havden, September, 1892: J. C. 
Stark, March, 1893, to March, 189.5; G. W. In- 
field, December, 1895. to February. 1898; C. D. 
Pearlee. April, 1898, i.) ISfarch, 1899; J. G. Wag- 
goner, October, 1899, to 'Slav. 1903; I. N. Grisso, 
.Tulv, 1903. to 190.5; Phillip Evans, March, 190.5, 
to March. 1906; Cecil C. Carpenter. i\rarch, 1906, 
to date. 

HISTOniCAT. SKKTOII OF THE FIR.ST roXOUF.ClA- 
TIONAL CltriiClI OF Bri)A. 

The earliest record of any preaching by Con- 
gregational ministers in Buda is of services held 
in an old log sehoolhouse in the edge of French 
Grove, by Wm. F. Vaill. And after this Mr. 
Lyman, of ShelTipld, preached occasionally for 
two years before the organization of the ibiircb ; 
and one year after that time, statedly. 

In response to letters missive a council mot at 
the house of Joseph Foster, in Buda, October 
17, 18.56, for the purpose; of organizing a Con- 
gregational church. The following memi)ers com- 
posed that counciJ : 



Kewanee — Pastor, C. H. Pierce; delegate, J. F. 
Goodrich. 

Providence— Pastor, David Todd; delegate. B. 
R. Sargent. 

.Vnnawan— Pastor, -\sa Prescott. 

Shelfield — Pastor, A. Lyman; delegate, H. C. 
Ensign. 

Also Rev. F. Bascom, of Galesburg, and Rev. 
Wm. F. Vaill, of Wethersfield. 

Five persons, Joseph Foster, William T. Ran- 
dall and wife, and Franklin Foster and wife, were 
organized into a church. 

The exercises were held in the sehoolhouse, 
there being no church building in the place at 
that time. 

No new members were added during the first 
year, and one of this number. Mrs. Harriet Foster, 
a very lovely woman, was removed by death. 

The salaries were small, and the pastorate* 
short during the early years of the church. 

December 31, 1861, the number of members 
being thirty, it was voted to erect a house of 
worship. It is quaintly stated that it was to 
"cost not less than fifteen hundred dollars." Rev; 
S. H. Kellogg was pastor at that time and in- 
spired the little company with zeal and courage 
and the wurk was accomjilished. though it was at 
the opening of the civil war, when material was 
costly and help scarce. 

From the Church Building Society — then the 
.Vmerican Congregational Union — two hundred 
and fifty dollars were borrowed and promptly re- 
paid. A niinilicr were added to the church about 
this time. 

I'he dedication of the new building was a .lovful 
occasion. It was expected tliat Jonathan Blanch- 
ard, D. D., would preach the sermon. He failed 
to arrive, the congregation were waiting. Rev. 
David Todd, of Providence, 111., was present and 
without time for pre]iaration took the place of 
the missing man and preached a sermon which 
bis hearers felt could not have been excelled. 
Beginning in 1871 the church united with Shef- 
licld in joint pastorate for ten years. Since that 
lime eight pastors have ministered to this church. 

The pastors and dates of pastorate are as fol- 
lows, viz.: A. Lvman. 1858-61: L. S. Waldo. S. 
Parker. S. Kellogg; J. J. .V. T. Dixon. 1863-6.5; 
X. L. Selden. ]S65-6(;; Charles Hancock, 1866- 
(■.;: A. E. Arnold. 1868-69; .1. A. .Mien. 1870-73; 
W. J. Baker. 1874-76: G. W. Coleman. 1876-81; 
A. A. Robertson, 1881-82; J. G. Aikman. 1883-85; 
J. W. Fox, 188.5-91 : E. F. Schwab, 1891-97 : B. F. 
Cokelev, 1897-99; J. 0. Emerson, 1900-01 ; C. D. 
Moore, 1901-03; W. J. Stewart, 1904. 

This church has always stood firmly and radi- 
cally against all the evils of the day and has been 
a helpful factor in civic reform aiul in promoting 
and maintaining rcligi(nis and educational life. 

During its entire history the church has con- 
tribuled liberallv to the various benevolent and 
missionary societies. The different departments of 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUXTY. 



60 



the local work are well sustained today. The 
church building luis been twice enlarged. In 1904 
it was redecorated; in 1905 the basement was en- 
larged and cemented, thus completing a beautiful 
and well equipped edifice. 

The origiiuil members have all passed awa}- and 
of those who were members at the time the 
church was erected only two remain with \is — 
Mrs. A. A. Beckwith and Mrs. M. J. Marlin. 

DANISH LUTHERAN CHCECH, SHEFFIELD. 

Motto : Justification by Faith.. 
Organized October 25, 1S69, by Rev. Clausen, 
St. Ansgar, Iowa, with thirty-three members. It 
is the oldest congregation of the Danish Evan- 
gelical Lutheran clnirch in America. From 1869 
to 1873 services were held monthly by pastors 
from surrounding districts. The meetings were 
held in the Free Methodist church. In 1880 a 
church was built fifty-six feet long and thirty- 
two wide, with a steeple seventy-five feet high. 
The parsonage was built in 1891. The church 
property is valued at four thousand dollars. From 
1883 regular meetings have been held every Sun- 
day. The church membership in 1883 was eighty- 
eight. At the present time the membership is 
two hundred. Sunday school forty. Rev. Miller 
served eight years. Rev. Blishfield served two 
years. Rev. Jaygaard served two years. Rev. Ras- 
mussen, present pastor, three years. 

NEPONSET CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

"At a meeting of mendiers of different Congre- 
gational churches living in the town of Brawby, 
April 21, 1855, to consult the propriety of organ- 
izing a church in said town, it was moved by Mr. 
Ebenezer Kent that we proceed to organize a 
church, which motion was carried." Tlius read 
the first records of the Congregational church. 
They further state that on that date Ebenezer 
Kent and wife. B. C. Strout and Abbie, his wife. 
Hale G. Wright and j\Iargaret M., his wife, Eliza- 
beth J. Wright, Charles Kent and Lucinda, his 
wife, united by letter, and :\rrs. W. W. Clark 
upon profession of faith. Tlic name clioscn for 
the church was the "First Orthodox Congrega- 
tional Church of Neponset." Hale G. Wright and 
B. C. Strout were appointed deacons. Rev. 
Samuel G. Wright acted as moderator and Charles 
Kent as clerk. On the same date at the house of 
Ebenezer Kent the "First Orthodox Congrega- 
tional Society of Neponset" was formed, with 
Ezenezer Kent. Charles Kent and Hale G. Wright 
as trustees. Within a few years the members of 
this society numbered forty-six men. 

In 1857, upon motion of S. Dorr, it was voted 
to employ Rev. L. Bobbins for one year, provided 
he accept two hundred dollars from this society 
and rely upon the Illinois Home Missionarv Asso- 
ciation for the remainder of his salary. Evidentlv 
the church prospered, for one year later Rev. C. 
H. Pierce was called to the pastorate with a 
salary of five hundred dollars. Mr. Pierce re- 
plied : "I herewith transmit my acceptance." The 



salary offered is under the circumstances very 
liberal and bespeaks a commendable generosity, 
especially as it indicates a purpose to subserve 
here the interests of morality and religion though 
sacrifice and self-denial be the cost " 

In March, 1859, there is a record showing that 
the church was represented by pastor at the Na- 
tional Council of Congregational churches held 
at Cliicago, and six loyal members of the society 
contributed fifty cents to one dollar each "to defray 
his expenses." The record closes with a notice 
of "adjournment to the first Monday in April 
at early candle liglit." In this year Isaac B. 
Blake was elected deacon. For several years the 
church services were usually held in a school - 
house. At a meeting called in the spring of 
1862 to consider the erection of a church build- 
ing. Rev. C. M. Barnes, the third pastor, said 
among other things : "Congi-egationalism is essen- 
tial to the true prosperity of a community," 
and moved "that we proceed immediately to build 
a church or meeting house." One man was se- 
lected from each school district to raise the funds. 
The building committee elected by ballot consisted 
of I. B. Blake, C. M. Barnes and Orin Hasard. 
Later Pastor Barnes resigned from this committee 
and Samuel Dorr was made a member in his 
place. 

Saturday, July 19, 1862, it was decided "that 
the meeting house should be thirty-two by fifty 
feet, eighteen feet high, with a steep; that there 
should be one entry, twelve feet by eight feet; 
and that the pulpit be at the end opposite the 
door ; that the signers' seats be in front of the 
entry and that they be raised eight inches." 

Dr. Helms, of lot selection committee, made a 
short report and it was resolved that we accept 
the two lots offered to the society by the Neponsei 
Town Company. There was considerable discus- 
sion whether tlu' cliurch should face the north 
or the west. Tlie house of worship was dedi- 
cated on March 2. 1864. The exercises were 
as follows: Introductory ])rayer. Rev. Lemuel 
Pomeroy, of Wethersfield ; sermon. Rev. Edward 
Beecher, of Galesburg; dedicatory prayer, Rev. 
Samuel G. Wright, of Galva. 

At this service Rev. Flavel Bascom, of Dover, 
made an appeal to the people on 'the importance 
of removing the debt of one hundred and eighty 
dollars, and two hundred and fifty dollars was 
raised. Rev. Yan-Wagner, of Kewanee, and Rev. 
J. E. Roy. of Chicago, were present, and Brother 
Roy remained and held a four days' meeting. 

An addition to the meeting house was built 
onto the south side at a later date. 

Rev. S. Ordway became pastor about a year after 
the dedication of the church, and in 1866 Rev. 
S. G. Wright entered upon a five-year pastorate 
and Richard W. Tanner and William Stevenson 
wpre elected deacons and oi'dain^d (o ''hat office. 
The year following Wai-iTii 1 >. Whaples and Orren 
Hasard were elected aiul installed as deacons. 



(K! 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



The next pastor was Kev. G. W. Colmau, of 
Chicago. 

The pastorates of Kev. Victor Loba and Kev. 
W. E. Hoiyoke covered about three years eacli. 
During the remaining twenty-two years tlie 
church lias been served by seven pastors, namely : 
Rev. E. L. Hill, of Kan.^as City, Kansas, 1883-8.5 : 
Rev. 0. 0. Smith, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1886-91 ; 
Rev. F. G. Smith, of Chicago. 1891-94; Rev. H. M. 
]?ichardson, of Boulder. Colorado, 189.5-99; Rev. 
S. A. Miller, of Reoria, 111., 1900-01 ; Rev. A. A. 
Robertson, of Rockwell, Iowa. 1901-03; and tho 
])rtsent pastor. Rev. H. L. Ilartwell. Of the 
ex-pastors eight are still living. 

In 1889 Humphrey Bennett and S. D. Car- 
penter were elected deacons and ten years later 
Capt. Edwin Malaney was chosen for that oSicc. 

The following persons now living have held 
membership in the Neponset Congregational 
church for over thirty-six years: Eliza J. Craig, 
united in 18G3 : William Stevenson. 1864; Joseph 
M. Stetson. 1866; Mary E. Whaples. 1866; Eliza- 
beth Buswoll, 1867: Jane Gunning, 1SG7: Thomas 
.1. Gunning, 1868: Phoebe .V. Dorr, 1869. 

The largest number of additions to membershi]) 
in any one year was forty-five in 1866. In all 
about three hundred and fifty have held member- 
ship. The present membership is one hundred 
ami nine. 

The benevolent contrilnitioiis the past year 
were one hundred and si.xty-thrce dollars and the 
expenses abaut thirteen hundred dollars. 

The church is attractive and pleasant. haNdng 
recently been repainted and refurnished. There is 
no debt. 

PROVIDENCE CHURCH. 

Tlie Congregational Church of Providence in 
the township of Indiantown was organized on 
June 22, 1841, with fifteen members. The pres- 
ent meeting house was dedicated October 23. 
1870. This church for some years was connected 
with Wyanct, but it soon became self-sustaming, 
and is now in a prosperous condition. Rev. David 
Todd was pastor of this church for twenty-five 
years. Tie was much attached to the good peo- 
jilo of his congregation, also they to him. Rev. 
Todd was a very conscientious and zealous worker 
in religious matters. Since 1893 the church and 
parsonage have been thoroughly repaired, new fur- 
naces in both, also cement walks for both, and 
new slicds for horses, so tliat now everything ha^ 
an air of thrift. The ))resont membership is 
117. From 1880 to 1882, Rev. Henry Wilson was 
])astor. 

From May. 1882. to September, Rev. 1m1 wards 
filled the pulpit. From September 1, 1882, to 
November, 1886, Rev. A. E. Paddock. From 
November, 1886, to December. 1890, Rev. 0. C. 
Clark. From December, 1890, to March, 1892, 
Kev. O. Brown. From 1892 to 1896. Rev. J. L. 
Fonda. From 1896 to 1900, Rev. Charles L. 
French. Between 1000 and 1901. the pastorate 



was filled by supplies. From May, 1901, to 1902, 
Rev. A. W. Sinden. From January, 1903, to 
June, 1906, Rev. A. J. Baldwin, present pastor, 
from June, 1906. 

METHODIST CHURCH. NEPONSET. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Neponset 
was organized a few miles north of corporation. 
The members were John Norton and wife, Mary 
Norton, George Norton. Mary Hall and others. 
The meetings were held in different houses, but 
after 1853 the home of George Norton was the 
meeting place until 1855, when a church was 
built in Neponset. In 1864, this house was re- 
modeled and used for a parsonage and a new 
church was built in 1866, costing four thousand 
five hundred dollars. In 1841, when this church 
was organized, there were but two houses in the 
township, and they were William Studley's and 
William Norton's log cabins. The pastors who 
have ofliciated in this church are as follows : Com- 
mencing in 1840, Brothers Walter Wliitcomb, 
-Vnthony, W. C. Cummings, David Oliver, P. 
C, and B. F. Bestor, A. P.; H. J. Humphrev, 
P. C. and Brothers Day, A. P. : A. Wool'scraft, 
P. C: William Fidler, A. P.; Rev. J. M. Hin- 
man. H. J. Humphrev, C. Lazenbv. P. C. ; Wil- 
liam Brcmner, A. P. :"S. B. Smith," P. C. ; Robert 
Hoover. A. P.: W. J. Smith, P. C. : Fieldon 
Smitli. .\. P.: Rev. C. M. Wright. J. T. Whitson, 
J. S. Cummings, W. P. Graves. W. J. Giddings. 
J. D. Smith, G. W. Gue, Elijah Ransom. J. E. 
Rutledge. M. C. Bowling, Thomas Watson, J. J. 
Flehartz. William Woolev, M. V. B. White; T. J. 
Wood. 1880-81; D. T. Wilson, 1882-83: R. Bar- 
ton. 1884-85: J. A. Northrup. 1886-88; David 
McLish. 1889-90: C. T. Cadv. 1891-92; J. Q. 
.Vdnins, 189.3-95; S. P. Archer. 1896-98; R. W. 
.\nics, 1899; J. D. Smitli, 1900-01: J. B. Bar- 
tie, 1902-1904: E. E. Shawl, 1905. In 1892 the 
Epworth League room was added to the church, 
also other repairs, with a total cost. $1,400: pres- 
ent membership, 115; Sunday school, 90. 

ST. P.VTRICk's CHrRCH, SHEFFIELn. II.L. 

Rev. Wm. M. ^lurtaugh, rector ; assistant 
priests : Father JIarion. Januarv, 1900-October, 
1901 : Father P. J. Ahearn ; Rev. Wm. J. Durm- 
mv. 1902-1904; Rev. Thos. J. Fitzgerald, 1904; 
Rev. Martin Gr'fEv, 1904-1905. Until July. 1905, 
the Sheffield Church supplied and had charge 
of the churches in Tiskilwa. Princeton and 
Wyanet. .\t this time a division was made in 
the parish, when Tiskilwa had a resident priest. 
l{ev. George Pierson, and included Princeton in 
the next jjarisli. Wyanet is still connected with 
the St. Patrick's parish, but is preparing to erect 
a building and maintain her own services. Al- 
though quite a large number of former residents 
of the ])arish are now living at Kewanee, Moline, 
Rock Island and Davenport and some at various 
lioints on the C. R. I. it P. railroad, the congrega- 
tion has maintained a favorable <rrowth. due 




COXGREGATIOXAT. (TTrirrTT (»F I'l.M XCETOX. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



51 



inenced Mr. North moved that the prisoner be 
released, as the men who held him captive were 
on trial themselves for disturbing the peace. This 
motion was being argued by the attorneys when 
one Tallet, who kept a low-down tavern in a 
building where Delano's store now stands, came 
into the court room and stated that he had aii- 
thority to take the prisoner before another jiistice 
for trial. Sheriff Thompson ordered him to leave 
the room. Tallet refused to go and the sheriif 
stepped toward him, revolver in hand. As the 
sheriff st^arted toward Tallet the whole crowd in 
the coiirt room raised xvp and confusion was every- 
where present, but amid it all several persons kept 
their heads and gave their attention to freeing 
the negro. M. J. Keith started for John's rescue 
at the same time Lovejoy, James H. Seaverns and 
Oliver Jaynes placed themselves beside the negro. 
Seaverns and Keith clutched the rope that bound 
the prisoner and pulled for dear life, while Love- 
joy caught Bowen, who claimed he owned John, 
by the hair and crowded him back away from the 
others, while Oliver Jaynes cut the rope between 
the hand of Keith and Bowen and then cut the 
rope that fastened him to the other man. Keith 
and Seaverns then untangled the rope from John 
and an opening was made in the crowd and John 
darted out a free man, and Rev. Lovejoy without 
hat or coat followed closely hallooing at the top 
of his voice: "Go it, John! Go it. John!" and 
John went and not one of the crowd knew where 
but they did know that Mr. Bowen, tlie man who 
claimed to own John, went back to St. Louis with- 
out his man. Those men who so heroically re- 
leased this colored man have, with the exception of 
M. J. Keith, passed to the other shore, but the 
remembrance of their good deeds remains on the 
tablets of time. 



CHAPTER YL 

ORGANIZ.VTIOX OF THE COUNTY. 

On the admission of Illinois into the union in 
1818 she had but fifteen organized counties and 
most of the present Bureau county, at that time 
was in Bond covmty. Bond coimty comprised a 
strip of land about twenty-five miles wide from 
east to west and extending from Clinton county 
on the south to the Wisconsin line on the north, 
a distance of about two himdred and seventy miles. 
We remained in Bond county until 1821 when the 
State was redivided and all of the territory north 
and west of the Illinois River was organized as 
Pike county, comprising nearly one-third of the 
whole State. In 1833 Pike county was reduced 
nearly to its present size and Fulton county was 
organized, with little more than its present terri- 
tory, north of the Illinois; that left all of the 
northern part of the State without county organi- 
zation and it was attached to Fulton county. The 
present territory of Bureau remained attached to 



Fulton county until 182.5 when Putnam county 
was organized and embraced all of the land north 
of the Illinois River as far south as the north 
line of the present limits of Peoria county and 
west to the eastern boundary of Knox county. 
The southern boundary of Putnam county fol- 
lowed the Illinois River to the south fork (Kanka- 
kee), thence up said fork to the Indiana state 
line, making nearly one-fifth of the State. In 
1827 Jo Daviess county was organized and took in 
all the northwest part of the State as far south as 
the northern boundary of the military tract on 
the Mississippi River, thence east to the bend of 
the Illinois River, about where Bureau Junction 
is now located; thence north to the Wisconsin 
line. It will be seen by this description that most 
of the land in this county, at that time, was in 
Jo Daviess county. In 183i Putnam again suffered 
a loss of a large part of her territory. La Salle 
and Cook counties were formed at this time and all 
of the unorganized territory was attached to La 
Salle county, leaving in Putnam all of Bureau, 
most of Stark and nearly all of Marshall. From 
this time on Putnam county enjoyed undisturbed 
tranquility, so far as losing territory was con- 
cerned, until 1837 when Bureau county knocked at 
her door, not for admission, but for separation, 
and in 1839 Marshall and Stark were organized 
and Putnam, the proud imperial county with her 
ten thousand square miles was, like Sampson of 
old. shorn of her strength and became the smallest 
division of this great commonwealth with only 
170 square miles left. From the foregoing state- 
ment it will be seen that Putnam county was 
formed in 1825 under the administration of Gov- 
ernor Coles and from this territory Bureau county 
was taken. By an act of the legislature, which 
was passed February 28, 1837, during the admin- 
istration of Governor Duncan, Bureau county 
came into existence. The act provided that three 
commissioners should be appointed to locate the 
county seat and the legislature also fixed the day 
for the first county election. But the act further 
provided that the voters of Putnam county should 
iiave the opportunity to express by ballot their 
wish in regard to the formation of the new county 
before tlie act should take effect. The boundary of 
the county was the same as now with the excep- 
tion of Milo and Wheatland, which were added 
iluring the administration of Governor Carlin in 
1839. As might be expected, this was a time of 
great activity among the voters both east and 
west of the Illinois River. The act provided that 
an election should be held on the first ^londay 
in March. In view of this fact excitement ran 
high. The voters upon the east side of the river 
were determined, if possible, to make the vote 
a negative one and retain the territory that was to 
be known in the future as Bureau county under 
her jurisdiction. The voters upon the west side 
were equally in earnest in getting the people to 
support (he plan for organizing the new county. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COT'XTY, 



Prominent among this number were John H. 
Bryant, Cyrus Bryant, William Hoskins, J. H. 
Olds. John Anient, ("yrus Lanjrworthy, R. T. Tem- 
pleton, Roland Moscloy, Robert Thompson, John 
Musgrovc. Butler Dunham and many others whom 
space forbids us to mention. The day of elec- 
tion at last arrived and the whole county was 
ablaze with excitement — those on the west side 
for and those on the east against the measure. 
Even women and children gave up the day to help 
their respective sides. It must be remembered at 
that time there were no closed carriages, auto- 
mobiles or trolley lines to carry voters to and from 
the polls, but they came on horseback, in crude ve- 
hicles and on foot to cast their ballots. The re- 
turns were slow in coming in, but when the vote 
was canvassed it was found that the proposition 
had carried by about thirty majority. In Prince- 
ton the peo])lo were wild with excitement; houses 
were illuminated, guns fired, bonfires kindled, tin 
horns blown and almost ever conceivable kind of 
music and noise was made that the jubilant peo- 
ple could invent. Near the public square about 
where tlie house of D. H. Smith now stands a 
large coffee pot Vas filled with powder and buried 
about three feet deep, with a fuse attached, and at 
the appointed time the match was applied and 
from the explosion the very earth trembled and 
houses swayed as by an earthquake. 

Hradsliy in his history tells of some convivial 
scenes that I will not mention, leaving the reader 
to draw from his imagination the picture of what 
those early days might have brought forth. Not- 
withstanding the votes showed tliat the measure 
had carried, the cry of illegal voting was raised 
by the people on the east side of the river and the 
authorities at Hennepin declared that there was 
no division and that the election would be con- 
tested. This threat had no terror for the stalwart 
pioneers of Bureau, for her course of action was 
being directed by men of courage and decision — 
men who dared to do what right and justice dic- 
tated. Accordingly the three commissioners who 
had iieeii a|i]iointed for the jnivpose of locating the 
county scat met in May and named Princeton as 
the place most suitable for its location. Thus 
briedy we liave described somc'of the incidents and 
scenes of that most important period in our coun- 
t^s history. The men who figured in those excit- 
ing days have long since gone to their reward. 
More than two generations have passed since those 
worthy pionei'rs laid the foundation of this great 
and productive county. Only a few people now 
live here who were even children at that time. 
So all that we have now is the sacred memory 
of those heroic souls who left home, comforts, op- 
portunities and friends to come into this new 
country and lirave the trials, hardships and priva- 
tions incident to such a life and to rear upon her 
virgin soil a manhood that stands in the front 
ranks of this advanced age, but that memorv has 



taken a deep and lasting hold upon the hearts 
and minds of this generation. 

An election was held on the first .Monday in 
June to elect county officers, at which William 
Hoskins, Arthur Bryant and Robert Masters were 
elected county commissioners ; Cyrus Langworthy, 
sheriff; Thoi'iias ;Mercer. clerk; John II. Bryant, 
recorder; Jacoli Galer, coroner, and Robert Stew- 
art, surveyor. Dan Stone being Judge of the fifth 
judicial district at that time ordered court to be 
iield in Princeton the following August and ap- 
pointed Cyrus Bryant clerk. We find by the 
record that courts were held in "Hampshire Col- 
ony Church" until 1S45, at which time the new 
court house and jail were completed. The jail 
was built of hewed logs, was twelve feet square 
and lined with sheet iron, and prisoners were let 
down into it and taken from it through a trap 
door at the top, there being no doors at the sides. 
Sucli a building would be quite inadequate for 
modern criminals. Yet the ability to escape from 
<mr ])resent prisons and jails seems to have kept 
pace with the improvements in architecture. 
Bradsby tells us in his history and the writer of 
this volume has verified it. that at the time of 
the organization of this county that there were 
two prominent roads or thoroughfares within its 
borders. One of these was the great stage road 
from Peoria to Galena. This was the one which 
nearly all of the travelers took in going and com- 
ing from the celebrated lead mines. This was also 
the mail route. This road passed north and south 
through the county a few miles west of Prince- 
ton and was daily passed over each way by a four- 
horse coach to accommodate the constant stream 
of passengers going to the lead mines of the north. 
The other was the trail of the Sac and Fox In- 
dians, running east and west and was followed 
by many of the early emigrants on their way 
west. It is said to be the route taken by Scott's 
army on its march from Chicago in 1832. Wc 
know of but one place in Bureau county where this 
trail is now visible and that is in tie old burial 
ground at Dover. Mr. A. L. Steele called our 
attention to it. There was also an Indian thor- 
oughfare over Indian Hill in the township of 
Mineral. At this early lime there were many 
bands of roving Indians and they frequently 
passed through this county. The first meeting of 
the county commissioners was held June 7, 1837. 
The records show that they were sworn in by John 
H. Bryant. Nathan Chamberlain was the first 
county school commissionei'. The first official act 
of commissioners according to the records was to 
appoint iX'grass Salisbury innnty treasurer, who 
gave a bond of $l.").(t(.)0 with Tlioiuas S. Elston and 
John H. Bryant as sureties. Nearly all of the 
north part of the county was included in the vot- 
ing precinct of Greenfield, and Joseph Passett, 
John Kendall and J. T. Holbrook were made 
judges of election and the house of Tracy Reeve 
was the voting place. Brush Creek was outlined 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



53 



and Brown Searls, Job Searls and Harmon Kel- 
lums weru ai)pointed judges. The voting place 
was the house of "William Hoskins, which was lo- 
cated on what is now known as Searls' ridge in 
Selby township. In the spring of 1839 Dover pre- 
cinct was formed, coming mostly from Greenfield 
territory. In September, 1838, Brush Creek pre- 
cinct was changed, a part of it being taken to form 
the "Hall district. At the iirst meeting of the 
commissioners the Windsor district was also 
formed and ]\[orris Spaulding, Joseph Robinson 
and Amariah Robinson were made judges. The 
voting place was the house of Augustus Ijang- 
worthy. At the same meeting Princeton precinct 
was set off with voting place at the house of Ste- 
phen Triplett. The judges were John Musgrove, 
Benjamin Smith and Elijah Smith. Also Coal 
Creek with voting place at Thornton Cummings 
near where Sheffield now stands and Sampson 
Cole, Thornton Cummings and ]\Ioses Stephens 
were judges. This is in brief the history of the 
first voting places in Bureau county. Reader, 
can you realize that within the space of one life- 
time such a transformation has taken place as 
we see about us? From the wild and pathless 
prairie covered with its primeval dress of emerald 
green mingled with flowers of every hue; studded 
with lakes upon which no white man's boat ever 
rocked; threaded with rivers in which no white 
man's oar ever splashed ; and dotted with groves 
where the blow of the white man's axe was never 
heard, and across this vast expanse of undeveloped 
solitude there lived and roamed another race of 
men. A race whose past history is a sealed book. 
A race whose ancestral life has never been traced. 
But here they were with all their past blotted 
out, living only for the present, and believing in 
the most extravagant traditions of their fathers — 
and now as you pass over this same expanse you 
see the inm horse of commerce with its breath of 
steam, carrying its freight of human souls and 
burdened with the products that come from the 
hand of civilization. We ask tliis question for the 
purpose of directing the mind of the young reader 
to the debt of gratitude we i>\vo to the early 
pioneers of our State and county. 

As before stated, the commissioners located the 
county seat on the "^Ofh of June, 183T. A tax of 
one-half of one per cent was ordered to be laid on 
all personal property in the county "'except meat 
cattle under three years old" : and a tax of one- 
fourth of one per cent on all lands in the 
countv- i'or roads and bridges. It was also 
ordered that the Circuit Court should lie Jield 
in the "Congregational Church" in Prince- 
ton until a more permanent place could lie 
provided. John IT. Bryant was autliorizeil 
to procure a "table and pigeon box" for the 
recorder's office ; fifteen dollars was appropriatcil 
to purchase plank to cover the bridges across the 
sloughs on Main Bureau, near Elijah Smith's, and 
for this purpose Enos jMatson was appointed agent : 



fifty dollars was appropriated for the bridges near 
Robert C. blasters and near Simpson Huflaker's 
and James G. Foristals and Robert C. Masters 
were appointed to attend to the work. Arthur 
Bryant was authorized to expend five dollars on 
bridges in township IG, range 9 east, and William 
Hoskins was authorized to expend fifteen dollars 
on roads in township 16, range 11 east. The com- 
missioners then selected the following names as the 
first grand jurors in the county: Jonathan S. 
Colton, Robert Scott, Moses Triehnor, John Hall, 
Stephen B. Fellows, David Nickerson, John Mc- 
I'^lwaiue, Tracy Reeve, Aaron Mercer, John Anient, 
Marshall Mason, Peter Ellis, George Bennett, Cor- 
nelius Corss, Elijah Smith, Thornton Cummings, 
James G. Everett, Roland Mosely, James Howe, 
Morris Spalding, Robert Clark, Austin Bryant and 
Amariah Watson. When the grand jury met Gil- 
bert Kellums, Lyman Howe, J. H. Olds, Stephen 
Smith and a Mr. Spalding were placed on the 
jury to fill vacancies. 

The following were selected as the first petit 
jury: Butler Dunham, James Smith, Brown 
Searle, Arthur Thornton, James G. Swan, James 
Seaton. Curtis Williams, Demarcus Ellis, Obediah 
Britt, James (j. Foristals, Henry Thomas, Simson 
Huffaker, Elias Isaacs, Joseph Fassett, Aquilla 
Triplett, W. H. Wells, Benjamin Newell, Sampson 
Cole, Enoch Pratt, Elijah Merritt, Joseph Beelor, 
Erastus Sherwin, Michael Kit^erman and Caleb 
Cook. The records show that the first order ever 
drawn upon the county treasurer was for making 
roads and constructing bridges. In June, 1837, 
a special court of the commissioners was called. 
Benjamin Mitchell and Peter Butler, the commis- 
sioners appointed to locate the county seat were 
sworn into office, taking an oath to faithfully 
consider the interest of the people and the situ- 
ation of the settlements. On the day of taking 
the oath they made a written report as follows: 
"We have determined to select the public square 
in the town of Princeton, on the west side of said 
square, designated as lot No. 33, as near the center 
as practicable ; Provided, D. 6. Salisbury, Thomas 
S. Elston and J. H. Bryant shall execute a bond 
approved by the county commissioners for $7,500, 
and a bond to execute a deed for eight and one- 
half acres of land, payable to said commissioners 
for the pur]ioso of erecting a court house and other 
public buildings." The records sliow that fifteen 
dollars was paid Benjamin ^fitehell and twenty 
to Peter Butler for services in locating the county 
scat. At the August term R. T. Templeton was 
appointed county treasurer. His bond was fixed 
at .$1.5,(1110 and Cyrus T.nngworthy, AV. O. Cham- 
berlain, John M. Gay and Thomas Epperson were 
his sureties. On the 7th of .\ugust, 1837, an elec- 
tion was held and the following officers were 
elected : Degrass Salisbury, probate justice ; Rob- 
ert T. Templeton, treasurer; Thomas Mercer, 
county clerk; also several justices of the peace 
and constables were elected. The record also 



54 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



sliows that Jonathan T. llolbrook gave bond to 
keep a hotel with David Holbrook as surety. At 
the August session of the county commissioners in 
1837 the subject of roads was discussed and meas- 
ures taken to provide tor tlie same so as to accom- 
modate the diflerent settlements as far as possible 
and these roads were to l)e made not only to pro- 
vide for the present inhabitants, but future needs 
were anticipated. Among the men appointed to 
look after the interest of the new roads to be made 
in the different parts of the county we noticed 
those of John H. Bryant. David Eobinson, Jona- 
than Colton. John Clark, Jesse Perkins and Rob- 
ert Stuart. It will be seen by this that Bureau 
county early realized the necessity of good roads 
and we fully believe that the same idea prevails 
at the present time. At the election held in Octo- 
ber, 1837, Benjamin Smith was elected county 
clerk. At a meeting of the commissioners an order 
was made allowing Slierill' Langworthy sixty-three 
dollars for expenses in prosecuting McBroom and 
Stuart charged with passing counterfeit money. 
They were two noted criminals in the early history 
of the county. The county at this time was di- 
vided into eighteen road districts and Asa Barney. 
Caleb Haskel, Daniel Radcliffe, .\mariah Watson. 
Jesse Perkins, William Mann, John Hall, John 
Clark, Chaunccy D. Colton. Stephen B. Fellows. 
William Cowan, Lewis Chilson. Thomas J. Ste- 
phens. Ezekiel Thomas, Toyman Stowcl, Peter 
Ellis, Nathan Rackley and Zenas Church were ap- 
pointed as road supervisors, .\rthur Bryant was 
appointed in 1838 to direct the building of a 
bridge across Bureau Creek on the road from 
Princeton to French drove and one hundred dol- 
lars was appropriated for same. The county hav- 
ing no official seals Benjamin E. Smith was ap- 
pointed to secure .same for the county clerk's office. 
which he did. although it took a trip to St. Louis 
to procure them. In March, 1838, the commis- 
sioners released the signers of the $7,500 bond be- 
fore mentioned on the following conditions (which 
we copy from the record) : "Ordered that the per- 
.sons bound on a bond for seven thousand and five 
Inmdred dollars to the county commissioners of 
Bureau county and now on record, be released 
from the same ])rovided the following propositions 
are complied with, viz.: To build for the county 
a jail and jailer's home agreeable to the plan fur- 
nished by the county commissioners : to deed to 
the county the half acre of land on which the 
Congregational meeting house now stands, to- 
gether with the hou.se thereon ; to deed for the use 
of the county one-lifth of a five acre lot owned by 
W. 0. Chamberlain : also thirty-four feet by forty- 
two feet on lot No. thirty-one on the Public Square 
adjoining a lot owned by Fellows and Downing." 
The following officers were elected at the .\u- 
gust election in 1838: Robert Qarton, recorder; 
Cyrus Langworthy, sheriff: David C. Scarle, cor- 
oner, and Robert Clark, William Hoskins and 
Tracy Reeve, commissioners. The law provided 



that at the first election of commissioners the 
length of term of each should be decided by a 
■'drawing by lots." This resulted in giving Robert 
Clark three years, William Hoskins two years and 
Tracy Reeve one year. Many of the grand and 
petit jurors appointed by these commissioners wer^ 
men who in local affairs figured conspicuously at 
that early date and their children and children's 
children are among our best and most honored 
citizens at the present time, but space forbids 
naming them in this volume. In November of 
this year Stephen Smith was elected county sur- 
veyor and Asa Barney and John Long were ap- 
jiointed assessors. It seems that the county officers 
were in no hurry to qualify, as Cyrus Lang- 
worthy, who was elected in August, 1838, did not 
file his bond until June 5, 1839, giving Robert C. 
^Masters and John Clark as sureties. 

At the August election in 1839 D. G. Salisbury 
was elected Probate Justice; Oliver Bogle, re- 
corder; R. T. Templeton, treasurer; Stephen 
Smith, surveyor; S. F. Deming, clerk: William 
Frankerberger, commissioner. The pay for the 
grand jury was fixed at seventy-five cents a 
day for active service in court. In 18-10 the office 
of county collector was established and Carlton 
Combs was appointed, giving a $4,000 bond, with 
Nathaniel .\pplegate and Degrass Salisbury as 
sureties. At the .\ugust election of 1840 the offices 
were lillcd as follows: Cyrus Langworthy, sheriff; 
Daniel Brvant, coroner; William Hoskins, county 
commissioner. In 1841 there seems to have been 
quite a contention among the people in regard to 
the Dover road. The road angled then the same 
as now and the land owners were anxious to have 
it go on section lines, while the people who hauled 
loads to and from Chicago and other places w-ere 
just as desirous that it should remain as it was, 
giving them a more direct and shorter route. The 
question was finally settled by an act of the legis- 
lature and most of the way the road was unchanged. 
.\t a meeting of the commissioners the county, 
which had previously been divided into two as- 
sessor's districts, was changed into one and Robert 
Garliu was appointed assessor. At the August 
election 1841 Thouuis ifcrcer was chosen school 
commissioner and at the September term Robert 
E. Thompson took the place of Robert Clark as 
one of the county commissioners and Carlton W. 
Combs gave his bond of $3,000 as collector and 
J. H. Bryant. James S. Everett. Cyrus Bryant and 
Oliver Bogle were his sureties. In the fall election 
of 181 '2 the following officers were elected: Enos 
Smith, county commij-sioner : Justin II. Olds, 
county collector: Stephen Smith, sheriff, and Hen- 
ry Thomas, coroner. The bond of Justin H. Olds 
was fixed at $18,000. Some idea can be formed 
of the monetary condition at that time by the 
order passed at Countv Commissioners' Court June 
7, 1843. which is as follows: "Ordered, that the 
county treasurer be and he is hereby authorized 
to sell and dispose of all Shawneetown money in 



PAST AND TRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



00 



the treas\iry for any sum not less than thirty-six 
cents on tiie dolhir." And also to sell and dispose 
of the certificates of the State Bank of Illinois 
at any sum not less than thirty cents on the dol- 
lar." ' At the election in August, 18-13, we find the 
offices filled by the following named persons: 
Degrass Salishury, probate justice; Oliver Bogle, 
recorder; Martin Ballon, treasurer; Justin H. 
Olds, surveyor; C. W. Combs, county clerk, and 
William Hoskins re-elected county commissioner. 
In ISll: Moses T. Greeley was elected county com- 
missioner; Stephen Smith, sheriff; John Jlinipv. 
coroner, and George "W. Minier, surveyor. 

In August, 1816, Jacob Sells was elected county 
commissioner to fill the place of William Hoskins. 
Stephen Smith was re-elected sheriff and James 
Chenoweth county judge, and Justin H. Olds was 
appointed overseer of the poor for the county. 

In 1847 Stephen Smith was again re-elected 
.sheriff and A. T. Thompson county clerk. In 1848 
J. V. Thompson was elected sheriff and J. T. 
Thompson county treasurer. We have now given 
the important changes in the principal offices and 
measures through the period when the county was 
under the management of county commissioners. 
The records are not as clear nor as full as those of 
more recent date, but wo think they arc sufficient 
to give one all of the facts he will care to know. 
We think perhaps it may be of interest to the 
reader to know that at the election held on Satur- 
day, March 17, 18.38, to decide the question as 
to whether Princeton should be incorporated or 
not that there were twenty votes cast for incorpora- 
tion and none against. The votes were oast by 
Andrew F. Smith, Stephen Wilson, W. H. AVells. 
Xoali Wiswall. Cyrus Longwortliy. .Tohn Long. 
Robert C. Masters, Samuel Triplett, John Walter. 
Butler Denham, John Vaughn, Oliver Bogle, E. 
II. Phelps, Joseph Houghton, Joseph Smith, Rob- 
ert Stuart. -Tohn IT. Brvant, Justin H. Olds, Thom- 
as S. Elston and Robert T. Templeton. These 
uic'ii. (ine by one, have joined the great majority 
who now rest from their labors in the '"bivouac 
of the dead." But the municipality which they 
instituted has lived and expanded, verifying the 
saying that "men die but institutions live." We 
have tried to eliminate from the recorded events 
of the early history of the county everything that 
would not be of general interest or of statistical 
value. Wc find a few special legislative acts that 
we believe will be of interest to the people, to-wit: 
March 2. 183!). Greenfield changed to La Moillc. 
March 6, 1812, county authorized to borrow $.5,000 
to complete court house. Town of Gold created 
February 12, 1853. In 184!) by a large majority 
vote Bureau county adopted the township system. 
Instead of three commissioners legislating for the 
ccimty cacl) township elected a supervisor to look 
after tlie interest of their own township anil the 
general welfare of the county. Three county com- 
missioners were appointed to designate the bound- 
ary lines and name the township. The county 



was divided into twenty-three townships about 
as they now are with the exception of two town- 
ships, to-wit, ilanlius and Wheatland ; the former 
being a part of Greenville unHl 18.J4; the latter 
is only one-half of a congressional township and 
was joined to Jlilo until 1857. 

The first meeting of the supervisors was held 
on April 8, 1850. At this meeting the record 
shows that fifteen townships were represented at 
the organization of the board as follows : Rich- 
land (now Ohio), John Ross; Greenville, William 
.Martin; Dover, Enoch Lumery; Berlin, Enos 
Smith; Westfield, Michael Kennedy; Selby, Wil- 
liam Hoslvins; Princeton, John H. Bryant; Con- 
cord, Thomas Stevens ; Brawby (now Neponset) , 
Thomas Gattridge; Jefferson (now Macon), Allen 
Horton; Indiantown, Timothy N. Ferrell; Arispie, 
George McJIanis; Leepertown, John Wherry; 
ililo, William B.' Whipple; Fairfield, Whicher 
Dow. 

On the third ballot John II. Bryant was elected 
ciiairman. The record does not show that any 
further business was done that day. On April 
10 the following additional members took their 
seats: John D. Pinnell, Bloom (now Hall) ; Ed- 
ward M. Wilson, Center (now Wyanet) ; C. C, 
Corse, Bureau; Richard Brewer, AValnut; A. 6. 
Porter, Clarion ; R. B. Frary, La Moille ; Ebenezer 
Kent, Mineral. At this first meeting of the board 
the name of Jefferson was changed to Macon and 
Bloom to Hall and Richland to Ohio. So begai 
one of the history making epochs of this county. 
Not one of these men live to tell the story. Quite 
a number of them were active in county affairs for 
many years, but the scythe of time at last struck 
them down and they were gathered to their fathers. 
Thus one generation builds for another and passes 
off the stage of action and only the few realize 
that they have ever been. 

Bureau county was among the first to adopt 
township organization and there are still a few 
counties left in tiie State that cling to the old com- 
missioner system. Simon Kinney, Jacob T. 
Thompson and Tracy Reeve were the commission- 
ers appointed to fix the boundary line of townships 
and to name the same. The proceedings of this 
first board were published in the Bureau County 
Advocate. The names of the men who have served 
on the board of supervisors from each township 
will be found following the short history given of 
the same. Among those who have had a long term 
of service on the lioai-d are: .\. G. Porter, Chirion; 
D. P. Smith and William Wilson, Ohio; 0. L. 
Bearss, Walnut; Lee Brown, Fairfield; Michael 
Skeflington, Westfield ; George Rackley and Enos 
Smith, Berlin ; Warren Poole, Dover ; A. B. Kins- 
man and Potter White, Manlius; Henry Snyder, 
Hall ; Anthonv Morassv, Gold ; E. P. Edwards. La 
j\Ioille ; A. W." Lawton', Concord ; T. J. Haley and 
Jacob Carper, ]\Iacoii ; John j\rcCull(nigh, Milo; 
.Tonas More and S. G. Soverhill, Indiantown; J. 
H. Welsh and Orrin Wilkinson, .Arispie; J. M. 



5f. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU TOUNTY. 



Fisher, Princeton. C. G. Swanson has for many 
years been assistant supervisor of Princeton. 

From 1837 to 1845 northern Illinois was the 
home of a large number of bandits who were rov- 
ing through the country, stealing horses, entering 
houses and taking money and valuables, and way- 
laying travelers on the public highway, in fact, 
committing all kinds of depredations, but no clue 
could be obtained of the perpetrators of the crimes. 
This band of outlaws had a most perfect organiza- 
tion, which included men high up in social and 
political circles. The organization extended 
through Illinois, the southeast part of Iowa and all 
through Missouri. They had a more perfect -un- 
derground railroad than the anti-slavery people 
ever had. They had their confederates stationed 
all along the line and men. t(jo, who were abovi- 
suspicion were their accomplices. Mr. Michael 
Kitterinan of this county lost a very valuable pair 
of horses and no trace of them was ever found. 
Two of this notorious gang, Fo.x and Birch, used 
to operate through Bureau county. Birch after his 
arrest told of the stealing of a pair of horses 
southwest of Princeton supposed to be the Kitter- 
man team. This state of atl'airs culminated in 
the murder of Col. George Davenport on the 
island of Rock Island July 1, lS4o. The whole 
people became aroused and the murderers were 
run down and four men arrested, namely, Robert 
Birch, John and Aaron Long and Granville Young, 
and a man by the name of Fox escaped. Birch 
confessed to lieing accessory to the crime and was 
given a life .sentence, but afterwards escaped. John 
and Aaron Long and Granville Young were hung 
in Rock Island before a great concourse of people. 
At the banging when the drop fell John Long and 
Granville Young met death instantly, but the rope 
around the neck of Aaron Ijong broke and al- 
though be had previously denied any knowledge of 
the murder, he now confessed and was soon 
launched into eternity. This was the grand finale 
of (he great murder trial of IS-l."; and from tluit 
time on the country was freed from the nefarious 
work (if the b.-mditli. 

M. B. GARTEN. 

M. B. Garten, one of the early settlers of this 
county, was born in Indiana in 1820 and came 
with his ])arents to Illinois in Is:!:!. They made 
the journey with a team and tollowerl the trail 
of the soldiers till they arrived at Fort Hennepin 
on the Illinois river. \t this jioint they found a 
postofTice and store in a block house and few set- 
tlers in Hennepin, which at that time was the only 
town within a radius of fifty miles. Mr. Garten 
and his father crossed the river ami juirchased a 
claim of Amos Leonard for $;UiO. This i)roperty 
now known as the Andrew Wise farm and is lo- 
cated about six miles southeast of Princeton. 
They remained there and improved their place, 
having for neighbors Indians and a few settlers. 

Mr. Garten wae a factor in this county for 



nearly three-quarters of a century. He was one of 
the few early pioneers left. He died July 18, 
189G, at the 'advanced a^e of 86. The following 
is a short accuunt of some of his experiences given 
liy himself: 

"The squaws with their jjapooses came to call 
on us. The papoose, strapped to a board, was set 
up against the cabin while the mother came in 
to see what we had in our house. The old Indian 
warriors talked much of the big battles they had 
fought with other Indian tribes between Ottawa 
and Peoria. The old men also told of the big 
snow that fell sixty year.s before, about 1773. 
and remained so long that the buffalo and other 
large game neai'ly all perished, and when spring 
came the few survivors wended their way across 
the 'Father of Waters,' and this was the Inst 
seen of luiifalo in Illinois. 

TISKILWA. AX INDIAN TOWN. 

"i rode over Princeton prairie before it was 
settled and even then quite frequently saw the 
larger butfalo bones and horns on the dry prairie. 
Tiskilwa, or Indiantown, as it was then called, 
was simply a large Indian camping ground to and 
from wliich many Indians came and went, and 
where many lived in wigwams almost continuously 
and raised corn. They erected no wooden struc- 
tures, and when they left for a season their shelter 
and ])onies accompanied them. There were sev- 
eral old trails leading to other camping grounds 
and frontier settlements which in many places 
were worn down several inches in depth. 

Tin; BIG INDIAN COrNCII.. 

■"F was not at the Indian council held at In- 
diantown in IS'-Vi, but I was subsequently on that 
council ground with a white man who was at the 
council and understood well all that the chiefs 
and great men said on that noted occasion. Black 
Hawk made the call for the council, and there 
were chiefs and great warriors from the Rocky 
mountain tribes in attendance. When they had 
all assendiled they built a great council fire around 
which all sav(> one were seated. Black Hawk stood 
erect in their midst and said : 'The white man is 
coming over our boundary lines. He is cutting 
down our trees to build his wigwam and is kill- 
ing our game. If the Indian tribes will unite 
and send their warriors they will stand as thick 
as the trees in the grove, and they can drive the 
white man back to the rising sun. If we do not 
our papooses will cry with hunger, and we and 
our squaws will be driven back to the setting sun 
where there are no good hunting grounds and 
where we will die. and there will be no more In- 
dians in these good hunting grounds where the 
Great Spirit has jdaeed us." 

SI'KKCII Ol' 8KNAlll\VINi:. 

'"Then the Big Chief Senaehwine arose and 
said: 'I have been three times to see the great 
ihief of (he pale face, the president of the United 
States, at Washington. He has a big tribe and 
cares not to unite with other tribes as he has manv 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



57 



warriors to fight his battles. If our warriors 
would come and stand as thick as the trees in the 
grove the White Chief's warriors would gather 
about us as thick as the leaves on the trees and 
the pale face warriors could drive us where their 
Great Chief may bid us go.' 

"The council soon saw tliat Senachwinc was 
right, but Black Hawk wanted a war and many 
of his warriors joined him. When they crossed 
the Mississippi on their way to attack the Illinois 
settlements the white man's friend, Shabboua, rose 
in his might to save them. He rode far and wide 
to tell the settlers that Black Hawk's warriors 
had crossed the 'Big River' and were on their way 
to the Illinois, and for them to flee to the fort 
at once. The timely warning of the faithful Shab- 
bona were heeded by nearly all. The Hall fam- 
ily were killed and two of the girls, Rachel and 
Sylvia, were taken prisoners. 

DINNER WITH SHABBONA. 

"The last time that I saw Shabbona he and his 
squaw ate dinner at our house. They had been 
to see President Jackson about swapping a piece 
of land they had on the Mississippi river for a 
piece in Lee county. They said they ate dinner 
with President Jackson and Shabbona thought 
President Jackson a good and great man as he 
gave him a coat and wanted him to wear boots, 
liut said that he told Jackson, 'boots heap good 
for white man but no good for Indian.' 

'■'When the Pottawotomies went to Chicago and 
the government paid them their last installment 
for the territory of Illinois and removed them in 
wagons to Council Bluffs the most of them rode 
their ponies, there being about 500 Indians in the 
procession. When the head of the cavalcade 
reached Princeton two or three of the whites had 
a barrel of whisky to sell to the Indians, who 
soon got to drinking and commenced the war- 
whoop. 

"While there the young chief Shabbona and I 
went into Gay's store and he bought some ribbon 
for his young squaM'. When we came out of the 
store quite a large crowd was around the place 
where they were buying and drinking whisky, or 
as the Indians called it, "good water.' ]\Iatters 
wcrtj getting in 'high spirits" and I told young 
Shabbona to send one of his men back to inform 
the Indian agent as to the state of affairs. 

"I assisted in hurying the traveler who was 
found dead on the trail about one mile south of 
Lost Grove and not far from the present site of 
Arlington. The body was discovered by Rev. 
Lumery. That nisht I with others rode around 
to the few scattering neighbors, requesting them 
to assemble the next morning at the point where 
the body was found. On the following day when 
the few people had assembled, my father, Robert 
Garten, summoned a jury and held an inquest 
over the body. They found that the man had been 
shot through the right arm and the skull was frac- 
tured. The body when found was entirely desti- 



tute of clothing and conditions pointed unmistak- 
ably toward robbery and cold blooded murder. A 
grave was dug, the body was wrapped in a sheet, 
which my mother had sent for and the body was 
placed in a box. My father offered a prayer and 
performed the burial services. We lowered the 
body to its final resting place and after filling up 
the grave, we rode over the prairie in hopes of 
discovering some further evidences of the crime 
and some possible clue of its perpetrators. 

DISCOVERS A CLUE. 

''Dr. Chamberlain and I were riding up the trail 
when we discovered a bundle of clothing tied up in 
a handkerchief. We beckoned to some himters 
near by and they came to us. We opened the 
l)undle and Dr. Cliamberlain holding up a shirt 
which it contained, exclaimed, 'The damned mur- 
derer failed to shoot the shirt through the right 
arm as the dead man was shot.' Near tlie cloth- 
ing was found a pocket bible, on the fly leaf of 
which was plainly written : 'Frederick Bunu and 
Thomas Dustus. Presented by Mrs. Gardner.' 

"We then rode up to the grove and there found 
that some one had been lying in the high grass 
near the trail. We also found three other trails 
through the grass, all of which led to the point 
where the body was found. From these facts, all 
were of the opinion that the traveler was shot 
while riding on the trail near the grove, and fall- 
ing or leaping from his horse, was pursued a mile 
l>efore being killed, as two large clubs were found 
near the l)ody. 

CONFESSION OE THE CRIME. 

"Several years after the above related events, I 
was told that a man by the name of Green, sen- 
tenced to be hanged, confessed that he and another 
man killed a lone traveler on Indian trail near 
Lost Grove and secured $1,'200, a good horse, 
saddle and bridle and a good suit of clothes, but 
would not dividgo the name of his partner in the 
crime. 

"I cast my first vote for President W. H. Har- 
rison at Princeton in 1840, and my sixteenth vote 
for President Roosevelt in the same town in 1904. 
When I became of age I was elected constable and 
served as deputy sherift' during the regime of the 
noted 'Banditti of the Prairie,' during which 
Colonel Davenport of Rock Island \vas nmrdered, 
the Long brothers hanged, travelers found robbed 
and killed along the public highways and horses 
stolen on every hand. 

MADE STATE DETECTIVE. 

"Later I was api)ointed and commissioned by 
the governor as a state detective. On one occa- 
sion a man came to me about midnight witli the 
information that the noted outlaw, Sam Patch, 
was stopping over night in the neighborhood. 
Well mounted and armed I rode alone to the house 
designated by my informant, tied my horse in 
the edge of the grove and creeping cautiously to 
the house, was fortunate in finding my game sound 
asleep in bed. I made no delay in securing his 



58 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



clothing and grip. I then spoke to him. With 
a quick spring, his ej-es flashing like those of an 
enraged tiger, he met me face to face. Well cov- 
ered by m\' trusty gun, he gave due heed to my 
reading a state warrant and realizing fully that 
I had the "drop on him' he accom])aniod me to 
l.ee county where lie was tried for horse stealing. 
In my business as detective I was frequently so 
long absent and unheard of that my father and 
friends would send a tracer after me, but fortu- 
nately I escaped all snares. My parents were both 
born, raised and educated in Virginia. My mother 
was tlie daughter of Flower Swift, of Graj-son 
Court House, Virginia, and to me seemed a re- 
markable woman. 1 have heard her say that when 
she was a girl at home, she with others remained 
up all night molding lead bullets and putting 
them in sacks to send to our soldiers in the war 
of 1812. It is quite probable that she had a 
lover in the army from the fact that in 1815 
she and Robert Garten were married and removed 
to Lawrence county in 181G where they improved 
a farm and remained until 1833 when they re- 
moved with their family to Illinois. 

THE FARMING LANDS. 

"We remained on the claim some four or five 
miles northwest of Hennepin — now owned by Mr. 
Weise — until 1835. when my father sold it to 
Colonel Pitman, of Kentucky. When land be- 
came subject to entry in tliat section, we took a 
claim and bought another on Big Bureau creek 
one and one-hnlf miles northwest of the present 
site of Dover, where my father Ituilt the first two- 
story frame house built in this country." 

Mr. Garten lived with his parents working on 
their home farm at the same time improving .a 
claim for himself, until 1845 when he returned 
to Lawrence where he married the daughter of 
Hon. ^L Ilclinei-. a prominent citizen and suc- 
cessful merchant of that county. Mrs. Helmer, a 
southern lady, was a cousin to President Polk. 
After a brief wedding tour they returned to the 
home of his wife where he clerked in her fathers 
store for one year, when they purchased the busi- 
ness whicli he continued quite successfully for 
thirtv-three rears. 



CHAPTER VI 1. 

ItliLItilOXS. 

The transforming power of the Christian re- 
ligion can not be successfully denied even by the 
most skeptical. Our forefathers landed upon the 
wild and barren shores of this new contine»<t with 
l)ut little of this world's riches, but Ihey pos- 
sessed that which was far more comforting and 
.sustaining in the dark hours of solitude and jieril 
which they were called to endure for Ihcv held 
within their breasts an uncompromising faith in 
the directing power of the eternal God ai.d the 
ofTieacy of the Christian religion. .Mthough their 



zeal and misguided Judgment sometimes led them 
into paths of error and wrong yet out from ui'der 
those clouds of darkness and gloom there can";C ihe 
Star of Hope and progress that finally le>l theju 
into the full sunlight. A Christian character that 
ripened into the higher and broader life of the 
present time. It needs no argument to convince 
any fair minded person that the religion of the 
gospel of Christ has heen the most potent influ- 
ence in bringing about our advanced civilization 
as a nation and a people. The civilization of the 
Oriental world which has been in being for cen- 
turies, under various forms of religion, has done 
iiut little to raise the people to a higher and more 
advanced standard of living. The same fashions 
and customs prevail as in the days of Confucius. 
Heathendom is one vast .sepulchre of buried hopes 
and opportunities; located as it is in one of the 
most productive regions of the globe under the 
golden sunlight of the temperate zone, threaded 
with rivers and studded with lakes, with forest 
of the most valuable timber and rich in minerals 
and yet with all these natural advantages she re- 
mains in her squalor and degradation, plowing 
with sharpened sticks, eating without knives and 
forks and distorting the feet with wooden shoes, 
beside paying honuige and offering prayers to hid- 
eous idols. Such is the condition of heathendom 
today and such it is likely to remain unless the 
seeds of Christianity can he sown within her bor- 
ders and allowed to germinate until the little 
leaven shall leaven the whole people. Contrast 
the above described civilization with that of Christ- 
endom and draw 3'our own conclusions. luid espe- 
cially would we invite you to consider the evohi- 
tion of our own country. .V little over four hun- 
dred years ago in a quiet harlior on the coast of 
Spain three small vessels were being fitted for an 
unknown voyage. Everything being in readiness 
the good-byes were said, the vessels loosed from 
their moorings and the long and perilous voyage 
of di.scovery was instituted. Their course lay 
across the broad expanse of ocean upon whose 
bosom no sail had ever floated, no keel had ever 
ploughed and no com|iass had ever directed, al- 
though trials, danger and distress followed in 
their ]iathway and at times almost overpowered 
them, they moved on placing their trust in the 
ever living God and relying u])on him for guid- 
ance and ))rotection. until at last they landed ujmn 
an unknown shore where the ]irimeval landscape 
and a race of savage men were all that met their 
vision. '*>'et nothing daunted they raised the ban- 
ner of their country and beside it the cross of the 
Christian's hope, and out of this beginning has 
emanated the grandeur of our present inheritance. 
For somewhat over a hundred years this country 
was left in its original solituile. But at last came 
the decisive hour of religious intolerance and with 
it came the ihoiinht that toward the setting sun 
there was a land which was free from the tvrannv 
and oppression of the past, a land where mankind 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



59 



could offer up their devotions to an All-wise Cre- 
ator untrammeled by lust and unfettered by tra- 
dition and with this thought in view our fore- 
fatliers came to our shores and here in the track- 
less wilderness, surrounded by savage beasts and 
more savage men. tliey built the lowly cab- 
in and erected the altar of faith and prayer. 
Settlement after settlement came into existence 
and wherever they were planted the church and 
school house followed in quick succession and 
out of these small beginnings has come the grand 
civilization of today. Our seminaries, colleges, 
asylums and benevolent institutions are all the 
outgrowth of Christian fellowship. This being 
true it is but right and proper that we should 
take sufficient space in this volume to give a short 
history of some of the different churches of Bu- 
reau county. In doing so we do not expect to be 
able to gather all of tlie facts and experiences that 
would be interestins to tlie people, but what we 
do give we trust will be acceptable. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHUKCH OF PRINCETON. 

The old Hampshire Colony church or First Con- 
gregational church of Princeton was organized in 
Northampton, Massachusetts, March 23, 1831. 
Eev. Ichabod S. Spencer preached the farewell ser- 
mon from the following text: "Fear not, little 
flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give 
you tlie kingdom." 

At that time E. S. Phelps and wife, Auios C. 
Morse and wife, Elisha Wood and wife, Samuel 
Brown, Dr. Nathaniel Chamberlain. Levi Jones 
and wife, Alva Whitmarsh and wife, Elijah Smith. 
Sylvia Childs, Clarissa Childs, John, Leonard and 
Maria Lyman, became members. The parting of 
friends and the severing of home ties is always a 
period of sorrow and it was doubly so in this case, 
for the people really felt, at that early time, it was 
burying their friends alive to have them move to 
the western frontier; indeed, it was an undertak- 
ing of no small proportions. After a few weeks 
of visiting and farewell and good-by meetings, the 
colony started on May 1, 1831, for its western 
home. The colony was organized in 1830 and 
sent some of its members ahead to select a suit- 
able location for them when they should arrive. 

At Albany the colony took a canal boat to Buf- 
falo, where they spent the first Sabbath. From 
liuflalo they went by steamer to Detroit, and 
from there they went with hired teams to Chi- 
cago, leaving Detroit ilay S-"). From Chica- 
go they went to Bailey's Point, which is lo- 
cated near the Vermillion river, about eight 
miles south of La Salle; here Mr. Jones, who had 
preceded them had built a double loghouse to re- 
ceive them. They arrived on June 9, 1831, hav- 
ing been five weeks and two days on their journey. 
They remained there a few days to rest and re- 
cuperate, and finally they reached the cabin of 
James Foristal, one mile north of Dover, at stm- 
set, July 4. They were now at the end of their 
journey and ready to face any formidable obstacles 



that might come up before tliem, and truly their 
experiences were such as would "try men's souls."" 
Their first meeting was at the home of Elijah 
Smith, a little north of where Princeton now 
stands. At this meeting Dr. Nathaniel Chamber- 
lain was elected clerk in place of Amos C. Morse, 
whom death had removed. Days of darkness and 
disappointment were in store for this little band 
of early Christians, who had so courageously left 
home and kindred to settle in this undeveloped 
country, bringing with them their Bible as a 
guide and their faith as an anchor to their hopes, 
yet with all of their fortitude and trust there were 
times when they felt like saying as did the psalm- 
ist of old, "Tearfulness and trembling are come 
upon me, and horror liath overwhelmed me." 
Their numbers were reduced by death and re- 
movals until there were only four of their mem- 
bers left, and these were compelled to abandon 
their homes to escape the vengeance of the hostile 
savages. Such was the experience of this old Hamp- 
shire Colony church, which was the only Congre- 
gational church in Illinois at that time, but : 

"God moves in a mysterious way 
His wonders to ]ierform. 

He plants his footsteps in the sea 
And rides upon the storm." 

Ill about two years the members began to re- 
turn and new members joined, and in February, 
1834, the first communion was held and the fol- 
lowing named persons joined the church : Joel 
Doolittle and wife, Lazarus Reeve and wife, and 
Nathaniel Chamberlain, Sr., and wdfe. In the fall 
of 1833 Lucicn Farnham became their pastor. In 
1835 the new church was cmnmenced which was 
located on a lot south of tlie courthouse square. 
It was thirty-two by forty-four feet and two 
.stories high. The lower part was used for school 
purposes and was called the Princeton Academy. 
Mr. Alvin M. Dixon taught the first school in the 
summer of 183G. This church was occupied until 
1848, when a new brick church on the present 
site was elected at a cost of about four thousand 
dollars. In 1869 the church was repaired and add- 
ed to at a cost of about eight thousand dollars, 
and was also supplied with a i>ipe organ. This 
church was used as a place of w^orship until the 
spring of 1905, when it was razed to the ground 
and the present modern and beautiful edifice was 
commenced and now nears completion. This build- 
ing is one hundred and nine feet lontr and sixty- 
six feet wide, and borders on the (rothic stvlc of 
architecture. Ft is beautifully finished with an- 
tique oak. The auditorium has a seating capacity 
of three hundred and the annex, which can be 
made a part of the main audience room as occa- 
sion requires, will accommodate two hundred 
more. The seats face the southwest corner, whai'e 
the pulpit is located. The new- pipe organ witli 
fifteen stops, which was purchased in 1899, is 
placed in an alcove on the west and the choir 
stands in front of it. Tlie whole structure is woM 



i;i) 



PAST AND PKK8KXT OF JUIiEAU CUUXTY. 



arranged and i.s a irf<lit to tliu church ami city. 
In the basement may he found a spacious dining 
room, with a modern kitchen attached and with 
every facility for doing the work easily and with 
dispatch. The church is built of cement blocks 
and with its stained windows makes both a pleas- 
ing and an imposing aj)pearance. In its early 
history this church released twenty-four mem- 
bers at one time, who formed themselves into 
what is now the Presbyterian church of this city. 
In March, 1838. seven members were released to 
join the Congregational church of Dover. The 
pastors of this church have been men of more 
than average worth and ability. Some of them 
have possessed great personal as well as profes- 
sional strength. Eev. Owen Lovejoy's life and 
character stands out before the world at once he- 
roic and unicjue, and he must ever be reckoned as 
one of the great men of his time. He saw the 
truth and fought for it. He was one of the few 
men of the world who had the courage of his con- 
victions. His talents were not confined to the 
church alone, l)ut upon the broad field of forensic 
strife his gleaming sword of logic and eloquence 
leaped from its scabbard and with its point toward 
the enemy stood unmoved ami immovable in the 
cause of human rights and human liberty. Rev. 
iJichard Edwards was also a man of great per- 
sonal worth and his pastorate over this church was 
one calculated to give strength and vigor to all 
who came in contact with his true and genial 
manhood. Dr. Edwards was an educator, his whole 
life up to the time he took charge of this church 
was spent along educational lines. Ho was presi- 
dent of the State Normal school at Normal, Illi- 
nois, for a period of fourteen years, and upon his 
resignation he immediately entered upon his pas- 
torate here and wiicn he left it was to take the 
position of superintendent of public instruction of 
Illinois. He now resides in Bloomington, this 
slate. Many, in fact most of the old pillars of the 
church, have crossed the dark valley and now rest 
lioin their labors and surely their works have 
lollowed them. We well remember the faithful 
Irw whose seats were never vacant, unless sickness 
or unsurmounted obstacles prevented. Among 
this number we would name Jlr. and Mrs. Chaun- 
cey Colton, Lazarus Kccves and wife, John Wal- 
ters, James Smith and wife, Hart Morris and 
wife, Mrs. Egbert Curtis, ]\fr. Curtis, Hinsdale 
Phelps and Kev. Edwin Smith, but space forbids 
rurthcr mention. All of these are now members 
of the church triumphant. Mrs. Egbert Norton 
is the oldest living mcnd)er, having joined in 183G. 

I-ASTOU.S or THE FIRST CONGRICCATIOXAL CHURCH 
OK PRINCETO.V. 

Lucien Farnham, 18.34-39; Owen Eovejoy, 
1839-55; N. A. Keyes, 1856-5T ; S. D. Cochran. 
1S57-.58; W. B. Christopher, 1858-59; Samuel 
Day, 1860-Gl; II. L. Hammond, 1861-(;2; D. PI. 
Blake, 18G2-G4; Plavel Bascom, 1864-G9; R. B. 
Howard. 1870-75; Richard Edwards, 1875-84; 



Stephen A. Norton, 1884-91; Elihue H. Votaw, 
1891-93; Edwin More, 1894-98; James H. Mac- 
Laren, 1898-1902; John W. Welsh, 1902. 

-METHODIST EPISCOPAL CIIUUCH OF PRINCETON. 

As early as 1832 Eev. Zaddock Hall organized 
what was calletl the Peoria Mission. In this 
county his aj)pointments were met at the houses of 
Joseph Smitli, north of Princeton, on Bureau 
Creek; Samuel Williams in Hall town; John Hall 
Selby township ; and at Abraham Jones', two miles 
northwest of Princeton. The members at that 
time were James and Betsy Hayes, Abraham and 
Mary Jones, Barton and Susanna Jones, Robert 
and Mrs. Clark, Joseph and Mrs. Smith, and 
Eliza Epperson. All of the above named early 
Christian pioneers have long since passed to the 
silent land. It will be seen b}' this that the 
Methodist church, with their usual energy and 
enterprise, was early on the ground of this new 
tield of labor. In 1833 the Peoria Mission was 
divided and Bureau county was placed in the 
Northern division, called the Ottawa Mission, and 
Rev. William Royal became the jsreacher in 
charge. In 1834 the mission was again divided 
and the west division became the Bureau Mis- 
sion and was placed under the charge of Rev. 
S. Ii. licggs. In this last named circuit there 
v.ere three appointments — at Abraham Jones'. 
Princeton, John Scott's, Tiskilwa, and John Hall's, 
Selby. According to Mi'. Lceper's account in 
Hi-adsby's history Rev. Beggs collected seventy 
dollars irom one hundred members during 1834. 
Sometime in the summer of 1836 Rev. Denning 
came to the Bureau Mission, where he remained 
about six years, when he joined the Rock River 
Conference. During his stay with the mission 
ho was 1lu! class leader in the Princeton settle- 
nu'uts: Ihcsc meetings were held at the house of 
Abraham Jones until 1838, after that at Rev. 
Denning's. In 183G a paper was circulated ask- 
ing pledges to raise money to build a church, and 
(]uite an amount had been pledged when unfor- 
tunately the brick that were to go into the new 
house were spoiled in liurning and other mis- 
haps occurring, the matter was dropped. In 1837 
the early ]Moncer preacher, Zaddock Hall, had 
charge of the I'rincetoii circuit. In 1838 the 
first church building was commenced and was 
finished the next year. In 1840 Princeton was 
|)laccd in the Rock River Conference. In 1845 
a brick church was built; this building has been 
known for many years as Union Hal! ; it is now 
used for a livery stable. The Union Hall church 
was used until the present commodious brick 
building was completed in January, 1864. This 
church originally cost about twelve thousand dol- 
lars. The corner stone was laid witji 'Masonic 
honors July 24, lSfi3. 

It wa.o dedicated .lanuary 23. 18G4 : the ser- 
vices on this occasion were conducted by F. M. 
Eddy. D. D., assisted by Rev. J. M. Vincent. The 
church at present is large and prosperous. The 




FIRST CONGEEGATIONAL CHURCH OF LA MOILLK 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



63 



day of small things has passed away and they 
are now upon a solid foundation, both financially 
and spiritually. Mr. N. Matson a few years ago 
presented this society with a fine toned bell cost- 
ing five himdred dollars, and his widow, at her 
death, left them a ten thousand dollar legacy. 
In 1905 the auditorium was reseated and deco- 
rated anew and a fine twenty-five hundred dollar 
pipe organ was purchased and placed in position, 
so at the present time the church is modern and 
the architectural finish is pleasing to the view. 
The present membership of the church is: Sab- 
hath school 300. men's club 77. 

The following named persons have been pastor 
of this church": Zaddock Hall, 1832; William 
Koyal. 1833; S. K. Beggs. 1834; Zaddock Hall. 
1837: George Smith, 1838: Eufus Lumry, 1839; 
Jonathan Snow. 1840-11: Harvev Hadlev, 1842- 
43; J. G. Whitcomb, 1844: Leonard Whittaker, 
1845-46 : 0. A. Walker, 1847-48 ; George Levisee. 
1849: J. H. Moon. 1850; Martin P. Sweet, 1851- 
52; John W. Stagdill. J. 0. Gilbert, Silas Searl, 
Charles French. Thomas J. Hagertv : W. C. Will- 
ins;, 1862-63 : N. H. Axtell, W'. A. Smith, S. N. 
Griffith, J. M. Caldwell, W. D. Skelton, J. C. 
Stoughton, W. H. Gloss, John Ellis, James Baum. 
W. D. Akinson, L. M. Hadley and C. A. Bunker, 
1885; T. V. E. Sweet, 1886-87-88; T. E. Stro- 
bridge, 1889-90-91-92-93: G. C. Clark. 1894-95: 
J. A. Whipple. 1896-97-98-99-1900; J. Hastie 
Odgers. 1901-02-03: W. B. Slaughter. 1904- 
05-06. 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

On October 26. 1837, the Presbyterian church 
of Princeton was organized at the residence of 
Eev. A. B. Church, with a membership of twenty- 
four. These first members were previously 
identified with the Hampshire Colony church, but 
for certain reasons had ceased to be connected 
with the mother society and organized for them- 
selves what at that time was known as the Second 
Congregational church of Princeton. Of this 
number not one is now living. The first year the 
services of this church were held in the upper 
story of Epperson's store, when a frame church 
was erected about where the present church now 
stands. In 1844 they voted to chiinge the name 
and to be Imown thereafter as the Presbyterian 
church of Princeton. The membership comprises 
Tuany of our most substantial citizens, and its loca- 
tion is perhaps the most desirable that the city 
affords: the grounds are shaiied and well kept. 
The present brick house was built in 1856 at a 
cost of about fifteen thousand dollars; a now 
pipe organ was placed in the church, and 
in 1901 the church wa.s redecorated and reseated ; 
tl\is. with the annex to the auditorium, render^ 
it both pleasing and commodious. The ground-; 
have recently been graded and cement walks laid 
to the street on the east and north, while the front 
has been parked to the street with cement boun- 
daries. These improvements, together with its 



natural advantages, makes it artistic and attract- 
ive. The first board of elders were Daniel Eailn- 
son, Austin Bryant, Isaac Brokaw and Sam\iel 
Carey. The present membership numbers two 
hundred and ninety-five. Sabbath school 212, 
men's association 65. The pastorate of this 
church has, as a rule, been in the hands of able 
men; in fact, the membership of this society is of 
such a character that none other would be called. 
The first pastor was Eev. A. B. Church, who 
served seven years, and was followed by Eev. John 
Stoker, one year; Eev. William Perkins, two 
years and six months : Eev. Ithamer Pillsbury, 
seven years; Eev. Mr. Carson, a short time; Eev. 
I. C. Barr, eighteen months ; Rev. I. Milligan, 
fifteen years and six months; Rev. I. C. Hill, 
eighteen months ; Rev. D. G. Bradford, five years ; 
Eev. Mead C. Williams. D. D., from December, 
1880, to March, 1892; Rev. Glenroie McQueen, 
D. D.. from June, 1892. to June. 1896; Eev. 
Geo. W. Smith, D. D., from December, 1896, to 
November. 1898 ; Eev. Harrv B. Allen, from Julv, 
1899, to November, 1903; Rev. Harry M. Mark- 
ley, called May, 1904, still pastor. 

ENOLISII LUTHER.\N. 

The English Lutheran church was organized 
February 27, 1858, in Bascom and White's hall. 
At this time twenty-five persons became members. 
The first deacons were Lorenzo Kaar. J. S. Miller; 
and George Kaar and J. Boyer were appointed 
elders. Their first church was built in 1864 and 
cost eighteen hundred dollars ; later a parson- 
age was purchased at a cost of twelve hundred 
dollars. The present church was erected in 1893 
and cost eight thousand dollars. It is pleasantly 
located on ^fain street, and the interior is well 
arranged and the grounds have recently been im- 
proved. The membership numbers 364 ; Salibath 
school, 275; Christian Endeavor, 52; Men's club, 
43. The following are the different pastors : S. 
Harbaugh. January, 1858. to August. 1858 ; A. A. 
Trimper. August.' 1858, to Januarv. 1859; S. 
Ritz, Mav. 1861, to November, 1861; D. Har- 
baugh. November, 1861, to Januarv. 1863: D. S. 
Altnian. January. 1863 to March 1865 ; D. Har- 
baugh. March. 18G5. to September, 1865; D. Har- 
baugh, June, 1866, to September, 1866 ; J. Elser, 
September, 1866, to March. 1868; C. A. Gel- 
wicks, x\ugust, 1868, to August, 1872; J. W. 
Elser. October. 1873, to Julv, 1877; W. Eems- 
berg. Julv. 1877, to Mav. 1882: A. J. B. Kast, 
October, i882, to October, 1S84: D. P. Grosscup, 
Mav. 1885. to November. 1887; V. A. Tressler, 
April, 1888, to April. 1889: H. M. Bannen, June 
1890, to April, 1896 ; C. E. Derr, June. 1896, to 
August, 1898 ; J. W. Eichelberger. one year ; C. 
J. Keifer. March. 1900. to September. 1903: M. 
W. Horn. February, 1904. 

CHRISTIAN OHURCIt. 

The Christian church of Princeton was organ- 
ized by John 'M. Yearnshaw in March. 1840. 
James and Catherine TTow, Daniel R. and Rachel 



lit 



I'AST AND rKKSEXT OF BUl^EAU COIXTY. 



Jlow, Jonatliiiii aud Eliza Irelaiul, Daniel Bryant, 
Clark and ^lary Bennett, John M. Yearnsliaw, 
Rachel and Juliett Radclilf, Elmira Elstoii. Sarali 
.Minier, Mary Hayes, W. M. How and Margaret 
McEhvain were the original members of this 
church. Their meetings were first in what wa.* 
called the Commissioners" House, near the court 
house. In 184G they built a brick church on the 
side of the court house square. President Gar- 
field preached there one Sabbatli about the time 
of the commencement of the war in 1861. Their 
present house of worship was built in 18T0. It is 
a fine brick church and is located on South Main 
street and cost eleven thousand dollars. Rev. 
Isaac Errett, of Cincinnati, conducted the dedi- 
cation ceremonies. 

Men's Club — Ira Gibbons, president; 0. .\. Cole, 
secretary. 

Sabbath School — Cecil C. Carpenter, superin- 
tendent; Dr. M. H. Hickman, assistant superin- 
tendent; Hattie LaiTerty, secretary. 

Endeavor Society (sixty-eight members) — N. E. 
Robinson, president. 

The following have acted as pastor.=» since its 
organization : John M. Yearnsliaw, George Mc- 
Manus, Daniel R. How, Charles Berry : J. C. 
Stark, 18G1-18G2: T. Brooks. April 1, 1862, to 
Februarv 22, 1863; J. C. Gaston. February, 1863, 
to November, 1864; D. R. Howe, December, 1864, 
to 186.') ; Rev. Brooks, 186.5-1867 : J. G. Waggoner, 
1867-1868; T. V. Berry, 1868-1869; G. W. 
.Mapes, 1860-1873; Rev. Olds, 187.3-1874; A. J. 
Thompson, April to October. 1874; T. Toof, Octo- 
ber, 1874, to December. 1876; Geo. F. Adams, 
June, 1877, to Julv, 1878; L. R. N'oriou, Decem- 
ber, 1878, to October, 1880; \V. H. McGinnis, 
November, 1886, to November, 1888 ; D. A. Hunt- 
er, November, 1888. to October, 1880; W. B. 
Gallahor. November, 1880, to November, 1800; 
William Branch. Januarv, 1891, to September, 
1891; W. L. Havden, September. 1892; J. C. 
Stark, March, 1893, to March, 189.5; G. W. In- 
field, December, 180.5, to Februarv. 1898; C. D. 
Pearlee, April. 1898, i.. March, isi99; J. G. Wag- 
goner, October. 1899, to Mav. 1903; I. N. Grisso, 
Julv, 1003. to 190.5; Phillip Evans, March, 100.5, 
to March. 1006; Cecil C. Carpenter, March, 1906, 
to date. 

TIISTOnirAI, RKI^TrH OF THE laUST COXOIiKOA- 
TION'AL Ctrt.-nCII OF BCDA. 

The earliest record of any prciU'hiiig by Con- 
gregational ministers in Buda is of services held 
in an old log schoolhouse in the edge of French 
Grove, by Wm. F. Vaill. And after this Mr. 
Lyman, of Sheffield, preached occasionally' for 
two years before the organization of Iho cliurch ; 
and one year after that time, statedly. 

In response to letters missive a council met at 
the house of Josepli Foster, in Buda, October 
17, 1856, for the purpose of organizing a Con- 
gregational dnirch. The following menilicrs com- 
posed that cniincij : 



Kewanec — Pastor, C. H. Pierce; delegate, J. F. 
Goodrich. 

Providence — Pastor. David Todd; delegate, B. 
R. Sargent. 

.Vniiawan— Pastor. Asa I'rescott. 

Shetlield — Pastor. .\. Lyman; delegate, II. C. 
Ensign. 

Also Rev. F. Bascom, of Galesburg, and Rev. 
Wm. F. Vaill, of Wethersfield. 

Five persons. Joseph Foster, William T. Ran- 
dall and wife, and Franklin Foster and wife, were 
organized into a church. 

The exercises were held in the schoolhouse, 
there being no church building in the place at 
that time. 

No new members were added during the first 
year, and one of this niimber, Mrs. Harriet Foster, 
a very lovely woman, was removed by death. 

The salaries were small, and the pastorates 
short during the early years of the church. 

December 31. 1861, the number of members 
being thirty, it was voted to erect a house of 
worship. It is quaintly stated that it was to 
'cost not less than fifteen hundred dollars." Rev. 
S. H. Kellogg was pastor at that time and in- 
spired the little company with zeal and courage 
and the work was accom]ilislied. though it was at 
the opening of the civil war. when material wa.s 
costly and help scarce. 

From the Church Building Society — then the 
.Vmerican Congregational Union — two hxmdred 
and fifty dollars were borrowed and promptly re- 
paid. A miinlii'r were added to the church about 
this iinic. 

The dedication of the lunv building was a joyful 
iKcasion. It was expected that Jonathan Blaneh- 
ard, D. D., would preach the sermon. He failed 
to arrive, the congregation were waiting. Rev. 
David Todd, of Providence, 111., was present and 
without time for preparation took the place of 
the missing man and preached a sermon which 
his hearers felt could not have been excelled. 
Beginning in 1871 the cliurch united with Shef- 
field ill joint ])astorate for ten years. Since that 
time eight pastors have ministered to this church. 

The pastors and dates of pastorate are as fol- 
lows, viz. : A. Lvmaii. 18.58-61 ; L. S. Waldo, S. 
Parker, S. Kellogg ; J. J. A. T. Dixon. 1863-65 ; 
X. L. Selden, lS()5-66; Charles Ilnncock, 1866- 
67: A. E. Arnold, 1868-60; J. A. Allen, 1870-73; 
W. J. Baker, 1874-76; G. W. Coleman, 1876-81; 
.\. A. Rob(>rtson, 1881-82; J. G. Aikman. 1883-85; 
J. W. Fox, 1885-91 ; E. F. Schwab, 1891-07 ; B. F. 
Cokelev. 1807-09; J. 0. Emer.son. 1900-01 ; C. D. 
I\roore, 1901-03; W. J. Stewart, 1904. 

This church has always stood firmly and radi- 
cally against all the evils of the day and has been 
a hel|)fiil factor in civic reform and in promoting 
and maintaining religious and educational life. 

During its entire history the church has con- 
tributed liherallv to the various benevolent and 
missionary societies. The different departments of 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUREAU CorXTV. 



65 



the loocil work are well sustained today. The 
church building has been twice enlarged. In 1904 
it was redecorated; in 1905 the basement was en- 
larged and cemented, thus conip'eting a beautiful 
and well equipped editicc. 

The original members have all passed away and 
of those who were members at the time the 
church was erected only two remain with us — 
Jlrs. A. A. Beckwith and Mrs. M. J. Marlin. 

DANISH LUTHERAN CHCECH. SHEFFIELD. 

Motto : Justification by Faith. 
Organized October "^5, isG'J. by Rev. Clausen, 
St. Ansgar, Iowa, with thirty-three members. It 
is the oldest congregation of the Danish Evan- 
gelical Lutheran church in America. Eroni 1869 
to 1873 services were held monthly by pastors 
from surrounding districts. The meetings were 
held in the Free Methodist church. In 1880 a 
church was built fifty-six feet long and thirty- 
two wide, with a steeple seventy-five feet high. 
The parsonage was built in 1891. The church 
property is valued at four thousand dollars. From 
1883 regular meetings have been held every Sun- 
day. The church membership in 1883 was eighty- 
eight. At the present time the membership is 
two hundred. Sunday school forty. Eev. Miller 
served eight years, Eev. Blishfield served two 
3'ears, Eev. Jaygaard served two years, Eev. Ens- 
mussen, present pastor, three years. 

NEPONSET CONGUEGATIONAL CHURCH. 

"At a meeting of members of different Congre- 
gational churches living in the town of Brawby, 
April 21, 1855, to consult the propriety of organ- 
izing a church in said town, it was moved by Mr. 
Ebenezer Kent that we proceed to organize a 
clmrch, which motion was carried." Tlius read 
the first records of the Congregational church. 
They further state that on that date Ebenezer 
Kent and wife, B. C. Strout and Abbie, his wife. 
Hale G. Wright and Margaret M., his wife, Eliza- 
beth .T. Wriglit, Charles Kent and Lucinda, his 
wife, united by letter, and "Mrs. W. W. Clark 
upon profession of faith. The name chosen for 
the church was the "First Orthodox Congi-ega- 
tional Church of Neponset." Hale G. Wright and 
B. C. Strout were appointed deacons. Rev. 
Samuel G. AVright acted as moderator and Charles 
Kent as clerk. On the same date at the house of 
Ebenezer Kent the "First Orthodox Congrega- 
tional Society of Neponset" was formed, with 
Ezenezer Kent, Charles Kent and Hale G. Wright 
as trustees. Within a few years (be nii'mhcrs of 
this society numbered forty-six men. 

In 1857, upon motion of S. Dorr, it was voted 
to employ Eev. L. Robbins for one year, provided 
he accept two hiindred dollars from this society 
and rely upon the Illinois Home Missionarv Asso- 
ciation for the remainder of his salary. Evidentlv 
the church prospered, for one year later Rev. C. 
H. Pierce was called to the pastorate with a 
salary of five hundred dollars. Mr. Pierce re- 
plied : "I herewith transmit my acceptance." The 



salary offered is under the circumstances very 
liberal and bespeaks a commendable generosity, 
especially as it indicates a purpose to subserve 
liere the interests of morality and religion though 
sacrifice and self-denial be tbe cost" 

In March, 1859, there is a record showing that 
the church was represented by pastor at the Na- 
tional Council of Congregational churches held 
at Chicago, and six loyal members of the society 
contributed fifty cents to one dollar each "to defray 
his expenses." ■ The record closes with a notice 
of "adjournment to the first Monday in April 
at early candle light." In this year Isaac B. 
Blake was elected deacon. For several years the 
church services were usually held in a school - 
house. At a meeting called in the spring of 
1862 to consider the erection of a church build- 
ing, Rev. C. M. Barnes, the third pastor, said 
among other things : "Congregationalism is essen- 
tial to the true prosperity of a community," 
and moved "that we jiroceed immediately to build 
a churcli or meeting house." One man was se- 
lected from each school district to raise the funds. 
The building committee elected by ballot consisted 
of I. B. Blake, C. JI. Barnes and Orin Ilasard. 
Later Pastor Barnes resigned from this committee 
and Samuel Dorr was made a member in his 
place. 

Saturday, July 19, 1862. it was decided "tiiat 
the meeting house should bo tliirty-two by fifty 
feet, eighteen feet high, with a steep ; that there 
should be one entry, twelve feet by eight feet; 
and that the pulpit be at the end opposite the 
door ; that the signers' seats be in front of the 
entry and that they be raised eight inches." 

Dr. Helms, of lot selection committee, made a 
short report and it was resolved that we accept 
the two lots offered to the society by the Neponsei 
Town Company. There was considerable discus- 
sion whether the church should face the north 
or the west. The house of worship was dedi- 
cated on March 2, 1864. The exercises were 
as follows: Introductory prayer. Rev. Lemuel 
Pomeroy, of Wetliersfield : sermon. Rev. Edward 
Beecher, of Galesburg; dedicatory prayer. Rev. 
Samuel G. Wright, of Galva. 

At this service Rev. Flavel Bascom. of Dover, 
made an appeal to the people on the importance 
of removing the debt of one himdred and eighty 
dollars, and two hundred and fifty dollars was 
raised. Rev. Van-Wagner, of Kewanee, and Rev. 
.1. E. Eoy, of Cliicago, were present, and Brother 
Roy remained and held a four days' meeting. 

.\n addition to the meeting house was built 
onto the south side at a later date. 

Rev. S. Ordway became pastor about a year after 
the dedication of the church, and in 1866 Rev. 
S. G. Wright entered upon a live-year pastorate 
and Richard W. Tanner and William Stevenson 
were elected dencons and oi'dain"d to that office. 
The year following Wai'roii I). W'haples and Orren 
Ilasard were ('leeted anil installed as deacons. 



0(1 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



The next pastor was Kev. G. W. Colman, of 
Chicago. 

Tlie pastorates of Kev. Victor Loba and Kev. 
W. E. llolyoke covered about three years each. 
During tlie remaining twenty-two years the 
church lias been served by seven pastors, namely : 
Rev. E. L. Hill, of Kansas City, Kansas, 1883-85: 
Rev. 0. 0. Smith, of Council Bluffs, Iowa, 1886-91 ; 
Rev. F. G. Smith, of Chicago, 1891-94; Rev. H. M. 
Richardson, of Boulder. Colorado, 1S9.5-99: Rev. 
S. A. Miller, of Peoria, III.. 1900-01 ; Rev. A. A. 
Robertson, of Rockwell, Iowa, 1901-02; and th.' 
present pastor, Kev. H. L. Ilartwell. Of the 
ex-pastors eight are still living. 

In 1889 Humphrey Bennett and S. D. Car- 
penter were elected deacons and ten years later 
Capt. Edwin JIalaney was chosen for that ofBce. 

The following persons now living have held 
membership in the Neponset Congregational 
ihurch for over thirty-six years: Eliza J. Craig. 
united in 18C3; William Stevenson, 1864; Joseph 
M. Stetson, 1866 : Marv E. Whaples, 1866 : Eliza- 
beth Buswell. 1867 : Jane Gunning, 1867 ; Thomas 
J. Gunning, 1868: Phoebe A. Dorr, 1869. 

The largest number of additions to membership 
in any one year was forty-five in 1860. In all 
about tlirec hundred and lifty have held member- 
ship. The present membership is one hundred 
and nine. 

The benevolent contributions the past year 
were one hundred and sixty-three dollars and the 
expenses about thirteen hundred dollars. 

The church is attractive and pleasant, having 
recently been repaiiili'd and refurnished. There is 
no debt. 

PROVIDENCE CHURCH. 

The Congregational Church of Providence in 
the township of Indiantown was organized on 
June 22, 1841, with fifteen members. The pres- 
ent meeting house was dedicated October 23. 
1870. This church for some years was connected 
with Wyaiiot, but it soon became self-susta'ning, 
and is now in a prosperous condition. Kev. David 
Todd was pastor of this church for twenty-five 
years. He was much attached to the good peo- 
ple of his congregation, al.«o they to him. Rev. 
Todd was a very conscientious and zealous worker 
in religious matters. Since 1893 the church and 
jiarsonage have been thoroughly repaired, new- fur- 
naces in both, also cement walks for both, and 
new sheds for horses, so that now everything ha« 
an air of thrift. The present membership is 
117. From 1880 to 1882. Rev. Henry Wilson was 
pastor. 

From May, 1882. to September. Rev. Edwards 
filled the pulpit. From September 1, 1882, to 
Xovember, 1886. Rev. A. E. Paddock. From 
November, 1886, to December, 1890, Rev. 0. C. 
Clark. From December, 1890, to March, 1892, 
Rev. O. Brown. From 1892 to 1896, Rev. J. L. 
Fonda. From 1896 to 1900, Rev. Charles L. 
French. Between 1900 and 1901, the pastorate 



was filled by suppUes. From May, 1901, to 1902, 
Rev. A. W. Sinden. From January, 1903, to 
June, 1906, Rev. A. J. Baldwin, present pastor, 
from June, 1906. 

METHODIST CHURCH. XEPONSET. 

The Methodi.^t Episcopal Church of Neponset 
was organized a few miles north of corporation. 
The members were John Norton and wife, Mary 
Norton, George Norton, Mary Hall and others. 
The meetings were held in different houses, but 
after 1853 the home of George Norton was the 
meeting place until 1855, when a church was 
built in Neponset. In 1864, this house was re- 
modeled and used for a parsonage and a new 
church was built in 1866. costing four thousand 
iive hundred dollars. In 1841, when this church 
was organized, there were but two houses in the 
township, and they were William Studley's and 
William Norton's log cabins. The pastors who 
have officiated in this church are as follows : Com- 
mencing in 1840, Brothers Walter A\liitcomb, 
Anthonv, W. C. Cummings, David Oliver, P. 
C. and" B. F. Bestor. A. P.: H. J. Humphrey, 
P. C, and Brotliers Dav, A. P.; A. Wool'scraft, 
P. C. : William Fidler,'A. P.; Rev. J. M. Hin- 
man, H. J. Humphrev. C. Lazenbv, P. C. : Wil- 
liam Bremner, A. P.;"S. B. Smith,' P. C; Robert 
Hoover. A. P.; W. J. Smith, P. C. : Fieldon 
Smith, A. P. : Rev. C. M. Wright. J. T. Whitson, 
.T. S. Cummings, W. P. Graves. W. J. Giddings. 
•f. D. Smith, G. W. Gue. Elijah Ransom, J. E. 
Rutlcdse, M. C. Bowling, Thomas Watson, .). J. 
Flehartz. William Woolev, M. Y. B. White: T. J. 
Wood. 1880-81 : D. T. Wilson, 1882-83 : R. Bar- 
ton. 1884-85: J. A. Northrup, 1886-88: David 
McLish, 1889-90; C. T. Cadv, 1891-92: J. Q. 
Adams, 1893-95: S. P. ArcheV, 1896-98: R. W. 
Ames, 1899 : J. D. Smith. 1900-01 : J. B. Bar- 
tie, 1902-1904: E. E. Shawl, 1905. In 1892 the 
Epworth League mom was added to the church, 
also other rejiairs, with a total cost. $1,400: pres- 
ent member-siiii). 115: Sunday school, 90. 

ST. r.VTRlCK's CHURCH, SHEFFIELD. ILL. 

Rev. Wm. M. Murtaugh, rector: assistant 
priests: Father Marion, January, 1900-October, 
1001 : Father P. J. Ahearn : Kev. Wm. J. Durm- 
mv. 1902-1904; Rev. Thos. J. Fitzgerald, 1904; 
h'ev. Martin Gr'ffy. 1901-1905. Until July. 1905, 
the Shfinpld Church sujiplied and had charge 
of the churches in Tiskilwa. Princeton and 
Wyanet. At this time a division was made in 
the parish, when Tiskilwa had a resident priest. 
Rev. George Pierson, and included Princeton in 
the next parish. Wyanet is still connected with 
the St. Patrick's parish, but is preparing to erect 
a building and maintain her own services. Al- 
though quite a large number of former residents 
of the pari.sh are now living at Kewanee, Moline, 
Rock Lsland and Davenjiort and some at various 
points on the C. R. I. &' P. railroad, the congrega- 
tion has maintained a favorable growth, due 




coNGEEfiATioXAL riinfrn of iMMXcirrox. 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



67 



largely to sessions from Belgian families, mostly 
farmers. 

St. Patrick's Church is a brick edifice with 
stone trimmings, beautiful spire and a bell of 
rich tone. The church is heated by furnace and 
lighted by electricity. The interior compares fa- 
vorably with that of many of the metropolitan 
churches in the fresco work, the altars, statuary 
and illumination. Fine cement walks approach 
the church from the street, and flowers and 
shrubs ornament the ground.^;. The Presbytery is 
a two-story frame building, heated and lighted 
like church and well furnished. There is a large 
library of over 1,200 volumes. The church has 
no debt to burden its members, owns its cemetery 
and a block of land besides. 

jrENNONITE CHURCH OF INDIAXTOWN. 

The first family of this sect came to Putnam 
county in 1835 or 1836, from Ohio. In the 
family, whose name wa.s Burchey, were four boys, 
Daniel, Christian, Fredrick and Jacob, the latter 
being a minister of the gospel, and thus was a 
nucleus formed for the Mennonite church, which 
has been maintained \ip to the present time. 

About a year later came another family of 
the same name with four sturdy sons and one 
daughter (leaving four daughters in the mother 
country, Germany). Then from Germany also 
came Christian Albrecht with six sons and four 
daughters. Many others joined them from time 
to time. Until 1867 meetings were held in pri- 
vate parlors, once in three weeks, after this date, 
and till 1873, they met every two weeks. Then 
a church building was erected in Indiantown, 
four miles south of Tiskilwa. This church was 
destroyed by fire and rebuilt in 1876. It is now 
called the Willowspring Church. 

The first pastor and deacon was ordained in 
1875, Brother Andrew Oesch, pastor; Brother 
Christian Sears, deacon. When Andrew Oesch 
removed to Nebraska, Brother Jacob Eingen- 
berg was ordained pastor, and after the death 
of Brother Sears, Henry V. Albrecht was or- 
dained deacon. 

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF BUDA. 

This church had its beginning in the pioneer 
work of Elder Wm. McDcrmond. Early in 
1858 he held a series of meetings in the school- 
house and "Sinners Hall." So successful was 
his work that he gathered together sixty-nine 
(69), who were organized into a church March 
37, 1858. During the same year a church build- 
ing was erected. Elder McDermond was the 
first pastor, giving half of his time with Rev. 
T. H. Ball, who gave like service until January, 
1859. The following are names of pastors and 
date of service: A. Gross. 1859-60; George 
Bishop, 1861; no pastor, 1862; William McDer- 
mond, 1863-64: C. P. Bogart, 1865-66; C. T. 
Emerson, 1867-69; H. B. Johnson, 1870-71; IT. 
A. Bnrden. 1873-74; William McDonuond, 1875- 
77; H. P. Fitch, 1878-82; J. W. Davis, 1883-84; 



J. Coker, 1885-89; A. C. Nichols, 1890-91; J. H. 
Girdwood, 1892-94; W. E. Wight, 1895-98; J. 
F. Foyer, 1899-01; H. A. Hoover, 1901; W. T. 
Markland, 1902-03; Harry E. Miles, 1904. 

The church has enjoyed a high degree of pros- 
perity and is now more effective in its work than 
at any time in its history. The reconstruction 
of the old building in 1904 has given the church 
a beautiful, modern house, well adapted for its 
use. The church is thoroughly organized and 
every department is maintaining a high standard 
of efficiency. The only charter members now liv- 
ing are: James W. Weston, Henry L. Foster and 
Benjamin F. Waite. 

SWEDISH MISSION CHURCH. 

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Mission 
Church of Princeton was organized December 14, 
1868, and incorporated December 12, 1871. The 
corporate members were C. G. Swanson, Andrew 
Johnson, Rapp and John Pierson. The pastors 
have been as follows: C. P. Mellgreen organized 
the church and was pastor from 1870-72; P. 
Wedin, 1873-76; E. A. Echerberg, 1877-80; C. 

0. Sahlstrom, 1881-82; A. A. Magnusson, 1883- 
85; A. Lidman, 1886-94: C. F. Pamp, 1895- 
04; C. J. Ledin, 1905. 

The church organized witli thirty members, 
the present church numbers 275. The Sabbath 
school has a membership of 200. The Y. P. S. 
C. E. has sixty-six members. Young Ladies' 
Aid Society, one hundred and twenty members. 

FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. SHEFFIELD. 
HISTORICAL NOTICE. 

The First Congregational Church, of Shef- 
field, was organized July 15, 1854. The coun- 
cil, convened for this purpose, consisted of Rev. 

1. H. Parker, Rev. Asa Prescott, and Rev. A. Ly- 
man. There being no church or school build- 
ing in the place, the meeting was held in the 
public house known as the Sheffield House. 

The sermon was preaclied by Rev. L. H. Par- 
ker, who was moderator of the council, and Rev. 
A. Lyman was scribe. Nine persons presented 
themselves (See charter, member list, first page), 
whose credentials were examined and approved 
and were organized into a church. 

The meetings of the church were at first held 
in a private house, then in the railroad depot 
until the close • of the first year. Public wor- 
ship was then conducted in the school house, 
which was built in the winter of 1854-1855. 
Here it continued till tlie autumn of 1857, when 
the first church building was erected and dedi- 
cated to the worship of God. This building, 
upon which extensive repairs were made in 1855- 
1886, continued to be the church home until 
it gave place to the present beautiful and com- 
modious structure. 

The first steps toward securing the new church 
were taken at a meeting held at the home of 
Geo. W. Boyden, January 19. 1893. The pastor. 
Rev. A. W. Ackerman. laid the matter before he 



68 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



people and in a few minutes over $5,000 was 
pledged for the purpose. A few days later, Janu- 
ary 25, the building committee was appointed, 
who pushed matters so successfully that the cor- 
ner-stone of the new building was laid June 27, 
and on December 31, 1893, the dedicatory ser- 
vices were held. The total cost was $7,887.17, 
and the building was dedicated free from all 
indebtedness. 

Eev. A. Lyman had been the leader m the 
organization of the church and he became its 
first pastor, holding that office from the begin- 
ning till April, 1868. 

His successors, in order, have been as follows: 
Kev. J. A. Allen, September. 1868, about four 
years; Rev. W. 1. Baker, Jlarch, 1873, March, 
1876; Rev. G. W. Coleman, May, 1876, to May, 
1881 ; Rev. S. W. Webb, supplied, ^May to Decem- 
ber, 1881; Rev. F. M. Abbott, December, 1881, to 
December, 1882 ; Rev. J. G. Aikman, April, 1883, 
to July, 1885; Rev. R. L. McCord, July, 1886, to 
March, 1892; Rev. A. W. Ackerman, August, 
1892, to September, 1896; Rev. D. W. Wise, 
November, 1896, to July, 1898 ; Eev. M. S. Free- 
man, September, 1898, to December 31, 1904; 
Rev. Carl H. Cnrwin, January' 1, 1905, to May 
1, 1906; Eev. Edward A. Harris, May, 1906. 

Of these ministers, Eevs. Baker, Coleman and 
Aikman were also pastors of the Buda Congrega- 
tional Church in connection witli their pastorate 
in ShelTielil. 

At present writing the membership numbers 
just one hundred. In the church is a strong 
spirit of unity and progress. The character of 
the church is perliaps best attested by tlie fact 
that this last year, 1905, while expending $1,100 
for its own maintenance, it contributed $6.30 to 
benevolent causes. The Sunday school is a 
marked department of its work. It has a mem- 
bersliip of one hundred and tliirty-five, with an 
average attendance of over one humiroil. 'Mr. 
B. F. Dewey is superintendent. 

Charters members 1854. — Cyrus W. Beacli, 
Mary R. Beach, Avery T. Farnham, Dorcas P'arn- 
ham, Margaret Gillespie, Eliza D. Conran, 
Alexander Rutlivcn, Aliiiirii Rulliven, ^fary East- 
brook. 

THE SWKDISIl HVAXGKLICAI, LIITHKHAX. 

The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran of the 
Augustana Synod, of Princeton, was organized 
June 16, 1854, by Rev. Larsjaul Esborn. The 
original members were: P. Fagereranse, E. Webe- 
ster, N. Linderblad, S. Frid, Niles P. Linquist, 
Jacob Nvman and Larso .\nilerson. E<^v. T. 
N. Hasselquist took cliarge of this church for 
two years, although he lived in Galesljiirg. In 
1858 there was no pastor, but in 1859 John John- 
son was called to this charge and remained until 
1866. This was during the Civil war. Mr. John- 
son was intensely patriotic and loyal to his 
adopted country, and did much to encourage en- 
listment among his conntrymon. The meetings 



of this church were held in the James Smith 
schoolhouse, on the corner of South and Fourth 
streets until 1856, when they built a frame 
church, which was occupied until the present 
modern brick church was erected in 1890, 
in which was placed a fine pipe organ. The 
church is one of the best in the city. It is 
eighty-four feet long, and its greatest width is 
si.xty feet. The auditorium and the lecture room 
annex will seat seven hundred people. The 
church and organ when built cost about $15,000, 
but if it were being built at the present it would 
far exceed those figures. The building has fine 
basement, with kitchen and dining room, with 
all the necessary attachments to make it pleasant 
and convenient. This society also has a paro- 
chial schoolhouse, where the young people study 
while fitting to become members. The member- 
ship at the present time is 570; Sabbath school 
numbers 225; Ladies' Aid Society, 140; Young 
Peoj)les' Society, 150. The pastors following Mr. 
Johnson were as follows: Aaron Lindholm, 1866- 
1872; John Vikstrand, 1872-1880; S. A. San- 
dohl, 1881-1886; E. Edman, 1886-1888; 0. A. 
Nelson, 1888-1894: G. A. Carlstron, 1895-1898; 
G. E. Herndahl, 1898. 

BUD.V JI. E. CIICRCH. 

The ilethodist Episcopal Church in Buda, Illi- 
nois, was organized in 1851, in the old school- 
house, by Eev. William Smith, who was the first 
pastor. 

Joseph Green was the first class-leader. Among 
the early members were Mr. and Mrs. John Mason. 
l\Ir. an(l ^frs. Tliomas Stinson, ilr. and l\[rs. Sam- 
uel Zink, Mr. and Mrs. George Kreigor, Eliza- 
beth Stinson, Catherine Zink and Emetine Her- 
bert. 

Mrs. Catherine Zink is the only one of the char- 
ter members still living (September, 1906). 

Tlie first churcli building was erected at a cost 
of about four thousand dollars, and dedicated 
March 2, 1865. 

Improvements to the building were made in 
189:5 at a cost aggregating one thousand five hun- 
dred dollars. The old building was remodeled in 
1903 at a cost of two thousand six hundix'd dol- 
lars, making a modern, beautiful and convenient 
church. 

The present membership of the church is two 
hundred and the Sunday school mnnbers about 
the same. 

There is an active Epworth League of seventy- 
five members and a splendid wo?-king Ladies' .\id 
Society. 

The following liave served the charge: William 
Smith, 1851; ]\r. C. Wright, 1852-3; J. T. Whit- 
ton, 1851-5; J. T. Linthecum, 185.3-8; R. Einne, 
1859-60; William Leber, 1861-2; S. A. Elliot. 
1863; A. A. Mathews, 1864-5; D. M. Hill, 1866; 
J. E. Rutledge, 1867-8; M. V. B. White, 1869-70; 
H. Tiffanv, 1871; J. J. Flehartv. 1872-3; A. 
Fisher, 1874; B. E. Kaufman. 1875; M. V. B. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



69 



White, 1ST6-8; William Woolev, 1S;S)-81; J. S. 
Millsap, 18S2-3; J. D. Smith, 1884-5; J. Wil- 
kinson and W. B. Shoop, 1886; J. B. Dille, 
1887-8; V. C. Randolph, 1889; G. W. Peregoy, 
1890-3; J. P. McCormick, 1894-6; J. F. James. 
1897-8; V. Aten, 1899-03; N. W. Atkins, 190-4-6. 

IIETHODL-^T PROTESTANT CHURCH, PRINCETON. 

The Methodist Protestant Church, of Prince- 
ton, was organized in 1838 by Rev. P. J. Strong. 
The original members were Thomas Mercer and 
wife, Ellis Mercer and wife, Samuel Triplett and 
wife, Daniel Young and wife, William Mercer, 
Elizabeth Mercer, Barrie Mercer, Thomas Mer- 
cer, Moses Mercer and Enos Watson. The first 
church was built in 1838, soon after the organiza- 
tion. The present church was built in 1867 at a 
cost of eleven thousand dollars, and was dedicated 
in 1868. In 1896 the church was remodeled and 
added to, making it a neat and attractive build- 
ing. The church has added seventy members the 
past year. The present member.?hip is 122 ; Sab- 
bath school, 100; men's club. 14. The pastors of 
this church are as follows: P. J. Strong, Daniel 
Bagley, F. Dowd, Dr. Ives, Dr. Fowler, Dr. Mar- 
tin, William Ross, J. C. Johnson, Daniel Y'oung, 
W. W. Williams, F. F. Sellen, J. M. Mayall, 1868 ; 

C. H. Williams, 1869 ; G-uyberson, a few 

months ; W. H. Jordan, 1869-72 ; V. H. Brown, 
1872-76; S. G. Lamb, 1876-82; F. Stringer, 1882- 
8.5; Stephen Dekins, 1885-86; Thomas Kclley, 
1886-87; Thomas Bath, 1887-88; H. L. Bower, 
1888-90; P. J. Strong, 1890-91; S. T. Bartlett, 
1891-93; H. K. Fox, 1892-93; W. I. Davenport, 
1894-98; Earnest Evans, 1898-1900; W. 0. Liv- 
ingston, 1900-1903 ; H. J. Magonigal, 1903-1904 ; 
F. M. Davis. 1904-1905; I. H. Haverfield. 

BAPTISTS. 

The Baptist Church of Princeton was organized 
in 1836 with thirteen communicants. The orig- 
inal members were »Stephen and Polly Triplett, 
Aquilla Triplett, Elizabeth Triplett, W. H. and 
Lucinda Wells, Isaac and Rebecca Spangler, Ed- 
ward and Lucinda Triplett. Mr. Bagley and wife 
and James Hanirick. In 1844 a small church 
was built and when the present building was 
erected and dedicated in 1873, the old church was 
sold to the colored people and is now the African 
Methodist Church of Princeton. The Baptist 
Church has had its periods of hope and depres- 
sion, but they have never wavered in the faith of 
the fathers and have kejit up their church inter- 
est through all the years that have come and gone 
until now her membership exceeds that of any 
other period of her history. 

From 1856 to 1858 Rev. F. B. Ives occupied 
the pulpit, and they were years of prosperity, the 
church membershin at that time numbering 160. 
From various causes, principally from lack of 
church accommodations and the frequent change 
of pastors, the church decreased in nund)ers until 
only thirty-five active members remained. These 
members were not dismayed at the condition of 



all'airs, but relying upon the promises of the ever 
living God they went forward with full faith that 
in due time they would reap if they fainted not. 
Accordingly they recalled Rev. F. B. Ives and 
commenced a new church, and on the day of 
dedication their beautiful new house, costing ten 
thousani] dollars, flung her banner to the breeze 
without one dollar of indebtedness. 

In 1893 the church erected a new and modern 
parsonage, which is located on West Peru street. 
In 1886 the semi-centennial anniversary of the 
organization of the church was celebrated. In 
1901 it was remodeled and rededicated, using the 
one thousand dollars donated by Deacon 0. S. 
Phelps and wife for that purpose. Under the 
present pastor. Rev. S. B. Dexter, the Baptist 
society has taken under its charge the Coal Hol- 
low church in Selby, Heaton's Point Church in 
Bureau and the United Brethren Church in Man- 
lius. To supply these charges Rev. Dexter has an 
assistant. The church membership is 300; Sab- 
bath school, 100. 

F. B. Ives, 1871-74; Rev. Fargo, D. W. Rich- 
ards, M. H. Worral, R. Wallace, 1882-85; D. 
Heagle, 1885-88; W. L. Jones, 1889-90; P. W. 
Longfellow, 1890-91; R. R. Coon, 1891-93; Thos. 
G. McLean. 1894-96; F. A. Case. 1896-1901; E. 
M. Martinson. 1901-1905; S. B. Dexter, 1905. 

HISTORICAL SKETCH OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, 
WALNUT, ILLINOIS. 

In April, 1893, R. B. Brown, of Yale, Michi- 
gan, came to Walnut, and finding a few scattered 
disciples, persuaded them to meet and worship, 
in the Opera House. In August, 1892, S. S. 
Jones, of Champaign, Illinois, and Frank Moffett, 
of Sterling, Illinois, assisted in a series of meet- 
ings which resulted in the organization of the 
Church of Christ in Walnut. Mark Shirk and 
J. W. Ross were elected elders and Henry Long 
and William Fuller deacons. 

It was then decided to build a house of wor- 
ship. A suitable lot was donated by James Fuller 
and subscriptions were taken to build the church. 
The building committee was Theodore Ennes, 
M. C. Stearns, E. Atkinson, Wm. Fordham and 
J. W. Ross. James Fuller, Henry Long and J. 
W. Ross were elected trustees. The building cost 
about three thousand three hundred dollars and 
was dedicated April 1, 1893. S. S. Jones as- 
sisted in the dedicatory services. 

M. C. Stearns, J. W. Ross, James Fuller, Theo- 
dore Ennes. Henry Long, E. Atkinson, John 
Whitver, Andrew Ross and others donated liber- 
ally to the enterprise. Among those who have 
served the church as pastors were C. H. Bass, 
C. E. Evans, Will F. Shaw, J. R. Golden, F. A. 
Sword and R. L. Beshers, who is the present minis- 
ter. The church lias had a constant growth in 
numbers and influence. The present nu'mbership 
is about 350. It has a good Sunday school, a 
Y. P. S. C. E., a Ladies' Aid Society, a church 



70 



PAST A.ND PliESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



orchestra and various other organizations for car- 
rying on the work of the church. 

BUEEAU TOWNSHIP WESLKYAN CHURCH. 

The Wesleyan, of West Bureau, was organized 
in 1844 by Rev. Rufus Lumry with the following 
members: George Hinsdale, George Bennet, 
Mary Bennet, Samuel Fay, Mary Fay, Sarah 
Stratton, Flavel Thurston and Eleanor Thurston. 
The pastors up to date have been as follows: 
Milton Smith. Simeon Austin, John M. Fard, J. 
Pinkncv, William Whittin, B. B. Palmer, P. 
Baker, H. T. Bessie, H. Hawkins, A. R. Brooks, 
William Pinkney, E. S. Wheeler and G. P. Riley. 
Up to this time we are unable to give the terms of 
services of the different ministers but the follow- 
ing are given with date of service: Rev. William 
Pinkney was called as pastor August IG, 1879, 
and resigned September 3, 1801, when Rev. E. E. 
Reed was called and served until September, 
1895. Rev. J. L. Clark supplied the church for a 
few months and in May, 1896, James G. Brooks 
commenced his pastorate, which continued until 
September, 1901. During his pastorate the par- 
sonage was built at an expense of one thousand 
two hundred dollars, the church remodeled in the 
interior and new sheds erected, and about forty- 
five new members were added to the church mem- 
bership. In October, 1901, Rev. Charles E. Steb- 
bins, of Syracuse, New York, was called and con- 
tinued until October G, 1906. During Rev. 
Stebbins' connection with the church consider- 
able improvement was made. A furnace was 
placed in the parsonage and an addition joined to 
the church building. The clnirch was greatly 
strengthened by the addition of heads of families 
in the community. During Rev. Stebbins' labors 
there were added sevenfrv-one members. Eleven 
of these have been ceded to Hickey Grove Church, 
which is supplied from this church. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church, of La Moille, 
Illinois, was organized in l.S.")0 by Rev. George C. 
Holmes. 

The first church building was erected in 1852. 
In 1883 a more commodious ediiice was built at 
a cost of three thousand two hundred dollars. 
The following year (1884) occurred a great re- 
vival of religion and in 1887 a parsonage was 
built, the debt being entirely lifted in 1894. In 
1897 the church was repaired and painted. 

During 1905-6 there was a revival with a gain 
of thirty-three per cent in membership. 

A new furnace was put into the parsonage in 
1906. 

The pastors who have served this church to the 
present time are as follows: Rev. D. A. Falken- 
burg, Rev. J. S. Wilson. Rev. P. S. Golleday. 
Rev. J. S. David, Rev. Thomas H. Hagerty, Rev. 
A. S. W. McCansland, Rev. W. M. Forman, Rev. 
T. C. Young, Rev. Steven Roberts, Rev. E. 
Smith, Rev. W. H. Haight. Rev. J. S. David, Rev. 
W. A. Cross, Rev. R. Congdon, Rev. B. Close, Rev. 
E. Brown, Rev. P. S. Scott, Rev. John H. Bick- 



ford, 1S83-84; Rev. B. A. Dickens, 1884-87; Rev. 
Joseph Wardle, 1887-88; Rev. E. Currier, 1888- 
90; Rev. A. S. Maxam, 1890, resigned. Rev. J. S. 
Wilson, student, 1891; Rev. J. T. Legear, 1891- 
93; Rev. A. I. Mason, 1892-94; Rev. T. C. War- 
rington, 1894-7; Rev. Coleman H. Hottman, 
1897-00; Rev. Nathaniel R. Hinds, 1900-03; Rev. 
William' H. Locke, A. M., 1903-04; Rev. George 
Irwin Larask, 1904-06. 

CONGHEG-iTION-iL CHURCH OF LA MOILLE, ILLINOIS. 

This church was organized by Rev. Owen Love- 
joy May 13, 1840, with the following members, 
viz. : Zenas Church, Julia Church, Benjamine 
Mather, Airs. Francis Dodge, David Lloyd, Tim- 
othy Edwards, Mrs. Catharine Edwards, David 
Wells, .\saph N. Brown, Lyman and Margaret 
Eastman, T. P. Rust, Hannah Dodge and Mrs. 
Maria Sapp. Their tirst church was erected in 
1849, costing one thousand five hundred dollars, 
the second one in 1863 at a cost of five thousand 
dollars. For a number of years the basement or 
first story of the first house was used for a school- 
room, thus helping to perpetuate the original idea 
of Congregationalism that education must go hand 
in hand with religion to make strong, symmet- 
rical character. The second building was burned 
to ashes on Sunday morning, February 10, 1867. 
But, nothing daunted, this zealous people rebuilt, 
expending this time nine thousand dollars. 

The pastors of this church, who have ministered 
and lieen ministered unto are as follows: Revs. 
Morrell, John Crep, Adams, L. E. Sykes, G. B. 
Hubbard. George Colman, Fitch Burns, L. Gore, 
Lightbody, M. Willett, L. F. Bickford, 1874-77; 
N. L. Burton, 1877-81; W. H. Smith, 1883-84; 
E. H. Bvrnes, 1884-85 ; Samuel Eveland, 1885-87; 
J. H. Henderson, 1887-90; F. D. Randall, 1890- 
91 ; J. K. Schultz, 1891-92 ; W. J. Clark, 1893-94 ; 
D. A. Evans, 1894-96 ; C. C. Jesse, 1896-98 ; John 
J. Hales, 1898-00; Elbert J. Collins. 1900 to pres- 
ent. 

The La Moille Baptist Church was organized 
on May 5, 1838, by Rev. Thomas Parnell, Rev. 
Henry Headly, Aaron Gunn and James Graw. 
The original members were John Hetzler, Tim- 
othy Perkins, Adam and Mary Spaulding, Joseph 
and Mary Fassett, Moses and Eliza Bowen and 
J. T. Holbrook. It was the strongest church in 
the Ottawa Association for many years and one of 
the strongest in the state outside of Chicago. 
Considerable wealth is represented and the be- 
nevolences have been phenomenal. Many strong 
men and women, whose religious life began in this 
church have gone to the east and to the west, to 
the north and the south, and are now taking 
prominent part in religious work in their re- 
spective communities. Thus the little church or- 
ganized sixty-eight years ago has set in motion 
influences which are continually expanding. 

Church services were held in the school-house 
until 1850, when a brick church was erected at a 
cost of two thousand dollars. In 18G7 they 




HIGH SCHOOL, PRINCETON. 



PAST AXD PEESENT OF BUEEAU COUXTY. 



73 



built a new church costing twelve thousand five 
hundred dollars. The pastors who have minis- 
tered to this fiock are as follows: Henrv Head- 
ley, 1838-41; E. B. Carpenter, 1844-45; S. S. 
Martin, 1845-49; W. S. Clark, 1850-53; Aaron 
Angier, 1854-54; N. G. Collins, 1854-63; John 
Winter, 1862-64; Isaac Fargo, 1864-69; William 
Green, 1869-74; Henry Lewellen, 1874-75; E. P. 
Bartlett, 1875-88; George E. Murphy, 1888-89; 
F. J. Leavitt, 1889-90; Charles T. Eoe, 1891-95; 
N. H. Daily,' 1895-97; W. C. Halbert, 1897-99; 
J. E. Hargraves, 1900-03 ; Henry Happell, 1903- 
04 ; H. B. Cox, 1904—. 

ARLINGTON- PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. 

The Presljyteriau Church of Arlington was or- 
ganized February 31. 1S59. Eevs. J. S. Henderson 
nf Mendota. J. Milligan of Princeton and J. 
('. Barr of Maiden, conducting the exercises of 
organization. After a sermon by Eev. Henderson 
from Jeremiah 50 :4-5 the following charter mem- 
liers were received : 



5Ir. Marshall Oder 
Mrs. Catharine Oder 
Mr. J. S. Carrick 
ilrs. Elcnor Carrick 
Mr. Calvin Wilson 
Mrs. Martha AVilson 
Mr. Wm. Morrison 



Miss Martha J. Mullen 
Mr. John Stewart 
Mr. John H. ]\Iorrison 
Mrs. Charlotte Poii-onnct 
Mrs. Jane AVaugh 
Mrs. Esther Lewis 
Mrs. Nancy Irwin 



Mrs. Elizabeth Morrison Mrs. Eachel Gibson 
Mrs. Mary A. Scott Mrs. Margery Stewart 

Mrs. Martha Baldwin Mr. Joseph Wallace 

Tlie following ministers have filled the charge: 

Eev. J. C. Barr, 1859-1864. 

Eev. S. M. Crispman, 1864-1S66. 

Eev. M. Noerr, 1866-1868. 

Prom 1868 to 1883 no regular minister. 

Eev. W. B. McKee. 1883-1887. 

1887 to 1891 no minister. 

Eev. H. B. Donshiss, 1891-1893. 

Eev. Chas. Slack. 1893-1894. 

1894 to 1896 no minister. 

Eev. J. M. Burdge, 1896-1901. 

Eev. M. M. Cooper, 1901-1903. 

Eev. J. F. Malcolm, 1903-1906. 

The church now has a membershiji of 39. the 
Sabbath School an enrollment of 50, and a C. E. 
Society with a membership of 37. 

FIRST f'ONGREOATlONAL CIirRCII OF WYANET. 

The First Congregational Church of Wyanet, 
Illinois, was organized in the month of September, 
1866. Eev. Lucius Parker was chosen to be its 
first pastor. The charter members numbered 34. 
Since that time down to this writing thirteen pas- 
tors have ministered to the spiritual needs of this 
congregation, and the membei-sliip has increased 
year by year until the charter memliership has 
been multiplied almost nine times, the ])resent 
number of communicants being two hundred and 
thirteen. The following is a list of the pastors, 
with the dates of their pastorates here: 

Eev. Lucius Parker, 1866-1867. 

Erv. Ephraim Hudson Baker. 1868-1870. 



Eev. Samuel F. Stratton, 1871-1873. 
Eev. Henry Nesbit Baldwin, 1873-1875. 
Eev. Henry Wilson, 1876-1883. 
Eev. Nicholas Edwards, 1883-1885. 
Eev. F. C. Cockran, 1885-1887. 
Eev. George Gibson, 1887-1888. 
Eev. Marv L. Moreland, 1889-1895. 
Eev. M. A. Kline, 1895-1897. 
Eev. E. Kidder Stetson, 1897-1903. 
Eev. John Lloyd Howie, 1902-1904. 
Eev. Alfred E. Eandell, 1905. 

DE PUE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH. 

The congregational church of De Pue, Illinois, 
was organized November 26, 1885, by Eev. W. P. 
Pease. The following persons united at that time : 
F. G. Brainard June F. Pope 

W. E. Smith Charles E. Pope 

Jacob Lusinger B. F. Ellis 

Lizzie Banschbach Lena Ellis 

Emma Banschbach Loclda Kellogg 

W. P. Pease Wm. Bull, Jr. 

Ida M. Pease Jessie Stephens 

N. C. Pease Hattie Shaw 

W. J. Pope Maria L. Wisly. 

It is the only church in the community and has 
aboiit one hundred members. The present pastor 
is Eev. W. Pine. 

METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH OF IIALDEN. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church of Maiden. 
Illinois, was organized in 1856 by the pastor, Eev. 
Forrest, with six meuibers. Their meetings were 
held in a school house until 1867, ■when their 
present building was erected, at a cost of about 
six thousand dollars. During the latter 3'ears the 
following pastors have presided : 

Eev. W. A. Willison ; Eev. James W. Lee ; Eev. 
W. A. Cross; Eev. H. J. Huston; Eev. J. A. J. 
Whipple; Eev. E. A. Morlev; Eev. A. B. Mettler; 
Eev. T. C. Warrington; Eev. J. H. Williams; Eev. 
J. "\V. I>owery and Eev. A. W. Otis, who is serving 
his second year. The present membership is V,lO, 
with 17 probationary members and officers, as 
follows : 

Sunday School Su]ierintendent — George Wolf- 
ersberger. 

Epworth League President — Henry HihU^'- 
brand. 

Trustees — Charles Wolfersljerger, George Wolf- 
ersberger, D. K. IMorris, Harry Strong, M. ]\lyers. 

Stewards — Mrs. Lena Sutton, Mrs. Dora Sut- 
ton, Mrs. Margaret Myers, Mrs. Mae Sam]ison, 
]\Irs. Hattie Page, Mabel Mitchell Freman V. 
Hilderbrand. 

CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH OF BUREAU. 

The Congregaticuuil Church of Bureau, Illinois, 
was organized December, 1887. Church edifice 
erected in 1888 with an original membership of 
sixteen. The first jiastor was Eev. E. A. Paddock. 
Following w-erc Eev. William Smith, 1889-91: 
Eev. Parker Hurless, 1891-96; ]{ev. M. W. Wil- 
liams and Eev. W. S. 'i^ieker, 1896-97 ; Eev. D. J. 
Torrens, 1897-1000. The ]Mvseni paslor is Eev. 



74 



PAST AND PKKSENT OF BUUEAU COUNTY. 



Piirkcr llurless, wlio has otiitiated since 1901. 
The ])resent membership is one hiinilreJ ami si.xty. 
The Sunday School memliership cue liundred and 
five. Mrs. J. H. McLaiu is clerk. 

Sl'RIXa VALLEV CONGREGATIONAL CHUKCH. 

The First t'oiigregatioual Church of Spring 
A'ailey was organized September 5, 188C, by Kev. 
.7. A. Uritlin. under tiie diiection of the Illinois 
Congregational Home Missionary Society, with a 
membei-sliij) of twenty-three. The church building 
was dedicated December 21, 1887. 

Tlie pastors wiio have presided over this church 
are as follows : 

]{ev. Firth Stringer, 1887-91. 

The pulpit was supplied until 1895 by Revs. 
Parrv. Eemvan and llartwell. 

Rev. A. P. Tolinan, 1895-9^. 

Kev. F. G. ISrainard. 1894-9li. 

Rev. J. H. Wilson. D. D., 1896-1900. 

Rev. R. W. I'ardue, 1900-03. 

Rev. 0. E. Murray, Ph. D., 1903-4. 

Rev. William Kilburne. 190.") to the jireseut 
time. 

The membership is now 2()(), with a Sunday 
School of 350, whose average attendance is 2.54. 
The present superintendent is K. V. De Groff. 

There are -54 members in the senior Christian 
Endeavor and 3G in the Junior Endeavor. 

The cinireh is at the present time being re- 
painted and decorated at an expense of $400.00. 
During the pastorate of Dr. Wilson, from 1896 
to 1900, institutional features were added iu 
the way of parlors, reading rooms and gymnasium, 
which have ])roven useful adjuncts to the church. 

WYAXI;T .MlvTHODIST EPISCOPAL CIirRCII. 

From a history of the Wyanet il. E. church 
compiled by Richard Ilcniik in 1S9(I. the follow- 
ing data is taken : 

In the spring of 18.").") ilcv. T. L. Pomeroy and 
wile, ^[r. and ^Frs. Obadiah Weaver, ilr. and Mrs. 
William Frankcnbergcr. and Mrs. Crittenden, met 
and organiy,('<l a .Methodist society. ^Ir. Pomeroy 
being a local ])reacher, preached to them during 
the summer and in the fall received an appoint- 
ment from conference to the '"Bureau ]\Iissions," 
or, as the appointnu'nt read, "Wyanet, West Bureau 
an<l the regions beyond." The same fall a Sunday 
school was organized with (ieorge Mason as su- 
perintimdent. In }S:'>{'> conference api)oinled S. 
W. .McCausland to ^\'yanet. He .served two years. 
.1. S. David followed, serving one year. During 
his pastorate a school house was built and .serv- 
ices, which had been held in private honu's, were 
transferred to the school house. 'J'his house stood 
on the site of the Jonas Peterson house. Eater a 
new school house was built on the corner north 
of this house and tor years it served as school and 
church. Rev. llimebangh followed Rev. J. S. 
David, ri'maining one year, and he was followed 
by Rev. William Foreman, who occupied the charge 
from I860 to 1862. During th(> first year of his 
pnstorate, the first church was built, "with great 



elfort and sacrilice" (as tradition informs us). 
During the following two years Rev. W. II. Fisher 
served the church and received nuuh credit for 
liquidating the debt existing, which he did by 
means of a picnic excursion to Rock Island, char- 
tering a train and charging the modest fare of 
$1.2.3 for the round tri]j. The attractions at Rock 
Ishuiil were the govt-rnment works and a warlike 
band of Indians who were held there as prisoners. 
The net result was $T00, one hundred of which 
were given the pastor as a reward for services. 

In the fall of 1864 Rev. Foreman was returned 
for one vear, during which time he built the par- 
sonage at a cost of $1,()(hi. 

In 186.") Mr. McReady, a brilliant young man 
from the east, was sent hert', ijut becoming dis- 
satisfied, leturiied home in a few weeks. lie was 
followed by Rev. Smith, but circumstances did 
not allow him to remain long, and Rev. Curtis 
was sent to fill out the year. 

Since that time the following have servc<l this 
charge : 

Rev. J. II. Pearv, lS6(i-(M. 

Rev. .1. W. Davidson. 1867-69. 

Rev. W. A. Cross. 1869-71. 

Rev. .1. 1'.. .McGulKn, 1871-73. 

Rev. (i. C. Clark linished the last pail of 
McGuffin's time. 

Rev. W. K. Beans. 18:3-71. 

Rev. S. Stover, 1874-76. 

Rev. J. F. Yates, 187()-78. 

Rev. J. llartman, 1878-79. 

Rev. J. J. Clifton. 18:!i-8(). 

R'ev. .\. H. Mettler, 1880-81. 

Rev. .\. Xewton, 1881-8.3. 

Rev. J. B. McGuttin. 1883-84. 

Rev. J. C. Stoughton, 1884-85. 

Rev. John Lee, 188.5-87. 

Rev. H. C. Ilari-ison came in 1887 but stayed 
only a few weeks. Rev. D. C. Washburn filling out 
the year, who raised $200 to com])lete paynuMit on 
a lot bought during Rev. Mettler"s jwstorate. and 
$.50 to finish payment on parsonage barn. 

Rev. J. M. Wheaton came in 1888. During the 
pastorates of Rev. David and Rev. Cross ri-vivals 
had occurred, but under Rev. Wheaton"s labors 
one of the greatest revivals in the history of the 
church occurred, and many accessions to the 
iluirch were received, and attention was calleil to 
the fact that a new church was necessary, and Rev. 
Wheaton threw his wliolo life into the work and 
on March 30, 1890, Dr. IT. W. Bolton, of Chicago, 
dedicated one of the most beautiful churches in the 
conference. He was aided in the services by Rev. 
Strobridge. of i'rinceton, and P. E. Dandy. The 
church was declicaied free of debt. Too much 
praise cannot be given Kev. Wheaton lor his work 
lirTc. As soon as the church was off his hands he 
luul the old church moved to a lot adjoining the 
new church and renmdeled into n splendid par- 
sonage. R'ev. Wheaton was followed by Rev. T. C. 
Warrington, I891-III : .\. S. Mason, 1891-!l.5; John 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Hitchcock. LSDo-OT; W. J. Abel. 1897-1903; W. C. 
Scott, 1903-05; \Y. t). Bclhimj', pastor at present, 
1906. 

On the evening of January 3-4, 1896, just as 
people were retiring, the alarm of the fire bell 
called our attention to the fact that the beautiful 
church was, inside, a sea of flames, and when 
morning dawned it showed the bare walls of the 
church and the parsonage badly scorched. Rev. 
John Hitchcock duplicated Rev. J. M. \Vheaton"s 
grand work, and rebuilding went on, and on Sun- 
day, September 13, 1896, the jjresent edifice was 
dedicated by Rev. Dr. A. D. Traveller, our present 
presiding elder, and Rev. G. C. Clark, then pre- 
siding elder of the district. 

In February, 1906, Rev. William Sunday held a 
revival in Princeton, Illinois, at which series of 
meetings many people or our village were awak- 
ened. The work was continued by our pastors and 
the result netted over a hundred accessions to our 
church, making our membership over two hun- 
dred, and under the faithful labors of Rev. Bel- 
lamy the church is in a very prosperous condition, 
socially, financially, and, best of all, spiritually. 

FIRST COXGRKGATIOXAL CHURCH, SEATONVILLE. 

Previous to 1897 at Ottsville and in Scatonville, 
Illinois, a Sunday school was held with varying 
degrees of success, directed largely by Charles 
Michael and Mrs. D. G. Stewart. On September 
10. 1897. Rev. J. W. Wilson, of Spring Valley, 
Illinois, after some lecturing and preaching, led in 
a movement to organize a Congreational church. 
The following churches and ministers were invited 
to form a council to review the matter and for- 
mally recognize the organization. The council 
was held September 23, 1897, and the following 
wQi-Q invited : 

Congregational church, Granville — Rev. J. AV. 
Fo.x, pastor. 

Congregational church. Hennepin — Rev. J. P. 
Campbell. 

Congregational church. Marseilles — Rev. Ches- 
ter M. Clark. 

Congregational church. Marseilles — Rev. Albert 
Ethridge. 

Congregational church, Ottawa — Rev. L. 0. 
Baird. 

Congregational church, Tonica — Rev. Edwin J. 
Moore, Jr. 

Congregational church, Peru — Rev. Julius 
Marks. 

Congregational church. LaSalle— Rev. J. S. 
BajTie. 

Congregational church. Bureau — Rev. Torrens. 

Chicago Lincoln Park church — Rev. IXavid 
Beaton. 

Chicago — Rev. James Thompkins. 

The Ladies' Aid Society was organized October 
18, 1897, and has continually done good work. 
April 21, 1898, plans were made for the building 



of a church and contract was let to J. B. Hess, of 
Spring N'alley, whose contract, together with fur- 
nishings, amounted to about $.5,000. The build- 
ing was dedicated November 13, 1898, when $750 
was raised to pay all indebtedness but the $500 
grant from the Congregational Church Building 
Society. 

In October, 1899, a parsonage was commenced 
and finished at a cost of about $2,500, Rev. T. R. 
Egerton. then pastor, doing a good deal of car- 
penter work and suggesting much of the plan of 
the building. Five hundred dollars was borrowed 
from the church building society, two-thirds or 
more of which has been paid during the present 
pastorate. In February. 1900, closed a series of 
special meetings by the pastor. Rev. Egerton, aided 
by Rev. J. M. Sutherland. Fifty-nine wore con- 
\erted, 53 united with the church, and 21 were 
baptized. Septendjer 28, 1899, Rev. Herbert 
Ilaynes was ordained to the Christian ministry. 
.M)out 300 people have been members of this 
church during these years, but the restlessness of 
a mining town makes the number vary. Many 
helpful spiritually and financially have moved 
away, Ijut there are still true hearts. The Sun- 
day school has always been good. The pastors are : 

Rev. John H. Wilson— October 23, 1897, to Julv 
31, 1899. 

Rev. Herbert Haynes — September 2, 1899, to 
October 28, 1899. 

Rev. Thomas R. Egerton — December 1, 1899, 
to September 1, 1901. 

Rev. M. C. Elliott— October 20, 1901, to April 
26. 1903. 

Rev. F. L. Fisk— Septeudier 27, 1903, to No- 
vendx'r 1, 1906. 

Deacons during this period — Joshua Pryor, J. 
\\. Hosier, M. D., John C. White, M. D., James 
Stewart, Sr., William Booz, Gustav II. Carlson, 
Charles E. Michaels, Claus Bloom, ilorgan J. 
Greener, Charles T. Fletcher. 

Trustees — George Pettee, James Cherry, W. F. 
Schaffer, Morgan Greener, D. G. Stewart, Arthur 
Brookie, James Fletcher, Charles Carlson, William 
Cherry, Joseph Holten. Thomas Beckley. George 
Cook, Joseph Arnold. 

Ti-easurers — D. G. Stewart, James Cherry, Mrs. 
.\. Brookie. Joseph YerJv. C. J. Carlson, Charles 
T. Fletcher, Jlrs. D. G. 'Sti'wart. 

Clerks — Joseph Yerly, J. C. White, M. D., 
Joseph Arnold. 

Sunday School Superintendents — W. P. Schaf- 
fer. Morgan J. Greener, Charles T. Fletcher, John 
\V. Decker. The church has passed through many 
trying experiences, but by the co-o])eration of the 
people and friends is aliout free of debt. The pres- 
ent pastor has during the three years of work also 
held service at Dalzell and Cherry, and a church 
organization and building is soon to be in both 
places. 

.\ cliiii'ch of Christ in a eommunitv is a Idessing. 



PAST VXD PKESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



REV. WILLIAM A. SUNDAY IN PRINCETON. 

Probably no event in the history of Princeton 
ever so conipleti'ly absorbed the attention and pro- 
voked so much discussion as the advent of Wil- 
liam A. Sunday within her borders. Not even 
the firinj; on Fort Sumter in sixty-one caused 
such an intense and general upheaval in public 
sentiment as was brought about by his coming. 
Long before his first appearance his influence 
seemed to pervade the whole community. It was 
like the distant muttorings of an approaching 
storm which comes nearer and nearer until at last 
it bursts in all its fury upon the fated spot and 
lashes the earth with its terrilile vengeance and 
the frenzietl people flee for safety. So, in the case 
of Rev. Mr. Sunday, his coming was a veritable 
religious cyclone that moved upon the hearts and 
minds of the people until nearly the whole com- 
munity swayed, tottered, and fell before his irre- 
sistible power. Men who were loudest in <lenounc- 
ing his methods were among the first to fall before 
his well aimed shafts. Night after night and day 
after day came the people from city, town, and 
country, by railroad, in carriages, on horseback, 
and on foot ; but they came ; mud, zero weather, 
rain, or snow had no effect in keeping people away. 
"To the tabernacle? was the slogan, and to the 
tabernacle they went. From five, ten, twenty, and 
thirty miles away the people came; the tabernacle 
was tilled, overflow meetings were held, churches 
were opened to the public for reception rooms for 
those who came from a distance. The truth and 
error that emanated from these meetings will 
never be correctly chronicled until the recording 
angel shall dip his pen into the ink of time and 
write upon sacred tablets of the great bej'ond the 
true and wonderful story of William A. Sunday 
in Princeton. 

The first preliminary action in regard to the 
coming of Mr. Sunday was taken at the Minis- 
ters' Association of this city early in May, 190.3, 
and it was decided to leave it to the churches. 
Accordingly, on May 7, 1895, the subjec-t was pre- 
sented to the different churches and committees 
were appointed from all of them except the 
Swedish Lutheran and Methodist Protestant, their 
pastors being absent at the time. 

A meeting was called at 4 o'clock the same 
day at the M. E. church, and the following 
persons were present: llev. Welch, Congrega- 
tional ; Rev. Slaughter, Methodist : Rev. Evans, 
Christian; Rev. Markiey, Presi)yterian; W. A. 
Johnson, E. W. Young," W. IT. Johnson, David 
Yearing, Jr., Dr. A. E. Owins. S. Nelson, G. 
Christofferson, Frank Anderson, C. 0. Dalhed, A. 
L. Anderson, Clarence Anderson, S. Pierson, Dr. 
L. D. Hick-man, Dr. M. H. Black-man, Dr. W. C. 
Griswold. D. L. Allen, C. L. Prutzman, James 
Jorden. 0. Wickev, E. Trimmer, Fred Young, W. 
S. Booth, C. 0.' White, J. .\. Brigham, E. A. 
Vaughn, C. J. Dunbar, H. Cray. R. .Vorton. G. 
\. Rugg. n. P. Salmon. G. Brvant, M. G. Clark, 



and 11. H. Priestley. At this meeting an organi- 
zation was perfected by electing W. A. Johnson 
president; Howard Priestley, secretary; H. C. Rob- 
erts, treasurer. A committee of five from each 
church was also appointed and the secretary was 
instructed to correspond with Rev. Mr. Sunday 
and make the earliest possilde date and also his 
terms of contract. 

On May 22 another meeting was held and a let- 
ter was read from Mr. Sunday stating his terms 
of contract and naming February, 1906, the time 
he would reserve for Princeton. After a short 
discussion in regard to the necessary arrangements 
Dr. W. C. Griswold moved that the association 
extend invitation to Rev. W. A. Sunday to come 
to Princeton in February, 1906, if possible, on 
the tenns and conditions indicated in his commu- 
nication to Secretarv H. H. Priestley under date 
i)f May 13, 1906. The motion was unanimously 
adopted. Then followed a discussion in regard 
to the name of the association. It was finally 
decided that it should be given the title of the 
■•rniou Tabernacle Association." 

The next meeting of the association was held 
October 29, 1905, at which time the following 
executive committee was appointed, consisting of 
one from each church : Congregational, E. A. 
Vaughn; Presbyterian, C. H. Boggs; Swedish Mis- 
sion, S. Pierson : Swedish Congregational. .Tohn 
Hed; Christian. Dr. W. C. Griswold; Baptist, W. 
A. Johnson; Swedish Baptist, S. Nelson; Lu- 
theran, W. S. Booth ; Methodist Protestant, U. J. 
Hayden ; Methodist Episcopal, Harry Bailey. The 
name of IT. H. Priestley was added to the execu- 
tive committee and he was made its secretary. 

At a meeting of the association on November 
26, 1905, the following named men were ap- 
pointed a committee to locate the tabernacle ; Her- 
man Gray, C. 0. ^Miite, Frank Anderson. Guy 
Bryant, John Hed, and S. L. Bailey were ap- 
pointed as a building committee, and a financial 
committee consisting of one from each church was 
selected. 

The location committee reported in favor of the 
Fisher lots, on the east side of Pleasant street, and 
the building committee reported that the archi- 
tecture of the tabernacle had been decided upon 
and the bid of A. L. Davis & Son for its erection 
had also been accepted, and that the work would 
be commenced on November 28. 1905. It was voted 
to incorporate the organization under the state 
law governing churches and other religious bod- 
ies. Accordingly the association, with its bv-laws, 
was incorporated November 27, 1905. The fol- 
lowing are the articles of incorporation: 

"State of Illinois, Bureau County — ss. 

"I. Watts A. Johnson, do solemnly swear that 
at a meeting of the members of the tlnion Taber- 
nacle Association of Princeton, Illinois, held at 
the M. E. church building, at and in the city of 
Princeton, in Bureau county. Illinois, on tlie 26th 
day of November. A. D. 1905, for the purpose 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



of tho election of trustees, the following named 
persons were elected, namely : A. E. Owens, 
Thomas Palmer and A. L. Anderson, trustees of 
said association, according to the by-laws of said 
association, and said association then and there 
adopted the corporate name, to-wit. Union Tab- 
ernacle Association of Princeton, Illinois. And 
at said meeting this officer acted as chairman 
thereof and H. H. Priestley as secretary thereof. 

"Subscribed and sworn to before me this 2Tth 
day of November, A. D. 1905. 

H. Fuller, 

"Clerk of the Circmt Court of Bureau County, 
Illinois." 

Finally all arrangements were made and a tab- 
ernacle was erected. 129 feet long by lOS feet wide, 
lighted witli gas inside and electricity on the out- 
side, with seating capacity for about 3,300 people. 
The ground was covered with fine shavings to 
keep out the dampness; elevated seats were placed 
at the east end, with room enough for a choir of 
three hundred singers; two pianos, a large num- 
ber of stringed instruments, clarionets, brass 
horns, and about three hundred singers, led by 
Professor Fischer, constituted the choir. The 
whole building was heated by five large furnaces. 
At last everything was completed and on February 
2, 1906, William A. Sunday, assisted by Rev. 
Mr. Honeywell, appeared upon the scene. At first 
his style of argument was such that many seemed 
incensed at its pointedness, but the work went on 
until thirty-eight days had passed, si.\ty-six ser- 
mons had been preached, $3,922 had been contrib- 
uted for current expenses, and 2,325 converts re- 
ported. Then came the final closing. On Sun- 
day, March 11, the last sermon was preached, and 
the collection taken on thut day went to pay Rev. 
Mr. Sunday for his labors, which amounted to 
$5,076. This, with the $3,922 for expenses, made 
$8,998 for the Sunday meetings. In this contri- 
bution there were nine who gave fifty dollars each, 
thirty-two who gave twenty-five dollars each, two 
who gave twenty dollars each, three who gave fif- 
teen dollars each, and forty who gave ten dollars 
each. The balance was made up of smaller 
amounts. 

Rev. Mr. Sunday left Princeton on the evening 
of March 12, 1906. Some six or seven hundred 
accompanied him to the station to say their good- 
byes. While waiting for the train sacred songs 
were sung and the band played pathetic and patri- 
otic airs. At last the train came rumbling in and 
William A. Sunday, amid sighs and cheers, stepped 
upon the rear platform, waved his last adieu, while 
the engine, like a thing of life, quietly moved its 
ponderous wheels on toward its destination, leav- 
ing the gathered crowd sorrowfully gazing at the 
minister's receding form until it was lost in the 
gathering darkness, when they quietly and silently 
returned to their homes and the drama was ended. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

EDUCATIONAL. 

The different phases of educational thoughts ex- 
tend far back into the centuries, in fact no one 
dares to assume to know the origin of scholastic 
instruction. In the early centuries of the Chris- 
tian era, Egypt had a system of schools, but they 
were for the enlightenment of the priesthood, so 
nearly every nation and people have had some sort 
of educational training. This training, however, 
was not for the masses, but for the nobility and 
the clergy. In early times the schools of philos- 
ophy were held in groves and sheltered places. 
Plato taught in the Academus near Athens. From 
this grove came the modern word academy. The 
policy as well as the theory of the ancient world 
was education for the few and ignorance for the 
many. This condition followed down the ages 
with but little change until the reformation in the 
sixteenth century, which was soon followed by the 
new philosophy of Bacon, which reached out into 
the liearts and minds of the common people and 
they began to think for themselves in regard to 
the great problems of life : but the evolution was 
slow ; the centuries of toil and servitude of the 
masses had so dwarfed their intellects and aspira- 
tions that they were slow in realizing that the 
right to progress and development in the race of 
life belonged to every class. Yet slowly and stead- 
ily it came; one shackle after another fell from 
the manacled public, until at last we stand, in this 
country at least, endowed with certain inalienable 
rights that belong to all the people. And this has 
been brought about by education, not wholly tech- 
nical, but in a broader and higher sense do we use 
the word. 

The mind is properly educated when it is able 
to look upon every side of a debatable question, 
and after hearing all the facts, to decide for the 
right, whether it affects one personally or other- 
wise. Selfishness has always stood in the way of 
progress, but fortunately for us, the ordinance of 
1883 contained the following language: "Religion, 
morality, and knowledge being necessary to good 
government and the happiness of mankind, schools 
and means of education shall forever be encour- 
aged." The act of Congress which enabled Illi- 
nois to prepare for statehood, provided that section 
sixteen in every township should be "for the use 
of schools."' The act further provided that five 
per cent of the net proceeds from the sale of land 
by Congress should be divided by devoting two- 
fifths thereof to the making of roads and the bal- 
ance for the encouragement of education. One- 
sixth of this balance was to be used for a univer- 
sity. Also an entire township, to be designated 
by the President, together with one already re- 
served for the purpose, was to be appropriated for 
the use of a seminary. These provisions were ac- 
cepted by Illinois and became the basis of our 
school and universitv sysleni. To place this a 
little clearer, the' act set aside two full townsbins 



78 



PAST AM) riiKSENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



of land for seminary purposes and one thirty-sixth 
part of all the remaining publie land in the state 
and three per cent of the net proceeds of the re- 
mainder to support common schools and to pro- 
mote the cause of education in the new common- 
wealth. The sixteenth section of each township 
gave to the state for school purposes nearly 1,000,- 
000 acres of land, and to Bureau county over 16,- 

000 acres. In disposing of this land tlie state first 
authorized the courts to appoint three commis- 
sioners or trustees for the school lands of each 
township where the inhabitants of such township 
numbered twenty white per.^ons. By giving twenty 
days" notice these trustees had power to lease these 
lands to the highest bidder foi' any term not ex- 
ceeding ten years, the rents to be paid by improve- 
ments or by giving a share of the products raised. 
The lands were badly managed and many of the 
renters barely made a living and had no surplus 
to turn over to the state, and many of the timber 
sections had much of the best timber stolen, so 
that from all of this generous donation the state 
was receiving comparatively nothing. Every phase 
of school work was languishing in despair. The 
people were poor, with no market for their prod- 
uce and had no way of getting money beyond the 
actual necessities of life, and as a natural conse- 
quence the children were growing up without any 
common school advantages. 

In the midst of all this depression, Joseph Dun- 
can, a state senator from Morgan county, intro- 
duced a bill in the legislature of 182.5 for the sup- 
port of public schools by taxation. His preamble 
to the hill showed that he liad a broad and com- 
prehensive mind. He said : '"To enjoy our rights 
and liberties w^e must understand them ; their se- 
curity and protection ought to be the iirst object 

01 a free people, and it is a well established fact 
that no nation has ever continued long in the 
enjoyment of civil and political freedom which 
was not both virtuous and enlightened; and believ- 
ing that the advancement of literature always has 
l)een and ever will be the means of developing 
more fully the rights of man; that the mind of 
every citizen in a republic is the common prop- 
erty of society, and constitutes the basis of its 
strength and happiness, it is therefore considered 
the peculiar duty of a free government like ours 
to encourage and extend the improvements and 
cultivation of the intellectual energies of the 
whole." This law gave a new impetus to the edu- 
cational forces of the whole state, whereupon it 
was settled. This law also covered nearly all of 
the essential points of our present school law, but 
notwithstanding this there was a most bitter op- 
position to it. The settlers seemed to think that 
taxation was robbery; many of the people, and in 
fact most of them on the frontier, had an eye 
single to getting a home, a luxury which liut few 
of them had ever enjoyed ; so, when the Duncan 
law came in force and taxes were levied to support 
a free school system, they were not able to look 



ahead and build for the future, but the necessities 
of the present were constantly before them in 
thought and reality. To the average citizen at 
that time, surrounded as he was by primitive groves 
and endless prairies, where at night, instead of the 
rumble of the street cars and the whistle of the 
locomotive and the sound of the church bell calling 
people to the place of worship, he heard the howl 
of the distant wolf, the screech of the night bird, 
and the war whoop of the red men. Under these 
circumstances it is not so strange that education 
and culture should have been regarded as second- 
ary matters. This law of 1825 provided that town- 
ships should be divided into school districts and 
each district was to elect three trustees corre- 
sponding to our present board of directors, one 
clerk, one treasurer, one assessor, and one col- 
lector. The trustees were to have full control and 
management of school matters within their re- 
spective districts, the hiring of teachers, fixing 
their salaries, and providing a suitable place for 
pupils devolved upon them. They were re- 
quired to make an annual report to the 
county commissioners' court of the number 
of children over five and under twenty-one 
years in their townships. Teachers were required 
to schedule their pupils about the same as now. 
The law provided that all common schools should 
be maintained by a direct public tax. These taxes 
were to be paid either in money or produce, so 
when a district was short in cash, the teacher was 
to take the products of the farm at cash value. 

In 1S2T two years after the Duncan law was 
enacted, the legislature amended it which in ef- 
fect was about the same as a repeal for an order 
to tax any one for school purposes, their consent 
liad to be obtained in writing. In 1829 the legis- 
lature authorized the selling of school lands tor 
the purpose of loaning the proceeds to the state 
to meet current expenses. This act also provided 
for the sale, as soon as congress should assent, of 
section If! in each township. This proved to be 
an unfortunate act in legislation, for it resulted 
in the selling of a large part of the land set aside 
by congress for educational purposes, at a very 
low price and the income from that source is very 
small, whereas if .this land had been held until 
prices of real estate had become well advanced it 
would have been a source of great income to our 
schools. From 1829 or for a period of years the 
outlook for the children of the state was anything 
but tlattering from an educational standpoint, yet 
we had within our borders some strong men, who 
were working with all their strength to create a 
sentiment for the support of our common schools. 
In 1848 a new constitution was ratified by the 
people and under its enlarged powers school pros- 
pects began to look more encouraging. The law 
of 1849 made the secretary ex-ollicio superintend- 
ent of schools. This lead up to the law of 1854, 
when the office of state superintendent wds estab- 
li.sbed, also a .system of free schools, that is, the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



79 



constitution went so far as to say that the general 
assembly might provide for such a system, but 
constitution of 1870 rent in twain the curtain of 
uncertainty and said that the general assembly 
shall provide a system of free schools, whereby 
every child, rich or poor, black or white, may re- 
ceive a common school education. From this 
time on Illinois has made rapid strides in all lines 
of scholastic work, and today stands in the fore 
front of educational progress. The organization 
of districts in Bureau was quite irregular as far 
as territory was concerned, as the district was 
formed in early times to accommodate the scat- 
tered settlements without any regard to the un- 
settled country adjoining. The ideal way to dis- 
trict a township is to have each district contain 
four sections in a district with the school house in 
the center; that will give nine school houses in a 
township, each two miles apart. 

Bureau county school statistics tor 1906 are as 
follows: One hundred and ninety-four districts 
and two hundred and one school buildings, of 
which thirty-two are graded and one hundred and 
sixty-nine ungraded. The thirty-two graded 
schools have one hundred and thirty-one rooms. 
The enrollment in graded is five thousand ninety- 
one, in ungraded three thousand nine hundred and 
sixty-two. The number of pupils of school age; 
Boys, six thousand one hundred fifty-two; girls, 
five thousand nine hundred sixty-eight ; total- 
twelve thousand one hundred and twenty. Num- 
ber of male teachers, fifty ; of female, two hundred 
and eighty-four. Number where high school 
branches are taught, ten; number of schools hav- 
ing library, one hundred and ninety ; number of 
volumes, eleven thousand five hundred and ninety- 
nine. 

District tax levy, $141,988 ; value of school prop- 
erty, $421,000; income on county fund, $2,391.61; 
state funds and fines, $13,694.87; total raised 
for school purposes for the year ending June 30, 
1906, $1.57,074.48, making $12.9.5 per capita for 
those of school age and $17.34 per capita for those 
in attendance. The graded schools in the county 
are as follows: La Moille employs a principal 
and five teachers; Ohio, a principal and two teach- 
ers; Kasbeer, two teachers; Walnut, a principal 
and five teachers; New Bedford, two teachers; 
Manlius, two teachers; Dover, two teachers; Mai- 
den, two teachers; Arlington, a jirincipal and two 
teachers ; Ladd, a principal and six teachers ; Sea- 
tonville, a principal and three teachers; Dalzell, 
two teachers ; Spring Valley, a superintendent and 
the city has four buildings, of which the Lincoln 
building has ten teachers, the Grant has five, the 
Logan four, the location two, twenty-two in all ; 
Marquette, a principal and two teachers ; Depuc. 
a principal and two assistants; Hollowayville. two 
teachers : Princeton township high school, a prin- 
cipal and nine teachers; Princeton Union schools 
have a superintendent and a supervisor of music, 
and three buildinss, of which the Lincoln build- 



ing lias six teachers, the Douglas six, and the Lo- 
gan; Wyanet has a principal, supervisor of music 
and hve teachers; Sliellield, a jirincipal and eight 
teachers; Budd, a jirincipal, director of music and 
five teachers; Mineral, a principal and two teachers; 
Neponset, a principal and three teachers; Provi- 
dence, two teachers; Tiskilwa, a principal and five 
teachers ; Bureau, a principal and two teachers. 
The graded school l)uildings of the county are as 
a rule commodious and well kept. Tiskilwa, Ne- 
ponset, La Moille, Bureau, Depue and one in 
Spring Valley and three in Princeton are of brick. 
The Tiskilwa school house was built in 1867, at a 
cost of nearly forty thousand dollars; is an impos- 
ing structure and is located in a beautiful natural 
grove, and at the time it was built was probably 
the finest in the state for a town of that size. The 
citizens have always taken great interest in their 
schools. It is said by those who ought to know 
that the old schoolhouse in Tiskilwa was the first 
brick school house in the county. The first prin- 
cipal w'as the late Alanson Benson. 

La Moille is another town that has a very fine 
school building. These two, the Lincoln and high 
school building in Princeton, are the most costly 
school houses in the county, the other towns have 
some very credital)le school jiroperty, however. The 
first school in Dover after the erection of the 
school building was taught by Mrs. Abigail Nich- 
ols, and probably the teacher who has had the 
longest service in any one place is Miss Emma 
Harford of Dover. Maiden had, a few years ago, 
the services for two years of F. G. Blair, who has 
recently been nominated for superintendent of 
public instruction of Illinois. Buda had J. N. 
Wilkinson as principal for several years. Mr. Wil- 
kinson was afterwards president of the State Nor- 
mal school, at Emporia, Kansas. Sheffield has the 
most artistically kept school grounds in the county. 
The yard is simply beautiful and well worthy of 
imitation. The first school in Neponset was taught 
by Julia A. Biglow in a house belonging to Will- 
iam Bryan. The first school house in the village 
of Neponset was built in 1858, in 1870 it burned 
down and the present l>uilding was erected. Wy- 
anet first occupied her present school building in 
1867; Leslie Greenwood was the first principal. 
The schools of Bureau county are passing through 
the same experiences as in all the counties and 
communities. The enrollment in the country is 
growing less and the town enrollment is on the 
increase. In Bureau county in 1884 there were 
enrolled 7,749, of this number 4,951 were at- 
tending country schools and 2,798 were attending 
Etraded schools. The school report of the present 
year shows that out of 9,053 enrolled that 3.962 
are enrolled in the country and 5,091 are enrolled 
in the graded schools. This shows that in 1884, 
with a total enrollment of 7,759 there were 1,019 
more pupils enrolled in the countrv than in 1906 
with a total enrollment of 9,051 ; in other words, 
in 1884 a little over 68 per cent of the pupils were 



80 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



in the country schools and 36 per cent plus were 
in the graded schools. The present year of 1906, 
twenty-two years later, only 4^ per cent attend the 
country schools, and over 5T per cent attend the 
town schools. This only makes plain the fact that 
as countries grow older the people centralize more 
and more. This county has always had prestige 
abroad from an educational standpoint. This is 
largely due to the fact that the early settlers of 
this county were thoroughly imbued with the 
thought that education and enlightenment were 
necessary for the progress of tlie people and the 
maintenance of good citizenship. Dr. 1!. B. Hayes 
of Chicago, who spent several weeks in Princeton 
in the '70s, said to the writer more than twenty 
years ago that he had been in many cities and 
towns both east and west, but in no other place of 
its size liad he ever seen so much liish class litera- 
ture come through the mails as at Princeton. The 
first public school in Princeton was taught in the 
basement of the Ilampshire Colony church, in the 
winter of 1836-37. A. B. Church' taught the first 
private school in his own dwelling. In 1851 
James Smith taught a private school. He is kindly 
remembered to-day Ijy his old pupils, many of 
whom have passed the allotted age of man. In 
18ol the South Union si-hool was built. F. W. 
Ferris was the first principal. The schools until 
1872 were under the direction of three directors. 
The first board was elected in 1857. Arvis Chap- 
man, J. V. Thompson and Jolm Eiale constituted 
tlic first board. L'p to 1868 the two schools w^erc 
under tlic direction of a principal at each building 
and were entirely separate and independent of 
each other. Among the princijials we find the 
names of J. H. Blodgett, George W. Dickinson, 
E. P. Burlintiame. 'S\. E. Hyan, Z. S. Hills, Charles 
Robinson, Albert Ethridge, D. L. Hurd and Job 
A. Parker. In 1868 the two schools were placed 
under one management and a Jlr. Maltby, a 
brother-in-law of Prof. H. L. Boltwood, was elect- 
ed as superintendent ; he remained one year when 
C. P. Snow was elected to the [ilace and roinainetl 
until 1901, a period of thirty-two years. Mr. Snow 
will long be remembered for his gentlemanly 
bearing and scholarly ways. He was followed by 
M. G. Clark, who remained five years. During 
Mr. Clark's term of service manual training was 
intrndiiced into the Princeton schools and has 
|)roved a great success. The present superintend- 
ent is Jlr. E. G. Bridgham. 

TJie pre.sent school board is as follows: C. H. 
Delano, president; A. C. Best, clerk; Mrs. G. B. 
Harrington, Mrs. .\. L. Davis, Harrv Roherts, 
Cliarlos .'Viidcrson, Palmer Anderson. Harry Rob- 
erts, Mrs. Harrington ami Mrs. Davis are the edu- 
cational committee. 

PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL. 

Time, institutions and communities have their 
opoclis of history, sometimes for good, then again 
for evil. But probably the greatest epoch for good 



that ever occurred in the history of Princeton was 
the high school epoch. The high school of Prince- 
ton opened its doors to the public in September, 
1867. with II. L. Boltwood as principal. This 
was the first township high school in the state 
and was organized under a special charter. Pre- 
vious to this there had been a feeling of unrest 
among the friends of education, as they realized 
that the young people were not receiving the kind 
of instruction that the times demanded nor the 
kind that Princeton ought to give them. After 
discussing the subject pro and con, the matter 
finally crystallized into the high school movement, 
which practically began on March 1, 1866, when 
an editorial appeared in the Bureau County Re- 
]niblican advocating a high scliool in Princeton. 
The next week a letter appeared in the same pa- 
per from J. H. Bryant commending the editor, 
-Mr. John W. Bailey, for the stand lie had taken 
and giving his hearty indorsement to the enter- 
prise. Three weeks later the general plan for the 
establishment and support of the proposed high 
school was formulated and given to the public. 
This document gave seven reasons why Prince- 
ton should organize a high school and was signed 
liy F. W. Waller, George Crossley and Matthew 
Trimlilc, school trustees. 

Following this a public notice was given that a 
meeting would be held at the court house on Sat- 
urday, April 12, 1866, at 2 p. m., to exchange 
views upon the question involved in the proposed 
erection of the high school in the township. This 
notice was sii,nied bv F. Baseom, J. T. Tliompson, 
J. H. Bryant, J. V. Thompson, W. C. Stacy, J. 
Critziiian and S. G. Paddock, committee. 

The meeting of April 21, 1866, was well at- 
tended and the sentiment in favor of the high 
school seemed almost unanimous. At tlie annual 
town meeting S. G Paddock offered the following 
preamble and resolutions, which were immediately 
adopted : 

Wjlkkeas, It has become evident that there ex- 
ists a necessity for superior facilities for educa- 
tion in the town, and 

Whereas, Hon. Newton Bateman, superintend- 
ent of public instruction, has decided that the 
trustees of each tow-nship have power to consoli- 
date the districts of the township for high school 
purposes ; therefore, be it 

Resolved, That the legal voters of this town- 
ship are in favor of the establishment of a high 
school in the township of Princeton, at as early 
a day as the same may be obtained ; and that it is 
the sense of this town meeting that the trustees 
of the schools of this township be instructed to 
take immediate steps to establish such high school, 
and to devise and carry out the appropriate legal 
measures necessary for such purpose. 

Resolved, That a committee of seven be ap- 
pointed for the {lurpose of obtaining an act of the 
legislature of this state, to render effectual the 
objects expressed in the above resolution. 




ALLEN SCHOOL, LA MOILLE. 



"V 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BrREAIT COUNTY. 



83 



In accordance with the requirements of the last 
resolution a committee of seven were chosen by 
the meeting to carry out the purpose expressed in 
the same. The following named gentlemen were 
selected: Eev. F. Baseom, J. T. Thompson, J. 
Chritzman. S. G. Paddock, \V. C. Stacy. J. H. 
Bryant and J. Y. Thompson. 

At an election on April 23, 1866, called by the 
treasurer of the school fund of Princeton town- 
ship, it was voted to form the township into one 
district for the purpose of erecting and sustaining 
a high school in said township, and John H. Bry- 
ant, Flavel Baseom and Jacob Chritzman were 
elected directors of the said district. After the 
proper preliminaries in regard to raising money 
and deciding in regard to the size and architec- 
ture of the new building, and the location of the 
same the legislature passed an act on February 5, 
1867, which placed all of the land in Princeton 
township, in the county of Bureau and in the 
state of Illinois, with such territory as may here- 
after be added to it in one high school district 
and appointed the first board of education, con- 
sisting of John H. Bryant, Flavel Baseom, Jacob 
Chritzman, Matthew Trimble and George 0. Ide. 

The building and fixtures when completed cost 
about sixty thousand dollars. In 1894 the build- 
ing was remodeled and enlarged and is now thor- 
oughly modern and up-to-date in apparatus and 
belongings. It has three well-equipped labora- 
tories and a catalogued library of over two thou- 
sand five hundred volumes. Commercial and do- 
mestic science departments have been added to 
the course within the last few 3-ears, so that it 
stands to-day in every respect a model institution 
of learning. The aim of this school is to develop 
character, scholarshi]! and ability. This school 
from the first took high rank among the educa- 
tional institutions of the state. Mr. Boltwood, 
its first principal, was a man of rare atainments; 
he was scholarly, energetic and pushing. He had 
high ideals and strove to bring his pupils up to 
his standard. The men who have followed him 
have as a rule been strong in their chosen profes- 
sion and at no time we believe has the school been 
better managed or better conducted than now. 

The influence that has emanated from this school 
bas to a greater or less degree permeated the school 
work of the entire county. Among the men who 
were most active in establishing this high school 
and whose names appear upon the records as com- 
mittees and managers of the enterprise, we would 
mention John H. Brvant, Flavel Baseom, Georffc 
0. Ide, S. G. Paddock, Matthew Trimble, J. V. 
Thompson, J. T. Thompson, W. C. Stacy, Jacob 
Chritzman, F. W. Waller and Dr. George Cross- 
ley. All these with the exception of S. G. Pad- 
dock now sleep in the "city of the dead," but the 
result of their labors lives on, and here we repeat 
what has before been written in this volume: 

"Men die but institutions live.'" 

The different boards of education in this school 



have been liigh-minded, progressive and compe- 
tent men. The teachers liave been carefully se- 
lected. Some of the members of the board had a 
long term of service. S. 6. Paddock was a mem- 
ber for twenty-one years, from 1870 to 1891 ; 
Judge E. M. Skinner, from 1886 to 1903; Dr. 
C. A. Palmer, from 1891 to 1900; J. H. Bryant, 
1867 to 1881; E. E. Virden, 1875 to 1887. 

The school has a four years' course. Besides the 
class instruction the students have a course of 
home reading outlined for each year. 

The domestic science section has a one-year 
course and is open to the girls of the junior and 
senior classes. 

The commercial department teaches bookkeep- 
ing, shorthand, typewriting, English, commercial 
law, commercial geography, and penmanship, 
arithmetic and civics. 

The grounds cannot be excelled in the state. 
The yard contains acres and is beautifully deco- 
rated with stately elms and maples, giving am]ile 
room for all kinds of athletic sports. The faculty 
consists of a principal and nine teachers. The 
whole number of graduates of this school since its 
beginning is seven hundred and twenty-nine. 

PRINCIPALS OF PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL. 

Henry L. Boltwood, 1867-1878 (resigned Feb- 
ruary, 1878) ; Charles A. Smith, February, 1878, 
to June, 1878; H. C. McDougall, 1878-1882; 
Charles Eaymond, 1882-1886; Henrv C. Forbes, 
1886-1891 ;"Eicliard A. Metcalf, 1891-1896; Will- 
iam A. Pratt, 1896-1898; D. 0. Barto, 1898-1904; 
H. S. Magill, Jr., 1904. 

BOARDS OF EDUCATION OF PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL. 
1867 TO 1891. 

1867-1868— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
George 0. Ide, secretary; Eev. Flavel Baseom, 
Mathew Trimble, Jacob Chritzman. 

1868-1869 — Eev. Flavel Baseom, president; 
George 0. Ide. secretary; Hon. John H. Bryant, 
Mathew Trimble, Jacob Chritzman. 

1869-1870— Eev. Flavel Baseom, president; 
Joseph Mercer, M. D., secretary; Hon. John H. 
Bryant, Jacob Chritzman, Arthur Brvant, Jr. 

1870-1871— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; Jacob Chritzman, 
Joseph Mercer, JI. D., .Vrthur Bryant, Jr. 

1871-1872— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; Joseph Mercer, 
M. D., Arthur Brvant, Jr., Henry Kennou. 

1872-1873— Hon. John 11. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; Joseph Mercer. 
M. D., Arthur Bryant, Jr., Henry Kennon. 

1873-1874— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock secretary; Joseph Mercer, 
M. D., Henry Kennon. William M. Trimble. 

1874-1875— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; Justus Stevens, 
Henry Kennon. William M. Trimble. 

1875-1876- Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; Justus Stevens, 
Henrv Kennon, Edward E. Virden. 



84 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BLl.'KAL COL'XTY. 



1876-1877— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; Justus Stevens, 
Henry Kennon, Edward R. Virden. 

1877-1878— Hon. John II. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; William Miles, 
Col. I. H. Elliott, Edward E. Virden. 

1878-1879— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; William Miles, 
Col. I. H. Elliott, Edward R. Virden. 

1879-1880— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary ; William Miles, 
Col. 1. H. Elliott, Edward R. Virden. 

1880-1881— Hon. John H. Bryant, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; William Miles. 
Col. I. H. Elliott, Edward R. Virden. 

1881-1882— William Miles, president; Stephen 
G. Paddock, secretary; Edward E. Virden, Col. 
I. H. Elliott, H. M. Trimble. 

1882-1883— William Miles, president; Stephen 
G. Paddock, secretary; Edward R. Virden, Col. I. 
H. Elliott, n. M. Trimble. 

1883-1884— William Miles, president; Stephen 
G. Paddock, secretary; Edward E. Virden, H. M. 
Trimble, Milo Kendall. 

1884-1885— William Miles, president; Stephen 
G. Paddock, secretary ; Edward R. Virden, H. M. 
Trimble, Milo Kendall. 

1885-1886— William Miles, president; Stephen 
G. Paddock, secretary; Edward R. Virden, H. M. 
Trimble, Milo Kendall. 

1886-1887— William Miles, president; Stephen 
G. Paddock, secretary; Edward E. Virden, K. M. 
Skinner, LL. B., Richard Edwards, LL. D., who 
resigned in January and was succeeded by Meade 
C. Williams, D. D. 

1887-1888— Eichard M. Skinner, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary ; A. B. Reeve, S. P. 
Salmon, Howard H. Priestley. 

1888-1889— Richard M. Skinner, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; A. B. Reeve, S. 
P. Salmon, Howard H. Priestley. 

1889-1890— Eichard M. Skinner, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary ; J. R. Hazen, S. P. 
Salmon, Howard H. Priestley. 

1890-1891— Richard M. Skinner, president; 
Stephen G. Paddock, secretary; J. E. Hazer, S. P. 
Salmon, Howard H. Priestley. 

BOARDS OF EDUC.\TION OF PRINCETON HIGH SCHOOL. 

1891-1906. 

1891-1892- R. M. Skinner, president; M. U. 
Trimble, clerk; Joseph Brown, Harry G. Bryant, 
Dr. C. A. Palmer. 

1892-1893— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president ; R. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Joseph Brown. Harry G. Bryant, 
Elizabeth Elliott. 

1893-1894— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president; E. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Elizabeth Elliott, Eugene C. 
Bates, Eliza J. Warfield. 

1894-1895— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president; E. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Elizabeth Elliott (resigned No- 
vember, 1894). Eugene C. Bates, Eliza J. War- 



field, Ella W. Harrison (appointed December, 
1894). 

1895-1896— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president; E. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Ella W. Harrison, Eugene C. 
Bates, Eliza J. Warfield. 

1896-1897— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president; R. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Ella W. Harrison, Eugene C. 
Bates, Eliza J. Warfield. 

1897-1898— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president; B. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Ella W. Harrison, Eugene C. 
Bates, Eliza J. Warfield. 

1898-1899— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president: R. :\I. 
Skinner, clerk ; Mary S. Horton, Eliza J. War- 
field. Cairo A.' Trimble. 

1899-1900— Dr. C. A. Palmer, president; R. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Mary S. Horton (resigned Octo- 
ber, 1899), Lester R. Bryant, Cairo A. Trimble. 
Rachel M. Hamlin (appointed October, 1899). 

1900-1901— Cairo A. Trimble, president; E. il. 
Skinner, clerk; Eachel M. Hamlin, Lester E. Bry- 
ant, E. A. Washburn. 

1901-1902— Cairo A. Trimble, president; E. M. 
Skinner, clerk; Mabel S. Priestley, Lester E. Bry- 
ant, E. A. Washburn. 

1902-1903— Cairo A. Trimble, president; E. M. 
Skinner, clerk ; Mabel S. Priestley, Hazen S. Ca- 
pron. E. A. Washburn. 

1903-1904- Cairo A. Trimble, president; Ha- 
zen S. Capron, clerk: R. M. Skinner, ^labol S. 
Priestley, E. A. Washl)urn. 

1904-1905 — E. A. Washburn, president: Hazen 
S. Capron, clerk; Cairo A. Trimble, Mabel S. 
Priestley, L. R. Bryant. 

1905-1906— E. A. Washburn, president; Hazen 
S. Capron, clerk: Cairo A. Trimble, Mabel S. 
Priestley, L. R. Bryant. 

]906-"l907— E. A. Washburn, president: Hubert 
A. Clark, clerk; Cairo A. Trimble, Mabel S. 
Priestley, L. E. Bryant. 



CHAPTER IX. 

THE PRESS. 

The press of today is the marvel of the age. 
There is no occupation, profession or business 
that does not pay tribute to its mighty power. 
The jjress is the great disseminator of knowledge; 
it is also the great revolutionizer of public senti- 
ment: it dominates church, state and the common 
aflairs of life; it spreads its mantle of direction 
over the entire body politic of the state and nation ; 
it waves its banner of dictation and the people 
shout amen. So great has become the power of 
the press that enterprises for both good and evil 
lean upon it for support. The press has shown 
the most wonderful enterprise known in the an- 
nals of history. Every land and clime, every in- 
stitution and condition lies prostrate at its feet. 
It reaches out and takes in all of the transactions 
of mankind. It has become a part of our intel- 
lectual being. We feed upon it: we loan on it; 
and depend upon it. We step to our door in the 
morning and there find a communication from 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUHEAF rOFNTY 



85 



all the world, from the frozen north land to the 
balmy south, from the land. of the rising sun to 
the wave washed land of the Occident, from dark- 
est Africa and the islands of the great deep; yes, 
from all of these far away habitations, through the 
medium of the press, we have daily information in 
regard to the thoughts and activities of the race. 
The picture we have given is not an overdrawn 
one. iluch more could be said and still not 
reach the limits of the power and influence of the 
press. But few people probably realize how much 
their own individual life is directed by what 
they read. Yet with all of the energy and prog- 
ress displayed by our publications, we believe as a 
rule they stand for what is highest and best in the 
battle of life. The world we believe moves upon a 
much higher plane today than it would have 
done had it not been for the mighty molding 
power of the written page. The press has fought 
its way up to its present standard through many 
difficulties. The art of printing was known in 
a crude way even before the Christian era, but it 
was among the Chinese who had a method of 
stamping or printing upon one side of cloth or 
paper by carving out of blocks of wood a pattern 
or character, covering it with ink, then press the 
cloth or paper upon the inked surface and thus 
produce an impression. Prom this early and 
primitive way of printing has evolved the modern 
printing press with all of its manifold and wonder- 
ful intricacies and accurate adjustments which 
enables the publishers of our great dailies to 
place a roll of paper upon this mammoth machine 
which feeds itself, inks itself, prints both sides 
of the paper, folds and counts each one at the 
rate of forty or fifty thousand an honr. Volumes 
could be written in regard to the evolution of 
journalism and still not exhaust the subject. The 
old hand press of our fathers has been discarded 
and the power of steam takes the place of the 
muscle of man. Instead of a long row of com- 
positors we find the simplex typesetter and the 
linotype which can perform the work of about 
five in the old way of setting type. 

BUREAU COUNTY PAPERS. 

The first paper published in Bureau county was 
the Bureau Advocate. The first issue of this 
paper bore the date of December 2, 1847. It was 
a six-column folio, and the terras one dollar and 
fifty cents in advance, one dollar and seventy-five 
cents after three months, two dollars after six 
months. It was printed in a small frame build- 
ing which stood a little south of Delano's store. 
It was published by Ebenezer Higgins and the 
editorial page was divided into three departments. 
Each department was given two columns. One 
was devoted to the interest of the whig party and 
called the "Whig Advocate," another to the inter- 
est of the democratic party and was called the 
"Democratic Advocate," and the third department 
was called "Liberty Av?vocate." Thus this great 



trinity of interests went out before the world in 
the form and under the title of the Bureau Advo- 
cate. The whig department was edited by a whig 
committee; the democratic columns by a demo- 
cratic committee, and a committee also edited the 
liberty department. This three-headed title page 
sailed into the arena of political life and political 
strife with bold assertions and extravagant pre- 
dictions. The whig committee's debut was some- 
what boastful and full of trite sayings, such as the 
following: "'AVe aim at the good of our country. 
. . . We believe the people have a right to 
scan the measures of all nur public men. . . . 
The whigs are in favor of banks mostly. . . . 
Some democrats are in favor of banking under 
certin restrictions. . . . We are in favor of 
a moderate tariff. . . . We are of the opinion 
that free trade will finally prevail. . . . We 
have little to say about slavery. . . ■ Every 
state being a sovereign power has a right to con- 
tinue the institution or abolish it, and no other 
power whatever has any equitable right to inter- 
fere. . . . Happy would it be for us if our 
country contained only the Caucasian race. 
. In the event of a conclusion of peace with 
Mexico, if we shall ever be so happy as to arrive 
at that period ... let the territory we gain 
thereby, whether it be a splendid hacienda, a 
sand hill, a morass, a pond of horned frogs or a 
bare rock, let it remain free. . . . We are 
fully committed to the Wilmet Proviso." This 
was the essential part of the platform of the whig 
committee. 

Then on this triune sheet follows the declara- 
tion of the democratic committee. They say : "In 
assuming the editorial management of the demo- 
cratic department we deem it proper to state dis- 
tinctly the principles by which we intend to be 
governed. It has been asserted the Advocate is 
to be a union paper, by which we suppose is meant 
a sort of amalgamation of the principles of the 
different parties. This we deny. This demo- 
cratic department is to be entirely independent of 
others. It is our intention to sustain the great 
principles of democracy." . . . "We are op- 
posed to a protective tariff, a chartered monop- 
olies, and exclusive privileges of every descrip- 
tion ; in favor of free trade, equal rights and the 
largest liberty which is consistent with the duties 
which men owe to each other. We are opposed to 
the abolitionists, as too much disposed to meddle 
with what concerns them not. . . . But we 
ablior slavery — adhere to the principles of the 
A\'ilmot Proviso and resist the extraordinary pre- 
tensions of the south, in casting aside the creed of 
Washington, Jefferson and Patrick Henry. . . 
. We disclaim all disposition to interfere with 
slavery where it exists. . . . We contend it 
:.biiul(l be confined to where it now is." The 
committee thus endorsed (he resolutions of the 
New York democracy which were for free trade 
and opposed to internal improvements by the 



S(i 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



general government and an endorsement of the 
Mexican war. 

Then comes the editorial of the liberty com- 
mittee. They start off by saying: "Strike but 
hear!" The "committee then proceed to say that 
the liberty j)arty is not an infidel party trying to 
overthrow the church, and then they define their 
position as follows: "Many again suppose the 
liberty party made up of disorganizers who would 
shiver the fabric of government, having no regard 
for the constitution. . . . No! Let us abide 
by the constitution. ... We only seek to 
change the action of the general government in re- 
gard to slavery. We are no more against the con- 
stitution than the whigs or democrats when they 
seek to change the action of the government in 
reference to a bank or the question of free trade. 
. . . Did it never happen that a good ship 
was badly navigated ? . . . We find no fault 
with the constitution. . . . The gallant ship 
of state. . . . She has traced on her prow the 
objects for which she was built, to-wit: to estab- 
lish justice and to secure the blessings of liberty. 
From this high and glorious object we think it has 
been turned aside. ... So we hold and 
think we can prove it. . . . We want to pull 
down the flag of slavery and run up that of lib- 
erty." The "Liberty Advocate" than gives an 
account of the convention that nominated J. P. 
Hale, of New Hampshire, for president and L. 
King, of Ohio, for vice-president. The paper in 
its general editorial says: "Our readers need 
not be informed that the Advo(ate is, in its 
character as a newspaper, somewhat peculiar. It 
is intended to be a channel of communication for 
the whig, democratic and liberty parties." He 
also says that a disruption of this "three in one 
has been predicted but he is in hopes that order, 
dignity and fraternity may be maintained," and 
then says : "Peace be to this house," then follows 
with this declaration: "All patrons who want 
fish, flesh or fowl can glut themselves in the Ad- 
vocate columns." 

In this first issue quite a number of the citi- 
zens had notices of their profession or business, 
many of them were factors in the activities for 
many years, Imt not on<' cif them i-csponds to roll- 
call now. 

In 1848 the Advorate ofiiee was removed to the 
ollice that was formerly occMqticd by X. Wiswcli. 
August 2-4. 1848, after a stormy life of nine 
months, this union sheet, tins anomaly, witli tliree 
heads and one body, sank into the whirlpool of 
oblivion, and as the waters calmed and became 
still there appeared upon its s\irface a new 
Advocate with this for their motto: "Free Soil, 
Free Speech and Free Men." With the issue of 
December 13, ISIS, Mr. Higgins severed his con- 
nection with this paper with an editorial of five 
words which were as follows: "This is our last 
sheet." The next issue B. F. Hammond and T. 
W. Welsh were publishers iind .Fubn IT. Bryant 



was editor. The paper soon after passed into the 
hands of Bryant and Dean. In 1851 it was 
bought by Justin \\. Olds and the name was 
changed to the Princeton Post. Justin H. Olds, 
proprietor and editor, and J. M. Wilkinson, pub- 
lisher. On November 20, 1854, the paper again 
changed hands. In tliis last issue of Mr. Olds 
the paper announces the last mass nu-eting of the 
campaign and says: "This meeting is called to 
reply to Stephen A. Douglas' late argument here 
on the Nebraska bill." The speakers were "Love- 
joy, Stipp and Kelsev." The meeting was called 
by E. T. Templeton, 'S. A. Paddock, G. W. Stipp, 
.\ustin Bryant, \. B. Church and J. H. Olds. Not 
one of the above named persons are now upon the 
shores of time. In the issue of November 9, 
1854, Charles Fa.xon takes charge of the paper, 
although Mr. Olds' name appeared one week later. 

On December 25, 1853, the Post states that 
the engineers are yet busy completing the survey 
for the Burlington railroad through the county; 
it also quotes the following prices: Wheat 
(spring), 45 to 50 cents; corn, 35 cents; oats, 25 
cents; coffee, 12>4 cents; flour, $2.25; sugar, 7 
cents: butter, 18 cents; potatoes, 30 cents. 

In 1858 Faxon sold the plant to h'hue and 
Hewett, and this firm changed the name to the 
Bureau County Ecpuhlican. Rhue soon sold his 
interest to John H. Bryant. The firm of Bryant 
& Hewett continued until Mr. Hewett's death 
in 1861. Mr. Bryant then managed and edited 
the paper until 1863, when the entire office was 
bought by John W. Bailey. This paper was 
issued with the title of Prinretoninn for a short 
time about 1851. John W. Bailey was the sole 
proprietor from 1863 until 1872, when he sold 
a half interest to L. J. Colton, who was connected 
with the Republican until 1874, when he sold his 
interest to C. P. Bascom, and the firm of Bailey 
& Bascom continued until the death of Mr. Bas- 
com, wliicli occui'red in ISiXi. when IT. N. Bailey 
became a mcmlier of the firm and the business was 
carried on under the title of Bailey & Son. This 
partnership continued until the death of Mr. 
Bailey, which occurred on May 23, 1903, when 
II. \. I'lniley. the ))ri'sent proprietor, took the en- 
tire business under his control. The BepuhViran 
office at the present time is a model of complete- 
ness in all of its departments. It is furnished 
with a linotype machine, which manufactures and 
sets its own type ready for the forms by the use 
of its keyboard, which is manipulated about the 
same as a typewriter. The circulation is almost 
phenomenal for a country newspaper, being the 
second largest county paper in the United States. 
The Greenfield Gazette and Courier, of Cfreen- 
field, Massachusetts, is the only one that excels it. 
The present circulation is 5,150. 

Bt'IiE.\U rOIiNTY IIKKAI.D. 

Mr. Philip Payne started the Bvreav County 
Herald in 1818. This paper was democratic in 
its teachings, but for some reason Mi-. Pavne did 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



87 



not harmonize with the leaders of democracy in 
his effort to make it a partisan journal, and he 
also came out second best in his quarrel with 
Cyrus Bryant, who was editing the whig depart- 
ment of the Advocate, so after a short and stormy 
stay he moved the Herald office to Kewanee. 

YEOMAN OF THE PRAIRIE LAND. 

In 1861, Dr. S. Allen Paddock purchased the 
office of Hooper Warren, of Hennepin, and started 
the above named paper. This paper was published 
with a view of sending it to the older states as a 
messenger to proclaim the wonderful possibilities 
of the then new county. Dr. Paddock soon sold out 
his interest and the paper was soon no more. 
bure.au county democrat. 

This paper, edited by C. N. Pine, made its 
first appearance March 15, 1856. H. R. Lemar 
was the printer and publisher. It wa.s intensely 
Democratic. This paper started just in season 
to get into the campaign of 1856, which was a 
long and e.xciting one. Editor Pine held closely 
to Buchanan's interest in the struggle for su- 
premacy between him and Douglas, and in 1858 
was made postmaster in Princeton. In 1858, 
Eckels and Kyle bought out the paper. After 
about six weeks Kyle sold his interest to Gilbert 
Gibons. The firm of Eckels and Gibons did not 
remain in the paper business but a few months, 
but sold to W. II. Mesenkof, who, after a short 
but sucessful career, as editor, sold the plant to 
C. C. Peekham. Mr. Peckham, after an un- 
successful strugle for existence, sold it back to 
Mr. Mesenkof, who continued to manage it un- 
til 1863, when he sold it to C. N. Smith & Co. 
This management changed the name to the 
Bureau County Patriot, but in 1871 it again 
changed hands, and C. N. Whitney became edi- 
tor and proprietor until 1876, when the sheriff 
took possession and closed the doors of the office, 
and all its earthly remains were interred in Ke- 
wanee. 

bureau county tribune. 

In 1873, Horace Greeley was running for presi- 
dent, and the Democratic party had no organ 
to represent them. Accordingly, a move was set 
on foot and cash raised to start a new Demo- 
cratic paper, and W. H. Mesenkof was prevailed 
upon to take the position of editor. Under these 
conditions the Bwreau County Tribune started 
on its career in August, 1872. In December, 
the same year, Mesenkof sold to ('. P. Smith 
and F. D. Winship. In 1873, Winship sold to E. 
K. Mercer. In 1875, Smith sold his interest to 
E. F. Doran. After nine months' experience in 
the paper business, Doran sold back to Smith. 
The firm of Smith & Mercer continued until 
1879, when Smith sold out his interest to E. 
K. Mercer, who is still editor and owner of the 
Trihune. When .Mr. Mercer took hold of this 
paper it was not considered a bonanza. It had 
cramped quarters on the third floor of the ell 
to the American House. The fixtures were mea- 



ger and primitive, a small hand press and little 
foot press were about all of the belongings. But 
with all of these discouragements and drawbacks, 
from the first — after Mr. Mercer assumed full 
control — this paper has constantly grown in 
circulation and influence, until now it is one of 
leading county papers in this part of the state. 
A fine new brick building has been erected for 
the ofSce and all of the modern improvements 
in piinting and type setting are at '^and. This 
otlice has a Simplex type-setter, which can do 
the work of about five who set type by hand. 
bureau county news. 
This paper was launched out into the wave- 
tossed sea of public opinion in 1881, by George 
M. Padcliffe and Charles B. Smith as an inde- 
pendent, anti-monopoly. Greenback organ. Smith 
drew out of the company in 1885 and Radcliffe 
remained one year longer, when he withdrew 
from its management, and Jacob Miller was edi- 
tor for one year. Then Thomas McKane, in 
1887, took charge of the office for about (wo years, 
when it was bought by Kershaw & Streeter, when 
after about two years S. E. Beede took the place 
of Kershaw for a time, and finally bought out 
the interest of Mr. Streeter and ran the entire 
business until the present management took the 
plant. Wliile owned by Kershaw & Streeter the 
name was changed from the Bureau County 
News to the Bureau County Record, under which 
name it is now published. The present editor is 

Mr. Unholtz. The Record at tlie present 

time has a well equipped office, a fine press 
and a linotype machine and has an increasing 
business. 

LA MOILLE gazette. 

Herbert E. Brown, on November 23, 1889, 
issued the first paper in La Moille, under the 
title of the La Moille Gazette. In 1893 he sold 
the plant to J. H. and Lucy Showalter. The 
paper was under their care until the death of 
Miss Showalter, since which time Mr. Showalter 
has had entire control, being both editor and 
proprietor. This paper has a good local circula- 
tion and is enterprising and clean in its manage- 
ment. 

OHIO. 

Tlie Ohio Herald was tlie first paper published 
in the village of Ohio. Was founded in 1891 by 
P. P. Michael. In March, 1895, Mr. Michael 
scld the Herald to Joseph H. Showalter, who 
sold it to R. L. Russell. Mr. Russell was suc- 
ceeeded by Phil S. Robinson, who in turn sold it 
to Rev. Lewis, and J. E. Taylor was installed as 
editor. Rev. Lewis sold to Mr. Luther and Luther 
to E. J. Talbot. In 1889. sold the plant to J. E. 
Taylor, who was its editor and otvvner until 
his death in 1892, upon which Mr. P. P. Michael 
again became its owner and is its present owner 
and publisher. 

Spring Valley has two papers — the Spring 
Valley Pre.t.<t and Spring Valley Gazette. The 



88 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



Bulla Plain Dealer was started in 1887 by P. N. 
J[ason, who still owns and publishes the same. 

SHEFFIELD TIMES. 

The Bureau County Times was established at 
Sheffield in 1886 by Charles A. Pratt, who con- 
tinued its publication till 1892, when Fred G. 
Boyden purchased the ])aiK'r and continued as 
editor and publisher \intil 1899, when C. F. 
Luther assumed full coutrol of the same, and the 
name was changed to the Sheffield Times, and 
continued to manage the paper until 1903, when 
E. J. Talbot purchased the plant. In April, 
1903. C. W. Boyden, F. G. Boyden and E. E. 
Battey purchased ' the outfit, and Rev. J. Van 
Hosen acted as editor until June, 190(j, since 
vviiich time it has been edited by E. J. Talbot. 

'The Walnut Leader was established in 1892 
by Wiliam Wilson, the present editor and pub- 
lisher. It is a six-column paper, republican in 
politics, and has a circulation of over eight 
iiundred. 

The Wyanct Review is published by D. S. Ed- 
wards. 

The Neponsei Messenger is edited by A. E. 
Stetson. 

CHAPTER X. 

COUHTS AND BAR. 

The Princeton bar has always been noted for 
its exceptionally clean and able men. The peo- 
ple feel that when they place their business mat- 
ters in the hands of the lawyers at this bar that 
they will be fairly and intelligently represented. 
This is a distinction of which any community 
may well feel proud, for our professional men 
are only the exponents of the citizenship which 
they represent. From its inception this bar has 
had more than a local reputation for integrity, 
fair dealing and ability, and whenever any of 
them have been called to high and trustworthy 
positions they have filled them with satisfaction 
to the public and with credit to themselves. 
It is not our intention to unduly eulogize the 
legal profession, but to place it fairly before 
the public in the light of our experience and 
observation and in so doing wo are not sifting 
out any tares from the wheat, but submit this as 
a matter of generalization. Simon Kinney is 
said to be the first lawyer to settle in Bureau 
eoinily. Tlis honi<> was in I ndianfown. excii 
before the organization of the county. Judge 
Martin Ballou was the second lawyer to locate 
here, lie had a long and successful life, filled 
many ydaces of trust, and in 1857 was elected 
circuit judge, his term expiring in 1861. He 
passed away only a few vears since, ripe in years 
and respected by all. H. 0. Merriman and Mr. 
Sloan were here for a short time only, then loca- 
ted elsewhere. A man named Alexander came 
here from Virginia some time in the thirties, 
but stayed but a sliort time. He had the reputa- 
tion of being a noisy and loquacious character, 
bordering on recklessness. In 1840 a lawyer bv 



the name uf Hauchett came to Princeton, but 
only lived a short time after his arrival. One 
of the early lawyers was Judge W. A. Eraser. 
Bradley, in his history, tells of Judge Praser the 
following story. Where he obtained his informa- 
tion we do not know, but probably from the 
Hon. John H. Bryant. It is said he was judge 
in some of the United States courts, probably in 
the territorial days of Wisconsin. In the town 
where he was located as judge there were other 
attorneys ambitious for his position, and taking 
advantage of his condition, at one time, they 
notified the president that Eraser was dead 
(drunk), but they omitted the parenthetical part, 
so the president appointed another to the sup- 
posed vacancy. But Eraser accepted the situa- 
tion and took great delight in after years, when in 
a certain condition, in telling the story of his 
removal. He died in Princeton, in 1858. Wil- 
liam Cole came here from Kentucky in 1844 
and practiced his profession until his death, 
which occurred in 1850. Governor Thomas 
Ford held court here in 1839. The circuit at 
that time embraced nearly all of northern Illi- 
nois. The records show that as late as 1849 
this circuit comprised the counties of Peoria, 
Putnam. Bureau, La Salle, Lee, Ogle, Kane, 
DeKalb and Marshall. James Fencher, a bright 
and gifted young man, came here in 1846, but 
lived only two years, dying in 1848, in the age 
of twenty-eight. Few only at the present time 
remember this young man, but those who do are 
warm in the praise of his manly ways and manv 
virtues. He was buried in the old burying 
ground on the Moseley road, south of the Pres- 
byterian Church. It seems sad to think that a 
young life so full of energy and hope should 
sink to utter oblivion so soon, but such is the in- 
evitable. Charles L. Kelsey came to Princeton 
in 1S44 at the age of twenty-six. He was a 
great admirer of Owen Lovejoy, and always 
stood ready to go at his call to assist in any of 
his struggles for mankind. He died in Chicago 
in 1857. Selby Doolittlc came in 1845 and 
died in 1848. Milo Kendall came in 1845 from 
Vermont. Mr. Kendall enjoyed the distinction 
of being the oldest member of the Princeton bar 
for many years. No one who knew Uncle Milo 
Kendall intimately could help feeling, as they 
came in contact with him, that they stood in the 
presence of one of God's noblemen. He was a 
man of broad views and majily ways, but the 
pale horse with its rider came and touched the 
seat of life and he passed over the boundary of 
time on December 25, 1905, at the advanced age 
of eighty-six. George W. Stipp came to Prince- 
ton in 1853. He was born in 181S in Ohio. His 
early advantages were very limited. Being reared 
amid the scenes and jirivations of frontier life, 
he naturally absorbed many of the conventional 
characteristics of those early days. He was ad- 
mitted to the bar in Mason countv, Illinois, in 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



89 



1848. Judge Stipp was a man of great native 
ability. This ability soon brought him into 
prominence, and four years after settling here 
he vTis elected to the oflk-e of district attor- 
ney. When the war broke out he enlisted in 
Company B, Yates' Sharpshooters; his health 
failed liim, and he returned to Princeton in 
1862 with the rank of major. In 1879 he was 
elected judge of the ninth judicial district and 
was re-elected in 1885 and 1891. He died Janu- 
ary 30, 1899, having lived over four score years. 
Milton T. Peters came to Princeton from 
Iowa in 184T. He was originally from Ohio. He 
practiced law here for several years, then moved 
back to Iowa, and then went to Chicago, and again 
returned to Princeton, and at different times was 
associated with Eckels & Kyle, R. R. Gibons 
and R. M. Skinner. J. I. Taylor located in 
Princeton in 1847. He was a native of Ken- 
tucky; married a daughter of Cyrus Lang- 
worthy. Mr. Taylor was admitted to the bar in 
1841 when but nineteen years of age. He prac- 
ticed law in Princeton for twenty-eight years. He 
died in Geneva, Switzerland, in the summer of 
1876, aged fifty-four years. Judge Samuel 
Richmond came here in 1850 and carried on a law 
practice for abO|Ut five years, then moved to 
Marshall county. John M. Grimes came here 
about 1850 and practiced his profession for about 
ten years, wlien he moved to Chicago, where lie 
died. His body was brought to Princeton for 
burial. His family resided here for many years 
afterwards. John Porter, Jr., came here from 
Pennsylvania in 1854 and remained about six 
years, then returned to his native state. Levi 
North was one of the early lawyers of the 
Princeton bar. He moved to Kewanee, where 
he lived the rest of his life. J. J. Herron, 
a native of Pennsylvania, came to Princeton in 
1862 and was in partnership with J. I. Taylor. 
He was elected to the legislature in 1876 and 
again in 1878. He is remembered as one of the 
able men of this bar. He died in 1878. Col. 
Robert Winslow came in 1S56 and formed a part- 
nersliip with Milton Peters. After the war he 
was located in Lacon. George 0. Tde also eanie 
in 1856. He was from Massachusetts, where he 
had acquired his professional training before 
coming west. In 1857 he went info partnership 
with Milo Kendall, which lasted until he went to 
Chicago in 1871. He and George L. Paddock 
were partners after he went to the city. He died 
a few years ago as a result of an accident. About 
this time G. Gilbert Gibons came here and re- 
mained until 1875, when he removed to Chicago. 
He was held in high esteem by the legal pro- 
fession. George L. Paddock and Wiliam M. 
Zearing were two more attorneys who left Prince- 
ton for Cliicago. Charles Baldwin came td tlic 
I'i'incoton bar in 1S.")S. Imt gave most of his 
lime til business iiislcail nl' liis pi-ofession. He 
served in the lower limisi' of the Icaislnl iii'c and 



was chairman of the judiciary committee at the 
time of his death in 1882. Lyman Kendall fitted 
for the bar in Princeton, but located in Des 
:\Ioines, Iowa, but moved to Port McHenry, 
where he died at the age of twenty-nine. 
He is said to have been one of the brightest 
young lawyers that this county has produced. 
John T. Kyle came to Bureau county in 1857 
and formed a partnership with James S. Eckles, 
which continued until his death, which occurred 
December 31,. 1905. Mr. Kyle was a graduate 
of Jefferson college, Pennsylvania. Hon. Owen 
Lovejoy was a licensed lawyer, although he did 
not practice law as a profession. Owen G. Love- 
joy was admitted to the bar in 1873. He was 
a great student, and was considered by the mem- 
bers of the bar as a very safe eoimsellor in re- 
gard to points in law. He died but a few years 
ago in the prime of his young manhood. 

C. C. Warren came to Princeton in 1870. Mr. 
Warren was one of the ablest men that ever prac- 
ticed at this Ijar. He was logical, forceful, and 
elocjuent. He was elected state's attorney in 1872 
and again in 1880, and moved to Ida Grove, Iowa, 
in 18S4, where he died about two years ago. 

Judge Storr Smith, Colonel Murry, and George 
Sparling were in practice here for a short time. 

S. M. Knox came to Bureau county in 1850, 
was admitted to the bar in 1861, and was elected 
county judge the same year. He has not given 
his attention to law since 1867. He now lives in 
Kansas. 

John Scott was admitted to the bar in 18G6. 
He was born in Ohio in 1837, and came to this 
county with his father in 1844. His death oc- 
curred a few years ago. 

Captain R. R. Gibons was born in Pennsylvania 
in 1840 and came to Bureau county in 1857. After 
the war he studied law with Stipp & Gibons and 
was admitted to the bar and practiced for many 
years. He served one term as county judge, being 
elected in 1890. He died in 1898. " Captain Gib- 
ons was a large-hearted and genial man and will 
long be remembered throughout the county. 

Jesse Emerson was born in Massachusetts in 
1824. He came to Bureau county with liis father 
in 1836, and settled in French Grove, about where 
Buda now stands. Judge Emerson was admitted 
to the bar in 1858. In 1873 he was elected county 
judge and served one term. His death occurred a 
few years since at his home in Buda. 

General Thomas J. Henderson has been a mem- 
ber of the Princeton bar for many years, but has 
not given his attention to his profession since his 
first election to Congress in 1874. 

Judge C. C. Wilson was at one time located here, 
also a Mr. Flagg and Henry Fulton. 

Charles A. Barry wa.« located at W viincl a short 
time, and a Mr. Hemming at La iMoillc. 

The present bar of Princeton is as follows: 

James S. Eckles came here in 1857 and has had 
a large and lionorable practice in the courts of tliis 



90 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



part of the state, but ou atcount of I'ailiug health 
has not been able to attend to the duties of his 
profession for the past few years. 

Judge II. M. Trimble was admitted to the bar 
in 18UT and was elected county judge in 188T, and 
served in that capacity until ISiiO; was again 
elected county judge in 1894 and served until 1S9T, 
when he was elected and couimissioned circuit 
judge of the ninth judicial district. 

Judge R. M. Skinner was admitted to the bar 
in 1872; was elected state's attorney in 1876 and 
again in 1888. and was elected circuit judge in 
1903. 

Judge Joseph A. Davis was admitted to the bar 
in 1888, and was elected county judge in 1902. 

Ora II. Porter was admitted to the bar in 1891, 
and held the office of state's attorney one term, 
being elected in 1900. 

M. U. Trimble practiced law here for several 
years, and was elected state's attorney in 1884, 
serving one term. 

W. A. Johnson was admitted to the bar in 1884; 
was elected state's attorney in 1892, and held the 
office two terms. 

Leonard M. Eckers was admitted to the bar in 
1899, and is the present state's attorney, being 
elected in 1904. 

Caro Trimble, W. K. Trimble, and E. M. Young 
\7ere admitted to the bar in 1892; Ora H. Porter 
in 1891; Iv. L. Russell and Ira C. Gibl)ons in 
1885; Z. S. Hills in 1897; George S. Skinner in 

; J. L. Spaulding in 1893; G. C. Wilson, 

Horace Brown, and U. J. Hayden in 1900. 

The members of the Bureau county bar outside 
of Princeton are as follows: 

William Hawthorne, C. N. Hollerich, Charles 
W. Knapp, John L. Murphy, and John J. Massi- 
con. Spring Valley; M. A. Stiver, E. 0. Mathis, 
and E. 0. Wooley, Walnut; S. P. Prescott, Ar- 
lington; H. A. Stanard, La Moille, and Paul R. 
Van Der Vort, Tiskilwa. 

COUKTS. 

The act which provided for the organization of 
Bureau county also provided that it should be- 
come a part of the sixth judicial district and that 
there should be two terms of court each year. 
Daniel Stone of Peoria was the presiding judge; 
accordingly he issued his proclamation convening 
the court at Princeton on the fourth Monday in 
June, 1838. On the day appointed the court was 
opened in the Hampshire Colony church. The 
officers present were: Daniel Stone, judge; Cyrus 
liryant. clerk; Cyrus Laiigwnrlhy. sherifl' ; Edward 
Southwick, district attorney. Mr. Bryant was 
appointed by Judge Stone, his commission bearing 
date of August 19, 1837. Governor Duncan com- 
missioned Mr. Langworthy sheriff July 11, 1837. 

The primal case on the docket was an attach- 
iiicnt suit, Jacob (;al(T vs. iiicbaril I'caicr, Tho 
plaintiif sued defendant for a bill of lumber 
amounting to $53, the lumber having been used 
in improving defendant's property on lot 159, in 



Princeton. This case was published in the Peoria 
Register at a cost of $3.25. The records further 
show that the second case was an appeal from D. 
G. Salisbury's justice court to the circuit Court. 
It was a case brought by Davis and Moon against 
James Peters for the collection of a promissory 
note of $94, drawing twelve per cent interest. The 
first indictment was for larceny, against David 
Beaty. The fall term of court was not called, so 
that the second term convened on March 27, 1839. 
Thomas Ford was judge and Norman II. Purple 
district attorney. But little business was trans- 
acted at this term. After a three days" session the 
court adjourned. In July, 1839, and in March, 
1840, the court was in session with the same offi- 
cers as before. 

In 1841 Judge Ford reappointed Cyrus Bryant 
circuit clerk. In April, 1842, the court again con- 
vened with same officers except Seth B. Farwell, 
district attorney. In September, 1842, Judge 
Caton was on the iicuch and Stephen Smith shcrilf. 
In August, 1842, Stephen Smith was elected sher- 
iff and Cyrus Bryant was again elected circuit 
clerk and Henry Thomas coroner. In August, 
1842, Rudolph G. Saner applied to the circuit 
court for naturalization papers, his application 
being the lii'st one received. Judge Caton again 
presided at the October term of court in 1843, 
and Benjamin F. Fridley was district attorney. 
The same officers held through 1844-45, with the 
exception of Burton C. Cook, who appeared as 
district attorney in Ma}', 1845. In 1S4T Burton C. 
Cook was again elected to that office. The fol- 
lowing is the list of district attorneys from the 
above date: 

Burton C. Cook, 1847-51 ; J. O. Glover, 1851-53; 
W. H. L. Wallace, 1853-55; W. Bushnell, 1855-57; 
(icorgc W. Stipp, 1857-59; D. P. Jones, 1859-63; 
Charles Blanchanl, 1863-72. 

Up to this date the attorney of the court had 
charge of the judicial districts and went with 
the judges to the different counties comprising his 
charge. From the above date, 1872, the law was 
changed and instead of district attorneys we have 
state's attorneys, wlio have charge of their own 
counties. The state's attorneys from 1872 were 
as follows : 

C. C. Warren, 1872-76; R. M. Skinner, 1876- 
80 : C. C. Warren, 1880-84 ; M. U. Trimble, 1884- 
88; R. M. Skinner. 1888-92; W. A. Johnson, 1892- 
1900; Ora Porter, 1900-04; L. M. Eckert, 1904-08. 

The supreme court consists of seven justices, 
<4ected for a term of nine years, one from each of 
the seven districts into which the state is divided. 
Bureau county is in the fifth district, which is 
composed of the counties of Kno.x, Henry, Stark, 
Peoria, Marshall, Putnam, Bureau, La Salle, 
Grundy, and Woodford. John P. Hand of Cam- 
bridge is justice; his time expires in 1909. 

The state was formerly divided into three grand 
divisions, southern, central, and northern, the 
court sitting at Mount Vernon, Springfield, and 




LINCOLN SCHOOL, PRINCETON 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



93 



Ottawa. In 1897 the graud divisions of the su- 
preme court were consolidated into one, compris- 
ing the entire state. Provision was made that all 
terms of the supreme court should be hold here- 
after in the city of Springfield on the first Tues- 
day in October^ December, February, April, and 
June. The term of office of a justice of the su- 
preme court is nine years. 

APPELLATE COURT. 

The legislature in 1887 created four appellate 
courts and divided the state into four appellate 
court districts. Each court is held by three of the 
judges of the circuit court, assigned by the su- 
preme court, three to each district, for the term 
of three years at each assignment. 

Two terms of the appellate court are held in 
each district every year. Bureau county belongs 
to the second appellate district, which is composed 
of the following counties: Boone, Bureau, Car- 
roll, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Henderson, Henry, 
Iroquois, Jo Davioss. Kane. Kiinkiikce, Ivciidall. 
Knox, Lake, La Salle, Lee, Livingston, Marshall, 
McHenry, Mercer, Ogle, Peoria, Putnam, Rock 
Island, Stark, Stephenson, Warren, Whiteside, 
Will, Winnebago, and Woodford. 

The court sits in Ottawa, La Salle county, on the 
first Tuesday in April and October. 

CIRCUIT JUDGES. 

When Bureau county was created it was 
placed in the sixth judicial district and Thomas 
Ford was judge, but resigned in March and Daniel 
Stone was commissioned on March 4, 1837, and 
held the first term of court in the Hampshire 
Colony church. By an act of the legislature in 
1839 Bureau county was changed to the ninth ju- 
dicial district and remained there until 1857. The 
second term of court was held March 29, 1839. 
Thomas Ford, afterward governor, was judge. The 
next term was held in July, and Judge Ford again 
presided. Judge Ford continued to hold court 
in Bureau county until April, 1842. At the Sep- 
tember term, 1842, Judge Caton -was the judge 
and again in October, 1843, and the records show 
that he continued to preside until 1849, when, at 
the May term Judge Hugh Henderson was judge. 
At the October term of 1849 T. Lyle Dickey pre- 
sided on the bench and continued until January, 
1853, when Judge E. S. Leland came to the Bu- 
reau county court and was the presiding judge un- 
til a special term was called in June, 1855, when 
Martin E. Holister was judge. Judge Ilolister 
was also the presiding judge at the October term, 
and the January and October terms, 1856. He 
presided also at the January term in 1857. Bv 
an act of the legislature in 1857 we were placed 
in the twenty-third judicial district and Martin 
Ballou was commissioned judge on March 31 of 
that year, and presided at the September term. 
He was also the presiding judge in the January, 
April, and September terms of 1858. 

In February, 1859, we were again placed in the 
ninth district and Judge Holister presided nt the 



September term and was the judge at each term 
until the December term in 1866, when Edwin S. 
Leland was on the liench. In the March term of 
1867 Samuel L. Richmond was judge. At the 
December term Judge Leland again presided. He 
also held court at each term until March, 1875, 
when he exchanged with Judge Arthur S. Smith 
of Galesburg. In 1873 the legislature, acting 
under the authority of the constitution of 1870, 
divided the state into twenty-six judicial districts, 
outside of Chicago, and one judge was elected in 
each. Bureau county was placed in the sixth dis- 
trict and Edwin S. Leland was elected judge on 
the second day of Juno, 1873. At the December 
term of 1876 and the March and September terms 
in 1877 Judge Leland was on the bench. By an 
act of 1877 the judicial circuits wore reduced 
from twenty-six to thirteen, and Bureau county 
was placed back into the ninth, and at the Decem- 
ber term of 1877 Francis Goodspeed was judge. 
In March. 1878, and until December, 1879, Judge 
McRoberts presided; in December, 1879, Judge 
Goodspeed; in March, 1880, Judge George W. 
Stipp, also in June; in December, 1880, Judge 
Goodspeed; in March, 1881, Judge Stipp; in 
August, 1881, Judge McRoberts; in December, 
1881, Judge Goodspeed; in March, 1883, and 
August and December, 1882, Judge Goodspeed ; in 
March, 1883, Judge Stipp; in August, 1883, 
Judge McRoberts; in the December term, 1883, 
Judge Stipp; March and August terms, 1884, 
Judge Stipp : December term, 1884, Judge Blan- 
ehard; March term, 1885, Judge McRoberts; Au- 
gust and December terms, 1885, Judge Stipp; 
March term. 1886, Judge Dibell ; August term, 

1886, Judge Stipp; December term, 1886, Judge 
Blanchard; March term, 1887. Judge Stipp; Au- 
gust term, 1887, Judge Dibell; December term, 

1887, Judge Stipp; March term, 1888, Judge 
Blanchard ; August and December terms. 1888, 
.Tudge Stipp: March term. 1889. Judge Dibell; 
August term, 1889, Judge Stipp; December term, 

1889, Judge Blanchard; March and August terms, 

1890, Judge Stipp; December term, 1890, Judge 
Blanchard; March term, 1891, Judge Dibell; Au- 
gust and December terms, 1891, Judge Stipp; 
March term, 1892, Judge Blanchard; August and 
December terms, 1892, and March term. 1893, 
Judge Stipp; August term, 1893, Judge Blan- 
chard; December term. 1893, Judge Stipp; March 
term, 1894, Judge Dibell : August and December 
terms, 1894, Judge Stipp; March term, 1895, 
Judge Blanchard ; August term, 1895, Judge 
Dibell : December term, 1895, Judge Stipp; March 
term, 1896, Judge Blanchard; August term, 1896, 
Judge Dibell; December term, ISlKi, Judge Blan- 
chard; March term, 1897, Judge Stipp: Septem- 
ber term, 1897, Judge Blanchard; January term, 
1898, Judge H. M. Trimble; April term", 1898, 
Judge Blanchard; April and September terms, 
1898, and January term, 1899, Judge Trimble; 
.■\pril term, 1899, Judge Hlanchnrd : April and 



94 



PAST AXD rUESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



September terms. 1891), and January and April 
terms, 1900, Judge Trimble; September term, 
1900, Judge Blanchard; Januarj- term, 1901, 
Judge Trimble; April term, 1901, Judge Blan- 
chard; September term, 1901, Judge Trimble; 
January term. 1902. Judge Gest (in exchange with 
Judge Trimble) ; April term, 1902, Judge Blan- 
chard: September term, 1902, and January and 
April terms. 1903, Judge Trimble; September 
term, 1903, January, April, and September terms, 
1904, January, April, and September terms, 1905, 
and January, April, and September terms, 1906, 
Judge R. M. Skinner. 

It will be seen by the foregoing statement that 
Bureau county was first in the sixth judicial cir- 
cuit and Daniel Stone and Thomas Ford were 
judges. In 1839 we were placed in the ninth cir- 
cuit, with Thomas Ford as judge. In 1857 we 
were taken from the ninth and placed in the 
twenty-third. In 1859 we were placed back in the 
ninth Circuit again. In 1873 we were transferred 
to the si.xth circuit. In 1877 we were again in 
the ninth. Finally, in 1897, the number of cir- 
cuits or districts was raised from thirteen to sev- 
enteen, the term fixed at six years, salary $3,500, 
and Bureau county placed in the thirteenth dis- 
trict, and on June 18, 1897, Charles Blanchard, 
Harvey M. Trimble, and Samuel C. Stough were 
commissioned judges, and on June 18, 1903, 
Charles Blanchard, Samuel C. Stough,and Eicharrl 
M. Skiimer were commisioned judges, and are the 
present incumbents. 



CHAPTER XI. 

LEGISLATIVE. 



CONGRESS. 

The state of Illinois until the year 1832 con- 
stituted one congressional district, and John ilc- 
Lean was the first representative in congress from 
the state of Illinois. He took his seat in tlie 
second session of the fifteenth congi'ess. He was 
followed by Daniel P. Cook, December, 1819, in 
the sixteenth congress. Cook continued to repre- 
sent the state during the sixteenth, seventeenth, 
eighteenth and nineteenth congresses, a period "f 
nearly nine years from December, 1819, to Marcli, 
1827. Mis residence was at Kaskaskia. Joseph 
Duncan was his successor and represented the 
state from 1827 to 1833 in twentieth, twenty-first 
and twenty-second congresses. He resided in 
Jacksonville, Morgan county. In 1831 the state 
was divided into three congressional districts. 
We then being a part of Putnam county, were in 
the third congressional district. John Duncan 
was elected to the twenty-third congress from that 
district, but resigned and William L. May filled 
out the unexpired term, and also served in the 
twenty-fourth and twentv-fifth congresses from 
1835 "to 1839. From 1839 to 1843, during the 
twenty-sixth and twenty-.wventh congresses John 
T. Stuart, of Springfield, represented the third 
district. 



In 1843 the state was again divided, giving it 
seven congressional districts, and Lake, McHenry, 
Boone, Cook, Kane, DeKalb, DuPage, Kendall, 
Grundy, LaSalle, Will, Iroquois, Livingston, Mc- 
Lean, Champaign, Vermilion and Bureau coun- 
ties were placed in the fourth, and John Went- 
worth, of Chicago, was elected to the twenty- 
eighth, twenty-ninth, thirtieth and thirty-first 
congresses, serving from 1843 to 1851. In 1851 
Ricliard S. Molony, of Boone county, was elected 
to the thirty-second congress from the fourth dis- 
trict. 

In 1852 the state was again divided and the 
districts increased to nine. Will, Kendall, 
Grundy, LaSalle, Putnam, Burean, Livingston, 
Iroquois, Vermilion, Champaign, McLean and De- 
Witt formed the third congressional district and 
was represented in the thirty-third congress by 
Jesse 0. Norton, of Joliet. 

In 1855 Jesse 0. Norton was returned to the 
thirty-fourth congress from the third congres- 
sional district. When congress convened in 1857 
Owen Lovejoy took the oath of office as repre- 
sentative of the third congressional district of 
Illinois. 

Lovejoy was re-elected in 1859 and in 1861, 
.serving in the thirtj-fifth, thirty-sixth and 
thirty-seventh congresses as representative of the 
third district. In 1861 the state was again re- 
apportioned. By an error in the apportionment 
Illinois was given but thirteen districts while 
she was entitled to fourteen. This error was 
corrected by electing one member from the state 
at large. Under this apportionment Peoria, 
Knox, Stark, Marshall, Putnam, Bureau and 
Henry counties were placed in the fifth district, 
and Owen Lovejoy was elected representative. Mr. 
Lovejoy served in the house until his death, which 
occurred March 25. 1864. Eben C. Ingersoll, of 
Peoria, filled out Mr. Lovejoy's unexpired term. 

The thirty-ninth congress convened in Decem- 
ber, 1865, with Eben C. Ingersoll as representa- 
tive in the fifth district. He was also returned 
to the fortieth and forty-first congresses from the 
fifth district. The fifth district was represented 
in the forty-second congress by Bradford N. Ste- 
vens, of Tiskilwa. In 1872 the state was again 
apportioned into nineteen districts, and Lee, 
Bureau. Putnam. Henry and Rock Island were 
placed in the sixth, which was represented in the 
forty-third congress by John B. Hawley. of Rock 
Island. He was followed by Thomas J. Hender- 
.son, of Bureau county, who represented the sixth 
district in the forty-fourth, forty-fifth, forty-sixth 
and forty-seventh congresses. 

In April, 1882, an act was passed reapportion- 
ing the state into twenty districts, and Bureau 
county was changed from the sixth to the seventh 
congressional district, comprising the counties of 
Lee, Whiteside, Henry, Bureau and Putnam. 
Thomas J. Henderson was again returned to con- 
gress by this new district and represented the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



same in the forty-eighth, I'orty-uinth, fiftieth, 
fifty-first, Itfty-second and fifty-third congresses. 
Thus it will "be seen that Gen. Thomas J. Hen- 
derson served in ten successive congresses from 
187.5 to 1895. In 1893 a new apportionment was 
made and the state was divided into twenty-two 
districts. Bureau, LaSalle, Livingston and Wood- 
ford were placed in the eleventh congressional 
district, ancl were represented in the fifty-fourth, 
fifty-fifth, fifty-sixth and fifty-seventh congresses 
by Walter Eeeves, of LaSalle county. 

In 1901 another division was made and the 
state was divided into twenty-five districts, and 
Bureau, Marshall, Peoria. Putnam, Stark and 
Tazewell counties were placed in the sixteenth, 
and Joseph V. Graff, of Peoria, was elected rep- 
resentative to the forty-eighth congress, was re- 
elected in 1904. and is our present member of 
congress. 

-APPORTIONMENT OF STATE SENATORS AND REPRE- 
SENTATIVES. 

The following are the apportionments for mem- 
bers of the general assembly from 1818 to 1906 
inclusive : 

Apportionment under the constitution of 1818 : 

Section 5, Article 2, of the Constitution of 1818, 
provided thus: 

"The number of senators and representatives 
shall, at the first session of the general assembly 
holden after the returns herein provided for are 
made, be fixed by the general assembly and ap- 
portioned among the several counties or districts 
to be established by law, according to the number 
of white inhabitants. The number of representa- 
tives shall not be less than twenty-seven nor more 
than thirty-six. until the number of inhabitants 
within this state shall amount to one hundred 
thousand : and the number of senators shall never 
be less than one-third or more than one-half of 
the number of representatives." 

Section S of the schedule provided that the 
representation of the first general assembly should 
be as follows : 

"Section 8. Until ihe lirst census shall be 
taken as directed by the constitution, the county 
of Madison shall be entitled to one senator and 
three representatives ; the county of St. Clair to 
one senator and three representatives ; the county 
of Boone to one senator and one representative : 
the county of Washington to one senator and one 
representative : the cotmty of ^Monroe to one sena- 
tor and one representative : the county of Ran- 
dolph to one senator and two representatives: 
the county of Jackson to one senator and one 
representative ; the counties of Johnson and 
Franklin to form one senatorial district and to 
be entitled to one senator, and each county one 
representative : the county of Union to one senator 
and two representatives; the county of Pope to 
one senator and two representatives ; the county of 
Gallatin to one senator and three representatives; 
the cmintv of White to one senator and three 



representatives; the county of Edwards to one 
senator and three representatives; and the county 
of Crawford to one senator and two representa- 
tives." 

Apportionments were made under the consti- 
tution of 1818 as follows: Feb. 14, 1821, senate 
18, liouse 36; Feb. 7, 1831, senate 26, house 55; 
Jan. 14, 1836, the ratio for a senator was fixed at 
7,000 white inhabitants and for a representative 
3,000. By this law the state was entitled to forty 
senators and ninety-one representatives. Feb. 26, 
1841, the ratio for a senator was fixed at 12,000 
and for a representative at 4,000. The senate 
then consisted of forty-one members and the house 
of representatives of one hundred and twenty-one 
members. Under the last two apportionments 
made the membersliip does not conform strictly to 
the different acts of the legislature — probably 
owing to the variation in the population by the 
incoming settlers. The ratio of 1841 remained 
practically unchanged until the new constitution 
was adopted in 1848. 

.VPPOKTIOXMEXT UXDKlf THE CONSTITUTION OF 

1848. 
Section 6, Article III, of the constitution of 1848. 
provided that: "The senate shall consist of twenty- 
five members and the house of rep:esentatives shall 
consist of seventy-five members until the popu- 
lation of the state shall amount to one million 
of souls, when five members may be added to the 
house and five additional members for every five 
himdred thousand inhabitants thereafter, until 
the whole number of representatives shall amount 
to one hundred; after which the number shall 
neither be increased nor diminished ; to be appor- 
tioned among the several counties according to 
the number of white inhabitants. In all future 
apportionments, where more than one county shall 
be thrown into a representative district, all the 
representatives to which said counties may be en- 
titled shall be elected by the entire district." 

By section 8 of the same article, an apportion- 
ment was required to be made in the year 1855, 
and every tenth year thereafter. Section 40, same 
article, apportioned the representation in the gen- 
eral assembly at twenty-five senators and seventy- 
five representatives, and divided the state into 
districts. It will be seen that up to the adoption 
of the new contsitution of 1848 the state was 
not divided into legislative districts. In compli- 
ance with the terms of the constitution the first 
legislature convened at Kaskaskia, October 5, 1818, 
and numbered fourteen senators and twenty-nine 
representatives. The second general assembly met 
at Yandalia on December 4, 1820, with the same 
number. The third convened at Vandalia on 
December 3. 1822, with eighteen senators and 
thirty-seven representatives. The fourth con- 
vened at Yandalia, November 1.5, 1824, with nine- 
teen senators and forty representatives; the fifth 
convened at Vandalia December 4, 1826, with 
eighteen senators and thirty-six representatives; 



9(i 



PAST AND PHESEM' OF liLlJEAU COUATY. 



the sixth convened at Vandalia, December 1, 1S28, 
witli eighteen senators and tliirtv-six representa- 
tives; the seventh convened at \andalia, Decem- 
ber t), 1830, with eighteen senators and thirty- 
seven representatives; the eighth convened at \^au- 
dalia, December 3, 1833. with tvveutj-six sena- 
tors and tii't^-live representatives; the ninth cou- 
\ened at Vandalia, December 3, 1834, with thirty- 
two senators and sixty-three representatives; the 
tenth convened at \'andalia. December ."), 183(j, 
with I'orly-one senators and one hundred and three 
representatives; the eleventh convened at Van- 
dalia, December 3, 1838, with I'orty-four senators 
and one hundred and one representatives; the 
twelfth convened at Springfield, November 23, 
1840, with forty senators and ninety-one repre- 
se.."tatives; the thirteenth convened at Springfield, 
December 5, 1842, with forty-six semitors and one 
lniiidrc:l and twcuty-one representatives ; the four- 
teenth convened at Springfield, December 2, 1844, 
with forty-cue senators and one hundred and sev- 
enteen representatives; the fifteenth convened at 
Springfield with forty senators and one hundred 
and twenty-four representatives. Up to this time 
the representation both in the senate and the 
house was governed by the organization of new 
counties and the new grouping of the same. The 
new constitution of 1848, as before stated, divided 
the state into districts, but the senatorial did not 
conform to the representative districts. There 
were twenty-five senatorial districts, and Bureau 
county was in the twentieth, which was composed 
of the counties of LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, Mar- 
shall, Woodford, Livingston and Grundy; and 
William Reddick, of LaSalle county, was senator 
in the sixteenth general assembly. There were 
also fifty-four representative districts, and Bureau 
county was in the forty-ninth, which was com- 
posed of the counties of LaSalle, Bureau, Grundy, 
and Livingston. This district was entitled to two 
representative's, and George W. Wilson, of La- 
Salle county, and llelancthon K. La.sher, of Bu- 
reau county, were accordingly elected. 

The seventeenth general assembly convened at 
Springfield, January 6, 1851, with William Red- 
dick senator from the twentieth district, and 
Abram Phillips, of Bureau, and Jnhn TTise, of La- 
Salle, representatives of the forty-ninth, as the 
district remained unchanged. The eighteenth 
legislature met on January 3, 18.")3, the districts 
remaining tlie same, being represented by Burton 
C. Cook, of LaSalle county, in the senate, and bv 
C. R. Potter, of LaSalle county, and C. L. Star- 
buck in the liouse. 

In 18.54 the state was reapportioned. The sena- 
torial district remained at twenty-five in niiin- 
her, tlie same as before, but eJiangcd in the 
grouping. Bureau county was changed from the 
twentieth to the seventh senatorial district, which 
included LaSalle, Grundy. Livingston and Bu- 
reau, and Burton C. Cook, of LaSalle county, 
was still senator. The representative districts 



were changed from fifty-four to fifty-eight, and 
iiureau county constituted the forty-seventh, and 
Owen Lovejoy was the representative. This was 
the nineteenth general assembly. 

The twentieth general assembly convened on 
January 5, 185?, and this district was represented 
by Burton C. Cook, of La Salle county, in the 
senate, and George W. Radclitt", of Bureau, in the 
house. The twenty-first meeting of the legisla- 
ture occurred on January 3, 1859. Our district 
was represented by Burton C. Cook, of La Salle 
county, in the senate, and by John H. Bryant 
in the house. The twenty-second general assembly 
met on the 7th day of January, 18G1, with Wash- 
ington Bushnell, of La Salle county, as senator 
for this district, and Joseph W. Harris, of Bureau, 
as representative. 

The state was again apportioned in 1861. The 
senatorial districts still remained at twenty-five, 
and the representatives numbered sixty-one, but 
Bureau county was grouped with Henry and Rock 
Island and made up the twenty-first senatorial 
tlistrict : and Bureau, Putnam, Marshall and 
Woodford formed the forty-fifth representative 
district, entitled to three members. When the 
legislature met January 5, 1862, Thomas J. Pick- 
ett, of Rock Island, was our senator, and George 
Dent of Putnam, Jefferson A. Davis of Woodford, 
and Daniel H. Howe of Bureau were our repre- 
sentatives. This was the twenty-third general 
assembly. 

The twenty-fourth assembly convened on Jan- 
uary 2. 1865. Alfred Webster, of Rock Island, 
was seiuitor, and Henry D. Cook of Woodford. 
George D. Henderson of Putnam, and William C. 
Stacy of Bureau, representatives. 

The twentv-fifth general assembly convened 
January 7. 1867, with Alfred Webster, of Rock 
Island ((luiity. as senator, and William C. Stacy, 
of Bureau, Robert T. Cassell of Woodford, and 
Alanson P. Weber of Marshall as representatives. 

The twx'nty-sixth general assembly met on Jan- 
uai-y 1, 1869, with Andrew Crawf(U'd. of Henry 
county, as senator, and Lorenzo D. Whiting ot' 
Bureau, Charles G. Reed of Bureau, and Joel W. 
Hopkins, of Putnam as representatives. 

We come now to the apportionment of 1870 
under the new constitution, which is still in force, 
and the apportionment clause provides as follows: 

Section 13 of the schedule, constitution of 1870, 
l)rovided that upon the adoption of the new con- 
stitution the governor and secretary of state should 
immediately thereafter proceed to fix the appor- 
tionment of members of the house of r?pre.senta- 
tives: the api)ortionment U) lie based u,Hin the 
United States census of 1870, if the same should 
be ascertained in thne therefor; if not, then to 
be based upon the state census of 1865. The 
ratio of representation in the house was to be 
ascertained by dividing the population ol' the 
state l)y 153 — the quotient to 1((> the ratio: every 
county or district, when its pojiulation amounted 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



97 



to three-fifths of the ratio, to be entitled to one 
representative; each county or district having a 
population equal to a ratio and three-fifths to be 
entitled to two representatives, and for each addi- 
tional number of inhabitants equal to the ratio, 
one representative. 

Section 14 of the schedule directed that the 
districts should be regularly uundjered, com- 
mencing with Alexander county, proceeding north- 
wardly, and terminating with Cook. 

Section 15 of the schedule provided that the 
senate at its first session under the new constitu- 
tion of 1870 should consist of fifty members, 
being two for each district under the constitution 
of 1848. 

The minority representation section having 
been adopted, the legislative article of the consti- 
tution provides as follows : 

The general assembly shall apportion the state 
every ten years, beginning with the year 1871, by 
dividing the population of the state by 51, and 
the quotient shall be the ratio for representation 
in the senate. The state shall be divided into 
fifty-one senatorial districts, each of which shall 
elect one senator, whose term of office shall be 
four years. The senators are elected every two 
years, in odd and even numbered districts alter- 
nately, beginning with the even numbered districts 
in 1872. 

The house of representatives consists of three 
times the number of members of the senate, and 
the term of office is two years. Three representa- 
tives are elected in each senatorial district at each 
general election for members of the general assem- 
bly; the election occurring in each even numbered 
year, on the first Tuesday after the first Monday 
in the month of November. Each qualified voter 
may cast as many votes for one candidate as there 
are representatives to be elected, or may distribute 
same, or equal parts thereof, among the candi- 
dates as he may see fit ; and the candidates highest 
in votes shall be declared elected. 

The twenty-seventh general assembly, which 
convened January 4, 1871, being the first under 
the constitution of 1870, as apportioned by the 
governor and secretary of state, consisted of fifty 
senators and one hundred and seventy-seven rep- 
resentatives, and the state was divided into twenty- 
five senatorial and ninety-seven representative 
districts. Bureau, Henry and Stark were grouped 
in the twenty-first senatorial district, and Andrew 
Crawford, of Henry county, and Lorenzo D. Whit- 
ing, of Bureau county, were senators. Bureau 
county constituted the seventy-si.xth representa- 
tive district, entitled to two members, and elected 
Eobert Hunter, of Wheatland, and Perry F. 
Remsberg, of Ohio. 

The legislature passed an act March 1, 1872. 
dividing the state, as the constitution provided, 
into fifty-one districts, each district being entitled 
to one senator and three representatives, Bureau 
and Stark counties forming the nineteenth .sena- 



torial and representative district. Lorenzo D. 
Whiting was elected senator; Jacob E. Munevam 
and Mark E. Dewey, of Bureau county, and 
Cyrus Bocock, of Stark county, were elected rep- 
resentatives at the twenty-eighth general assembly. 
As no change was made. Bureau remained a part 
of the nineteenth district until 1882. 

The twenty-ninth general assembly convened 
January 6, 1875, with Lorenzo D. Whiting as 
senator and A. G. Hammond of Stark county, 
J. H. Moore and J. J. Herron of Bureau county 
as representatives. 

When the thirtieth legislature convened on Jan- 
uary 3, 1877, we were represented by Lorenzo D. 
Whiting in the senate and Charles Baldwin and 
J. J. Herron of Bureau county and Daniel J. 
Hurd of Stark. 

The thirtj'-first general assembly convened at 
Springfield, January 8, 1879. We were again rep- 
resented by L. D. Whiting in the senate and by 
Sylvester F. Ottman, of Stark, and A. 6. Scott 
and Simon Elliott in the house. 

The thirty-second legislature of Illinois con- 
vened January 5, 1881, with L. D. Whiting sena- 
tor, and Sylvester F. Ottman, of Stark, and J. H. 
Welsh and Charles Baldwin, of Bureau, repre- 
sentatives. This legislature stood: Eepublican, 
senate 32, house 82 ; democratic, senate 18, house 
71; socialist, senate 0, house 1. 

The apportionment of 1882 grouped Bureau, 
Stark and Putnam together and placed them in 
the twenty-fifth district. L. D. Whiting was 
again elected senator and James T. Thornton of 
Putnam, John Lackie of Stark, and J. H. Welsh 
of Bureau were elected representatives. This 
t.hirt3'-third general assembly stood politically: 
Republican, senate 31, house 77; democratic, sen- 
ate 20, house 75 ; independent, senate 0, house 1. 

The thirty-fourth general assembly convened 
January 7, 1885, with L. D. Whiting as senator 
and Albert W. Boyden of Bureau, James H. Miller 
of Stark and Eli V. Raley of Putnam county 
were elected representatives. This was the gen- 
eral assembly that was noted for its prolonged 
struggle in electing General John A. Logan to 
the L'nited States senatorship. This legislature 
stood politically : Eepublican, senate 26, house 76 ; 
democratic, senate 25, house 76 ; independent, 
senate 0, house 1. 

The thirty-fifth general assembly met in Spring- 
field. January 5, 1887, with E. A. Washburn, of 
Bureau county, as senator, and James H. MiHer, 
of Stark county, and Stirling Pomeroy and An- 
thony Morrisy, of Bureau county, as representa- 
tives. The legislature stood : Eepublican, senate 
32, house 80; democratic, senate 18, house 64; 
labor, senate 1, house 8; prohibition, senate 0, 
house 1. 

The thirty-sixth treneral assembly convened on 
January !), "]S8n: Edward A. Washburn, of Bu- 
reau county, being senator, and James H. Miller 
of Stark, Peter McCall and .\nthony Morrisv of 



98 



PAST AND PKESKXT OF BlJJKAl" COTNTY. 



Bureau county were representatives. This legis- 
lature was divided politically as follows: Repub- 
lican, senate 35, house T9; democratic, senate 15, 
house 73: labor, senate 1, house 0; independent, 
senate 0, house 1. 

The thirty-seventh legislature met at Spring- 
held .lanuary 7, 1891, with Louis Zearing of Bu- 
reau county as senator and Michael Burton, of Bu- 
reau, Samuel White, of Stark, and Archibald W. 
Hopkins, of Putnam county, representatives. This 
legislature stood as follows: Republican, twenty- 
seven, senate : seventy-three, house. Democratic, 
twenty-four, senate; seventy-seven, house. Farm- 
ers alliance, none in the senate; tbroe, hou.se. 

The thirty-eighth general assembly convened on 
January 4, 1893. We were represented in the 
senate by Louis Zearing, of Bureau county, in the 
house by Michael Burton, of Bureau, Archibald 
W. Hopkins, of Putnam, and George Murray, of 
Stark county. The political complexion was as 
follows: Repul)lican, senate, twenty-two; house, 
seventy-five. Democratic, senate, twenty-nine; 
house, seventy-eight. By the act of June 15. 1893, 
the state was di\aded into senatorial districts as 
follows, each district as before being entitled to 
one senator and three representatives: Whiteside. 
Bureau, I'utnani and Stark counties were placed 
in district thirty-one. J. W. Templeton. of Bu- 
reau, wa.s elected senator, and J. W. White, of 
Whiteside, William M. Pilgrim and George Mur- 
ray, of Stark county, were elected representatives 
to the thirty-ninth general assembly. The legisla- 
ture was divided politically as follows: Repub- 
lican, senate, twenty-four; house, ninety-two. 
Democratic, senate, seventeen; house, sixty-one. 

Tbe fortieth general assembly convened at 
Springfield on January 6, 1897. James W. Tem- 
pleton of Bureau county was senator, and George 
Murray of Stark, and Jerry W. Dineen and Caleb 
C. Johnson of Whiteside county were representa- 
tives. Politically the legislature was divided as 
follows: Republican, senate, thirty-eight; house, 
eighty-eight. Democratic, senate, twelve; house, 
sixty-three. People's, senate, one; house, two. 

The forty-first general assemblv convened Janu- 
ary 4, 1899, to which James W. Templeton had 
been returned as senator and Alfred X. Abbott of 
Whiteside, Archibald W. Hopkins of Putnam and 
Michael Kennedy of Bureau county were elected 
representatives. "The political division was as fol- 
lows: Republican, senate, thirty-four: house, 
eighty-one. Democratic, senate, sixteen; house, 
spv^r.ty-one. People's, senate, one; house, one. 

The forty-second legislature met on January 9, 
1901, with James W. Templeton of Bureau county 
a.s senator; Alfred N. Abbott and Edward De- 
vine of Whiteside, and Allen P. :Miller of Stark 
county, representatives. The political division was 
as follows: Republican, senate, thirty-two; house, 
eighty-one. Democratic, senate, nineteen; house, 
seventy-two. By an act of the legislature on May 
10, 1901, the state was again divided and Henrv, 



Bureau and Stark counties formed the thirtv- 
seventh senatorial district. 

The forty-third general assembly convened Jan- 
uary 7, 1903. James W. Templeton of Bureau 
county was again returned to the senate, and Na- 
thaniel W. Tibbitts, Henry county, James E. 
Noyes, of Stark county, and James K. Blish, of 
Henry county, were elected representatives. The 
legislature stood politically as follows: Republi- 
can, senate, thirty-six; house, eighty-eight. Demo- 
cratic, senate, fifteen; house, sixty-two. Public 
ownership, senate, none; house, two. Prohibition, 
senate, none ; house, one. 

The forty-fourth general assembly convened 
January 4. 1905, with James W. Templeton as 
senator and James E. Xoyes, of Stark county, 
Nathaniel W. Tibbitts. of Henry county, and 
James E. Dabler, of Bureau county, were elected 
reiireseiitativcs. The legislature was divided poli- 
tically as follows: Reoublican, senate, forty-two: 
house, ninety-one. Democratic, senate, nine ; 
house, fifty-.seven. Prohibition, senate, none; 
house, three. Socialists, senate none; house, two. 



CHAPTER NIL 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 
CIRCUIT CLERK. 

David Brown, 1848-52; E. M. Fisher, 1852-60; 
G. M. Radcliff, 1860-64; Henry F. Royce, 1864- 
68; Clark Gray, 1868-73; George W. Stone, 1872- 
76; D. H. Smith, 1876-84; Malcom Peterson, 
1884-92; Henry Fuller, 1892-1908. 

COUNTY CLERK. 

J. V. Thompson, 1853-57; S. G. Paddock, 1857- 
65; Cairo Trimble, 1865-69; J. W. Templeton, 
1869-73: M. J. Keith, 1873-77; S. G. Paddock, 
1877-90; Orin Wilkinson, 1890-94; William Will- 
son, 1894-1906. 

COUNTY SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 

Nathaniel Chamberlin, 1837-39; Thomas Mer- 
cer, 1839-43; Abraham Jones, 1843-51; A. B. 
Church, 1851-57; Charles P. Allen, 1857-59; 
Charles Robinson, 1859-61 ; Newell Mathews, 
1861-63; Chester Covcll, 1863-65; Marvin E. 
Ryan, 1865-66 (Mr. Ryan died in office and A. E. 
l^thridge was appointed to fill vacancy.) 

COUNTY SDPlilflNTENDENTS. 

A. E. Ethridge, 1869-72 (resigned; J. \. Mer- 
cer appointed) ; Jacob Miller, 1873-77: G. B. Har- 
rington, 1877-82; Jacob Miller, 1882-86; G. B. 
Harrington, 1886-98 ; Claud(^ Brown, 1898-06. 

SHERIFF. 

J. V. Thompson, 1848-50; E. M. Fisher, 1850- 
52; Osmyn Smith, 1852-54; S. G. Paddock, 1854- 
56; Z. Waldron, 1856-58; D. E. Norton, 1858-60; 
Daniel .McDonald. 1860-62: Silas Battev. 1862-61; 
M. G. Loverin, 1864-66; N. C. Buswell, 1866-68; 
A. Clark, 1868-70; Martin Carse, 1870-72; M, G. 
Loverin, 1872-74; Alexander Brandon, 1874-82; 
James H. Robinson, 1882-86 ; J. H. Henderson, 
1886-90; Frank Cox, 1890-94; A. Clark, 1894-98; 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUIIEAU COUNTY. 



99 



0. H. Skogland, 1898-1902; Eobert Elliott, 
lit02-0(i. 

COUXTY JUDGE. 

S. Allen Paddock, 1852-53 ; Benjamin Smith, 
1853-5: ; George McManis, 1857-61 ; S. M. Knox, 
1861-{)5 : L. 1. Smith, 18(J5-T3; Jesse Emerson, 
1873-r:; H. :M. Trimble, 1877-90; Eobert R. Gib- 
bons, 1890-94; H. M. Trimble, 1894 to June 18, 
1897, when he was commissioned circuit judge of 
tlie thirteenth judicial circuit; R. M. Skinner, 
June 19, 1897-02; Joseph A. Davis, 1902-06. 

COUNTY TREASURER. 

William llartin, 1851-53; Eufus Carey, 1853- 
•■); : L'. B. Frary, 1857-61; Ora A. Walker, ISiil- 
03; Charles A. Allen, 1863-65: Isaac H. Elliott, 
1865-67: William McManis, 1867-69; Austin Wis- 
wall, 1869-71; Ralph McClintock, 1871-73; Sam- 
uel JEdwards, 1873-75; E. A. Washburn, 1875-86; 

1. D. Page, 1886-90; J. H. Henderson, 1890-94- 
Albert Stevenson, 1894-98; John Walters. 1898- 
1902 ; John Pierson, 1902-06. 

CIIAIRJIEN OF BOARDS OF SUPERVISORS. 

John H. Bryant, 1850. 
George McMauis, 1851. 
A. G. Porter, 1852. 
Arthur Bryant, 1853. 
Justus Stevens, 1854-55. 
S. E. Morris, 1856. 

A. McKey, 1857. 

John IT. Bryant, 1858-59. 
S. A. Paddock, 1860. 
John II. Brvant, 1861. 
C. L. Kelsej^', 1862. 
S. Edwards, 1863. ■ 
G. Eackley, 1864. 

B. N. Stevens, 1865. 
R. Hunter, 1866. 

S. G. Paddock, 1867. 
G. Rack-lev, 1868-70. 
S. G. Paddock, 1871-73. 
J. H. Welsli, 1874. 
(leorge Eacklej-, 1875. 
R. B. Foster, 1876-79. 
George Eackley, 1880. 
U. J, Trimble7l881. 
George Racklev, 1882. 
J. Hayes, 1883-85. 
S. Pomeroy, 1886. 
J. M. Fisher, 1887, 

E. Murphy, 1888-89. 
J. Hoyt, 1890. 

A. Myers, 1891. 

L. W! Brown, 1892. 

A. N". Stevenson, 1893. 

G. T. Squires, 1894. 

J. L. McCullougli, 1895-98. 

C. C. Pcrvier, 1899. 
P. W. Morrasy, 1900. 
C. E. Dalzell. 1901-02. 

F. W. Morrasv, 1903. 
William W. Clement, 1904-05. 
Howard G. Gibbs, 1906. 



POSTMASTERS AXD THEIR DATES OF APPOIXTilEXT 
FOR BUREAU COUXTY, ILLINOIS. 

Arlington — Edgar D. Larkin, May 1, 1897. 

Buda — Nehemiah J. Knipple, September 28, 
1897. 

Bureau — Scott Grain, March 14, 1905. 

Cherry — Frank M. Sketfington, March 20, 1906. 

Dalzefl— William ilcDouald, Feljj'uarv 11, 1905. 

DePue— Frank Frey, April 1, 1899. " 

Dingley— Willis W.'Doty, February 21, 1899. 

Dover — Thonms J. Braden, Novem'ber 20, 1893. 

Ilollowayville — Christian Stadler, April 27, 
1869. 

Kasl:)cer — A\'illi;im C. Brokaw, September 13, 
1901. 

Ladd — Malcolm Mclntyre, Julv 22, 1897. 

La iMoille — Alice M. Clement, Decemher 7, 
1898. 

Maiden — Homer Prentice, September 23, 1897. 

Marquette — Charles H. Brown, May 19, 1897. 

Manlius — Grace M. Brown, November 16, 1903. 

Mineral — John Riley, January 28, 1904. 

Neponset — Charles K. Stuart, March 8, 1898. 

x\ew Bedford — Svhia D. Lindgren, ^ebruary 
12, 1903. 

Normandy — Charles L. Lathrop, April 7, 1902. 

Ohio — Grant S. Remsburg, December 29, 1904. 

Princeton — Clark J. McManis, March 3, 1899. 

Seatonville — JamesFletcher, November 26, 1902. 

Sheffield — Charles A. Simington, Februarv 5, 
1906. 

Spring Vallev — Edward G. Thompson, Novem- 
ber 9, 1897. 

Thomas — Chi-istian H. Jensen, August 11, 
1905. 

Tiskilwa— George E. Dexter, June 28, 1906. 

Van Orin — John Q. T. Jordan, July 30, 1897. 

Walnut— Harry WHiitver, April 27, 'l904. 

Wyanct — William R. Whitney, September 9, 
1897. 

Yorktowu — Freenum E. Foy, June 29, 190G. 

Zearing— Philip Beckman,' Jr., December 13, 
1904. 

The free rural deliveries are as follows: 

From La Moille — 3. 

From Ohio— 3. 

From Walnut — L 

From Arlington — 2. 

From Princeton — 9. 

From Wvanet — -1. 

From Sheffield— 3. 

From Neponset — 3. 

From Buda — 3, 

From Tiskilwa — 4. 

From Spring Valley — 1. 

From Ladd — 2. 

The total number of foreign born people in 
Bureau county in 1900 was 8,900. The different 
countries were represented as follows: .\sia, 12; 
Australia, 4; .Vustria, 86; Belgium, 328; Bohe- 
mia, 2<) : Canada, 163 : Denmark, 361 : England, 
844; Finland, 1: France, 124; Germany, 1,639; 



](lll 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



(jiiivif. 1; Jlollaiul, i-i: Italy, 1,252; Norway, 15; 
rolaml, :3;!3: Kussia, C>U: Sc-otlaiul. 422; Sweden, 
1,792; Switzerland, 2(j ; Wales. T9; other coun- 
tries, 1-1; born at sea, 11. 

COUNTY SUUVKYOIl. 

In the election of 1851 Homer Eellows was 
elected county surveyor and re-elected in 1853 and 
in 1855. In 1*57 Frank W. Winship was elected 
surveyor and held the olHce one term. In 1859 
AlirMham Lash was eleitcd and in 18G1 Frank W. 
Win.'ihip was again elected and held the office until 
18G7, when II. G. Taddock was elected and held 
the position until 1884. From 1884 to 1888 B. 
Hodgeman. From 1888 to 1892, Edward Mc- 
Neil. From 1892 to 1908, J. M. VanDervort. 

CORONEK. 

1884-88— Edward Keener. 
1888-9G— Edward :Moore. 
189(J-1!»00— George 1. Kice. 
1900-04 — \V. 'SI. Kane. 
1904-08— A. 11. M:ilin. 



CHAPTER .Mil. 

ilKUIC.M.. 

The iiii'ilicid |ir(jression in Bureau county stands 
in great l'av(n- with our citizens. We have none 
of the physicians who can cure ever}' form of dis- 
ea.se whether it is curable or not, but we do have 
some very able, well qualified and conscientious 
iiiiii and women in the practice of medicine in 
1)11 reau county. Tlic jirofession is alive to all of 
the changes in Ihc diagnosis and prognosis of dis- 
ease, so that they are ai)le to give intelligent and 
up to date service in lu'aling the sick. The fra- 
ternity of ])Iiysiciaiis in this county are organized 
into a medical society that meets regularly to dis- 
cuss the different phases of their work. We give 
below the constitution, by-laws, officers and the 
names of the members: 

First President — C. .\. 1':i1iiict, M. D.. Prince- 
ton. 

First Vice-l'rcsident— T. W. Bath, M. D., Ohio. 

First Secretary aiul Treasurer — J. P. Lytic, M. 
!>.. i'rinceton. 

'L'he preliminary convention of physicians that 
met at Princeton, Illinois, October i9, 1893, re- 
solved itself into the "Bureau County Medical So- 
ciety,'" and a])i)ointi'd a coiiunittee on constituti(m 
and by-laws. 

The committee sulimittril ibr following report: 

COXSTITI'TION. 
Article I. 

.NAM I). 

'i'his society shall be called tbc •■I'.urcMU County 
.Mccliiiil Societv." 

.\rticle II. 
(iH.i ixrrs. 
'l'he ])i'omotion of |)rid'essional and social comity 
among tlie practitioners of scientific medicine, and 



also to promote those scientific interests for which 
medical societies are usually organized. 
Article III. 

MEMBEKSHIf. 

Section 1. — .\.ny ])hysiciau residing in Bureau 
or adjoining counties ma}-, if a graduate of a rec- 
ognized and reputable medical college, be eligible 
to membership. 

Sec. 2. — Every apijlication for membership 
should be in writing, and give a brief histoi7 of 
the candidate and his medical qualifications and 
be accorapanii'd by a fee of one dollar (-$1.00). 

See. 3. — Ivich application shall be submitted to 
a vote of tiu> nicnibers jiresent, and the applicant 
shall be declared elected unless receiving three or 
more adverse votes. In case of rejection the fee 
shall be returned. 

Sec. 4. — Honorary members may be admitted by 
unanimous ballot, iiut they shall itot vote nor 
hold oflice. 

Sec. 5. — Membership nuiy bo terminated by 
written resignation, provided no charges of unpro- 
fessional conduct or delinquent dues appear 
against the member. 

Article IV. 

OFFICER.S. 

Section 1. — The officers of this society shall be 
a president, vice-jiresident, and secretaiy, who 
shall be ex-officio treasurer. 

Sec. 2. — The officers shall be elected by ballot 
at the November meeting in each year, to serve 
for one year, and shall enter upon their duties at 
the close of the meeting electing them. 

See. 3. — The officers shall perform such duties 
as are usually incumbent upon persons holding 
their resj)ective offices. 

Article v. 
MEETINGS. 

The regular meetings shall be held on the, sec- 
ond Thursday of May and November, at such place 
as shall have been chosen by vote of ilu' nu'mbors 
at the previous meeting. 

Article VI. 

INCOME. 

When necessary to meet actual obligations and 
contingent expenses of the society, the members 
present at any regular meeting may vote an equal 
assessment in amount to satisfy surh demand. 
Article VIL 

.\ME\DMENTS. 

.\nunilnieTits may be made to this constitution 
or the by-laws or rides of order of this society at 
any regular meeting if submitted in writing and 
approved by a two-thirds vote. 



Five n 



l'.V-L.\WS. 
Article I. 

QtORtUr. 

sball constitute 



(pioiHini. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



101 



Arlirle II. 
COJnilTTEES. 

Section 1. — The president, vice-presideut aucl 
secretary shall be ex-officio an executive committee. 
They shall have power to change the time and 
place of meeting for cause; to call special meet- 
ings, and to act for the society in any emergency 
that may arise. 

Sec. 2. — There shall be the following standing 
committees of three members each : Program, dele- 
gates to other societies, publication, necrology. 

Sec. 3. — Special and temporary committees may 
be appointed by the president or otherwise as di- 
rected by motion, as occasion may necessitate. 

RULES OF ORDER. 
Article I. 

Section 1. — On all questions of order not pro- 
vided for, Cushing's Manual shall be the guide. 

Sec. 2. — Not over twenty minutes shall be al- 
lowed for the introduction of any single report, 
paper or topic. 

Sec. 3. — In discussions each speaker shall be 
limited to five minutes, and no one shall speak 
twice on the same subject without the consent of 
the society, except that the member presenting 
the topic or paper shall be allowed five minutes to 
close discussion. 

Sec. 4. — Notice of each meeting shall be issued 
by the secretary to the members ten days jjrior 
to the day of meeting, stating the date, place of 
meeting and hour of holding the same, naming 
all committees appointed and such members as 
will be expected to make special reports or read 
volunteer papers at such meeting. 

BUREAU COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY. 
OFFICERS. 

President — J. C. White, Seatonville, Illinois. 

Vice-j)residents — First, C. C. Scott, Princeton, 
Illinois; second, A. S. Rummell, DePue, Illinois. 

Secretary — 0. J. Flint, Princeton, Illinois. 

Treasurer — 

Censors — Joseph Marca, Spring Valley, Illi- 
nois; L. J. Otis, Seatonville, Illinois; A. S. Rum- 
mell, DePue, Illinois. 

MEMBERS OF THE BUREAU COUNTY MEDICAL SO- 
CIETY. 

('. ('. Barrett, Princeton, Illinois. 
M. H. Blackburn, Princeton, Illinois. 
M. J. t'oveny. Spring Valley, Illinois. 
0. J. Flint, Princeton, Illinois. 
J. H. Franklin, Spring Valley, Illinois. 
Arthur Flickwir, Buda, Illinois. 
Jessie P. Garwood, Princeton, Illinois. 
William C. Griswold, Princeton, Illinois. 
Thomas P. Guilfoyle, Arlington, Illinois. 
Merritt N. Gernsev, Dover, Illinois. 
W. E. Howard, Ohio, Illinois. 
S. W. Hopkins, Walnut, Illinois. 
Clyde Horner, Tiskilwa, Illinois. 
William Kellar, Princeton, Illinois. 
William M. Kaull, Princeton, Illinois. 



W. L. Linabery, Princeton, Illinois. 

B. F. i.andis, Tiskilwa, Illinois. 
Frank Lewis, DePue, Illinois. 
J. F. McLain, Bureau, Illinois. 
A. H. Malm, Princeton, Illinois. 
W. C. Mason, Walnut, Illinois. 
John R. Marshall, Shotfield, Illinois. 
Joseph Marca, Spring Valley, Illinois. 
A. E. Owens, Princeton, Illinois. 
Hattie M. Owens, Princeton, Illinois. 

C. A. Palmer, Princeton, Illinois. 
J. L. Pricstmau, Neponset, Illinois. 
William Patch, Whilefield, Illinois. 
F. C. Robinson, \\'yanet, Illinois. 
Alfred S. Ruinmell, DoPue, Illinois. 
T. Sprague, Shelfield, Illinois. 

C. C. Scott, Princeton, Illinois. 
H. D. Steele, Princeton, Illinois. 
Georgia M. Snader, Walnut, Illinois. 
John F. Taylor, Buda, Illinois. 
S. E. AVilliams, New Bedford, Illinois. 
MacClarey Weeks, Ladd, Illinois. 
John C. White, Seatonville, Illinois. 
L. H. Wiman, La Moille, Illinois. 
John I. Wilkins, Tiskilwa, Illinois. 



CHAPTER XIV. 

BANKING. 

Bureau county has been exceptionally free from 
money panics, and we believe the reason for this 
is that our banks are sound and well managed. 
The banking interests of this county are controlled 
by men of aljility and integrity. The national, 
state and private banks are all nuinaged and con- 
ducted by men of means, men who have been 
known in this community for a generation. The 
public can hardly realize the great benefit that a 
safe and stable monetary condition is to any com- 
munity. In the history of banking in this county 
but one failure has been known and that bank 
was controlled by ollicers and influences outside of 
Bureau county. We have in this countv three na- 
tional banks, seven state banks and eight private 
banks. The banks are located as follows: The 
First, Farmers and the Citizens National banks 
are located in Princeton. The state banks are lo- 
cated, one in each of the following towns: Prince- 
ton, Sheffield, Spring Valley, Ladd, Manlius, Sea- 
tonville, Arlington and De Puc. Tiskilwa has a 
strong private bank owned and controlled by 
Stephens and Welsh. Neponset has a good private 
bank managed by W. E. Whaples. Ohio has a 
private bank witli Supervisor William Wilson at 
the head. La Moille has fine banking privileges, 
with L. J. Kendall as the cashier. Manlius has a 
private bank owned and conducted by the Martin 
brothers. Wyanet has line banking privileges in 
the private bank owned and managed by the Sapp 
Brothers. Walnut has two private banks, the older 
one was started in 1885 of which J. W. Ross has 
been secretary for more than twenty years. The 



102 



PAST AXD rrtESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



Citizens Bank of Walnut was organized in 1902. 
John R. Knight is president and D. ¥. Oaklord 
cashier. 

The following gives the date of organization and 
officers of the state and national banks of the 
county : 

The First National Bank of Princeton. Illinois, 
was organized February 20, 1SG5, with a paid up 
capitaf of $T0,000. B. S. Ferris was its first 
president and Harry W. Kawson its first cashier, 
with B. S. Ferris, Alanson Benson, Charles Bald- 
win, Moses T. W. Lathrop and Harry H. Ferris, 
as directors. B. S. Ferris served as president until 
February 22, 1882, when Daniel H. Smith, the 
present president, succeeded him. Harry W. Raw- 
son served as cashier until August 21, 1865, when 
he was succeeded by F. W. Waller, who served 
until December 21, ISro. W. W. Ferris was ap- 
pointed cashier March 10, 1871, to succeed F. W. 
Waller, and resigned September 1, 1875, at which 
time H. C. Roberts was appointed assistant cashier. 
Frank (ioukl was appointed cashier September 24, 
1S75, and H. C. Roberts succeeded him January 9, 
1877. H. A. Clark served as assistant cashier 
from January 12, 1892, until February 9, 1903, 
when the present assistant cashier, A. J. Bracken, 
was appointed. The present board of directors con- 
sists of Charles J. Richardson, Andrew L. Steele, 
Henry Fuller, Cairo A. Trimble, Harry C. Rob- 
erts, Clarence IL Delano, and Daniel H. Smith. 
On November 18, 1870, the capital of the bank 
was increased to $105,000, at which figure it now 
stands. It now has a surplus and undivided profits 
larger than its capital, an average dejwsit of $400,- 
000, and assets of nearly $700,000. 

FAK.MERS NATIONAL BANK. 

The organization eertiiicate of the Farmers Na- 
tional Bank of Princeton, Illinois, is dated July 
24. 1874. Permission to begin business was grant- 
ed by John J. Knox, comptroller of the currency. 
The share holders wore B. S. Ferris, D. H. Smith. 
Tracy ]{eeve, Harry H. Ferris, W. W. Ferris, Joel 
M. Beach, F. F. Dunbar, A. R. Kendall, George 
Crosslev. Gardner Baxter, Charles Barrie, E. R. 
Mathis". John Warfield and E. H. Brooks. The 
capital stock was $50,000. Harry H. Ferris was 
elected president and .\ If red M. Swengel cashier. 
The first board of directors was as follows: Tracy 
Reeve, Charles Barrie, II. II. Ferris and W. W. 
Ferris. On September 30, 1875, Watson W. Fer- 
ris succeeded Alfred M. Swengel as cashier, and 
on May (i, 1876, Edward R. Virden succeeded H. 
H. Ferris as president, and Clark Gray became 
cashier, succeeding W. W. Ferris. On December 
15, 1876, the capital stock of the bank was in- 
crea.sed to *f7o,000 and on the same date Watson 
W. Ferris was again elected cashier to succeed 
Clark Gray. On July 3. 1877, the capital stock 
was increased to $110,000, which amount has been 
maintained to this date. Watson W. Ferris re- 
mained with the bank as cashier until Januarv 
15, 1889, when he was succeeded bv Austin Nor- 



ton, who in turn was succeeded by Henry B. Pe- 
terson on the 15th day of March, 1890. Edw^ard 
H. A'irden was president of the bank from 1876 
to January, 1894, when he was succeeded by Ed- 
ward A. \\'ashburn. The first twenty years' cliarter 
of the bank expired July 24, 1894, and permis- 
sion for renewal was granted by James H. Eckels, 
comptroller, on that date. The bank was desig- 
nated a United States depositary by Secretary 
Shaw, in 1906. The capital stock of the bank is 
$110,000. Surplus and undivided profits, $75,- 
000. The present officers of the bank are Edward 
A. Washburn, president; Henry B. Peterson, 
cashier; John W. Coddington, bookkeeper; Daniel 
P. Smith, Perry H. Piper, Edward H. Brooks. 
Elijah Ross, George S. McLean, Henry B. Peter- 
son and Edward A. Washburn, directors. 

The Citizens National Bank was organized in 
1879 with a capital of $50,000. The first officers 
were: President, Tracy Reeve; vice-president, 
Harry H. Ferris; and cashier, W. 6. Reeve. The 
directors and princinal stockholders were Tracv 
Reeve, Harry H. Ferris, William W. Whipple, 
Milo Kendall. Alonzo R. Kendall, Alanson Ben- 
son and W. F. Lawton. In the year 1882 it was 
found that the capital of $50,000 was inadequate 
to handle the business of the bank, and it was in- 
creased to $100,000, which is the present caj)ital. 
In addition to this the bank holds a surplus and 
luidivided account of something over $50,000. 
In 1903 tlie bank was designated by the govern- 
ment as a L'nited States depositary, which ap- 
pointment is still in force, and the government 
has at this time a deposit of $50,000 with this in- 
stitution. 

Mr. Harry H. Ferris was in active management 
of the affairs of the bank from the time of its or- 
ganization until his death, which occurred in 
1902. After Mr. Ferris' death Douglas Moseley 
was elected jircsident and A. H. Ferris cashier, 
and they with Miss Mary C. Ferris, bookkeeper, 
comprise the office force of the bank. The present 
directors are II. U. Bailey, J. S. Clark, Hermas 
Gray, J. K. Hazen, Thomas J. Henderson, Doug- 
las Moselcv. William Stickel, J. W. Tcmnleton and 
H. E. Waddell. 

.\Hhou,i;h this institution is the youngest of the 
national banks of the city, by many years, never- 
theless its business has increased until it has a de- 
posit as large as any of the older banks. 

The First State Bank of Princeton was or- 
ganized April 2, 1902, with a paid up capital of 
$50,000, and with the following board of direc- 
tors and olficcrs: Directors. C. O. White, N. \\'. 
Isaacson, A. N. Stevenson, Thomas Cecil, M. H. 
Blackburn, S. L. Smith, J. F. Wagner, Ira C. 
Gibons, James Harris, Jr. ; A. N. Stevenson, 
president; I. 0. Brokaw, cashier. 

In addition to a general bankjjig business this 
bank has established an attractive and flourishing 
savings de^nrtmont, the only one in Princeton. 

The present board of directors and officers are : 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



103 



Directors: C. 0. White, N. W. Isaacson, Ira C. 
Gibons, A. G. Landahl, W. C. Johnson, Henry 
Thulean, Thomas Cecil. James Harris, Jr., S. L. 
Smith. S. L. Smith, president; Thomas Cecil, 
vice-president : I. 0. Brokaw, cashier. 

The Fanners and Miners State Bank of Ladd 
was organized in May, 1889, with a paid up capital 
of $25,000. The officers at organization were as 
follows: President, Glenn W. Traer; John W. 
Blee, vice-president; Frank Roberts, cashier. The 
present officers are: John W. Blee, president; 
August Lipke, vice-president; Martin Zearing, 
cashier; directors, John W. Blee, Louis Zearing, 
August Lipke, Glenn \V. Traer, j\Iichael Flaherty, 
Daniel Flaherty and N. B. Swan. The bank has 
a surplus fund of twelve hundred dollars. 

Spring Valley Citv State Bank. Established 
in 1902. Capital, $50,000. C. C. Slaughter, 
president; I. J. Jagodzin.ski, vice-president; 
Charles W. Knapp, cashier. 

De Pue State Bank. Capital, $25,000. Henry 
Ream, president; Frank Frey, vice-president; H. 
F. Ream, cashier. Organized in 1905. 

Arlington State Bank was organized October, 
1902, with a capital stock of $25,000 and addi- 
tional responsibilities. $25,000. P. J. Cassidy, 
president; Anna N. Kendall, vice-president; A. C. 
Hupp, cashier; directors, Solomon Ward, P. J. 
Cassidy, Anna N. Kendall, A. C. Hupp, William 
McDonald, M. W. Ryan, Dennis Nelan. 

The State Bank of Manlius was organized in 
May, 1902, with a paid up capital of $25,000. 
William C. Dale, president ; Max P. Seibel, cash- 
ier; William Dale, F. J. Anderson, Max P. Seibel. 
R. A. Lathrop, W. S. Rudiger, directors. 



CHAPTER XV. 



PRINCETON. 

Probably very few cities in Illinois, small or 
large, present a more attractive appearance to the 
eye of the stranger than Princeton. Her streets 
and alleys are clean and well kept; her homes arc 
models of neatness and thrift; and her business 
houses rank with towns and cities of a much larger 
growth. Her beautiful lawns and luxurious ex- 
panse of shade trees make her at once the pride 
and joy of her citizens. Her people are intellec- 
tual, scholarly and progressive; many of them 
came from that sturdy New England stock that 
has ever made its influence felt on the side of 
energy, economy and perseverance. Others came 
from the middle west, bringing with them that 
strong inherited character that has ever developed 
in that region of the country, while still more are 
the product of our own beloved commonwealth. 

Tlius this heterogenous mingling of climes and 
conditions has evolved a population that is at 
once stable and unique. Its location could hardly 
be more favorable. It stands upon a slightly un- 
dulating prairie, with good drainage advantages, 
surrounded with the richest kind of soil, where all 



of the great agricultural products grow in extrava- 
gant proportions. Her people are prosperous and 
contented, for they are located in the great Mis- 
sissippi valley, the acknowledged garden of the 
world. Its geographical situation as described by 
the records, also by Bradsby's history, is about as 
follows : Princeton is on section 16, township 16, 
range 9. It was first surveyed August 23, 1832, 
by B. M. Hayes, and the first plat was made by 
John P. Blake. The sixteenth section, being school 
land, was under the management of the school 
trustees, who ^-ere at that time Roland Moseley, 
John Musgrove and John P. Blake. The people 
petitioned the trustees to sell said section and di- 
vide the proceeds. Accordingly the trustees made 
the subdivisions of the same. The central part of 
the town was divided into lots containing one 
acre and a fraction ; the west part of the town was 
divided into lots of four acres and a fraction ; and 
the north part of the town into four and eight- 
acre lots, while the northeast quarter was divided 
into thirty seven-acre tracts, and the east, two hun- 
dred acres were divided into four, nine and eigh- 
teen-acre lots. The trustees made their report of 
the subdivisions September 17, 1832, and ac- 
knowledged the same before John M. Gay, justice 
of the peace. This was the first legal instrument 
ever recorded in what is now Bureau county, and 
it was recorded by Warren Hooper, recorder of 
Putnam county, March 22, 1833. The second 
document recorded was a deed from George 
Churchill, of Madison county, Illinois, to James 
McKinney, conveying the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 19. township 14, range 9 (Wheatland). This 
piece of land had been sold by the state to Church- 
ill on the 19th day of February, 1830. The third 
transfer of real estate was that of the pre-emi)tion 
right of Leonard Roth to Jesse Perkins, in which 
Roth quit-claims east half of the southeast quar- 
ter and the east half of the northeast quarter of 
section 24, township 15, range 9 (Arispie), for 
which he received six hundred dollars. This bears 
date of November 13, 1833. The same date the 
record shows that David Jones sold to Jesse Per- 
kins a quit-claim to the cast half of the northwest 
(juarter of section 19, townshiji 15, range 10, for 
the sum of fifty dollars. The records show that 
David Jones signed by ''his mark." Again we find 
that Governor Reynolds signed a deed to lot 31 in 
Princeton, conveying the same to Washington 
Webb for the consideration of five dollars. This 
is the lot where the jail now stands. During the 
year Webb sold the same to Jerry Parsons for one 
lumdred dollars. On January 2, 1834, Governor 
Reynolds deeded to W. 0. Chamberlain lot 30, 
Princeton, for two and one-half dollars. In May, 
1834. Cliamberlain sold the same to Fred Haskell 
for thirty dollars. Lot IK, containing eight acres, 
was sold by Governor Reynolds in January, 1834, 
for twenty dollars. Lot 118 was sold the same 
day at the same price. September 17, 1834, 
Daniel Shellev and liis wife Susanna sold to 



un 



PAST AXD PKESKXT OF lUUEAL" C'OL-\TY. 



Brown and .lolin Suarl liis pre-emption to one-half 
of the southeast of section 3, townsliip 15, ran>.e 
10, for one liundred and twenty-live dollars. John 
Musgrove bought lot 2, Princeton, in January, 
1834, containing four acres, for ten dollars. Sep- 
tember, 1834, .Varon Gunn sold to Jonathan IIol- 
brook for five hundred dollars a quit-claim to the 
southwest cjuarter of section 24, township 18, range 
10 (about where J..a Moille now stands). July 14, 
1834, the government land office, at Galena, made 
the first sale of land which was in section 33, 
township 11, range 9. Elisha Wood was the pur- 
chaser. We have given a few of the first purchases 
made in the county, thinking it might be of in- 
terest to some, at least, of our readers to note the 
evolution in prices of Bureau county property. 

The naming of the township of Princeton w:is 
the privilege of the three trustees, Eoland Mose- 
ley, John Musgrove and John P. Blake. When 
these men came together to act upon the subject 
of christening this new legal division of land, each 
one had a favorite name to present. It is only 
natural when one wanders away from the scenes 
of his early life that he should feel a longing for 
something that looks or sounds like home, so it 
was with the school trustees of what is now Prince- 
ton. They each presented the name of their choice, 
but could come to no agreement; finally it was 
decided that it should be settled by lottery. Each 
man was to write the name of his choice upon a 
piece of paper and place it in a hat, and a stranger, 
being Iilincl-foldcd, shoidd make the drawing. Mr. 
Musgrove, coming from New Jersey, and l)eing 
loyal to her classic institution, wrote upon his slip 
Princeton, and as it had been agreed that the first 
name drawn should settle the question, there was 
quite a little excitement in the pi'cparation for the 
(ieciding contest. Matters were finally arranged 
and the bandage placed over the eyes of the drawer 
and he was led up to the hat wherein the papers 
had been placed and with outstretched hand he 
stood ready to decide the great and momentous 
question of christening the first born of the future 
Bureau county. At last the word was given, the 
drawing was made, while those interested stood 
witii abated breath, awaiting the result which was 
soon announced by the declaration tluit ujion the 
slip of ])aper drawn by the blind-folded man 
Princeton was plainly written, and so we todav 
have the classic name of Princeton for the legal 
center of Bureau county. Princeton, for numy 
years has enjoyed the distinction of being one of 
the literary centers of the state. She has the 
proud record of organizing aiul putting in suc- 
cessfid ojieration the lirst townshij) high school in 
Illinois. Il is surely a cily <<( (|uicl and pleasant 
homes. 

Although we have written in regard to the 
naming of this city, its fiist incorjioration was as 
a village in March, 1838. 'J'lie vote taken at that 
time resulted in twenty f<ir and none against the 
measure. Notwithstandinj; we have "iNcn the 



names, in another part of this volume, of those 
who voted at this election, it seems proper that 
they should apjiear in this connection. The names 
were as follows: Andrew Smith, Stephen Wilson, 
William II. Wells, Noah Wiswell, Cyrus Laug- 
worthy, John Long, Eobert C. Masters, Samuel 
Triplctt, John Walter, Butler Denham, John 
Vaughan, E. H. Phelps, Oliver Boyle, Joseph 
Houghton, Joseph Smith, Eobert Stewart, John H. 
Bryant, Justin 11. Olds, Thomas S. Elston and 
Eobert T. Templeton. As near as can be ascer- 
tained these men comprised all of the voting popu- 
lation at that time. 1 1 casts a tinge of sorrow and 
gloom over one's thoughts when he realizes that 
out of all that number, who were so active and 
interested in this community, at tliat early date, 
not one is now living. All have passed over the 
river of time and joined the great majority "in 
that undiscovered country from whose bourne no 
traveler returns," but such is life. We are born, 
we live, we die, and each generation in its turn 
passes off the stage of action and leaves life's 
field to the stewardship of those who follow. 

The first justices of the peace were Thomas El- 
ston, Aquilla Triplett, Robert C. Masters and Jo- 
seph Waldo. In 1857 a new or amended charter 
went in force and Princeton was known as a town, 
with nearly all the prerogatives of a city charter. 
The first officers under the town organization were 
elected on April G, 1857: President, P^benezer 
White; trustees, L. P. Estjon, Elijah Dee, Jede- 
diah Pain, P. N. Newell and Daniel McDonald. 
The first meeting of the new council was held in 
Judge Ballou's office, at which time the president 
and council took the oath of office, it being ad- 
ministered by Levi North, police magistrate. The 
second meeting was held in the office of J. I. Tay- 
lor; at this meeting George II. Phelps was elected 
clerk, P. N. Newell, treasurer; David Norton, 
nuirshal, and (ieorgc W. Stone, constable. The 
first board of health under the new charter was 
composed of William Bacon, Dr. W. C. Anthony, 
Samuel Wood, Epliriam Fellows and S. Fried, 
and the fire wardens were Charles S. Boyd, E. G. 
Jester, William Grant, Jacob Fetrow and A. S. 
Chapman. Charles S. Allen was prosecuting at- 
torney. The last official act of this first council 
of the town of Princeton, was to vote "that an 
oyster supper be given the jjresent members of the 
council and corporation officers at the expense of 
the town." The clerk made no record of the con- 
dition, appearance or of the final separation of this 
self-sacrificing band of officials; neither did he 
nud\e a note of the cost of this magnificent ban- 
quet, spread at the expense of the town, but by 
the authority of the outgoing council. 

Princeton remained under this charier until 
1884, when slie flung her banner to the breeze and 
stood before the world in all the paraphernalia 
and dignity of a full-fiedged city. The offices of 
president and clerk, from 1857 to 1881, were filh^d 
ijy the following named persons: 



I'AST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



105 



1858 — Benjamin L. Smith, president; James K. 
Rennick, clerk. 

1859 — R. T. Templeton, president; James K. 
Rennick, clerk. 

1860— R. T. Templeton, president; Charles J. 
Peckham, clerk. 

1861— R. T. Templeton, president; Charles J. 
Peckham, clerk. 

1862— R. T. Templeton, president; Charles J. 
Peckham, clerk. 

1863 — George Crossley, president; P. W. Fer- 
ris, clerk. 

1864— Robert T. Templeton, president; J. W. 
Templeton, clerk. 

1865 — William Mercer, president; J. P. Rich- 
ardson, clerk. 

1866 — Milo Kendall, president; J. W. Temple- 
ton, clerk. 

1867 — Milo Kendall, president; J. W. Temple- 
ton, clerk. 

1868— Milo Kendall, president; J. W. Temple- 
ton, clerk. 

1869- — Jacob T. Thompson, president; J. W. 
Templeton, clerk. 

1870— Jacob T. Thompson, president; T. J. 
Phelps, clerk. 

1871 — James T. Thompson, president; T. J. 
Phelps, clerk. 

1873 — James S. Eckles, president; M. N. Trim- 
ble, clerk. 

1873 — James S. Eckles, president; M. N. Trim- 
ble, clerk. 

1874 — Milo Kendall, president; S. W. Rouswell, 
clerk. 

1875 — Milo Kendall, president; J. A. Thomp- 
son, clerk. 

1876— Charles Baldwin, president; W. W. H. 
Herron, clerk. 

1877— Charles Baldwin, president; W. W. Her- 
ron, clerk. 

1878 — Josiah Millifjan, president; J. A. Thomp- 
son, clerk. 

1879 — Charles Baldwin, president; J. A. 
Thompson, clerk. 

1880— A. H. Thompson, president; J. A. 
Thompson, clerk. 

1881 — A. H. Thompson, president; J. A. 
Thompson, clerk. 

1882— A. IT. Thompson, president; R. B. Pad- 
dock, clerk. 

1883— S. G. Paddock, president; R. B. Pad- 
dock, clerk. 

On November 30, 18S3, an election was held to 
decide whether Princeton should remain under its 
old charter or be organized with a city form of 
government. The vote was as follows: Si.x hun- 
dred votes were cast, four hundred and ninety- 
one for, and one hundred sixfy-niiie against, mak- 
ing a majority in favoi' of a city charter three 
hundred aiul twenty-two. At this time Princeton 
had a population of three thousand six hundred 
and ten. ^J'he vote was canvassed and declared to 



the citizens January 7, 1884. After taking the 
census the board proceeded to divide the city into 
four wards. The iirst ward is bounded on the 
cast and south by the city limits, on the west by 
the center of Main street, and on the north by the 
south line of Crown street, from the center of 
Main street to the east of Church street, and 
thence by the south line of lot 112 (original town) 
to the west side of Fourth street, and thence by 
the north line of Virgil street to the east of Homer 
street, and thence by a line due east to the city 
limits. The second ward is bounded on the west 
and south by the city limits and on the east by 
center of Main street, on the north by center of 
Putnam street. 

Third ward, bounded on the west and north 
by city limits, on the east by center of Main 
street and on the south by center of Putnam 
street. The fourth ward is bounded on north and 
east by city limits, on the west by center of Main 
street and on south by north line of First ward. 
The ordinance calling for election of city officers 
fixed the day of election on the third Tuesday in 
April, 1884. The ordinance provided for an elec- 
tion of ma3'or, two aldermen from each ward, a 
marshal, city clerk, attorney and treasurer. The 
officers chosen on this first election were as fol- 
lows : Justus Stevens, mayor ; I. O. Brokaw, city 
clerk; W. Henderson, city attorney; Atherton 
Clark, marshal ; Daniel H. Smith, treasurer ; al- 
dermen. First ward, E. A. Washburn, A. C. Best; 
Second ward, Milo Kendall, James S. Eckles; 
Third ward. Ami L. Davis, Elias C. Finncll; 
Fourth ward, W. H. Mesenkup, Phillip Wolfs- 
berger. 

On January IS, 1885, Mayor Stevens' office was 
made vacant by death. On January 31, 1885, 
Milo Kendall, by a vote of the council, was elected 
mayor and served until the April election. Prince- 
ton for many years suffered, in common with other 
prairie towns, on account of muddy roads. The 
soil being of a rich black mold made the roads 
almost impassable in times of great rainfall. 
How to better the condition of our streets and 
roads was the subject much discussed. Early in 
the fifties a plank road was contemplated from 
Peru to Dixon, and the road was completed most 
of the way to Arlington, in this county, but the 
projectors soon found that it was not feasible as 
it required repairing even before they could finish 
half the distance, so the project was dropped. But 
the peojile were not satisfied to wade thnnigh mud 
if it could be avoided, and the subject of the bet- 
terment of our thoroughfares was still much in 
evidence. 

Justus Stevens, one of Bureau county's far- 
seeing and public-spirited men, strongly advocated 
(/nivcliin/ the streets; but others said no, it will 
be a waste of time and money to put gravel on a 
street where heavy teaming is done. Finally, in 
the year 1876, Mr. Stevens was elected member of 
the town council and was made cliairman of the 



106 



PAST -VXD PKESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



street coininittoo. -Mr. Stevens saw his oppor- 
tunity and had the courage to improve it. Ac- 
cordingly taking the responsibility for the result 
upon luiuself, he ordered Main street from the 
Court House square to the depot graveled. The 
e.xperiment was a great success and far exceeded 
what was claimed for it. This was the beginning 
of Bureau county's sjilendid roadways. Today 
the graveled highways of our county are noted all 
over the state and to the enterprise and strong 
personality of Justus Stevens the people of this 
county pay homage as they glide along over these 
transformed public roads. 

W.VTKRVirORKS. 

The water supply system of Princeton can 
hardly be excelled. It consists of two wells, one 
one tiiiHisand eight hundred feet deep, the other 
two tliDusanil four hundred feet. The shallow 
well contains a small jiercentage of magnesia, and 
the other is sulphurous. The machinery is so ar- 
ranged that water can be taken from either at will ; 
the analysis of the water shows that it is almost 
entirely free from any vegetable matter, making it 
practically pure, while the supply is inexhaustible. 
The stan(l])ipe is twenty-four feet square at the 
base and one hundred and twenty-eight feet high, 
and has a capacity of fifty-five thousand 
gallons. Princeton has two volunteer fire com- 
panies of fifty-si.x members, and three thousand 
feet of hose. The water plant was erected in 1889, 
and now has thirteen miles of water mains with 
one hundred and fifteen hydrants. D. E. Hunger 
and ('. ,1. ]\IcManis were members of the council 
during tlii' incipicncy of the waterworks agita- 
tion and much credit is due them for the zeal and 
energy they displayed in bringing it about. 

SEWERAGE. 

Princeton has surveyed and platted a sys- 
tem of sewerage which when completed will be one 
of its most desirable improvements. It has al- 
ready constructed nine thousand five hundred and 
thirty feet of eight-inch, eight thousand seven 
hundred and seventy feet of ten-inch and five 
thousand seven hundred and seventy feet of 
eighteen-inch mains which drain into a septic 
tank about one and one-half miles northwest of 
the court house. 

SIDKW.VLKS. 

Princeton, like most of our western towns, 
commenced laying plank sidewalks, but a few- 
years ago that plan was discontinued and nothing 
now is used but cement. The city has thirty-six 
miles of sidewalk; seven of these are brick and 
ten cement. 

I'lIil-IC liUIIJJINGS. 

The court house of our county, while too good 
to tear down, is not up to the modern demands for 
a county building. It was voted into existence 
by the board of supervisors who were elected in 
1S')9. and some of the members failed to be re- 
turned in 1860. They fell political martyrs to 
the faith that was within them, and as we look 



over the broad, rich acres of our great county, 
with all its wealth and all its progressive citizen- 
ship, and meditate upon the constantly growing 
demands for increased facilities for doing business 
in every department of our county's work, we are 
constrained to ask: "Who will be the next?" 

There are fourteen churches within the corpo- 
rate limits of Princeton, the Congregational. 
Methodist, Baptist, Presbyterian, Christian. Jleth- 
odist Protestant, Swedish Evangelical Lutheran, 
Swedish Mission, Swedish Baptist, Roman Catho- 
lic, St. John's Church, C4erman Evangelical 
Church, African Methodist, English Lutheran. 

The American House was commenced in 1855 
and was first opened to the public July 20, 1857. 
The men financially interested in this enterprise 
were John H. Bryant, Justus Stevens aiul J. M. 
McConihe. They were afterward joined by An- 
drew Gosse and Jacob Albrecht. The building 
was erected at a cost of about forty thousand dol- 
lars. Its first proprietor was Charles Pike, who 
remained about one j-ear, when a Mr. Warren 
took charge of it from 1855 to 1862, then Allison 
from 1862 to 1865, Hutchins till 1866, then 
Romsdate to 1867, the Muncer Brothers from 
1867 to 1873, Bushnell from i873 to 1879, when 
D. E. Hunger took charge of it, and, witli the 
exception of about one year and a half beginning 
with the spring of 1893, when J. H. Henderson 
was proprietor, he was the landlord of the Ameri- 
can House until September, 1903, wdieu the pres- 
ent genial occupant, W. F. Campbell, took charge. 

POSTOFFICE. 

The first postoffice in Princeton township was 
kept by Elijali Smith, and was located about two 
miles north of the court house, near the John 
Skugart farm. His appointment dates from Au- 
gust 10, 1832. The office was called Greenfield, 
Putnam county. The second postmaster was Dr. 
Nathaniel Chamberlain, who lived about one mile 
and a half south of Princeton, on the Tiskihva 
load. His ap])ointment dated from Deeeiuber 20, 
1832. In 1833 the name was changed from 
Greenfield to Princeton, Putnam county. The 
third postmaster was John M. Gay, wliose ap- 
pointment dated from August 6, 1834. Hr. Gay 
moved the office into what is now the city of 
Princeton. In 1837 Bureau county was organized 
and the following named persons have since filled 
the f)ffiee in the order named : l)e Gross Salis- 
bury, December 39, 1837 ; Nathan Grav, April 14, 
1849; Samuel Limerick, July 6, 1852; William H. 
Winters. February 13, 1854; Charles N. Pine, 
June 17, 1856. reappointed February 4, 1857; 
J. Massillon McConihe. June I, 1858'; James H. 
Smith, l\rarch 27, 1861 ; Daniel McDonald, :\rarch 
17, 1865, reappointed October 4, 1870: Ida Love- 
joy. March 17, 1871; James W. Templeton, 
March 17, 1875. reappointed March 3. 1879. re- 
appointed February 27. 1883; J. M. JlcConihe, 
Februarv 22, 1887; Charles P. Bacon, February 
11.1 891 ; 'Ellis K. Mercer, ]\rarch 20, 1895; 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



107 



Clark J. :\rcManis, March 3, 1899, reappointed 
February 9. 1903. 

During all the years of her existence as village, 
town, and city, Princeton has been blessed with a 
clean, competent and affable administration in 
postoffice affairs. 

Justus M. Stevens was Princeton's first mayor. 
He was elected in April, 1881, and died January 
18. 1885. Milo Kendall was elected by the city 
council on January 31, 1885, and served until 
April. 1885, R. R. Gibons from 1885 to 1887, A. 
H. Thompson from 1887 to 1889, R. R. Gibons 
from 1889 to 1891, D. E. Hunger from 1891 to 
1895, R. M. Skinner from 1895 to 1899, C. A. 
Palmer from 1899 to 1903, W. A. Johnson from 
1903 to 1905. J. K. Hopkins from 1905 to 1907. 

John Gay erected the first frame building in 
Princeton. It stood on the west side of Main 
street. It had one square room. In this room the 
family lived and kept boarders. The postoffice 
was also kept in the same place and sometimes re- 
ligious meetings were held there. This room 
forms a part of the old Chapman House, opposite 
the Congregational church. Parker Newell and 
Andrew Swanzy were the first children born in 
the corporation, and William Isaacs is the oldest 
living person born in this county. 

The first marriage recorded in the town was 
that of Justin Olds and Louisa Bryant. The 
John H. Brj-ant place was called Round Point in 
early times, and was really the beginning of 
Princeton. Here on this point Michael Kitterman 
built a small cabin in 1829 to designate his claim, 
and then left to go for his family, and in his ab- 
sence Curt Williams jumped his claim and Mr. 
Kitterman took up the claim that he lived on the 
rest of his life. Williams left for a time and 
John and Arthur Bryant erected a cabin upon 
the place in 1832, and for some reason were away 
for a short time and when they returned this 
same Curt Williams took possession of it on the 
strength of a prior occupancy. The matter was 
settled and the Bryants remained. This man 
Williams was ever present when there was any 
chance for jumping claims. The first building 
in what is now Princeton was a log blacksmith 
shop on the lot north of the Congregational 
Church. 

The second was a store built of logs where Mr. 
Prutzman's house now stands. A man by the 
name of Haskell kept store in it for a while, and 
afterwards Robert T. Templeton kept a grocery 
store in the same building. In 1834 Stephen 
Triplet built a tavern on the east side of Main 
street. Mrs. Egbert Norton, in a historical 
sketch of Princeton, which was published in the 
Bureau County Tribune in the issue of May 19, 
1899, says: "The lot where Vaughan's store is 
was bought for five dollars. Elijah Wiswall built 
a one-story frame house and store upon it. Soon 
after, where the American House stands, was 
built a mill for ijrinding grain : it was worked bv 



horses. Just north of this was a large pond, 
where the boys used to shoot ducks and go swim- 
ming. And how tall the grass used to grow; we 
used to cut it for blackboard pointers." 

SUPERVISORS OF PRINCETON TO\VNSHIP. 

1850-1851, John H. Bryant. 

1851-1852, Jacob T. Thompson. 

1852-1853, Matthew Trimble. 

1853-1854. Arthur Bryant. 

1854-1S56, Justice Stevens. 

1856-1857, Joseph Mercer. 

1857-1858, J. T. Thompson. 

1858-1860, J. H. Bryant. 

1860-1861, S. A. Paddock. 

1861-1862. J. H. Bryant. 

1862-1863, J. G. Freeman. 

1863-1864^ John Warfield. 

1864-1865, H. W. Walker. 

1865-1867, Parker N. Newell. 

1867-1868, S. G. Paddock. 

1868-1869, A. Bryant. 

1869-1870, George Crosley. 

1870-1871, J. A. Bryant. 

1871-1873, S. G. Paddock. 

1874-1879, R. B. Foster. 

1880-1889. J. M. Fisher. 

1890-1897, C. P. Lovejoy. 

1898-1901, J. F. Wagner. 

1902-1906, H. G. Gibbs. 

Princeton has many times been honored by the 
presence of people of national celebrity. In 1861 
President Garfield preached in the Christian 
church. Henry Ward Beecher, Thomas De Witt 
Talmage, Carl Schurz, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, 
John J. Ingalls and many others have spoken 
from the rostrums in Princeton. 

On the 4th of July 1856, one of the largest 
crowds that ever gathered in Bureau county as- 
sembled in Princeton to hear the oration given by 
Abraham Lincoln. It was more than a county 
celebration. People were here from Galesburg, 
Rock Island, Ottawa, and from all over the north- 
ern part of the state. They, together with our 
own citizens, made the crowd colossal. This was 
before the country was supplied with top car- 
riages and light vehicles, but that did not stop the 
people from coming. They came in big lumber 
wagons and mammoth contrivances constructed 
for the occasion loaded with eager, expectant and 
enthusiastic men and women. From early morn- 
ing until the time of speaking the multitude in- 
creased until at last the streets and byways were 
one seething mass of humanity. The oration 
was given about one mile south of town in the 
John H. Bryant grove, and here recently the 
patriotic chapter of the "Daughters of the Revolu- 
tion" have placed a large boulder with suitable 
inscription to mark this historic spot. 

Mr. Lincoln was at his best, and those whoso 
privilege it was to hear him count it as one of 
the epochs of their lives. After Lincoln's ad- 
dress Judge Knox, of Rock Island, spoke, and 



11 IS 



PAST AXD PliESENT OF BlllKAr COlXTY. 



then George W. Stipp, later known as Judge 
Stipp, was called for. Judge Stii)p was then a 
voung man and had been a resident of this county 
but a short time, and as the hour was late he 
hesitated about going upon the platform to ad- 
dress the throng, but they insisted and finally he 
consented to give a short talk, and for a time 
convnlscil his audience with laughter. They went 
wild with enthusiasm, and when he tried to close 
his remiirks the crowd shouted for more. The 
writer often heard the judge, in his later years, 
tell of a little circumstance that occurred that 
day and seemed to enjoy the joke, as he called it, 
although it was at his expense. He said he wore 
a short coat and the clothing that covered some 
parts of his anatomy was worn so badly that it 
was not just genteel, and after the meeting was 
over he was walking back to town with a friend 
when he-overheard a ])arty discussing the speeches 
of the day. One said that was a great speech 
that Lincoln gave. Yes, says another, Lincoln is 
a great man, but I liked Judge Knox quite as well. 
Yes, said the third, their speeches were all right, 
but you can talk about your Lincolns and Knoxes 
all you ])lcase, l)ut give me that raggedy-bai ked 
Stipp every time. He's a hummer. At the time 
of Senator Ingalls' visit to Princeton the writer 
was one of the committee appointed to meet him 
at the train. TTo arrived in the middle of the 
afternoon, ami was lo address the people in the 
evening under the aus])iccs of the Woman's Club. 
On arriving at the hotel he was assigned a room 
where he could rest. John TT. Bryant, then 
nearly a nonogenarian, soon called to meet the 
.senator. It seems that, notwithstanding these 
two men held different ])olitical views, Mr. Bry- 
ant had great admiration for this brilliant man of 
Kansas, who at times had aroused the United 
States senate, and the country at large, with his 
wonderful power for repartee and satire. We 
said to Mr. Bryant (hat Mr. Ingalls is in his 
room but we would see if he would not come 
down and meet him. Accordingly we rapped upon 
the senator's door and informed him that the 
Hon. John II. Bryant wished to see him. In 
reply he said, I shall be glad to meet Mr. Bryant, 
and will go down to the hotel parlor in a short 
lime. He immediately came in where Mr. Bry- 
ant was resting. We said, Senator Ingalls, allow 
us to introduce to you one of our distinguished 
citizens, the Hon. John H. Bryant. Mr. Bryant 
eagerly and cordially grasped the hand of Jfr. 
Ingalls and looking steadily at him, he said: 
"Senator Ingalls! Star of" the senate! I am 
glail to meet you." In reply the senator said: "I 
can assure you the pleasure is nuilual, Mr. Bryant. 
I have long known ytni by reputation." To this 
rejdy .\Ir. Bryant renuirked as follows: "Mr. 
Ingalls, I am an old man. I have outlived all of 
my generation. I am alone and only waiting." 
With a shade of sadness settling over his face 
Mr. Ingalls said : '-Yes— ye.s— that is jiresum- 



ably so. That is one of the penalties of longevity, 
I ut up yonder there is no growing old." While 
they stood with clasped hands, for the first and 
last time, we silently turned aside, wiping away 
the falling tear, for to us the scene was both 
pathetic and sublime. They have each filled their 
niche in the cycle of time and are now forever at 
rest. 

CIIAPTEK XYI. 

K.VILKOADS AND PUBLIC IMPROVEMENTS. 

From 1836 to 1840, during the last two years 
of Governor Duncan's terra of office and the 
first two years of Governor Carlin's, speculation 
run wild both in public and private matters. 
Railroads were surveyed and grading commenced, 
canals were contemplated and money spent in pre- 
limimiry work, then abandoned. (Jreat drainage 
schemes were started, and people grew rich in 
imagination; the coffers of the state were opened 
and immense appropriations were made to aid in 
these visionary expectations. Men who com- 
menced life by following Indian trails and blazed 
trees saw, in the immediate future, a great em- 
])ire rising up before them with inexhaustible 
wealth and resources and across the almost track- 
less prairies they saw, with the eyes of faith, the 
iron hor.se of commerce moving back and forth, 
groaning under the burdens that fell from the 
baiuls of civilization. And upon our unimproved 
rivers they saw the giant steamer "rock and rave," 
as she threaded these beautiful virgin streams, car- 
rying to and fro the traffic of a great people. And 
to su])]>ort these delusive jirojects the legislature 
approjiriated more than ten millions of dollars. 
'J'his a[)propriation wa.s made when the whole state 
had less than half a million of inhabitants. The 
result of this reckless and unreasonable expendi- 
ture of money was the stagnation of all kinds of 
business and a [)aralysis of all needed imjirove- 
ments. The state became jjractically baid\ru{)t, its 
bonded indebtedness had grown beyond all propor- 
tions within the hounds of human reason, for when 
the legislature of 1840 convened, the state was over 
thirteen millions of dollars in debt. During this 
time all n\ci' the state cities multiplied with 
great ra|)idity, great inland metropolises sprang 
into existence as by magic. Like Jonah's gourd 
they grew in a night, and all over the country 
cast and west, these cities with their great thor- 
oughfares, were shown to the eager public, and 
lots and blocks were .sold at fabulous prices. We 
have one specimen in Bureau county. Truxton. 
in the township of ^fanlius. was laid off with 
streets and alleys, ])lats were made and lots were 
sold, and the nucleus of a great city was started, 
but alas for the unccrtainfy of human hopes and 
human desires, for now the cold wind blows and 
the tall grass waves over the eiubrvonic Truxton. 
So it is with most of the rilic^ of (bat time, 
they had an existence oidy on paper, and now 
fliev are as if tbev had lU'ver been. It was dur- 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



lOi) 



iug this womkn-ful jieriinl nF uiiuaturiil progress 
that Bureau county's first railroad was sur- 
veyed; tliis was a part of tlie old road wliicli 
was laid out from Cairo to Galena, but like all 
of tlie other pUms of that time failed. It en- 
toi-ed this county on section 25. Westtieid town- 
ship, and passed out on section 2, La Moille. 
It followed almost on a straight line in a north- 
westerly direction. The old c\its and embank- 
ments are jdainly visible at the present time on 
the road northeast of La Moille. It may, per- 
haps, be truthfully said that this unreal promi- 
nence, which was given to the state during the 
time described, brought some blessings to the 
settlers. As the fame of this new state reached 
the ears of the great people it brought thousands 
within her borders that otherwise would not have 
been inclined to come, and out of these thousands 
a large part of them liked the country well 
enough to stay. So the final outcome of these 
extravagant ideas partially recompensed the state 
for its previous loss. 

From this time on for a period of nearly ten 
years, public improvements were a dead letter. 
Congress and the legislature were Ijoth equally 
conservative in regard to appropriation, but fi- 
nall}', on September 30, 1850, an act was 
passed by congress "ceding to the state of Illi- 
nois, subject to the disposal of the legisla- 
ture thereof, for the pur[)ose of aiding in the con- 
struction of a railroad from the southern ter- 
minus of the Illinois and Michigan canal to a 
point at or near the junction of the Ohio and 
Mississippi rivers, with a branch of the same to 
Chicago and another via Galena, in said state, to 
Dubuque, Iowa, every alternate section of land 
designated by even numbers, for si.x sections in 
width on each side of said road and branches." 
These lands could be disposed of only as the 
road was constructed, and the work was to be 
completed in ten years, or the state must pay the 
proceeds of all sales to the United States and 
lose the unsold lands. This grant aggrega- 
ted more than two and one-half million acres, 
averaging about .3,700 acres to the mile. 

On the opening session of the Illinois legisla- 
ture in 1851, Governor Reynolds transmitted to 
the legislature all of the information he had ob- 
,tained from different sources relating to the pro- 
posals of several companies that had made propo- 
sitions to the state, througli him, in regard to 
the building of the road. He also urged the 
immediate consideration of the same. Several 
bills were introduced, embodying different plans, 
and lively discussions were indulged in, but they 
finally agreed upon a measure and it passed the 
senate on February 0, 1851, and the house four 
days later. The Illinois Central Railroad Com- 
pany was organized and accepted the teinis of 
the law on the same day. The terms of the con- 
tract between the state and company were as 
follows: "The company agrci'd |(j Imild the pro- 



posed railroad within a specified time and pay 
to the state seven per ceut of its gross annual 
earnings and the state was to give the company 
the lands ceded to it by the general govern- 
ment." Robert B. Mason,'of Bridgeport, Connec- 
ticut, was appointed chief engineer, and the work 
was pushed with all possible speed. The main line 
from Cairo to La Salle, 300.99 miles, was com- 
pleted June 8, 1855; the Galena branch from La 
Salle to Dunleith, 14G.73 miles, in January, 1855; 
th£ Chicago branch, from Chicago to the junc- 
tion with the main line, 249.78 miles, in Sep- 
tember, 1856. This seven hundred miles of road 
passed through the wildest and the most thinly 
settled portions of the state, in some places for 
a stretch of twenty miles not a tree or house 
could be seen, and along the entire route it 
passed through but few towns of any size. This 
grant of land by congress to Illinois was of great 
benefit to the state, for it brought thousands of 
actual settlers to its central districts which up 
to this time had been slow in settling; the seven 
per cent clause in the act has been a source of 
great income to the state. In 1901 the Illi- 
nois Central railroad paid into the state treasury 
$553,862, and from the time of its comple- 
tion, in 1856 until October 31, 1904, it bad placed 
into the coffers of our state $22,723,890.64. It 
will be seen by these figures that the annual 
income from the Illinois Central railroad goes a 
long way toward paying the ordinary expenses of 
the state. To the statesmanship and comprehen- 
sive grasp of public matters of Stephen A. 
Douglas, who was then in the United States sen- 
tae, we owe a debt of gratitude that we can 
hardly repay, for he it was who realized what 
this annual seven per cent meant to the tax-pay- 
ing people of our great commonwealth. This 
land grant to Illinois met with bitter opposi- 
tion in congress, and was only passed by a small 
majority after the most skillful diplomacy on 
the part of its friends, led by Stephen A. Doug- 
las and his colleague. General Shields, who were 
senators from Illinois at that time, and John 
Wentworth, who was in the lower house. It is 
a fact worthy of notice that Douglas and Shields 
in the senate and McCleland and Baker in the 
house, who were members when this land grant 
passed, and Abraham Lincoln and Robert Smith, 
who were active supporters of the measure in 
the preceding congress, were all members of the 
noted tenth general assembly of Illinois when 
the great internal improvement schemes were 
passed, and they all voted for them. So it seems 
that time is a great evencr and leveler of issues 
and events, for these men more than atoned for 
their errors in the past by their inllutiencc and 
votes at that time. 

The first railroad (n enter P.iir('a\i county was 
what is now known as the Chicago, Rock Island 
& Pacific Railway. It was first chartered in 
18 17 as the R'ock Island & I-a Salle County Rail- 



no 



PAS'l' AND PRESENT OE BUREAU (,'OUXTY. 



road. The charter was ameuded in 1851 and 
became the Chicago & Rock Ishmd. It com- 
menced the work of construction April, 1852. 
The first passenger train was run to Joliet, in 
October, 1852; to Morris, sixty-two miles, Janu- 
ary 5, 1853 ; to Ottawa, eighty-lour miles, Febru- 
ary 14; to Peru, one hundred miles, March 24; 
to" Tiskilwa, one hundred and eighteen miles, 
September 20, at which time a celebration was 
held and great rejoicing was manifest all over 
the county, as it meant a new era in the progress 
and development of the country. It was fini.?hed 
to Gene-seo, one hundred and fifty-nine miles, 
December 19, 1853, and to Rock Island, one 
hundred and ciglity-one miles, February 22, 1854. 
The brancli from feureau Junction to Peoria was 
completed in 1854. The short lengtli of time in 
which this railroad was completed was phenome- 
nal at that early day in railroading. This road 
enter? the county near the southeast corner of 
Hall township, runs nearly west until it reaches 
Depue, when it dips about three miles to the 
south, where it forms a junction with the Peoria 
branch at Bxireau. then turns north and fol- 
lows the Bureau valley to a point west of Tis- 
kilwa. where it turns in a northwest direction 
until it reaches South Wyanet, where it passes 
nearly due west to Sheffield, then turns in a 
northwesterly direction and passes out of the 
county on section 7, in Mineral township. The 
entire length of this road in Bureau county is 
44.8 miles. 

CHICAGO. BIHLIXGTON & QIINCY. 

The second railroad that entered the county 
was the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy. It was 
first organized under the name of the Aurora 
Brancli Railroad. It extended from Turner 
Junction, in DuPagc county, to Aurora, a dis- 
tami' of thirteen miles, and cars began running 
in Xf)vcmber. 1850. This road wa.s extended 
from Aurora to Mendota, a distance of forty-six 
miles, and was known as the Chicago & Aurora 
Railroad Company, and began its traffic in the 
fall of 1853. In 1855 this road took the name 
of tiie Chicago. Burlington & Quincy, and in 
July, 1856, it was consolidated with the Central 
^lilitary Tract Company, which was chartered in 
February. 1851. and had to build a road from 
Mendota to fialesburg. a distance of eighty miles, 
and opened it for shipments in 1855. 

It will be seen by the foregoing statement 
that wlien the road first passed through Bureau 
county it bore the name of the Central Military 
Tract Road, and its first passenger train reached 
Princeton October 10. 1854. This road entered 
the county on section 25. in Clarion township, 
and ran southwesterly through Westfield. Berlin, 
and came witliin about one mile of the court- 
house in Princeton, then, on account of the dif- 
ficulty in crossing the creek, it deflected north 
until it reached East Bureau, when it again ran 
in a southwesterly direction until it passed out of 



the county on section 19, in Xeponset township. 
Tlic iiushville brancli of the Burlington was built 
in 1870, commencing at Buda and passing out of 
the county on section 35, Macon; there is about 
seven miles of this branch in this county. The 
Mendota and Fulton branch was also built in 
1870. It enters the county on section 24, in 
Clarion, and passes through Clarion, La Moille, 
Ohio, Walnut, and leaves the county at section 1, 
in Greenville. This branch covers about twen- 
ty-seven miles in this county. 

The Illinois Valley & Xorthern was built in 
1887, ami is now a part of the Burlington sys- 
tem. It enters the county near the southeast 
corner of Hall township and mns in a northwest- 
erly direction to Walnut, where it joins the ^Men- 
dota branch of the Burlington. Its length in 
this county is 30.1 miles. The total length of 
the Burlington, in Bureau county, is 72.8 miles. 

The Peoria & Northwestern was built in 1901, 
entering the county on section 1, Greenville, and 
runs nearly south, and leave.s the county at sec- 
tion 31, in Milo. It cuts off a small corner of 
Stark as it leaves Macon township, but comes 
back into Bureau county on section 7. in Milo, 
then goes on as before stated, to section 31. 
This road when built did not connect itself with 
any town, but on the contrary it seemed to 
shun all of the towns on its line. Manlius is 
the only town in Bureau county on this road. It 
has 29.5 miles of track in the county. The 
Rochelle & Southern, mostly in Hall township, 
has 7.9 miles of road. The following have a few 
miles each in the southeastern part of the coun- 
ty: Xorthern Illinois. 6.1: Depue. Ladd & Ea.st- 
ern, 3.4 miles; La Salle & Bureau County Rail- 
road. 1.1 miles; Marquette. Spring Valley & 
X'orthwestern. 2.2 miles : Indiana, Illinois & 
Iowa Railroad. 5.4 miles; Bureau County Mineral 
Railroad, 3.5 miles; Depue, Ladd & Xorthern 
Railroad. 2 miles, and the Illinois Valley In- 
tenuban Railway Company, now in process of 
construction. 26 miles. 

Railroading in the early fifties was a vastly 
(litforent proposition than it is at the present 
time. Half a century has brought many changes 
and imjirovenients. and it is not so much of a 
task, with all of the modern devices for assist- 
ing labor, as it was then. It was a season of 
great activity in and around Princeton at the 
time of building the Burlington road. Justus 
•Stevens. J. ilcConihc and .John H. Bryant con- 
tracted to furnish ties and bridge timber, and 
much of this timber was shipped from ^lichigan 
and was brousht out from Chicago on the Rock 
Island, flien hauled to the Burlington with 
teams. Their contract was one that required 
a great amount of money and help to com- 
plete, as it extended from Mendota west, and 
at times they employed one hundred and eighty 
men. and the first contract was for the sum 
nf $180,000. They put men into the tim- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



Ill 



ber with saws and axes, and tlie groves disap- 
peared like grain before the reaper. When the 
surveys were being made for the Rock Island 
it was a question which route they would take 
from Peru to Shetheld, whether it would keep 
on the prairie and pass through Princeton or fol- 
low the Bureau valley. Both localities fought 
for it and both felt sure of success. The route 
through Princeton would have been shorter and 
easier built, but when the decision was reached 
and announced to the public Princeton col- 
lapsed and Tiskilwa rejoiced, and it has always 
been a mystery to some people what happened. 

ILLINOIS AND MISSISSIPPI CANAL. 

The Illinois and Mississippi canal is locally 
known as the Hennepin canal. The modified 
plans for this canal contemplated the construction 
of the same at least eighty feet wide at the water 
surface, seven feet deep, with locks one hundred 
and seventy feet long between quoins, thirty-five 
feet wide; admitting barges carrying six hundred 
short tons of freight, if two hundred and forty 
short tons are allowed for weight of vessels and 
one hundred and forty feet length, thirty -four feet 
beam, and six feet draft of vessel that may easily 
navigate the canal. The canal to begin at the 
great bend of the Illinois river; thence via the 
valleys of Bureau, Pond and Cowcatcher creeks 
to the summit level near the eighteenth mile, 
ascending one hundred and ninety-six feet through 
twentv--one locks, with lifts varying from seven 
to eleven feet each; thence to the feeder junc- 
tion near the twenty-eighth mile; thence to Eock 
river, just above the mouth of Green river ; thence 
down Eock river to its mouth. 

The length of the canal is about seventy-five 
miles. The descent from the summit level to 
the low water level of the Mississippi river is 
ninety-three feet, effected by ten lift locks from six 
to fourteen feet lift, with one guard lock. The 
number of lift locks has been reduced from 
thirty-seven to thirty-one, and the summit level 
has been cut down nine feet in the changes since 
the 1890 report by subsequent surveys, and the 
length of the main line of the canal has been 
reduced from seventy-seven to seventy-five miles. 

The feeder as now located is twenty-nine miles 
in length. The feeder joins the main line on 
the north line of Mineral township at or near the 
northeast corner of section 3. The main line 
commences, as has been stated, at the great bend 
of the Illinois river, about one and three-fourth 
miles northeast of Bureau Junction. It passes 
in a northwesterly direction through the township 
of Leepertown, Arispie cutting off a small 
corner of Indiantown, passing on through Wyanet. 
Concord, running along the line between Mineral 
and Gold, where it meets the feeder, when it 
bears a little south and passes out of the county 
on section 6 in Mineral. The feeder comes into 
the county on section 2 in Fairfield and passes 
almost due south throucrh Fairfield and Gold. 



where it meets the main line. The government 
appropriations have been as follows: 
July 1, 1890, balance on hanil from 
previous appropriations in pre- 
liminary work $ 786.10 

Sept. 19, 1890 .300,000.00 

July 13, 1892 500,000.00 

Aug. 7, 189-1 190,000.00 

June 3, 1896 4.5,000.00 

June 4, 1897 875.000.00 

July 1,' 1898 1,427,740.00 

March 3, 1899 700,000.00 

J line 6, 1900 1,000,000.00 

.March 3, 1901 975,000.00 

Total $6,213,526.46 

Expended to June 30, 1901 4,490,505.21 

Balance unexpended June 3i), 

1891 $1,723,021.25 

It was thought that the above appropriations 
ivould complete the canal, but on account of the 
increase in price of land for the right of way, 
and the additional expense of heavier railroad 
bridges to meet modern requirements and the 
necessity of rip-rapping the inside to prevent wear, 
it was found to be impossible to meet this extra 
expense without more money, consequently an 
additional appropriation of $500,000 was made 
about two 3'ears ago. This is the full amount re- 
quired to open the canal for business. At this 
v.-riting, October, 1906, the canal and feeder are 
95 per cent completed and will be completed next 
suiumer. It is hoped and expected that when 
this canal is completed that a large tract of the 
great northwest will be greatly benefited by way 
of cheaper transportation. 

This canal has long been contemplated and 
worked for, but to Gen. Thomas J. Henderson's 
untiring energy and perseverance* in its behalf, 
during his long term in congress, must be 
awarded the credit of placing the matter before 
congress in such a light that the enterprise finally 
triumphed. 



CHAPTER XVII. 



TOWNSHIP!? CLARION. 

Clarion, the northeast corner township of 
Bureau county, is like La Moille, a fine agricul- 
tural township. The farms are well improved 
and show- evidence of thrift on every hand. The 
population is largely of German extraction and 
they are not/cd for industry, frugality and econ- 
omy. The first settlers were Timotliy Perkins, 
who came in 1833 ; Solomon Perkins and Elijah 
Bevans. The first house built in the township 
was long occupied by John Iletzler. The A. G. 
Porter place was first improved by Timothy Per- 
kins. The roof, or at least quite a large part of 
it, was covered wit1i deer skins, and the doors 



11-.' 



PAST AND PKESENT Ui-" liUliEAU COlNTY. 



iuul will. lows were also lilletl with the same ma- 
terial. The township is drained by Bureau and 
Pike creeks. Josepli Search came in 1834, and 
Stephen Perkins in 1835. A Mr. Hart also set- 
tled on the west side of the grove in 1835. In 
1836, J. R. Kendall improved land on section 4, 
afterwards known as the Stanard place. 1837 
found John Clapp and JIartin Hopp among tlie 
arrivals. In 1838 a number of families settled 
in this townsliip, among thcni were Joseph Al- 
len, Hiram Johnson , Franklin Walker, Mose-s 
Dix, C. L. Dayton, Harvey Childs, Solomon 
Williams and others. A. G. Porter, David 
Wells and Theodore Babson were among the very 
early settlers, also Joseph and Elisha Fassett. 
It is said, by parties claiming to know, that 
Mr. James Samp.=on, who afterwards lived in 
Aniboy, passed through Clarion as early as 1821, 
on an exploring expedition, his real destination 
being the Galena lead mines. Several years 
later he came back on the same route and stopped 
a short time at what was known as Picayime 
Grove; this grove received its name from the 
finding of a skeleton there many years ago, and 
near it was found a tliinible and some thread, 
also a silver picayune, (fi'-Yi cents). There was 
nothing to identify the body, but from the fact 
that tliese things were foimd near the remains 
it was thought that he might have been a tramp 
tailor, who was either murdered or fell by the 
wayside. Clarion is noted for liaving the small- 
est pau]icr bill, and also for having the smallest 
amount of delinquent taxes of any township in 
the county. The p<ipulatinn by census of 1900 was 
70."). The following named men have served as 
supervisors : 

SUPERVISORS OF CLARION TOWNSHIP. 

A. G. Porter, 1851-52; David Llovd, 1853; 
David Wells, 1854; Milrov McKcr, 1855-57; A. 
G. Porter, 1858-59; W. K. Bruce, 1860; David 
Lloyd, 1861; B. Benton, 1862-63; J. Clapp, 
1864; W. K. Bruce. 1865; C. L. Davton, 1866; 
B. Benton, 1867 ; T. Walker, 1868-70 ;" A. 6. Por- 
ter, 1871; Franklin Walker, 1872-79; N. F. 
Mnultnu. 1880-81; Sereno Bridge, 1882; C. L. 
Dayton, 1883-89; J. L. Jacoby, 1890-92; C. 
Stamberger, 1893-96; Wm. Marriott, 1897-98; 
I. W. Hopps, 1899-1900; Wm. Marriott, 1901-02; 
George D. Bauer, 1903-06. 

LA MOILLE. 

La Moille i.s one of the best townships in Bu- 
reau county. It has an intelligent and progres- 
sive citizenship. She has always been an im- 
portant factor in the affairs of the countv. From 
1857 to 1898, the township of La l^Ioille had 
the honor of furnishing the county treasurer for 
twenty-five out of the forty-one years. The first 
settler is supposed to be Daniel Dimmick, who 
laid a claim a little south of the village on May 
19, 1830: this claim was on what was known 
for a long time as the Collins' farm, and the 



timber near him was known a.s Dimmick's 
Grove. In the fall of this year, :Mr. William 
Hall made a claim where La Moille is now located ; 
he lived there a little over one year, when he 
sold to Aaron Gunn, and moved to Indian Creek, 
in La Salle county, about twelve miles north 
of Ottawa, where he, with a part of his familj', 
fell victims of the terrible massacre at that place 
a short time after his arrival; two of the daugh- 
ters escaped death, l)ut were carried away prison- 
ers by the Indians. Matson says in his history: 
"At the commencement of the Black Hawk war, 
Dimmick left his claim and never returned to it 
again, and for two years Dimmick"s Grove was 
without inhabitants; the cabin and fences went 
to decay, and the untilled land grew up in weeds. 
When Dimmick tied from the grove he left two 
sows and pigs which increased in a few years 
to quite a drove of wild hogs that were hunted in 
the grove years afterwards, and from tlieni some 
of the early settlers obtained their supply of 
pork." In 1834, Leonard Kotli and David Jones 
came; in July of this year Jonathan Holiirook 
mill Horace ]?rown settled at the grove. Per- 
kins" drove and the La Moille settlements were so 
clo.^eiy united that it is difficult to separate them. 
In the fall of 1834 Jo.seph Knox, Greenliury Hall, 
Closes A. Bowen arrived. In 1835, Benjamin 
Townsend, Robert Masters and other settlers in and 
near the immediate vicinity of La Moille. In 
1836 Tracy Reeve and Dr. ,Tohn Kendall came 
and bought the Bowen farm and laid it off into 
lots and gave it the name of Greenfield, but it was 
afterwards called La Moille. In 1842 a post- 
ottice named Perkin.« Grove was established, but 
it was soon discontinued. In 1839 La Jloille 
was excited over a pro|)Osed railroad, and some 
of the grading was done, but the enterprise was 
never carried out. .\mong the men who came 
on the .scene a little later should be mentioned 
R. B. Frary. Kli.sha Fassett, Ellis Wood, John 
Crossman, Joseph .\llen, James J. Hojikins, and 
Dr. Daniel Jones. All were citizens of character 
and ability and will be remembered as men who 
gave life and stability to that community. La 
Moille has had several small manufacturing es- 
tablishments within her borders. The village of 
r.a .Moille was first incorporated as a vil- 
lage under the laws in force ])rior to 1872, 
in February 25. 1867, and in 1888 under 
the law.s in force since July 1, 1888. The 
corporation contained by the census of 1900, 576 
people. It has a fine brick ."school building well 
su])|)licd with modern ajtparatus. The building 
contains six school rooms and n fine audience 
ball ami was the gift of Air. Jose)ih .Mien. La 
Moille is noted for being in the natural gas belt, 
(^uite a number of her citizens heat and light 
their houses with this gas. It is a township of 
thrifty farmers and good homes. The popula- 
tion, including the village of La Moille, accord- 
ing to the census of 1900, was 1,345; the village 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COT^NTV. 



113 



numbered 576. This towu has been served by the 
following snpervisors : 

SUPERVISORS OF LA JIOILLE TOWXSIIIP. 

Isaac Norris, 1851 ; Tracy Eeeve, 1852 ; Tim- 
othy Edwards, 1853; Trat7 Reeve, 1854; R. B. 
Frarv, 1855; W. B. Howard, 185G; E. W. Fas- 
sett," 1857; David Hall,, 1858-59; Tracy Reeve, 
18G0; D. Hall, 1861; S. Edwards, 1862-63; A. 
B. Minnerly, 1864-65; Z. S. Hills, 1866; C. H. 
Brvaut, 1867-70; E. W. Fassett, 1871; E. B. 
Frarv, 1872; E. A. Washburn, 1873-75; E. P. 
Edwards, 1876-83; W. S. Martin, 1884-87; A. 
N. Stevenson, 1888-93; George M. White, 1894- 
97; Charles Baird, Jr., 1898-99; L. H. Cass, 
1900-01; L. M. Perkins, 1902-06. 

OHIO. 

Ohio is a fine example of a prairie township, as 
it originally contained but little timber land, 
neither had it many low places ; on the contrary, it 
is high and follino and possesses a deep rich soil 
that yields bountiful harvests. One of the oldest 
landmarks in the county is Dad Joe CTrove. Here 
was the home of Joseph Smith, familiarly known 
as Dad Joe. His cabin was on the old Galena 
and Peoria road, and was one of the relay stations 
where refreshments were served to the travelers 
and fresh horses were supplied to the old stage 
coach line tliat daily passed that way on the trips 
from the south to the lead mines in the north. 
This house stood isolated and alone for many 
years before another home was located within the 
township, the nearest house being some twelve 
miles away. If the history of that early resting 
place could be correctly and truthfully told no 
doubt it would reveal many a heart-throb and 
many a weird scene, for in those days the traveler 
took no little chance in his long and tedious jour- 
neys across these uninhabited prairies. In 1846 
Dad Joe sold this place to T. S. Elston. 

The second house erected was that of William 
Cleveland, which was built in 1846, on section 20. 
Soon after this F. G. Buchan built on section 3. 
In 1847 some of the Ross family came to Ohio. 
John and Andrew settled on sections 22 and 27. 
From this time on the Rosses have been among 
the prosperous and honored citizens of that com- 
munity. Ohio was not settled as early as the 
townshi])s farther south, as the people at that time 
were afraid of the open prairie and gathered 
around the groves where they could get fuel and 
timber for fencing and building purposes, and 
Ohio being mostly prairie, it was considered too 
bleak and unprotected for actual settlement ; but 
after a time some of the more venturesome began 
to locate upon the treeless acres and they soon 
found that they were in the garden spot of the 
state, if not of the globe; for truly we believe 
there is no richer heritage upon this great round 
world than that which has fallen to the present 
generation who live upon the subdued prairies of 
Illinois. In 1846 William Garton settled up sec-' 
tion 36 ; Leonard Strong on 35, and Aaron Brn- 



kaw on 34. In 1848 John Kasbeer settled on the 
farm he still owns, section 28. D. P. Smith, Isaac 
Brokaw and Mitchell Shiffles came in 1849. This 
township has an enterprising and thorough going 
citizenship, the people have taken advantage of 
their opportunities and have become independent 
in their financial ati'airs. The village of Ohio is 
located on the Fulton branch of the Burlington 
railroad. It is an attractive prairie town; the 
houses and yards are well kept, giving it a thriv- 
ing and pleasing appearance. It was laid out by 
Jacob Albreclit in 1871, it being a portion of his 
farm. He had a desire to have the place bear his 
own name, but the people preferred the name of 
Ohio. It was incorporated in 1876 and contained 
a population in 1900 of four hundred and si.xty- 
one. The township, including the village, num- 
bered one thousand three hundred and twenty- 
two. The following named men have served as 
supervisors : 

John Ros.s, 1851-1854. 

G. W. Close, 1855. 

Cyrus Wilson, 1856. 

Sterling Pomeroy, 1857-1859. 

John Ross, 1860. 

G. A. Dodge, 1861-1863. 

J. H. Bolus, 1863. 

J. Eoss, 1864. 

D. P. Smith, 1865. 

J. H. Bowles, 1866. 

GeoTge Hammer, 1867-1872. 

Albert ShifHett, 1873. 

S. B. Lower, 1874. 

D. P. Smith, 1875-1879. 

Sterlina: Pomeroy, 1880-1886. 

J. Inks', 1887-1888. 

M. R. Dewey, 1889. 

A. S. Walter, 1890. 

W. S. Wilson, 1891-1906. 

WALNUT. 

The first house in Walnut was built at Red 
Oak Grove in 1828, by the Anient brothers. There 
was no other settlement in the township for about 
ten years. This old landmark was like an oasis in 
the desert, for it furnished shelter, food and rest 
for the weary traveler on the old Peoria and Ga- 
lena stage road, when there was no other house 
within a radius of many miles. This property 
was afterwards owned by 0. I)enhnm and in 1831 
by JamesjMagby. In 1833 James Clay])oll be- 
came the owner and in 1836 sold it to Lutlier Den- 
ham, who lived there for a term of years. 

This is the history of that early claim, which 
was the only sign of civilization in that part 
of the country until about 1837. In this 
last named year a claim was made just south 
of Walnut Grove and (Jreenbury Triplett and A. 
H. Jaynes "jumped" it. They afterwards 
sold it to Truman Culver. In 1843 Oliver Jaynes 
settled on the south side of the grove; Richard 
Brewer, on the north side and Peter McNitt on 
the' east side. Soon after T?icliard Lancfford. 



114 



TAST AXD PKESEXT OF BUKEAU COUXTY. 



Thomas Landers, E. Kclley, Thomas Fisher and 
others came. 

rhineas Wolfe started the first store in the 
village of Walnut. There were but six families 
in Walnut in 1S45, Eiehard Brewer. E. Kelly, Ed- 
ward Triplett, Truman Culver, Thomas Sanders, 
Greenbury Triplett and James Bartlett. The Ful- 
ton branch of the Burlington was completed in 
ISTl. At that time there were three creneral 
stores, a grocery and a drug store. The town 
was platted by Kichard Brewer and for a time it 
was called Brewerville, but was changed to Wal- 
nut. The village was incorporated October 2G, 
1876, and by the census of ISJOO had a population 
of seven hundred and ninety-one. 

On July 31, 1890, a very destructive fire swept 
over the village and a large part of the business 
portion was destroyed. Again in August, 1900, the 
llames spread over the fated village, both of the 
fires left Walnut in a desolate condition; the ac- 
cumulations and improvements of years were 
swept away in a few short b.ours. People from 
the adjoining country flocked there to see the 
ruins and many predicted that Walnut would never 
recover from her misfortune. Not so with her citi- 
zens. While the loss was keenly felt, there was but 
one tiiought among the citizens and that thought 
was the slogan, "'Walnut shall rise again, better, 
safer and fairer than before," and with this de- 
termination in mind they heroically went to work 
and Phoenix-like Walnut rose from her ashes and 
stood out before the world, newer and richer than 
ever before, and is today an example of what grit 
and push can do. Walnut is one of the best busi- 
ness points in the county. It is noted for its large 
shipments of grain and live-stock. Her business 
enterprise is worthy of imitation. The population 
by the census of 1900, including the village of 
Walnut, was one thousand five hundred and one. 
Walnut village was seven hundred and ninety-one. 
The following named gentlemen have served as 
supervisors : 

Greenbury Triplett, 1851. 

Christopher Wolf. 18.52. 

Richard Brewer, 1853-1855. 

Mark Shirk, 1856. 

T). M. Reed, 1857. 

William C. Willey, 1858. 

0. E. Chapman, 1859. 

D. M. Eeed, 1860-1861. 

Mark Shirk, 1862-1864. 

D. :\[. Reed, 1865. 

G. W. Garwood, 1866-1867. 

D. M. Reed, 1868-1870. 

0. E. Chapman, 1871. 

0. L. Bcarss, 1872-1881. 

L. K. Thompson, 1882-1885. 

L. Bass. 1886-1889. 

S. M. Oakford, 1890. 

G. G. Murdock, 1891-1896. 

G. F. Clayton, 1897-1898. 

John H. knight, 1899. 



J. M. Ennis, 1900-1905. 
E. A. Wooly, 1905. 

GREEXVILLE. 

The township of Greenville has a large acreage 
that is subject to overflow in times of high water. 
About three thousand acres are more or less af- 
fected. Green river has always been an uncertain 
quantity, as it drains a large area of country, and 
whenever there is an excessive fall of water the 
bottom lands sutler. A few years ago the river 
was deepened and the channel straightened at a 
cost of $86,000. It ^vas thought then that the 
problem had been successfully solved and that 
thenceforth there would be no trouble about sur- 
plus water, but experience has shown the land 
owners that something more must be done before 
they can be sure of safety. At the present time a 
new drainage scheme is under way which promises 
to be more effective than the former one. While 
this may be quite a burden to some, yet in the end. 
no doubt, it will prove to be of great benefit to all. 
In 1S36 Henry Thomas entered the land wdiere 
Xew Bedford now stands; this was the first land 
entered in the western part of the county, with 
the exception of French and Coal Groves. The 
state road from Hennepin to Prophetstown was 
opened in 1837 and crossed Green river at Xew 
Ijcdford. where Henry Thomas owned a ferry. 
.\bout this time Cyrus Watson built a cabin here, 
but, finding the land had already been entered, he 
moved to section 30, which was afterward owned 
by E. G. Gester. Mr. Watson is said to have been 
the first white man who settled on Green river. 

In 1S31I William Hill. Daniel. James and Peter 
McDonald settled on sections 20 and 29. The 
next year Joseph Heath, Joseph Caswell, Justus 
Hall, and Thomas Hill came, and in 1841 Milton 
Cain .settled south of the river and Norman Hall, 
Joseph N. Kise. and William Britt made farms 
on the north side. P. Lanphier. J. S. Montgom- 
ery. J. M. Draper. S. Upson, Richard Meek, J. 
Eastlick. and .\. H. Jayues were among the first 
settlers. Xew Bedford is located on the old chan- 
nel of Green river on section 29, and enjoys a fine 
trade for a small inland town that has no railroad. 
The Northwestern railroad that runs from Rock 
river to Peoria passes through the township from 
north to south, entering on section one, and passes 
out on section 35. On section 11 there is a station 
called Normandy. This is simjily a shipping point 
for grain and stock. When the drainage is per- 
fected (ireen will be one of the most productive 
townships in the county. The population by the 
census of 1900 was 1,123. 'J'he following named 
men have served as supervisors: 

scpi;kvisor.s of guicenville township. 

Nehemiah Hill, l«?5l-52. 

Jacob Eastlick, 1853. 

Lewis ^McKune, 1854-55. 

Jacob Eastlick, IS^fi, 

A. A. Smith, 1857. 

Simeon Odell. 1858-59 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



115 



Jacob Sells. 1860. 
Simeon Odell, 18(51. 
Jacob Sells, 18G2. 
J. Gearnahan. 1863. 
Jacob Sells, 1864-65. 
A. S. Eastlick, 1866-67. 
J. Vaughn, Jr.. 1868-72. 
Horace Hill, 1873. 
C. L. Clink, 1874-76. 
L \V. Hay, 1877 
T. M. Sells, 1878-80. 
L. W Hay, 1881-82. 
Reniamin Monson, 1883. 
J. W. Spratt, 1884-85. 
J. L. Martin. 1886. 
C. W. Cole. 1887-91 
I.. H Oberschelp, 1892-96. 

FAIRFIELD. 

Fairfield township is in the northwest corner 
of Bureau county, and was not settled until 
about 1838. At "that time Francis Adams and 
James D. Binghain made claims on sections 23 
and 24. Samuel Brady settled on section 14 in 
1839 and was the oldest settler when the swamp 
land was surveyed in 1852. In 1840 William 
Adams settled on section 12 ; in 1842 Jacob Sells, 
Elijah Olmstead, Daniel Davis and Lewis H. 
Burroughs made a beginning here. The village 
of Yorktown was started in 1846 on section 6 ; 
the men who were interested in the enterprise 
were W. and S. Dow, R. H. and S. W. Sheldon 
and the McKinzies. Among the first settlers 
were M. A. Myers, H. Hays, D. Baity, W. H. 
Chase, Alden Booth and Henry Thackaberry. Much 
of the land in this township has been reclaimed by 
a system of ditches and at the present time fur- 
ther improvements in the drainage line is being 
perfected. The feeder to the Hennepin canal 
passes through the township, entering on the 
northeast corner of section 2 and goes out at the 
southwest corner of section 36. Yorktown Cor- 
ners has had for many years one and two stores, 
blacksmith shop and postoffice: the land in this 
vicinity is of the finest (|uality. The population 
by the census of 1900 numbered 921. The super- 
visors of this township have served as follows : 

Jacob Sells. 1851-1852. 

Hiram McKinzie, 1853-1854. 

James Cain, 1855-1856. 

George Whiting, 1857-1858. 

Salmon Jewell, 1859. 

S. W. Sheldon. 1860. 

R. H. Sheldon. 1861-1862. 

G. P. SrcKav, 1863. 

N. J. Hogehoom, 1864. 

Van S. Eastian, 1865-1872. 

W. W. Craddock, 1873-1877. 

S. L. Whiting, 1878-1880. 

George Burden, 1 881-1, ss:!. 

L. W. Brown, 1884-1892. 

J. E. Bunker, 189.3-1898. 

William C. Dale, 18ii!i-1906. 



GOLD. 

Gold township was not organized until 1852. 
Up to that time it was a part of Fairfield town- 
ship. The first settler that we have any record of 
was Samuel Mathis, who built on section 12, in 
1850, about the same time that Jlilton Cain moved 
onto section 5 and Jacob Walters on 26, James 
Limerick on 28, and James Neff on section 20. 
In 1851 David Marple and George Detro settled 
on section 27. In 1852 Joseph Johnson from 
Kentucky came. He was a unique character and 
for many years had a blacksmith shop near the 
center of section 26. This township originally 
had a large amount of low land that was over- 
flowed much of the time and was considered almost 
worthless. Green river runs through the entire 
township from east to west, being a sluggish 
stream with a poor outlet. In times of high water 
large tracts of land were submerged, but in 1874 
the river was straightened and deepened and much 
of the land has been reclaimed and become pro- 
ductive. Previous to the 1894 ditch some drain- 
age had been perfected. A ditch was started on 
section 15 and ran southwest to the center of the 
west line of section 22, then northwest to section 
six, where it united with the river. Gold origi- 
nally had some fine timber land. Long Island 
Grove, Trading House Grove were especially fine 
bodies of woodland. The latter received its name 
from a trading post which was located there at 
a very early date and for years after it was aban- 
doned by the traders the cabin was used by hunt- 
ers as a camp house. One Thomas Ilartzell was 
one of the Indian traders as early as 1839 and 
was stationed at this place. He was from Penn- 
sylvania and his description of this then wild and 
unsettled country was published throughout the 
east and attracted much attention. The feeder of 
the Hennepin canal passes through this township, 
it enters on section one and has a general direc- 
tion a little west of south and passes oiit on sec- 
tion 34. The population of Gold township in 1900 
was 766. The following iiann'il men have served 
as supervisors : 

Joseph Johnson. 1853-54. 

Eben Boyden, 1855. 

Jasper Wood, 1856-57. 

A. W. Boyden, 1858. 

Andrew Marple, 1859. 

A. Morrasy, 1860-61. 

Jasper Wood, 1862. 

A. S. Lathrop, 1863. 

A. Miirrasy, 1861. 

Andrew Marple. 

A. Morrasv, 1866-1873. 

Robert Readv, 1874. 

S. W. Jackson. 1875. 

Robert Readv, 1876-79. 

Nehemiah Spratt. 1880-81. 

A. Morrasv, 1882-8-1. 

J. D. Ellis, 1885. 

R. A. Lathrop, 1886. 



110 



I'AST AXD PRESENT OF BL KEAl' lOUMY. 



W. Thoma?. 1S8T-S8. 
M. 11. Blanding. 1889-90. 
F. W. Morrasv, 1891-94. 
S. W. Smith,' 1895-98. 
F. W. Alorrasv, 1899-03. 
Wm. McCabe. 1904-06. 

M.VNLIUS. 

The towiisliip of ]\Ianliiis was not organized 
until 1854. Up to that time it wai^ a part of 
Greenville. The first settler was Sylvester Bar- 
ber, who went tliere in 1847 and built on section 
5. Near him Mr. D. Hill commenced a farm 
and in 1848 Alien Lathop settled on section 9. 
This pi'oporty is on llic voad tliat jiasses by tlie 
present town of Manliiis and was afterward the 
home of Harrison Hays, who will long be re- 
membered from his eccentric ways. In 1850 W. 
N. Hewitt, Dr. Moore and Townsend Fletcher 
settled on Sections 14 and 36, the latter being 
near HickoiT Grove. In 1851 Thomas Rinehart. 
Henrv Hooper, Jacob Scibol, Jesse Gain and 
Thomas Hope moved into the township and about 
this time the town of Truxton was platted with 
streets and alleys and blocks and lots were num- 
bered, but it proved to be only a paper city. A 
branch of the Northwestern railroad running 
from Sterling to Peoria passes through this town- 
sliip from north to south, entering near the west 
line of section two ami hears a little to the west 
and leaves the township near the west corner of 
section 34. On section 15 is located the village 
of Manlius. It has had a fair growtli and being 
surrounded by a fine farming country will prob- 
ably continue to increase in size and business. It 
was incorporated on June 31, 1905. This town- 
ship, previous to the building of this new road 
in 1901, divided its trade between Shelfield, Wya- 
net and Walnut, but now it ha.« elevators and 
stockvards aiul other railroad facilities within its 
borders. 

From 185.3 to 1K56 a large number from Ver- 
mont settled in Manlius township. Among the 
numlier were M. 1). Carpenter, the first supervisor, 
A. M. Kinsnnin, Sanford Hatch, Jason Jeffords, 
Nathan Harrington. Hiram Fisk, Oliver Badger, 
and George Martin. Some of them lived there 
for nuiny years, but strange as it may seem, not 
one of them or their descendants are now to be 
found within her borders. On section eleven is 
found what is known as Gooseberry island and is 
surrounded by a marsh which is said to contain 
large beds of peat. .\n effort is being nuidc to 
form a comi)any to pre])are this peat for fuel. 
In the last half of the sixties Jacob Seibel. living 
on section nine, erected a macliine shoj) upon his 
farm and j)laced maeiiinerv in it for the manufac- 
turing of self iiinding reapers, drawing bis mate- 
rial from Shellield, a distance of about eight miles. 
Ho completed several machines and placed them 
on the market and trial tests were made with 
them, but they jiroved lo be too heavy and cuni- 
l)erPome to do satisfactorv work, but the constrtic- 



tion of them showed that Mr. Seibel had great 
inventive powers and had he followed it up and 
made the needed changes it would probably have 
become one of the competing reapers of today. 
The experiments cost him many thousand dollars. 
The population of this town was 793 in 1900. 
The supervisors of Manlius have been as follows : 

M. D. D. Carpenter, 1855. 

Thomas Hope, 185(i. 

A. B. Kinsman, 1857. 

Milo Foote, 1858. 

A. B. Kinsman. 1859-60. 

C. L. Kelsey, 1861-62. 

A. B. Kinsman. 1863. 

G. W. Kolp, 1864. 

A. .1. Stanchficld, 1865-67. 

L. Major. 1868-70. 

Van drmer, 1871. 

A. B. Kinstnan, 1S7"3. 

O. Smith, 1873. 

I>. :Major, 1874-75. 

William :Mercer, 1876. 

Joseph Barrett, 1877-79. 

J. P. White, 1880-88. 

.1. P. FoUett, 1889-93. 

S. P. Burns, 1894-95. 

J. P. Follett. 1896-99. 

T. H. Dale. 1900-03. 

J. T. l\Iartin, 1904-06. 

HriiKAU. 

Bureau township can boast of having the senior 
settler in this county. Here on the virgin soil and 
beside the jtrimeval grove Henry Thomas made 
the first stroke of civilization in all this great area 
of territory in 1828. He it was who nuide these 
silent prairies and leafy woods echo and re-echo 
to the crack of his rifle and the sound of the 
sturdy stroke of his well aimed blows with the 
ax. In 1S3I) E/.ekiel Thomas and .\lirani St rat- 
ton settled near him, and John Sherly also made 
a claim this year on section 13. In 1834 John 
Gay, C. C. Corss, George Hinsdale and George 
Bennett came into the settlement. C. C. Corss and 
George Hinsdale biiill one nt' the first sawmills 
in tlie ediinty. This proved to be a great blessing 
to tlie ]ie(i|)'(\ MS Bureau timber was noted for 
its fine (piality for building purposes and with 
the aid of this mill the settlers provid(>d homes 
for their families niucli more satisfactorily than 
they otherwise could. In 1837 Xiiholas Smith and 
Samuel Fay arrived at the settlement, .\mong the 
early home makers may be named William ^lat- 
son. Isaac lleaton. Svlvester S. Newton. Thomas 
Tilson. Jesse Ballard. G. A. Mowry. Janu^s :Mor- 
rison and J. X. Hall. This townshi]) is not 
toucheil by any railroad. c<>nse(|uently it has tio 
village or ]dace of trade within its bcu-di'rs. The 
people in the northern ])art have a good market 
town in Walnut and the .south(M-n pari in Wyanet. 
One of tlii^ olil lanilmarks of ibis township was 
what was known as the Stee])le church of West 
Bureau. This was organized as a Methodist Epis- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



117 



copal cluircli in 1832. It was reorganizod in 1855. 
Tills cluirch for many years was in a flourishing 
condition and had a large and intelligent aihii- 
ence but time is a great leveler of human experi- 
ences. Today we live and, as we think, lift our 
liand of influence and raise our voice of power, 
Init. alas, tomorrow comes, the hand is withered, 
the voice is still, the world heeds it not but moves 
on and the wave of forgetfulness, ])asses over the 
scene, and only the never-dying influences of our 
lives live on. So with this old church, its bell 
ha.« ceased its soimding, its steeple has fallen to 
the ground, its doors no longer turn upon their 
hinges and the church itself is no longer a place 
of worship, but has become a garner and a shelter 
for the beasts of burden. So all that is life is 
the ever living flow of good or evil that has ema- 
nated from the moral and religious teachings re- 
ceived within her walls. This churcli was located 
on the top of the hill just east of the big spring 
which attracted much attention in early times. 
The writer well remembers the delight he experi- 
enced the first time he was permitted to drink 
of its Avholcsome beverage, having recently come 
from New England, a land that aliounds in bub- 
l)ling springs. We were constantly looking and 
longing for the sight of one here, so when this 
Inirst upon our vision we cried like one of old. 
Eureka ! The population of this township in 
1900 was 761. The names of those who have 
served as supervisors are as follows : 

C. C. Corss. 1851-53. 

William M. ^Martin, 1854-55. 

C. C. Corss, 1856. 

Harrison Epperson. 1857. 

C. Langworthv, 1858. 

J. E. Terwilliger. 1859. 

U. J. Trimble, 1860. 

C. Langworthv. 1861. 

J. Heaton, 18'63. 

C. A. Heaton, 1863. 

Levi Blancbard, 1864-65. 

C. C. Corss, 1866-67. 

R. .Tenkinson, 1868-70. 

Levi Bbincbard. 1871-73. 

U. J. Trimble, 1874-76. 

Thomas j\Towrv, 1877. 

r. J. Trimble', 1878-81. 

John Heckner, 1883-83. 

U. J. Trimble. 1884. 

N. A. TTarrincrton. 188,5-87. 

J. Heehtner, 1888-91. 

S. R. Spratt, 1892-93. 

Thomas Vaughn, 1894-97. 

C. TLarrinffton. 1898-99. 

Fred Schultz. 1900-1906. 

DOVER. 

The first settler in Dover township was John L. 
.\uient. He made a claim on section 13 in 1829. 
'I'his farm was afterward owned by C C. Weibel. 
Sylvester Brigham followed the same year and 
made a claim, then returned east, and did not 



])ermauently locate in this townsbi|) till 1830. 
In 1831 James Foristall came. George Hinsdale 
settled the same year on section 13, where J. Tay- 
lor afterward lived. James Garvin, Greenbury 
Hall and D. Ellis came in 1833. The first black- 
smith's shop was luiilt l)y Aliram Music on the 
J. T. Thomas farm. This was said to be the 
second shop built in the county. John Elliott, 
Marshall Mason and James Wilson were early 
settlei's on the west side of Bureau creek. East 
Bureau creek runs angling through the township, 
entering on section 13, and passes out on section 
31. Along this creek there is still much valuable 
timber, and the land on l)otli sides of the stream 
is in a high state of cultivation and the farms are 
well improved, having good buildings and good 
fences. The inhabitants are alive to the present 
issues of the day. Dover village is beautifully lo- 
cated on the east side of the township. As early 
as 1837 it was laid out by Eli Ijapsley, and was 
called Livingston, but was afterward changed to 
Dover. Isaac Delnow and Theodore Nichols built 
and started the first store. Before the Burlington 
road was ojiened Dover had a large trade from the 
surrounding country, and even after that she held 
quite a trade. Mr. A. L. Steele for many years 
did a large, profitable business, but in 1870 the 
branch road from Mendota to Clinton was built, 
which cut off most of its northern trade, so that 
at the present time there is but a small trade left. 
In February, 1857, the citizens of Dover called a 
meeting to consider the feasibility of starting an 
academy, and after discussing the question thor- 
oughly it was decided that the enterprise was a 
worthy one and that a building should be erected 
for that purpose. It was located on land donated 
by Charles C. Ingalls, on block 4. Ingalls" addi- 
tion. This addition is just over the line in Berlin 
townsbiji. There were forty-one stockholders in 
the institution, and it was first called Dover In- 
stitute. The first trustees were Samuel Mohler, 
Joseph Brigham, John Bellanger, H. M. Abel and 
William Stacey. H. M. Abel was made presi- 
d.ont. Joseph Brigham vice ])rrsiil('iit. .Tobn Bel- 
lanaor treasurer and AVilliam Stai-cv secretarv. 
The building cost $5,099.57. The Hrst principal 
was D. F. Edwards. He commenced his labors 
May 10, 1858. On account of ill liealth Mr. Ed- 
wards resigned in 1859 and died soon after on a 
trip to California. Rev. Albert Ethridge had 
charge of the institution from 1859 to 1861, when 
he contracted for the use of the building foi five 
years. It then was entirely under the management 
of Mr. Ethridge. The institution was incorpoi-ated 
in 1859, and after that was called Dover .\cademy. 
Mr. Ethri.dge by agreement was released from liis 
contract in 1863. From April, 1861. 1o 1867 
D. F. Heard was in charge of the school IFc was 
followed by ^V. F. Yocum and George Wells for 
a few years. Ariel- this for nearly ten years there 
was no school, but in 1876 the building was re- 
paired and another story added at the cost of 



lis 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



$2,500. Tliis up|)ur storv was in one room and 
used for a public hall. Prof. J. W Cook and 
his assistant opened the doors of the old academy 
for a new race in educational life. The school con- 
tinued two years under their instruction and was 
noted as being a thorough and well managed in- 
stitution, but Messrs. Cook and Carter left, and 
tliL' school struggled along for a short time, but 
iinallv The patronage was not sufficient to main- 
tain it, and it was closed. The building now is 
under the auspices of the Congregational church, 
and is used as a deaconess' home. Dover Academy 
fullilled its mission, and all over Bureau county 
will be found men and women past middle life 
that will tell you of the profitable days spent in 
the old academy at Dover. Eev. Ethridge is one 
of the men of tliis county who has left his impress 
for good ujjon all with whom ho came in contact. 
Bureau county was bettered for having this school, 
and this school was particularly fortunate in hav- 
ing Eev. Ethridge for its principal. Dover village 
was incorporated in 1873. The population of the 
township in 1000 was, including the village, 1076 ; 
the corporation contained 210. The history of the 
Congregational church of Dover will be found in 
the sketch of Eev. William Anderson. Tlie fol- 
lowing-named men have served as supervisors : 

Enoch Lumry, 1851-54. 

Damarcus Ellis, 1855. 

William C. Stacy, 185(;-57. 

Simon Elliott, 1858-50. 

S. Triplett, 18G0. 

Enoch Lnnirv, 18G1. 

T. W. Nichols, 1862. 

J. Proutv, 1863. 

T. W. Nichols, 18G4. 

Enoch Lumrv, 1865. 

T. W. Nichols, 1866-68. 

E. N. Coulter, 1860-71. 

W. P. E McKinstry, 1872. 

George W. Palmer, 1873. 

Simon Elliott, 187-1. 

Warren Poole, 1875-79. 

.Jonathan Hoyt, 1880-85. 

C. N. Palmer, 1886. 

.Jonathan Hoyt. 1887-90. 

11. S. Swarts, 1891-94. 

Aaron Dunbar, 1895-1902 

.1. II. Coddington. 1903-06. 

niCRUX. 
Berlin and Dover townships were settled almost 
simultaneously in 1829, and by two brothers, Jolin 
E. .Vriient on section 13 in Dover, and Justus 
.'\incnt in Berlin on section 18. These two sec- 
tions join. Elijah Phillijis bought out Anient a 
short time before he was killed by the Indians. 
Elias Isaac and Eichard blaster came in 1834, the 
latter settling on section 6. As early as 1836 Mr. 
Masters became an expert in surveying and es- 
tablishing roads. About 1835 Tliomas Cole, J. 
W. and Israel ITuffaker and John Wise came. 
Mr. Wise came from North Carolina. In 1836 



George Clark, the father of Samuel and Josephus, 
built a frame house on section 19. This is said 
to "be the first frame house built in the township 
and about the first frame house Ijuilt on the 
prairie in the county. This old homestead is still 
in possession of the family, being owned by S. P. 
Clark. Soon after this Enos and Sidney Smith, 
^lartin Zearing and Oden Smith made farms on 
the prairie. The last two named on section 30. 
Among the early settlers should be named Nathan 
Eackley, who came here from Vermont in 1836 
and settled in Berlin township, on section 29, where 
he lived many years, but in later life lived in 
Maiden, where he passed away a few years since 
at the ripe old age of ninety-odd years. He was 
the father of George Eackley, who has been an 
active and useful citizen of Bureau county during 
his long life. C. G. Eeed, John Ballanger, I. 
Judd, W. 1']. Dunliam, Pelettah Eackley and S. 
Mohler. The village of Maiden, in this township, 
was platted in 1856 by B. L. Smith. Enos Smith 
and W. C. Stacey bought him out and laid otf the 
addition north of the railroad. It was originally 
called Wiona, but was changed to Maiden. The 
population of Berlin in 1900, including Maiden 
and a part of Dover village, was 1052. The part 
of Dover village was 37 and Maiden 309. The 
names of tlie supervisors are as follows : 

Enos Smith, 1851-55. 

J. L. Olds, 1856. 

Charles G. Eeed, 1857. 

William W. Lewis, 1858. 

Enos Smith, 1859. 

George Eackley, 1860-70. 

Enos Smith, 1871-73. 

George Eackley, 1874-75. 

J. D. Phillips, 1876-78. 

George Eackley, 1879-82. 

J. D. Phillips, 1883. 

W. L. Isaac, 1884. 

George Bahr, 1885. 

W. L. Isaac, 188G. 

M. F. Laughlin, 1887-88. 

J. A. Perry, 1889-94. 

J. E. Pierson, 1895-1902. 

W. T. Piper, 1903-06. 

■WKST FIELD. 

As early as 1830 Mason Dimmick staked out a 
claim which embraced nearly all of Lost Grove. 
He also began to build a cabin about where Ar- 
lington now stands, but he never finished it. After 
about two years of roughing he finally abandoned 
cabin, claim and all, and for several years there 
was no further attempt to settle this township. 
In 1834 a Mr. Hough completed Dimmick's cabin 
and occu]iicd it for some time, but l)ecoming lone- 
some and dissatisfied with his location, as there 
was no prospect of over having any neighbors, he 
offered cabin and claim for twentj'-five dollars. 
No one seemed to make this purchase, so the claim 
was again abandon(>(l and all of the improvements 
went to decay, and for five years the territory of 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUKEAU COLfXTY. 



119 



Westfield was without liuiium liabitation, but the 
wolf aud deer were iniich in evidence, and great 
sport was had in tlie ehase during these years. In 
ISrlO Benjaniiu Briggs and Michael Kennedy, Sr., 
settled in this township. Also David l?oth, a con- 
tractor on the Illinois Central railroad, built on 
section 10. In 1843 Daniel Cahill and David 
Lyon settled on sections 2G aud 37. George W. 
Gil)Son settled on section 8, ai'terwanl owned by 
James AVaugh. Peter Cassaday, Elijah Little and 
David Nicholas were among the lirst settlers. 
After 1843 settlers began to come to this part of 
the county. Arlington was laid out by James 
A\'augh about the time the Burlington railroad 
went througli, in 1853. Nathan Linton kept tlie 
first store and was also the first grain dealer. 
J. C. Gibbons bought grain and sold lumber on 
the south side of the railroad, but reverses came 
to him and he moved west. The first black- 
smiths were Luke Lawler and Charles Westeote. 
The first physician was Dr. Pyronet. He was 
followed by Dr. Tuttle and Dr. George. The first 
carpenters were Tan Law, Clint Eobinson and 
Albert Morgan. The first hotel was opened by 
James Waugh. In 1854 Peter Cassaday platted 
an addition to the southwest of the town. Sidney 
Gray and L. 0. Hills kept a store for some years 
in Arlington. Mr. Gray now lives in Nebraska 
and Mr. Hills is in the south. Nathan Graj', who 
was one of the active men for many years in 
Bureau county, moved upon his farm in Westfield 
in 1852, where he resided rmtil his death, in 
1892, having lived beyond four score years. Most 
of the early settlers of this township, like all of 
the others in this county, have finished their 
course on earth and joined the great majority, and 
all that is mortal in their being is returning to the 
natural elements. 

Arlington was incorporated June 8, 1874. West- 
field township, b}' the census of 1900. including 
the village of Arlington, had a population of 1118; 
the corporation of Arlington, 400. The following 
are the names of those who have served as super- 
visors : 

Michael Kennedy, Jr., 1851. 

Edmund Polke, 1853. 

Michael Kennedy, Jr.. 1853. 

Nathan Gray, 1854. 

John C. Gibson, 1855. 

Nathan Gray, 1856-59. 

Michael Kennedy, Jr., 1860-62. 

H. I. Briggs, 1863-04. 

Michael Young, 1865-66. 

C. Gray, 1867. 

J. McCreedv, 1868-71. 

DaBiel Bouden, 1872. 

James S. Willaon, 1873. 

James MeCreedy, 1874-75. 

Martin Corley, 1876-77. 

Louis Zearing. 1878. 

Michael Skeffington, 1879-1900. 



.John Dwyer, 1901-05. 
S. P. Prescott, 1906. 

HALL. 

The township of Hall in 1880 had a population 
of 1058. Twenty years later, in 1900, it had a 
population of 9844. and it has greatly increased 
since then. Its principal industry is mining. 
\Mthin the boundaries of Hall township may be 
found the city of Spring Yalle}', corporations of 
Ladd. Marquette, Dalzell, Seatonville and Cherry. 
All of these towns are given over to coal mining. 
\'ast shipments of coal are sent to different parts 
of the country. The facilities for shipping are 
very superior, as it has several lines of railroad 
Ijcsides having a frontage on the Illinois river. 
The population embraces nearly every^ nationality 
on the globe. Southern Europe is largely repre- 
sented. The first settler was Eeason Hall, who 
located on section 34 in 1828. In 1833 Henry 
J. Miller built on section 33 and William Miller 
on section 36. The same year Edward Hall settled 
on section 39 and William Swan on section 19. 
J. Whitehead. Eobert Scott, A. Wixani, Alexander 
Holbrook and Martin Tompkins were among the 
early arrivals. Daniel Webster early owned a 
tract of land in Hall township, which was after- 
ward owned by his son. Calvin Combs, Samuel 
J. Williams and Moses Tichner came previous to 
1840. One of the iinest geological collections in 
the state is that of James Murray, who was born 
in Scotland in 1820 but has lived in Hall for many 
years. This collection has been gathered with 
great care and has attracted the attention of the 
geologists from all parts of the country. The pop- 
ulation in 1900 was, including Spring Valley, 
Ladd and Seatonville, 9844, of which Spring Val- 
ley had, in the first ward, 704; second ward, 968; 
third ward, 639; fourth ward, 2474, and fifth 
ward, 1439; total in Spring Valley, 6214; Ladd, 
1324; Seatonville, 909. The supervisors have been 
as follows : 

John W. Pennell, 1851. i 

Abram Wixam, 1852. 

C. W. Combs, 1853. 

John E. Terwilliger, 1854-55 

H. W. Munson, 1856. 

H. W. Terrv. 1857-60. 

J. W. Pimrell, 1861. 

H. Snyder. 1862-63. 

H. W. Terrv, 1864-65. 

J. H. Seaton, 1866-68. 

H. W. Terry, 1869-70. 

H. J. Miller, 1871. 

Henry Snyder, 1873-81. 

James H. Seaton, 1883-84. 

G. Castondyck, 1885. 

W. Dixon, '1886. 

M. E. Eobinson, 1887. 

P. J. Smith. 1888. 

J. O'Hare. 1889-90. 

J. B. Nelson, 1891-94. 

John Weisenberger, 1895. 



120 



PAST AND PHKSEXT OF BLHEAU COFXTY. 



J. B. Xclson, 1896-98. 
C. E. Dalzell, 1899-1905. 
James Nelson, 190(i. 

SKLBY. 

Selby township lies east of Princeton, and 
tliroufrli it pass Bureau, Brush and Negro creeks. 
It was early settled \>y the Seatons, Kellums, 
Searles auJ Ilaslers. These families have been 
widely known throughout the county. The first 
settlers were Amos and Daniel Dimniick; then 
Judge Hoskins came. Negro creek is said to be 
named from a negro by the name of Enoch Love, 
who early settled near it. Selljy contains a large 
German ])opulation. There is quite a little broken 
land in Selby, l)ut it also contains some very line 
])raii-ie farms. Eike Hall it is underlaid with coal, 
and several shafts have been worked for many 
years. 

De Pne is in the south part of this township, 
and was named for an early Indian tiader. It 
was formerly called Trenton, but was changed to 
De Pue in 1860. De Puc is situated on Lake De 
Pue, an arm of the Illinois river. It is about 
three miles long, and is a bcaiitiful little Ijody 
of water. For many years thei-e were great quan- 
tities of ice put up hero and shipped south in the 
summer, but the ice plants of today have ruined 
the industry. Benjamin Newell laid out the town 
in is.jO. and it was a line shipping point until the 
railroads were put through the county. For many 
years De Pue has Ijeen going to decay, until 1904 
a company bought up a large tract of land adjoin- 
ing the corporation and people began to wonder 
what was tn ha]ipen, but finally it develoj)ed that 
it was til lie the site of a great zinc plant, and 
De Pui', being aroused from her long sleep, began 
to talk of the futui-e instead of the past, and now 
the streets of this long dead town hum with the 
activities of business. The zinc plant has already 
spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and the 
works are not nearly complete. When linisbed it 
will be one of the great industrial plants of the 
state. The population of Selbv, including Hol- 
lowayville and De Pue, was 1662 in 1900. De Pue 
had 188 and HoUowayville SOT. The supervisors 
have been as follows : 

William IFoskins, 18.51-54. 

W. P. E. McKinstry, 1855. 

William Hoskins, ]85(). 

'I'hoiiias Tustin, 1857-61. 

J. S. Searl, l.S(i-^. 

J. Smith, 1863. 

II. F. Woodin, 1864. 

Joseph U. Keis, 1865. 

J. J. Long, 1866. 

H. F. Woodin, 1867-70. 

Joseph N. Keis, 1871-72. 

n. H. ]{awsoii, 18:3. 

S. P. Salmon, 1874-76. 

M. S. Ketch. 1877. 

Henry Stadler, 1878. 

M. M. Martin, 1879-81. 



George Iloppler, Jr., 1882-85 

M. M. Martin, 1886. 

George Hoppler, Jr., 1887. 

M. M. Martin, 1888. 

J. S. Searl, 1889-95. 

B. N. Dunteman, 1896-1901. 

Paul J. Smith. 1902-06. 

CO.NCOIID. 

Concord for many years was the second town- 
ship in ])opulation and wealth in the county; in 
fact, held that jiosition until the development of 
the coal lii'lds in Hall, which cDuimeneed in the 
iirst half of the eighties. This township has two 
muiHcipalities: Sheffield on the west line, on 
section 19, and Buda on the south line on section 
34. It is crossed by four railroads and the canal. 
The Eock Island road passes a little south of the 
center and runs across the entire township from 
east to west. The Burlington cuts off about 
three sections of the southeast corner. The 
North-Western passes through the township from 
nortli to south. The Rushville branch goes from 
Buda south. The canal extends in a northwesterly 
direction through the entire township; it enters 
on section 13 and passes out on section 6. It 
will bo seen by this. Concord township will never 
suffer for transportation facilities. The Iirst set- 
tler is said to have been Thomas Ilartzell, who 
bad a temporary trading ])ost there as early as 
1833. Thornton Cummings came to French 
Grove in 1834; Caleb Moore came in 1835, and 
lived in the cabin the Indian trader Hartzell had 
left. Soon after Moore, a J. G. Reed settled on 
section 30. In 1836 John Stevens, T. J. Stevens, 
Josejib Lyford, Judge Jes.se Emmcrson and Moses 
Stevens settled near Bulbona Grove: soon after 
Peter Fifield, James Carroll, Samuel Fifield, 
Joseph Foster, C. P. and Jolm Ma.«on, S. Brain- 
ard and others came. Jolm Stevens built the 
first saw-mill on section 3S in 1840. Buda was 
jilatted in 1854, soon after the completion of the 
railroad to that point. Previous to the locating 
of Buda. the people in that vicinity Tised to 
gather at the postoffice, which was kept at French 
Grove. Buda was named from Buda in the king- 
dom of Hungary, under the dominion of Austria. 

Judge Emmerson laid off a part of his land for 
tbe town ])lnt anil James S. Zink ]ilatted the 
west side, where the business ]iart of the town 
is located. The first store was opened by Judge 
Emmer.son ; he al.«o started several other enter- 
l>risis that added to tiie business of the village. 
W. II. Bloom erected the second store. Dr. Hol- 
toii came in 1855. He was tbe first physician to 
locale in Buda. 

At one time Buda had quite an extensive manu- 
facturing trade. The Stewart mill had a capac- 
ity of one hundred barrels a day. The Buda 
^fanufactuiing Ci)m])any was organized in 1869. 
Captain Bufus Ford, jiresident, ami J. B. Stew- 
art, treasurer. This company at first manufac- 
tured agricultural im])lemcnts. in 1881 the 




ELM STEEET, PEINCETON 



I 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



123 



works were leased to a Mr. Chandler, superin- 
tendeut of the motive power of the C. B. & Q. 
railroad. In 1883 a charter was obtained and the 
name changed to the Ford & Mason Company, 
with a paid-up capital of $34,000, but after a 
few years the works were removed near Chicago. 
In 1864 a coal shaft was sunk by John H. Eobin- 
son at his farm on section 25 and for some years 
a po.?totfice, named Lovejoy, was located there, but 
the enterprise iiually was abandoned. 

Buda was chartered under the present law in 
1872. Its previous charter was by a special act. 
Sheffield was laid out by the Sheffield Mining 
and Transportation Company in 1852. The vil- 
lage was named after Joseph E. Sheffield, of New 
Haven, Connecticut, who was one of the original 
owners of the large tract of land Imught of J. G. 
Keed by the above named company; the otlier 
heavy stockholders were: Charles Atkinson, 
Henry Farnliam and Ebenezer Cook. This com- 
pany did business for somewhere around fifty 
years. The coal from the Sheffield mines was 
drawn out on an inclined track. The Pock 
Island railroad used most of the coal for many 
years. The first store wa.s opened in 1852 by E. 
Smith. The railroad reached Sheffield in the fall 
of 1853 and was the terminus for a time. This 
made Sheffield a place of distinction, also a place 
of great activity. Stage lines were established 
between there and Bock Island ; passengers came 
pouring in from all quarters, and as a result of 
this, Sheffield was over-run with strangers waiting 
for the next stage to start and when it did go, it 
was loaded down and still could not accommodate 
all of those anxious to go further west. This was 
a time when a large number were emigrating to 
Illinois and Iowa, but in December the road was 
completed to Geneseo and that removed the con- 
gestion to Geneseo. Mr. Alex Ruthven was the 
first secretary of the mining company. H. C. 
Porter followed Puthven and left in 1875 ; his 
memory is held in high regard by all who knew 
him. A part of Sheffield's fine school librarv was 
donated by him. Since then Mr. A. W. Boyden 
has ably managed the same. The railroad erected 
an elevator in 1855 and A. G. Scott, another in 
1860. J. G. Peed was the first settler. Sheifield 
has always had a fine trade and its Inisiness men 
have been of the progressive type. Sheffield was 
chartered imder the pre.sent law, in Mav, 1883. 
Previous to that it was chartered under a special 
act. 

Concord, including the corporations of Sheffield 
and Buda in 1890, had a population of 2,965; 
the village of Buda, 873. and Sheffield, 1,205. 

The names of those who luive served as super- 
visors are as follows: 

George Wilkinson, 1851. 

Thomas Stevens, 1852. 

John Mason. 1853. 

T. C. Dow, 18.54. 

Moses Stevens, 185.5-56. 



M. G. Loverin, 1857-58. 
\Vm. M. \\'hipple, 1859. 
J. L. Sweet, 1860-61. 
J. M. Curtis, 1862-63. 
W. Fairman, 1864. 
W. P. Lawton, 1865-71. 
Jesse Emmerson, 1872. 
W. F. Lawton, 1873. 
Josiah Battev, 1874. 
J. L. Sweet," 1875-78. 
J. M. Curtis, 1879-83. 
Augustus Myers, 1884-85. 
C. P. Mason, 1886. 
Augustus Myers, 1887-91. 
J. M. Curtis, 1892-93. 
C. C. Pervier, 1894-99. 
A. D. Boal, 1900-03. 
E. W. Lawton, 1904-06. 

MINERAL. 

Mineral township, so named on account of a 
large part of it being underlaid with coal, lies 
west of Concord. The north part of this town- 
ship is low and was in early times under water 
during the spring and early summer; but under 
the sy.stem of drainage, much if it has become 
valuable land. Barren Grove stretches across the 
south part and originally contained much good 
timber. J. G. Reed is said to be the oldest set- 
tler, having built the first house here in 1836. 
Tliomas Grattige came in 1838; George Squires, 
Garder Mills and James Carroll came in 1839 ; 
E. D. Kemp settled on section 25 about the same 
time ; Martin Tompkins came to the county in 
1833. George and John Hall were English peo- 
ple and came to Mineral in 1840. John Hall was 
the first postmaster in the township. Elder S. L. 
Pervier was one of the active and useful men of 
Mineral for many years. The township was or- 
ganized and officers elected in 1850 ; E. Kent, a 
justice from Brawby (now Neponset) township, 
administered the oath of office. Enos Campbell 
was chosen moderator ; Thomas Grattige, super- 
visor and treasurer ; Orrin Hazard, clerk ; and 
Enos Campbell, collector. The first child born in 
^fineral was W. S. Reed, son of Green Reed. 
William Riley platted the village of Mineral in 
1857 and opened a store the same year. Calvin 
Cooper also erected a dwelling and a man by tlic 
name of Lenhart a storehouse. Other dwellings 
soon followed and Mineral seemed to prosper for 
a time, but the business activities declined and 
finally there was no place of trade left. But 
about the time the war closed, ^lineral took a 
new start and has constantly improved until now 
it has quite a good trade and some fine homes. 
The first school was taught in the house of Wil- 
liam Riley. Later the township was well pro- 
vided with schoolhouses and the citizens took 
great pride in their schools. One of the noted 
Sac and Fox trails passed through Mineral and 
for many years it wa.s well preserved over what 
is known as Indian Hill. Matson in his reini- 



124 



PAST AXD PHHSENT OF HI l.'KAF COUNTY. 



iiisi-eiuis of Hiiroau coiinlv makes this trail the 
last resting jilace of tlie notorious Mike Girty in 
1836. Mineral, including the village, had in 1900 
a population of 1,258 and the village, 339. 

Tlie following persons have served as super- 
visors: 

Albert Bush, 1851-52. 

James V. Hartley, lS.53-54. 

Jesse F. Abbott. IS.")."). 

Edward D. Kemp, 1856. 

Hiram Humphrey, 1857. 

Silas Battey, 18.58-59. 

W. lAiirman, 1860-61. 

W. P. Buswell, 1862. 

('. W. Abbott, 18fi.S-65. 

S. D. Alibott, 1866-71. 

E. H. Conibear, 1872. 

Hiram Davis. 1873-74. 

C. W. Abbott, 1875-76. 

A. E. Conibear, 1877-78. 

\V. H. Forest, 1879-82. 

C. W. .\bhott. 1883-84. 

W. W. Dewcv. 1S85-87. 

(i. T. Squires, lSSS-!)(i. 

Wilson Uilev, 189:-n2. 

II. A. Sinn/'. 1903-06. 

NEPONSET. 

Xe])()iisot was lii-st named llrawby. in honor of 
Brawby. Kiighuul, as quite a number of English 
people j'roin that locality early settled there. The 
board of supervisors changed the mime to Nepon- 
set in 1866 The name Neponset was suggesetd 
by Myron H Lee who was the first railroad agent 
in Xe])onset. This township was in the military 
tract, and nuiny of the soldiers of 1812 who re- 
ceived patents for land regarded them of little 
worth and ga\(' no attention to locating them, but 
after the county began to settle up and land be- 
came valuable, these old patents were looked up 
and claims made to land already settled and im- 
proved. 'J'his state of alVairs brought about a 
largo amount of litig;ilioii in regard to titles. The 
military tract has already been described in this 
volume, so we nei'd not repeat the boundaries here. 
A large number of the early .settlers were from 
Ensrland. Among lliem were AVilliam Studley, 
who settled on section S in 1836. Soon William 
and (Jeorge Norton and James Tibbetts came. 
Tibbetts settled on section 19 and George Norton 
f)n section 15. Some of the other early arrivals 
were Robert Norton. Levi Lewis, George Bowen 
and E. Kent. The ilepot was built in 1885. M. 
II. lice was the agent for eighteen years, and built 
the first house in the village. The town was 
lilatted in June. 1855, by Colonel ('lark E. Carr 
and Caleb J. Little and Henry (i. Little. It was 
first incorporated under spi'cial act, but in Oc- 
tober, 1882, it was incorporated under the act of 
1872. 

Neponset has had the credit of being one of the 
best stock townshi))s in the county, especiallv in 
hog products. Barren Grove covers the north part 



of the township, but most of the surface is a fine 
undulating ])rairie, which has )nade the farmers, 
as a class, well to do, and many of them may be 
called wealthy. Neponset is underlaid with coal, 
but has never been developed to any great extent. 
The population in 1900, including the village, was 
1224; the village, 51(). 'J'he following-named r)er- 
sons have served as supervisors: 

Ira 0. Beaumont, 1851-52. 

George Norton, 1853-54. ' 

Charles Kent. 1855-56. 

A. J. Marsh, 1857. 

Thomas Sumner, 1858-60. 

C. C. Latimer, 1861-63. 
G. Kobinson, 1864-68. 
James Gerrond, 1869-71. 
M. A. Lewis, 1872-75. 

D. T. Boyer, 1876-77. 
James Gerrond, 1878-81. 
D. T. Bover, 1882. 
James Gerrond, 1883-84. 
J. Lvford, 1885-87. 

1\. Stabler, 1888. 

W. Stabler, 1889-95. 

C. H. Lewis, 1896-97. 

Georsrc T. Bowen, 1898-1901. 

M. d. Scott, 1902-03. 

T. J. Gunning, 1904-06. 

:\iAcox. 

ilaeoii was kiin\\n in the eai-jy liistory of this 
county as Walnut (irovt'. The lirst settlement in 
this township was in 1837, when William l>ates 
built a suuxll cabin on Ihe east side of the grove. 
In 1838 Thonuis :Matlu>r\vell settled on section 20. 
James B. Akins also came this year. Several years 
elapsed before any further settlement was made, 
then Lewis Holmes, T. I. Horton, Charles Wood, 
.'Mien Iloi-ton, Benjamin Stevens, Charles Lee, W. 
H. ]\Iason and George and .lohn Zink soon fol- 
lowed, X. Matson, in his "K'eminiseences of 
r.ureau County," published in 1872, tells of the 
mui'der of li'ev. John Williams at the east end of 
^\■alnut (irove in 1812. This was sixteen years 
before the first white settler stepped a foot on 
Bureau county soil and si.\ years before Hlinois 
was admitted into the TTnion. Matson claims that 
Kev. Williams was a misionary. and was on his 
way from liock Island to Marietta, Ohio, but at 
that time the whole country between (Chicago and 
the Mississijipi, and still on as far as the continent 
extends, was one unbroken wilderness of grove and 
]irairie, and it seems (piite im]irol)able that any 
lone traveler would attemi)t such a journey, and 
much less ])i-obable that an Inilian who had been 
a ]iarly to such a bloody deed would be telling the 
white settlers about it years afterward. Macon 
is a good township of land, and is well improved. 
It has no village or place of trade veithin its bor- 
ders. It is ])urely an agricultural community. Al- 
though it has no commercial center, yet it is in 
close ])i-oximity to Buda, Ne])onset and T,ombard- 
ville. The lirst school is said to have been taught 



I 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



125 



by Miss Elizabeth Haiuiltou in 1857. A log school 
house was liuilt during this year and the district 
comprised the whole townshijj. The lirst election 
was held in 1850, when there were thirteen votes 
cast. The voters were Cyrus Sweet, John and 
George Zink, Charles Wood, James Motherell, 
Samuel Zink, AVilliam Baker, Thomas Motherell, 
Henry Walker, William H. Mason, David Aikin, 
Allen Ilortou and Samuel Maycock. The popu- 
lation of Macon in 1900 was O'JG. Those who have 
served as supervisors are as follows : 

Cyrus Sweet, 1851-52. 

Lewis Holmes, 1853. 

Allen Horton, 1851. 

Lewis Holmes, 1855-57. 

John Richards, 1858. 

Lewis Holmes, 1859-60. 

John Richards. 1861-62. 

L. Mason, 1863-64. 

Charles Chase, 1865-70. 

Benjamin Way, 1871-73. 

Thomas J. Haley, 1871-84. 

M. Anderson, 1885-86. 

J. S. Carper, 1887-1905. 

W. K. Mason, 190G. 

IXDIAXTOWN. 

JIuch of the early history of Indiantown will be 
found in the history of the Providence colony. 
The first settlement was made by one Sampson 
Cole in 1833. This place was known in after years 
as the Kinney farm. Mr. Cole also built the first 
house in what is now the village of Tiskilwa, and 
the ever present "Curt" Williams was also one of 
the early settlers. Peter Bloom and Martin Tom- 
kins settled here in 1835. Then the Kinneys, S. 
Wimple and a man by the name of Burt. The 
old Indian village where the council was held in 
1832 by the Indians was on the present site of 
Tiskilwa. The portion of the village of Tiskilwa 
that lies in Arispie was platted by Dr. A. Lang- 
worthy on his own land in 1836, and named Wind- 
sor. In March of the same year the west part was 
laid off by J. W. Kinney and called West Windsor. 
As is always the case where there are two trade 
centers in a town, there was an intense rivalry 
between Windsor and West Windsor, but finally 
in 1840 the two were united under the name of 
Tiskilwa, which is an Indian word meaning beau- 
tiful valley. Tiskilwa was first incorporated under 
a special act in 1856, and again under the act of 
1872, in 1890. The people of this village have 
for many years maintained a library, to which they 
are constantly making additions of choice litera- 
ture. This one fact shows that the citizens of 
this community are up to date and progressive. 
The population of Indiantown, including that part 
of Tiskilwa that lies within her borders, was, in 
1900, 1271 ; the Indiantown part of Tiskilwa, 469. 
In early times there were several flouring mills 
located along the valley, and they did a flourishing 
business, but the modern way of concentrating all 
kinds of trade and manufacturing has stopped (he 



sound of their grinding and they are all in differ- 
ent states of decay. Indiantown has furnished 
quite a number of nu'n who have been useful and 
influential, both in county and state affairs. The 
names of tlie men who have served as su2)ervisors 
are as follows : 

Asa Barney, 1851-54. 

B. C. Couch, 1855-56. 
L. D. Whiting, 1857-60. 

C. A. Dean, 1861. 
H. B. Smith, 18(;2. 

C. A. Dean, 1863. 

D. Pierson, 1864. 

B. N. Stevens, 1865. 
L. D. Whiting, 1866. 
G. E. Dorr, 1867-68. 
J. H. More, 1869-71. 

C. N. Stevens, 1872. 
J. H. More, 1873-74. 
G. B. Gushing, 1875. 
Duncan Campbell, 1876-78. 
S. G. Soverhill, 1879-85. 

B. G. Dexter, 1886-88. 
S. G. Soverhill, 1889-93. 
G. C. Kellogg, 1894-98. 
S. G. Soverhill, 1899-1906. 

Arispie and Indiantown are so united by the 
village of Tiskilwa that it is hard to separate 
their history. Amos Leonard is said to be the 
first settler, followed by Michael Kitterman in 
1831. Soon after Dr. A. Langworthy, Dave Jones, 
Cyrus Watson, Ferrill Dunn, Elijah Searle, Elder 
J. B. Chenoweth. Alexander Holbrook, Alanson 
Benson and Josejjh Beeler. Dr. James Swanzy and 
Oliver Milling settled in Arispie in 1836, A. M. 
Sheldon in 1837 and Henry Obermire in 1840. 
This township originally had a large amount of 
timber land on both sides of Bureau creek, but 
the south half of the township is prairie land, and 
some of the fine farms of Bureau county are there 
located. Arispie in 1900, including its part of 
Tiskilwa, was 1209; Arispie part Tiskilwa, 496. 
The following were tiie supervisors: 

George McManus, 1851. 

S. E. Morris, 1852-56. 

Alanson Benson, 1857-58. 

Orin Wilkinson, 1850. 

G. M. Radcliffe, 1860. 

B. N. Stevens. 1861-66. 

J. H. Welsh, 1867. 

B. N. Stevens, 1868-70. 

J. H. Welsh, 1871-79. 

Orin Wilkinson, 1880-90. 

William loder, 189] -93. 

Frank J. Nye, 1894-99. 

William Rhodes, 1900-06. 

LEIIPKI'TOWN. 

Leepertown contains only about one-half the 
area of that of a congressional township. It bor- 
ders on the Illinois river, and is very irregular in 
shape. It was named after Jolm Leejiei-. tbc fathei' 



126 



PAST AXD PEESEXT OF BUPEAU COUXTY. 



of n. B. Leepor, of Princeton. The first settler 
was Timothy Perkins. Following him came Uavid 
Xickerson. David 8. Miller, Jesse Perkins, Charles 
Leeper. X. H. Averill was one of the early 
settlers, and many years a supervisor. At one 
time West Hennepin, opposite Hennepin, had quite 
a number of warehouses. Stevens & McConihe did 
quite a business then in shipping grain and pork, 
but when the Rock Island railroad wont through 
^\'est Hennepin gave up the struggle for life, and 
today no trace of its former glory is left. There 
has been a ferry across from this point to Henne- 
pin since 1831. In the forties this was quite a 
shipping point. Bureau Junction, now called Bu- 
reau, is located at the junction of the Peoria 
branch of the Kock Island with the main line. It 
is a small village, and is what we call a railroad 
town, as most of the people are connected in some 
way with the railroad. Leepertown, including 
Bureau village, contained a population of 715; 
Bureau village, 545. The supervisors have been 
as follows : 

William Shields, 1852-53. 

David McElwain, 1854-56. 

James Xickerson, 1857'-62. 

W. M. Shields, 1863-65. 

David McElwain, 1866-68. 

J. C. Ehvne, 1869-70. 

W. M. Shields, 1871. 

N. H. Averill, 1872-75. 

Arzv Masters, 1876-83. 

N. H. Averill, 1884-88. 

S. Russell, 1889-97. 

J. F. McWilliams, 1898-1906. 

■\VHIi:ATL.\ND. 

\\'heatland is only one-half of a congressional 
township. It is mostly fine prairie land, and 
under a good state of cultivation. The noted lone 
tree stood about in the center of this township. 
This was a tall and stately oak that lifted its 
branches heavenward. Here it stood, solitaiy and 
alone. Here it had defied the tempests and the 
storm for countless years. It was a guide and a 
comfort to the early settlers, for it lifted its head 
so high that it could be seen for a long distance, 
and many a weary traveler who had lost his bear- 
ings has been set right by coming in sight of this 
grand old tree. The early settler had great ad- 
miration and reverence for this giant of the 
prairie, but at last it fell in decay and the people 
mourned its loss. The Andersons were very early 
settlers in this township. J. Miller, J. Meritt, 
E. S. Hunter, Raleigh Rich and S. M. Clark were 
also early settlers. Alpheus Cook and Michael 
Jennett came in 1843. In 1841 John Kirkpatrick 
built a sawmill on Crow creek. This township 
was in the military tract, and titles were not easily 
made perfect, and as a result of this WTieatland 
was not settled as early as it otherwise would have 
been. The population in 1900 was 3G9. The 
supervisors have been as follows : 

T. Gordon, 1858-59. 



R. Hunter, 1860-67. 
A. Anderson, 1868-70. 
S. Miller. 1871-78. 
A. Anderson, 187^-77. 
William II. Barto, 1878. 
W. H. Barto, 1879-80. 
A. Anderson, 1881. 
Edward Murphy, 1882-89. 
T. A. Runnells, 1890-93. 
J. L. Dawson, 1894-97. 
T. K. Runnells. 1898-99. 
.Vlbert McKoon. 1900-01. 
W. Clement Sr., 1902-06. 

JIILO. 

The first settler in Milo was Mr. John Dixon, 
who took a claim in 1828 at the head of what has 
been for years known as Boyd's Grove. In 1830 
he sold to Charles S. Boyd, who was for nearly ten 
years the only settler in all that township. Early in 
the forties David Bryant settled on the sijuth side 
of the grove, and Bamev Hagan and a Mr. Clark 
located on the north side. John A Griswold and 
Isaac Sutherland settled on section 22 in 1841. 
About the same time Edwin Merr'ck and A. E. 
May laid claims on sections 2 and 3. Among the 
early settlers were H. Griswold, J. W. Harris, 
J. V. Thompson, R. Steinhauer, C R. Cook, Jo- 
seph Sutherland and R. Hay Milo is one of the 
finest townships of land in the county. The farms 
are in a high state of ctiltivation, and one travel- 
ing through this township cannot but be impressed 
with the thrifty appearance of the farms and 
homes. A few years ago the people were somewhat 
excited at the prospect of finding oil, but no ex- 
tensive prospecting has been made Several gas 
wells have been put down and some gas found. 
The people of Milo are intelligent and progressive 
and many of the farmers have become wealthy and 
moved into adjoining towns For many years 
there has been a store at the grove, and until the 
free rural delivery there was a post office there. 
Milo has no village within her borders, but is well 
located so far as marketing and trade is con- 
cerned, Bradford being the trading point for the 
south part of the township. Lombardsville, Tis- 
kihva and Henry also receive trade from Milo. 
Tlie northwestern railroad runs through the 
south part of the township, entering it on section 
7 and passing out on section 31. Boyd's Grove was 
one of the noted places in the early times in this 
countv. The population of Milo in 1900 was 731. 
The following have served Milo on the board of 
supervisors : 

William B. \Miipper, 1851 

S. M. Clark. 1852-53. 

Jos. W. Harris, 1854. 

Joel Whitmore 185.^. 

J. E. Havs, 1856-57. 

Jos. W. Harris, 1S5S-60. 

R. M. Kerns 1861-64. 

J. L. McCullough, 1865-73 

L. J. Bates, 1874. 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



127 



J. M. Tate, 1875-76. 

Chiu-les Mason 1877 

Jos. W. Harris, 1878. 

J. A. Ohrisman, 1879-81. 

J. L. McCullough, 1882-1903. 

J. E. Monier, 1908-06. 

WYANET. 

JIauy of the early settlers of Wyanet are men- 
tioned in the West Bureau settlement 'J''he very 
flrst api:)roaeh of civilization in Bureau county was 
commenced in Wyanet townsliip l)y Bulbona at 
Bulboua Grove. After him came John M. Gay, 
who settled on section 4. Thomas Washburn came 
in 1831 and settled on section 23, a little west of 
the county farm. Benjamin Lamb amJ James 
Triplett were also settlers about 1834. John Phil- 
lips settled on section 10 in 1833. Also E. Chilson 
on section 35. George Coleman made the first 
improvements on wliat is now the county farm. 
In 1834 Edward and .Vquilla Tripleft made claims. 
Solomon Sapp and Lemuel and liufus Carev came 
in 1835. Ellis and Edward Mercer, Milton Cain, 
Thomas Clark, AVilliam Allen and William Frank- 
erberger were among the early settlers. Ellis Mer- 
cer built in 1837 a sawmill on Big Bureau, section 
37. He also built a mill on section 27. The first 
flouring mill was built on section 35 by Amos 
Jjconard. James Hamrick was among the num- 
ber who settled earlv in the township. West 
Bureau passes tlirough this township and along 
its course quite a good deal of timber is found.. 
Center prairie in this township, is one of the 
richest tracts of land in the countv. V/yanet is 
so located that it can choose eitlier tlie Rock Island 
or Chicago, Burlington and Qu'ncy i-ailroads for 
the transportation of its jjroducts, and when the 
canal is completed it will have another choice. But 
few towns in the state are as favorably located. 
Wyanet for many years was one of the best grain 
markets in this jiart of the state. 

Wyanet village was laid out in 185G by Henry 
King. AVilliam Moffatt put up the iirst house. 
The Iirst man to establish a place of business was 
Franklin Crittenden. The first warehouse was 
erected in 1855. The first carload of grain was 
shipped in 1854 by AVilliam Moffett. The village 
was first incorporated in 1857. This was prior 
to the general law of 1872, and the incorporation 
was by a special act. Wyanet reincorpoiated un- 
der the general law on May 26, 1891. 

The population of AVyanet township, including 
the village of Wyanet, in 1900 was 1803; the vil- 
lage, 902. The names of men who have been 
supervisors are as follows : 

Elijah Hays, 1851. 

James Hamrick, 1852-55. 

Mark Holrovd. 1856. 

E. B. Triplett, 1857-59. 

S. M Knox. 1860. 

H. F. Boyce, 1861-6.;i 

D. T. Nichols, 1863-66. 

JI. M. Tlii>ni])sou, 1867-70. 



James Hamrick, 18; 1-76. 
S. Aldrich, 1877. 
Thomas Jlowry, 1878-80. 
James Hamrick, 1881. 
T. Clark Hays 1882-85. 
E. Mosher, 1886-88. 
W. E. Sapp, 1889. 
T. C. Hays, 1890-91. 
E. Mosher. 1892-95. 
John H. Olds, 189(5-99. 
C. Brown. 1900-06. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 

THE CIVIL WAR. 



On April 12, 1861, the rebel forces under Gen- 
eral Beauregard at Charleston, South Carolina, 
opened fire on Fort Sumter, commanded by Major 
Robert Anderson of the United States army. The 
news of this bombardment went at lightning speed 
from Maine to California and from the lakes to 
the gulf. The whole country was ablaze with ex- 
citement. Bureau county was no exception to the 
general feeling of indignation and patriotism that 
rolled like a great wave over the entire land. Im- 
mediately following the news of the attack on 
Fort Sumter came the call from President Lincoln 
for 75,000 troops. At first people could hardly 
believe the report, but soon they began to realize 
that civil war with all its untold miseries was upon 
them. The people, although shocked at the situa- 
tion, were equal to the occasion. Meetings were 
called, speeches made, recruiting ofBces opened, 
and everything l)egan to take on a serious air. 
From all parts of Bureau county men were ready 
to go to the front. Patriotism that had lain dor- 
mant during the long controversy lietween the 
north and the south in the halls of legislation, now 
l)Iazed forth into a flame of determination that the 
union of the states should not ]>e severed, Imt on 
the contrary the flag should be honored over our 
whole country at whatever cost of blood and 
treasure. Party lines were lost sight of in the one 
single thought of saving the country from disso- 
lution and decay. In less than three days after 
the firing on Sumter S. A. Paddock and F. B. 
Ferris w^ere raising companies for the war. On 
April 22 C'aptain S. A. Paddock's company started 
for Springfield, lieing the first company to leave 
the county. Captain F. B. Ferris left on the 25th 
and Captain Swain on the 29th and Captain 
Page's company left the next day. The influx of 
soldiers was so great at Springfield that only two 
companies were mustered into the three months' 
service, to-wit: Captain Ferris' and Captain 
Swain's companies joined the Twelfth Et'giment 
under Colonel Mc.\rthur. Both of tlu>se coui- 
panies re-enlistcd and Captain Swain and Captain 
Ferris came home and enlisted men io (ill llicir 
respective companies. 



1-JS 



PAST AND PIJESKXT OF lUKKAU COUNTY. 



Tlie ladies caiiglit the iiLsiiiratioii of the hour, 
and many are the deeds of kiiidnes:^ and love that 
flowed from their willing hands. They gave the 
last full measure of their devotion to their eoun- 
trv. Xo sacrifice was too great for their endur- 
ance. 'J'hey gave up husband, fatlier and son that 
our country might live, and many are the boys 
who live today that owe their lives to the quiet 
and gentle care of the Florence Nightingales of 
the Union army. 

In 1860 Bureau county had a jKipulation of 
26,415. The total number of men called for from 
this county was 3,598. Total number of men 
furnished, 3,626. E.xeess of quota, 28. 

No other county outside of Cook did .so much 
for its soldiers as Bureau. It gave $616,862.96 in 
bounties. $13,211.93 for general expenses, $:0,- 
2 1 1.66 for the support of soldiers' families, $97,- 
619.00 interest money. Total expended, $797,- 
911.55. 

The following iiained coinpanit'S wei'C from Bu- 
reau county: 

The Twelfth IJegiment was organized at Cairo 
and muslei-ed in at that place August 1, 1861. 
This regiment had two companies from Bureau 
county, to-wil : IT and I. Company H, William T. 
Swain, Tiskilwa, Captain, mustered August 4, 
1861, died of wounds April 19, 1862; succeeded 
liy John M. Mills, Tiskilwa, mustered April 19, 
1862; resigned April 14, 1865. Wheelock S. Mer- 
rinian was raised to captain but was promoted to 
Miajor. Alexander Brandon, of Sheffield, was mus- 
tered in as captain November 15, 1S64; mustered 
out Jidy 10, 1865. John M. Mills went out first 
lieutenant but was promoted to captain. He was 
followed by Merriman, Brandon, King in the or- 
der named. The second lieutenants were Merri- 
man. Drake and Cook. About eighty men went 
out of Bureau county in this company. January 
1, 1S64, about 20 men veteranized, 17 men were 
received as enlisted recruits and about 30 as 
drafted and sul5stitut(^ recruits. This company 
lost 3 killed; 6 from wounds and di.sease; 28 were 
discharged and 1 deserted. 

Com])any T. Twelfth Kegiment, was officered as 
follows: Frank B. Ferris, Princet<in, captain, mus- 
tered August 1, 1861; killed at Pittsburg Landing. 
George L. Paddock declined to accept. William D. 
Jlills mustered October 8, 1862, term expired 
-Vugust 8, 1864. Kobert Bruton mustered Novem- 
ber 15, 1864, mustered out July 10, 1865. 

First lieulenanls were: Geoi-ge L. Paddoek, Wil- 
liam ]). Jlills, .Vddison A. Jackson and Walton Ij. 
Odell in the order named, all from Princeton. 
Secoud lieutenants: \\'illiam 1). Mills. Princeton, 
jiroHioti'd, succeeded by (Jarwood, Bruton and 
Langworthy in the order named. About one hun- 
dred men went from Bureau county in this com- 
pany; 45 men veteranized Jaiiuaiy 1, 18()4. It 
received 35 men from enlisteil recruits and 16 
from drafted men and substitute recruits. This 
lompany lost 2 killed, 9 from wounds and dis- 



ease. This reginuMit was at Fort Henry and Fort 
Donelson; was engaged two days at Shiloh. when 
109 men were killed and wounded. It was iu the 
siege of Corinth and participated in the battle of 
luka. On October 3 and 4, 1862, in the battle of 
Corinth, the regiment lost 17 killed and 80 
wounded. It was at Lay's Ferry, Kome Cross 
]{oads, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, Nickajack 
Creek, Bald Knob, Decatur, and siege of .Vtlanta. 
It went with Sherman to the sea. 

It was in the campaign around Savannah and 
in the advance north and arrived in Washington 
for the "grand review," and was mustered out at 
Louisville, Kentucky, July 10, 1865. 

Company I of the 27th Kegiment had about 
SO men from Bureau county and vicinity. Its 
first captain was Joseph W. Merrill, of Neponset ; 
resigned March, 1863 : succeeded by William S. 
Bryan, who was killed September 9, 1863. He 
was succeeded by William B. Young, Tiskilwa, 
who died December 16, 1864. He was followed 
by I. (i. Heaps, of Annawan. The first lieutenants 
were Thomas Summer, John .\. Ifussell and 
Charles Grow, all from Neponset. Secontl lieu- 
tenants were John A. Eussell ami Charles Grow, 
both from Neponset, and both i)romoted. This 
regiment participated in the battles of Belmont, 
Fort Donelson, Shiloh, Island No. 10, Fort Pil- 
low, Fai'mington, Corinth, Stone Eiver, Shelby- 
ville, TiillaliDina. Chickamauga, Mission Ridge and 
Kniixville, and in the Atlanta cani[iaign, Kene- 
saw Mountain and many others. 

'J"he 'J'hirty-third Begiment was organized at 
Camj) Butler in August, 1861. The field, officers 
were: Colonel, Charles E. Hovey, of Bloomington; 
mustered in August 15, 1861. Promoted to briga- 
dier general September 5, 1862. Succeeded by 
Charles E. Lip|iincott : mustered in September 17. 
l<S(i3: mustt'red out September 10, 1865. He was 
succeeded by Isaac II. Elliott, Princeton: mustered 
in September 30, 1865; mustered out November 
24, 1865. 

This regiment had but one field officer from 
ISureau county, aiul that was Colonel Elliott, who 
was |iroMU)ted from captain to luajor, then to lieu- 
tenant-colonel, and then to colonel. Conijiany K 
was largely from Bureau county, its first ca|)tain 
was Isaac H. Elliott, who was succeeded liy Ly- 
niaii M. Pratt, of Bureau county. First lieuten- 
ant, .lulian K. Bryant, was from Princeton. He 
went out as second lieutenant but was promoted. 
Harrison Dwire. of La ^loille, was iiromoted from 
corporal to second lieutenant. Harrison Dwire was 
fidni l,a Moille. .\bout sexcnty-five nn'n went to 
llie li'oni in this regiment from Bureau county. 
The casualties were: Killed, 6: died, 9; discharged, 
16: deserted, 1 ; received enlisted recruits, 50: re- 
cruits transferred from 72d Illinois Infantrv, 19: 
from 122d Illinois Infantry, 40. Janmiry l."l864, 
■ ">1 M'leranized. This company shared the joys and 
sorrows of the regiment until its discharge. They 
were mustered into service bv Captain T. G. 



PAST AXl) IMJESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



129 



Pitcher of the United States army. They left 
camp September 20, 18G1, and went to fronton, 
Missouri, by way of St. f.,oius, where they re- 
mained during the winter, fn Mareli, 1S(J2, the 
regiment went with General Steele's command 
southward, crossing into Arkansas at f-*ittman"s 
Ferry and marching ^■ia l^ocahontas and Jackson- 
port to Batesville, where it joined General Curtis' 
army, thence by Augusta and Clarendon to 
Helena. July T it participated in a battle with the 
Texas Eangers at Cache Creek, wIktc a large 
number of the enemy were killed, in September 
it moved to Sulf)hur Springs, thence to Pilot 
Ivnob, where the regiment arrived about the mid- 
dle of October, 18G2. On November 1-5 it started 
out and made a winter campaign in southeastern 
Missouri and returned to IV'Uville, near Pilot 
Knob, March 1, 1863. The regiment was then or- 
dered to Milliken's Bend, Louisiana. It iwrtici- 
pated in the battles of Port Gibson, Champion 
Hill, Black Eiver Bridge, the assault and siege of 
Vicksliurg and the siege of Jackson. After the 
surrender of Yicksburg the regiment was sent to 
Black liiver to oppose General Johnston. After 
successfully accomjjiishing this task the Thirt}'- 
third returned on July 24 to A'icksburg. In Au- 
gust the regiment was moved to New Orleans, 
where it was engaged in the different campaigns 
sent out from that vicinit}'. January 1, 18G4, the 
regmient re-enlisted as veterans, and on March 14 
reached Bloomington, where the}' received a vet- 
eran's furlough. April 18, 1864, the regiment was 
reorganized at Camp Butler, Illinois, and pro- 
ceeded to Xew Orleans by way of St. Louis. 

March 2, 1865, the regiment was ordered to Join 
the Sixteenth Army Corps. Near Boutte Station 
the train was thro^ni from the track and 9 men 
were killed and 72 wounded. This company was 
amonw the heavy sufferers. On March 18 the regi- 
ment embarked for the Mobile expedition; March 
27 arrived in front of Spanish F'ort, the main de- 
fense of Mobile, and from that time until its cap- 
ture on April 8 was actively engaged. After the 
surrender of Mobile the regiment was ordered to 
Montgomery, where it arrived on tlie 25th of 
April. Here it received the news of Lee's and 
Johnston's surrender. This practically closed all 
further military movements. The regiment moved 
on May 17. by railroad to Meridian, Mississippi, 
and thence to Vicksburg, where it remained until 
mustered out of service November 24, 1865, and 
ordered to Camp Butler, Illinois, for final payment 
and discharge. On December (i, 1865, the enlisted 
men received their final pay and were discharged 
from the service. 

The Fifty-second Eegiment had one company 
organized in Bureau county — Company B, cap- 
tain, Edwin A. Bowen, La Moille, mustered in 
October 25, 1861 ; promoted to major and mus- 
tered out October 24, 1864, as lieutenant colonel. 
He was succeeded by David D. Baiky, La Moille; 
mustered in Mav 29, 1862: nnislered out October 



24, 1864. He was succeeded by DeWitt C. Smith; 
mustered in December \"i, 1864; mustered out July 
6, 1865. i'irst lieutenants : Solomon L. Eoth, La 
Moille; Charles II. Fish, Dover, and Moses Can- 
non, La Moille. Second lieutenants : George W. 
Graves, La Moille; Charles H. Fish, Dover, pro- 
moted; DeWitt C. Snuth, La Moille, promoted, 
and Charles D. Tewksbury, l.,a Moille. F^irst ser- 
geant, David J). Bailey, promoted to captain. 
.Vliout 75 men id' this company were from Bureau 
county. (,)ver 40 veteranized, and about 40 en- 
listed recruits joined the company. 

This company followed the destinies of the regi- 
ment from the time of its mustering in at Geneva, 
Kane county, on November 19, 1861, until it was 
mustered out July 5, 1865, a period of three years 
and eight months. The regiment saw service in 
ilississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, (Georgia and the 
Carolinas. It was present and participated in the 
battles of Snake Creek Gap, Eesaca, Lay's Ferry, 
Eome Cross Eoads, Dallas, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Nickajack Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro and many 
others, and was at tlie grand review at Washington. 

In tlie Fifty-seventh Jiegiment Companies B, F, 
H and K were from Bureau county. In this regi- 
ment Frederick A. Battey was promoted from cap- 
tain to lieutenant-colonel, and again promoted to 
colonel. Norman B. Page, of Maiden, was pro- 
moted to major, and was killed at the battle of 
Shiloh. George W. Crassley was assistant sur- 
geon. 

Company B, Alfri'd IL Manzer, Maiden, cap- 
tain, was mustered in December 26, 1861 ; re- 
signed July 14, 1862. Succeeded by Linus A'an 
Steenberg, Maiden : nmstered in August 1, 1862 ; 
mustered out October 16, 1864. He was succeeded 
bv George N. Barr, Princeton ; mustered out July 
7", 1865. 

First lieutenant, Nathan Linlon. Arlington; 
mustered in December 26, 1861; transferred to 
quartermaster. Succeeded by George N. Barr, pro- 
moted. Succeeded by George B. Shurtz, of West- 
field; mustered in March 26, 1865; mustered out 
July 7, 1865. Second lieutenant, John E. Larkin, 
Arlington ; mustered in Decend)er 26, 1861 ; mus- 
tered 'out March 26, 1865. 

This company was mustered in with eighty-seven 
men from Bureau county, and veteranized De- 
cember 27, 1863, when thirty-seven Bureau county 
men re-enlisted. Forty recruits were added to this 
company at different dates, also seventeen drafted 
and sul)stitute men were added. Killed, three; 
died of wounds and disease, four; discharged, six- 
teen ; deserted, seven. 

Company F, Frederick .V. Battey, Mineral, cap- 
tain, mustered in December 26, 1861. Battey en- 
listed as a private September 12, 186 L was pro- 
moted to captain, major, and then colonel. Battey 
was succeeded by George W. AVells, Wheatland, 
who was not mustered. First lieutenant, Joseph 
'l\ Cook, Tiskilwa: mustered in December 26, 
1861; resiy-ned Julv 17, 1862. Succeeded bv An- 



130 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUliEAU COUXTY. 



drew Anderson, Wheatland; mustered in July 
27, 186:^; resigned Xoveuiber G, 18G4. He was 
succeeded by C. C. Phillip, of Tiskilwa, not mus- 
tered as captain. Seventy-five of tliis company 
were Bureau county men. 

About forty members of this company veter- 
anized December 27, 1863. About fifty were add- 
ed at different times from different places. There 
were also added about twenty men by draft and 
substitute recruits. Killed, two; died of wounds 
and disease, nine; discharged, twenty-seven; de- 
serted, seventeen. 

Company H, Josiah Bobbins, Jr., Princeton, 
captain; mustered in December 26, 1861; resigned 
September 29, 1864. Succeeded by William Gale; 
mustered in December 24, 1864; mustered out 
July 7, 1865. 

First lieutenant, X^elson Flansburg. Galva : mus- 
tered in December 26, 1861 ; promoted to adjutant. 
Succeeded by John H. Weinck, Manlius; mus- 
tered in ilarch 2, 1863; mustered out January 4, 
1865. Succeeded by Alexander B. Hunner; mus- 
tered out July 7, 1865. Only one second lieuten- 
ant was from Bureau county — "William Gale. He 
was j)romoted. Only about forty men in this com- 
pany were from Bureau county. 

Company K, Augustus C. Barry, of Wyanet, 
captain; mustered in December 26, 1861; resigned 
June 20, 1862. Succeeded by Harlan Page, Wya- 
net, July 20, 1862. Mustered out December 31. 
1864. Succeeded bv Edward Gallagher: mustered 
in April 30. 1865; mustered out July 7, 1865. 

First lieutenant, Harlan Page, "Wyanet; mus- 
tered in December 26, 1861 ; promoted to captain. 
Succeeded bv William Starling; mustered in 
July 20, 1862 ; mustered out December 25, 1864. 
He was succeeded bv William E. Allen; mustered 
in April 30, 1865; inustered out July 7, 1865. 

Second lieutenant, William Brewer, Walnut; 
mustered in December 26, 1861 ; resigned October 
29, 1862. Succeeded by Jacob Carper, ilacon; 
mustered in December 16, 1862 ; resigned. He was 
succeeded by Charles W. Evens, Greenville, not 
mustered. There were eighty men in this com- 
pany from Bureau county. Killed, five ; died from 
wounds and disease, four; discharged, fourteen; 
deserted, four. 

In this company about forty veteranized; 
twenty-two recruits and some were added by 
drafted and substituted recruits. 

This regiment, with about 975 men, left Camp 
Douglas, Chicago, for Cairo, on Februaiy 8, 1862. 
where they arrived on the 9th: thence direct by 
steamer to Fort Henry, and from there was hur- 
ried down the river to Padueah, thence up the 
Cumberland to within a U'w miles of Fort Dnn- 
elson, wlierc it landed on the morning of the 14th. 
On the 15th they were actively engaged with the 
enemy. Thus it will be seen that this regiment 
met the enemy the next day after arriving in the 
vicinity of Fort Donelson. They were )ioorlv sup- 
plied with bliinkets and suffered with the intense 



cold and were covered with snow. During the en- 
tire day of the 15th of February they were exposed 
to heavy cannonading and also exposed tu tiie bul- 
lets of the sliar]isliooters. 

On the lith they received orders to march across 
the country to Fort Henry. On ilarch 8 they went 
aboard the Argyle and passed up the Tennessee 
river to Crump's Landing. On the 11th they re- 
sumed their passage and when opposite Clifton, 
Teuuessee, they were fired into by a band of guer- 
rillas and two of their regiment were wounded. 

The regiment arrived at Crump's Landing, 
March 13, then moved on to Adamsville, Ten- 
nessee. March 26 the regiment went up the 
Tennessee river to Pittsburg Landing. They re- 
mained there until April 6, when firing was heard 
toward the front. Preparations were at once 
made for an advance and the regiment was soon 
amid a storm of shot and shell. This was the 
first severe engagement the regiment had been in. 
They behaved with great fortitude and they dis- 
tinguished themselves in a manner that would 
have been creditable to old and drilled soldiery. 

But the men were at great disadvantage, having 
nothing but old flintlock muskets, which after a 
few ro\nuls became so foul that they co\ild not 
get a load down. Being thus crippled and being 
left without support, were obliged to fall back 
or be captured. Thus ended their first day at 
Shiloh. In this murderous engagement tlu' 
Fifty-seventh lost one hundred and eighty-seven 
men killed, wounded and missing. Among the 
killed was Major Xorman B. Page, of Maiden, 
Bureau county. Captain Battey, of Mineral, was 
wounded. 

The next day, April 7, they were again engaged 
and this time they drove the enemy instead of 
being obliged to retreat. On the 9th they de- 
tailed men to bury the dead. The regiment then 
began the general advance on Corinth and was 
in the campaign until the evacuation of Corinth 
on May 30. During this advance the regiment 
received new arms, the Enfield rifle. 

On the 31st the regiment joined in the jmrsuit 
of the retreating army as far as Boonsville, Mis- 
sissippi. They then returned to camp near Corinth 
and remained until about the middle of Septem- 
ber. September 18 thev moved into Corinth until 
after the battle of luka, September 19. On the 
3rd of October the Fifty-seventh, under the com- 
mand of Lieutenant Colonel Hurlbut, with other 
divisions of the army, moved out a few miles west 
of Corinth to meet the expected attack of the 
combined forces of Generals Van Dorn, Price, 
Lovell. Villipgue and Eust. Here the Fifty-sev- 
enth, on the 3(1 and 4th. lost forty-two men killed, 
wounded and missing. Three companies of the 
Fifty-seventh, to-wit: Companies A. F and B, 
were in the terrible battle of AUatoona Pa.^s. 
The remaining companies of the Fifty-seventh 
did not arrive until after the battle. The loss to 
these three conqianies was three killed, seven 



PAST AND I'KESEXT OF BUEEAU COIXTV. 



lai 



winmded and one ^li^?sing. Among tlic wounded 
was Lieutenant George X. Barr, of Company B. 
On the 7th the regiment started on its return 
march to Kome, where it arrived on the 9th. 
From Kingston Company F and a detachment of 
Company D, commanded by Captain F. A. Battey, 
were sent to Chattanooga in charge of two hun- 
dred rebel prisoners taken at Allatoona. On its 
I'eturn the command was taken prisoners at Dal- 
ton, Georgia, together with tlie garrison, being 
paroled in a couple of days. Captain Battey with 
his command returned to Chattanooga. 

On November 10 the regiment, with five hun- 
dred and four enlisted men in line and seventeen 
officers present, moved out from Rome, Georgia, 
under command of Captain Battey toward King- 
ston. This proved to he the initial movement of 
•'Shernuin"s March to the Sea."' On the 11th it 
jiassed throiigh Kingston, General Sherman's 
headquarters. En route to Atlanta it passed 
tlirough Cai'tersville, Allatoona, Big Shanty, Ma- 
rietta and on the 1.5th arrived and took dinner 
about one mile from Atlanta. Here the last mail 
was received before severing connections with the 
north. Here the boys wrote short notes home. 
The city of Atlanta was now in flames. The 
Fifty-seventh passed through the outskirts of the 
city and encamped a few miles south. 

From this time on the regiment was with the 
marching columns of Sherman's army through 
Georgia until they arrived before Savannah, where 
tJie final arrangements for the investment of the 
city, which occurred just one month from the 
time the Fifty-seventh left Eome, or on Decem- 
ber 10. After a few days of preparation for the 
siege cannonading was commenced. On the 20th 
heavy firing was continued all day. On the 21st 
orders were given for an advance along the line, 
and preparations were made for an engagement. 
Soon after the advance began it was ascertained 
that the enemy had evacuated the place, crossing 
the Savannah river and going north, leaving a 
large amount of ordnance stores. On January 27 
the regiment, with four himdred and eighty-five 
muskets in line, commanded by Captain Battey, 
began the march north through the Carolinas. At 
Lynch Creek, South Carolina, the regiment was 
oliliged to strip themselves and carry their mus- 
kets and clothing above their heads while they 
waded through the stream with the water up to 
their nocks. The regiment reached Goldsboro on 
March 23. April 7 news was received of the 
capture of Uichmond. April 10 the regiment ana 
army left for Raleigh, North Carolina. Ajiril 
12, while en route for Raleigh, news w'as received 
of Lee's army surrendering to General Grant. On 
tlie 17t]i the notice of Lincoln's assassination 
reached the regiment. On April 27 the regi- 
ment received the news of the surrender of John- 
ston's army. April 29 the regiment started north, 
])assing tlirough Petersburg, Richmond and other 
rebel cities and went into cam]) at Ale.xandiia, 



Virginia. The regiment left Alexandria May 22. 
May 24 crossed the I'otomac and participated in 
the "Grand Review" at Washington before Presi- 
dent Johnson, Generals Grant, Sherman and Mead. 
Tlie regiment with its battle torn flags and ban- 
ners was everywhere received with the wildest 
enthusiasm. June 3d the regiment left Wash- 
ington over the J^altimore & Ohio railroad and 
down the Ohio river from Parkersburg, Virginia, 
to Louisville, Kentucky, where it arrived June 8, 
anil the regiment disembarked and went into 
camp. 

On July 7 the regiment was mustered out, but 
retained its organization and returned to Chicago 
under the command of Colonel F. A. Battey, 
where it received its final pay and was disbanded 
July 14, 186.5, at Camp Douglas, which was its 
point of starting over three years before. 

Company B of the Sixty-fourth Regiment was 
from Bureau county. George W. Stipp was its 
first captain, but was promoted to major. He 
was succeeded by Samuel B. Thompson, and 
Thompson by Robert R. Gibons, both from Prince- 
ton. Thompson was promoted from first lieu- 
tenant and Gibons from second lieutenant. George 
\y. Bell and George W. Robins were both from 
Princeton and both were promoted from second 
lieutenant to first lieutenant. About one hiindred 
men went to the front in this company from 
Bureau county. Companv B was organized in 
the fall of 1861. January 1, 1864, thirty-five 
men veteranized. The company was supplied at 
different times with recruits to the number of 
seventy. This regiment was known as "'Yateis' 
Siiarpshooters," as the first four companies were 
organized for that kind of service. 

The regiment was organized in December, 1861, 
at Camp Butler. It moved to Quincy and en- 
tered active service in February, 1862. The 
regiment was engaged at tlie battle of New 
]\[adrid and was in Pope's Fort Pillow expedition. 
It took part in the battles of Chambers Creek. 
Corinth, Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Ken- 
esaw Mountain, Chattahoochie, Nances Creek, 
Decatur, siege of Atlanta, Snake Creek Gap, and 
Cedartown. November 16, 1864, started on "the 
march to the sea" ; engaged in skirmishes on the 
route; in the Bentonville fight April 30, 186-5; 
was in the grand review at Washington ; and mus- 
tered out July 11, 186.5. At the battle of Corinth 
the regiment lost seventy killed and wounded; 
at Kenesaw Mountain lost fifty-seven; and 
twenty-five wei'c killed at Dalla.«: at Decatur 
fifteen killed and sixty-seven wounded. It served 
in Pope's, Rosecrans', and Slierman's campaigns 
in ^Missouri. Tennessee and ^fississijipi. 

Comjiany C of the Sixty-sixth Hcgiment had 
between forty and fifty men from Slioffield and 
vicinity. William Wilson, now circuit clerk, was 
appointed Aiu'il 3, 1862, and served until tin' 
exi)iration of jiis term of enlistment. Fitz Hugh 
Reed was quartermaster. George W. Green was 



l:i-i 



PAST AXD riiESEXT OF BUKKAU CUlXTY. 



second lieiitciiiint in Company C. W. H. Saun- 
ders was first lieutenant of Company F. Tliis 
regiment was in many battles and skirmishes. It 
was engaged at the battle of Fort Donelson, 
Shiloh, siege of Corinth, Eesaea, Lone Mountain, 
Kenesaw Mountain. Dallas, Bentonville, New 
Hope Churcli, Fayctteville and a score of other 
battles; went with Sherman to the sea; was at the 
grand review at Washington and was mustered out 
of service July 7, 1865, at Camp Logan, Ken- 
tucky. This regiment saw much hard and try- 
ing service. The Sixty-sixth was under Are for 
one hundred and twenty days, being engaged in 
all the noted battles from Chattanooga to Atlanta, 
losing in this eami)aign two hundred and twenty 
five men killed and wounded. July 22 it was 
hotly engaged, having sixty-three bullet holes shot 
through its colors, yet the men never faltered. 

(Company .\, Sixty-ninth Begiment, was from 
Bureau county. Abram Lash Jr. was captain. 
David Eobinson first lieutenant, Edward E. Vir- 
den second lieutenant, all from Princeton. This 
regiment enlisted for three months and did not 
leave the state; was stationed at Camp Douglas, 
at Chicago, to guard rebel prisoners. It was 
mustered into service June 14. 18(52. and mus- 
tered out ()ctot)er il. lS(i2. 

The Ninety-third Infantry, liliuuis \'oluiiteers, 
was organized at Chicago, Illinois, in September, 
l«(i2, by Coiiincl TToldcn Putnam and mustered 
in October i:'.. iiiiic liundivd ami ninety-eight 
strong. Six companies of this regiment were from 
Bureau county, to-wit: Companies B, C, E. H, 
I and K. The field and staff ollicers from Bureau 
county at its organization were as follows: Colonel, 
Holden Putnam, of Freeport, killed on Xovember 
25, 1853 ; K". C. Buswell, Neponset. Lieutenant- 
colonel, M. 0., June 25, 1865, as lieutenant-colonel. 
Major, James 'M. Fisher. Princeton : mustered out 
June 23, 1865. Adjutant, David Si)arks. Wyanet; 
resigned Xovend)er 15, 1862. (Juartermaster, Ed- 
ward S. Johnson, Tis^kilwa ; resigned August 29, 
1864. Chajjlain, Thomas II. Hagerty, Prince- 
ton, resigned January 24, 1863. Sergeant major, 
Harvey M. 'J'rimble, Princeton, promoted to adju- 
tant; mustered June 23, 1865. Com. sergeant, 
Phineas T. Pichardson, Wvanet; mustered out 
July 13, 1863. 

Company B. laptain, John W. Hopkins. ^lal- 
den; mustered in October 13, 1862; resigned Feb- 
ruary 29, 1864 ; followed by James W. Lee, Dover, 
who was mustered out June 23. 1865. First lieu- 
tenant, David Deselms, Princeton, resigned Janu- 
ary 24, 181)3; followed by Leroy S. Hopkins, who 
resigned July 24, 1863; followed by James W. 
Lee, who was promoted to cajitain. Allen Ogan, 
Dover, served as cai)tain from March 1, 1864. to 
the time of mustering out of the company. June 23, 
1805. About one humlred men went to the front 
froTii 15ureau county in this coniiiany. Out of this 
number twelve were killed, (iftet'n died of wounds 



and disease, IS were discharged for disabiliiy. and 
one deserted. 

Company C, William Brown, AVyanet, captain, 
mustered in October 13, 1802; served througii the 
war and was mustered out June 23, 1805. 

First Lieutenant, ^\■illiam Youngson; mustered 
in October 13, 1862; discharged December 26, 
1863. He was followed by Milton Cross, Wyanet, 
who was mustered in April 13, 1804; discharged 
Xovember 3, 1864. Then followed William L. 
Garwood. Fairfield, mustered -out June 23, 1805. 
Second lieutenant, Thomas Lockwood, ]?uda ; 
discharged January 11, 1864. First sergeant. Mil- 
ton Cross, of Wyanet, promoted to first lieutenant. 
Ivilled, ten; died of woimds or disease, twenty- 
one; discharged and deserted, 4. There were 
eighty-eight men from Bureau county in this com- 
pany. 

Coni])any E, Orrin Wilkinson, of Arispie, was 
mustered as captain October 13, 1802; served until 
company was mustered out June 23, 1805. 

First lieutenant, Lyman Wilkinson, of Arisiiit' ; 
mustered in October 13, 1802; resigned Septem- 
ber 3, 1863, followed by William C. Kinney, ov 
Indiantown, who was mustered in on March 16, 
1804, and mustered out June 23. 1865. 

Second lieutenant. William C. Kinney, of In- 
diantown, who was pronuitetl to caiitain. First 
sergeant, Thompson W. A\'_ylie, Indiantown, who 
was promoted to sergeant major. About ninety- 
five men went from Bureau county in this com- 
pany. Twelve were killed, eleven died of wounds 
or difiease, eighteen were discharged for disability 
and three deserted. 

Comi>aiiy H, John A. Eussell. Xejionset. cap- 
tain, mustered in October 13, 1802; discharged 
January 10, 1865, succeeded by Bufus Ford, Bu<la ; 
mustered in .Vpril 28, 1805 ; mustered out June 
23, 1805. 

First lieutenant, Samuel Dorr, Xeiionset ; mus- 
tered in October 13, 1802, promoted to quarter- 
master. Succeeded by Fufus Ford, Buda : mus- 
tered in October 21, 1864; promoted to ca])tain. 
He was succeeded by Cyrus H. Abbott, Neponset ; 
mustered in . Vpril 11, 1865 ; mustered out June 23, 
1865. 

Second lieutenant. Gad C. Lowery. Mineral: 
mustered in Octol)er 13. 1862: mustered out June 
23. 1865. 

Xinety-five nu>n were in this company from 
Bureau county. Killed, seven: died of wounds or 
disease, eighteen ; discharged, twenty-two ; dc 
sorted, three. 

Company T. Ellis Fisher. Wyanet. captain, mus- 
tered in October 13. 1862; resigned January 1, 
18(;3. Snccecd<-d by 'Mills Clark. Princeton: mus- 
tfi-c(l in .\ugust 15, lS(i3: resigned February 4, 
1804.* He was succeeded by Jacob S. Kinnan. 
Princeton; mustered in April 3, 1864; mustered 
out June 23, 1865. 

First lieutenant. Elijah Sapp. Wvanet; mus- 
t.Tcd in October 13, 1862 ; resigned April 23, 1803. 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BFPEAT* rOT'XTY 



1:53 



Succeeded by Jacob Kiunan, Princeton; mustered 
in July 19, 18G3 ; promoted to captain. He was 
succeeded by Thompson L. Wylie, ludiantown; 
mustered in July 11, 1864; mustered out June 33, 
18G3. 

Second lieutenant. Mills Clark, Princeton ; mus- 
tered in October 13. 18G2; promoted to captain. 
Succeeded by Ezekiel Xetf, Wyanet ; killed in bat- 
tle May 16, 1863. One hundred men were mus- 
tered in this company from Bureau county. Killed, 
two; died of wounds or disease, eight; discharged, 
twelve; deserted, four. 

Company K, David Lloyd Clarion, captain, mus- 
tered in October 13, 1S(.!2 : killed May 16, 1863. 
Succeeded by Clark Gray, Westheld; mustered in 
September 2, 1863 ; mustered out June 23, 1865. 

First lieutenant, Clark Gray; mustered in Oc- 
tober 13, 1862; promoted to captain. Succeeded 
by Harrison J. Davis, of Princeton; mustered in 
September 2, 1863; mustered out June 23, 1865. 

Second lieutenant, Harrison J. Davis ; promoted. 
One hundred men went from Bureau county in this 
company. Killed, nine; died of wounds or dis- 
ease, twelve; discharged, nine; deserted, five. 

These companies were mustered in Chicago, 
October 13, 1862. On November 9 they were or- 
dered to Memphis, Tennessee; served in Grant's 
army in northern Mississippi campaign that fall ; 
returned to Memphis, December 30 ; marched im- 
mediately to La Payette, Tennessee; returned to 
Eidgeway and remained there during January 
and February of 1863 : embarked for Lake Provi- 
dence, March 3; moved to Helena the 10th; 
thence went on Yazoo Pass expedition; on April 
13 moved to Milliken's Bend and on April 25 
commenced the Vicksburg campaign ; marched 
through Bruinsburg, Port Gibson, Eaymond and 
Clinton and arrived at Jackson. May 14, 1863. 
On May 16 was engaged in battle of Champion 
Hills. The loss to the regiment in this battle 
was one officer and thirty-seven men killed, six 
officers and one hundred and seven men wounded, 
one officer and ten men missing. 

May 22 the regiment assaulted the works of 
Fort Fisher, losing ten or twelve men killed and 
wounded; remained around Vicksburg until July 
13, 1863, when the regiment started for Jackson 
and from there to Vicksburg, where they arrived 
the 25th. On September 12 moved to Helena. 
Arkansas, and on the 30th to Memphis. Went 
to Barnesville, Mississippi, October 8. On the 
19th marched toward Chattanooga by the luka, 
Florence, Alabama : Winchester, Tennessee, and 
Bridgeport, Alabama, arriving at Chattanooga, 
November 19. November 24 the regiment 
crossed the Tennessee river and on the 25th was 
in the battle of jMission Ridge, where Colonel 
Putnam and nineteen men were killed, one officer 
and forty-one men wounded, two officers and 
twenty-five men missing. On Decemlier 3 moved 
toward Bridgeport, .\laliama: on the 22d to Tjar- 
kinsville, Alabama, and on Janiuirv 17 to Tlunts- 



ville. On February 12 participated in the recou- 
naissance to Dalton. On 24tli and 25th lay in 
line of battle all day before Dalton; returned to 
Huntsville, March 6 : moved by rail to Decatur, 
Alabama, and June 14 marched via Huntsville 
and Larkinsville to Stevenson, Alabama, arriv- 
ing on the 25th. On the 27th moved by rail to 
Chattanoooga and the 28th to Kingston; July 2 
moved to Etowah to guard crossing until 11th, 
when the regiment returned to Kingston. August 
2 and 3 marched to Allatoona. On September 3 
twenty men were captured while foraging. On 
October 5 the Ninety-third was a part of the force 
of twenty-one hundred that defeated General 
French's rebel division of seven thousand. In 
this engagement the Ninety-third lost twenty-two 
killed, three officers and forty-nine men wounded 
and ten missing. On the 12th of November, 1864, 
the regiment started on "the march to the 
sea," and marched via Atlanta, McDonough, 
Jackson, Planter's Factory, Hillsboro, Clinton. 
Gordon, Irwinton, Summerville and Eden, reach- 
ing the enemy's lines around Savannah, Decem- 
ber 10. On the 11th skirmished with the enemy 
at Ogeechee Canal, losing one killed, two wounded. 
On the 12th moved to "Station I," on the Gulf 
railroad, and remained till the 31st, when it 
marched into the city of Savannah and remained 
until January 19, 1865. Commenced the cam- 
paign of the Carolinas on January 19; marched 
across the Savannah river and two miles into 
the swamp. On the 20th returned to Savannah 
and on the 23d emljai'ked for Beaufort. North 
Carolina. 

Landed on the 24th, and on tlie 29th uuirched 
northward via McPhcrsonv illc. Hickory Hill, 
Owens' Cross Eoads, Baneburg, Graham, Binna- 
ker's bridge. Orangeburg, Bates' ferry, on the Con- 
goree and to Columbia, arriving there on the 17th. 
From Columliia marched via ^luddy Springs, on 
the Wateree river. Liberty hill, West's comer, 
thence via Laurel hill, Big Eaft swamp, Fayette- 
ville, Jackson's Cross Eoads, Cox's Bridge and 
Bentonville, arriving at Goldsboro March 24th. On 
April 10th moved toward Ealeigli. arriving on 
the 14th. After the sui'rendor of Johnson's army, 
marched by way of Petersburg and Eichmond, \'a., 
to Washington, D. C. Participated in the grand 
review May 24th, and on the 31st moved to Louis- 
ville, Ky., June 23, 1865, mustered out of service, 
and on the 25th arrived at Chicago, Illinois. Be- 
ceived final payment and discharged July 7, 1865. 

During tbe two year.s and seven inontlis' serv- 
ice the casualties in battle of the Ninety-Third 
\Vere 446 and one officer and tliirty-one men acci- 
dentally wounded. 

The regiment mai'clicd 2.55 1 miles, traveled by 
water 2,296 miles, and liv I'ailroads 1.237. Total, 
6,087 miles. 

The One Hiiiulred mid Twenty-third Eegiment 
bad a few men from Bureau county in Com- 
])anies E and F, mostly from West field township. 



134 



FAST AND PKESEXT OF liLKKAT COlXTY. 



Samuel Cohlfiit/. was lajitaiii of Company E and 
Calvin B. York \v;i.s ca])tain of Company F. Tins 
reginiL-nt was organizod at ilattoon, Illinois, and 
was mustered Septemljer G, ISG-^, and was mus- 
tered out June, 181)5. 

OXE HINUUKI) A\U TJl UiTV-.\ J.NTll KKGl.MKNT. 

This regiment had hut a hundred days' service. 
In this regiment companies A, G and H were from 
Bureau County. Edwin 1{. \'irden was captain 
of Company A; Charles Jioliinson, first lieutenant; 
James L. Kendall, sci-oiid lieutenant; all from 
Princeton. 

Solomon Z. Koth was elected captain of Cuiii- 
pany G, hut was promoted to major. He waiS 
.succeeded hy Hoderiik B. Frary. first lieutenant. 
He was succeeded by Frank L. Angler, all of La 
Moille. Second Lieutenant, James E. Chapman. 

William Fairman of Shetlield, was elected cap- 
tain of Com]iany 11. Lyford Craig of Sheffield, 
first lieutenant, and .Vnsel Wright, second lieuten- 
ant. 

This regiment was mustered June 1, 1864, and 
was mustered out October 25, 18(>4, having been 
in the service nearly live montht-. This regiment 
received coinniendation from President Limuln 
for doing faithful duly aft^'r the term of their 
enlistment had expired. 

Companies F and H in the One Hundred and 
Forty-sixth Hegimeut, were from Bureau County. 
James T. Stevens was cajjtain of Company F, 
Duncan Campbell, first lieutenant, and George 
Webb, second lieutenant, all from Princeton. 

Abraham J. S|);irks, of Wyanet, was caj)taiu of 
Company H, George W. Kolp, Manlius, first 
lieutenant, anil Charles I). Wright, Xeponset. 

ThiiS regiment was must(^red in at Camp Butler 
September, 18C4, for one year. Km iliil not go out 
of the State. It was mustered nut July 5, LS()5. 

ONE IIUXDKED .\ND t'OHTV-lCHiHTII liEGlMEXT. 

The One Hundred and Forty-Eightli Regiment 
had two companies from Bureau County, to-wit : 
Companies A and K. Cliarlcs J. Peckluim, of 
Princeton, was cajjtain (d Company A; promoted 
to lieutenant colonel ; succeeded hy John Brady of 
Princeton. First Lieutenant. .lohn Brady, jirn- 
moted, succeeded l)y (Jeorgc ilartin. of Prineetoii. 
Second Lieutenant. George Martin, of Princeton, 
promoted, succeeded by .McColunin Morrison, of 
Princeton. 

Company 1\ eleitccl Joiin T^Iills laptain. First 
Lieutenant, James F. White, succeeded by Joseph 
Cook. Second Ijieutenant, Laomi Bates. 

This regiment was organized at Camp Butler. 
Springfield, Fehruary 21, 18(15, and was ordered 
to Tennessee. Mustered out at Nashville, Ten- 
nessee, Seplend)er 5. lSf;5. 

ONE m NIHii:i) AXI) I-IKTY-I-IHST Ii^XJIMEXT. 

In the One Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment 
Companies F. G and II were from Bureau County. 
S. S. Xewton, of Bureau, was captain of Company 
F: John E. X. Sparks, first lieutenant: William 
A. Winsejl, second lieutenant. 



William II. Sander.- was eajjtain of Company 
(i : William Faridiam. first lieutenant; Daniel 
Clark, sec(md lieutenant, all from Sheffield. 

Silas Battey was captain of Company 11; Austin 
J. Warden, first iieutenr.nt : Richard Hobert, sec- 
ond lieutenant; Captain Silas Battey was pro- 
moted to major. 

This regiment was organized at Quincy and 
mustered into .service February 23, 18G5. It .saw 
servile in Tennessee. Georgia and through the 
South. This regiment saw no lighting Init guer- 
rilla skirmishes. It was musternl out at Colum- 
bus, Giiirgia, January 24, IStiti. 

XIXTII CAVALltY. 

Company K of the Xinth Cavalry, warJ from 
Bureau County. Dr. S. A. Paddock, of Prince- 
ton, was elected cajilain and promoted to lieuten- 
ant colonel, October 2G, 18G1, Died, on the way 
to the front. Feliruary 18, 18G2, at Bloonungton, 
111. William .Mcilanis went out aii .second lieu- 
tenant and Atherton Clark as first sergeant, both 
mustered out as major. 

The Xinth Regiment of Cavalry was organized 
at Camp Douglas and mustered into United States 
service X'ovendicr 30, 18G1. This regiment saw- 
service in Tennes.see, Arkansas, ilississippi, Geor- 
gia and was mustered out at Salem. .Vlabama, Oc- 
tober ••!!. ISi;."). 

in the Amerii-an-Spanisli war Bureau County 
furnished ComiKiny K in the Sixth Regiment. 
D. Jack Foster was colonel and Joseph H. Showal- 
ter, of La Moille, was battalion adjutant. Albert 
Tourtillott was elected captain; Frank E. Dayton, 
of 1a\ Moille. first lieutenant, and Elmer Giesc'y, 
of La iloille, second lieutenant. This regiment 
was mustered for two years at Springfield, Illi- 
nois, May 11, 1898. It left Springfield May IT 
and arrived at Camp Russell A. Alger, Virginia, 
(in May 20, 1898, where they remained until July 
."), when they went i)y rail to Charleston, Soutli 
Carolina, where they arrived July G. Company 
K, with several companies of the regiment, left 
Charleston, July 21, 1898, for Ponce, Porto i{ico, 
and arrived there July 27, 1898. They renutined 
in I'orto Rico until September 7. 1898, when they 
embarked on the Fnited States Steamer ilanitoba 
and arrived at Weehawken. Xew Jersey. Se)item- 
ber 13, 1898. The regiment arrived at Springfield. 
Illinois. Septendier 22, 1898, and was mustered 
out November 25, 1898. 

.\ few young men from Sheffield and vicinity 
were in the navy during this war. 

We lia\r now given a short account of the dif- 
ferent coin])anies that served in the Civil war from 
Kureau Counly. Tlieir record was indecii a glori- 
ous one. From 18(;i to 18(!5 was an epoch in the 
world's history. In those eventful years great 
national (|uestions were settled and tiiis great peo- 
|)le, who, ])revious to this, had iieen distracted l)y 
internal dissension and strife, were again united 
in one common brotherhood. The rich young 
111 1 that had been shed on a thousand battle- 




I'.ACKBONK ROAD 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



137 



fields made it possible lor us to stand out before 
the world better, grander and stronger than ever 
before. The Stars and Stripes now float over a 
country whole and entire. And to the soldiers of 
the Civil war, lioth living and dead, we owe a debt 
of gratitude that can never be paid. They left 
home, kindred and friends to go forth in the 
hour of their country's peril to face danger, hard- 
ship and death that the country might live, and 
today we of this generation are the recipients of 
the rich legacy they vouchsafed to us. We feel 
that in view of all the great sacrifices that have 
been made by the heroic ''Boys in Blue," that 
every eommimity should have some reminder to 
tell to the rising generation the story of the 
past. As we look over the broad acres of Bureau 
County, rich in houses and lands, and see the 
beautiful homes, well filled granaries and farms 
with grazing herds upon every hillside and in 
every valley, we realize that the foundation of 
much of this wealth and comfort was laid when 
the boys of "61 to '65 were stepping to the music 
of the union, sleeping under the open sky, march- 
ing through swamps and jungles, pining and dy- 
ing in rebel prisons, and giving their all as a liv- 
ing sacrifice that this nation might live and that 
our flag which never has been lowered might still 
float from ocean to ocean over a free, happy and 
united people. Men of Bureau County let us in 
grateful remembrance of the past no longer neglect 
what should have been done years ago, to erect a 
suitable monument to the memory of Bureau coun- 
ty's noble dead. This much and more we owe to 
them. What would our country have been had 
not the brave .soldiers of the North invaded the 
South land and torn down the Stars and Bars 
and in their stead placed the Stars and Stripes? 
If this had not been accomplished we should have 
had thousands of miles of frontier to guard and 
the "Great Father of Waters" would have found 
its wa}' to the sea through a foreign country. 
Now in the name of the soldiers living and dead ; 
in the name of the thousands of crippled and 
maimed whose lives have been one constant con- 
tinuation of sorrow and. pain; and in the name 
of justice and right, let us, the people of this pros- 
perous county which is heir to all of the benefits 
that have come from that great struggle for free- 
dom aiul perpetuity, not wait for the old soldiers 
to act, but rather let us by our voice and vote say 
we will do what we can to perpetuate the memory 
of these patriotic souls by erecting a shaft that 
shall point heavenward and upon its granite face 
place the name of every man that went forth to 
do, and to die, if need be, in our country's cause. 



CHAPTEi; \I.\'. 
FRATKKX.VL SOCIETIES. 

SHAKON' CHAl-TER, O. E. S., NO. 238, TISKILWA, ILL. 

Sharon Chapter was charterer October i, 1893, 
with sixteen charter members, as follows: 



Joseph W. AUu-ocht, Jennie il. Alljrecht, A. B. 
Blake, Millie Blake, J. H. Welsh, Aclisa L. Welsh, 
Margaret C. AVolsh, G. E. Welsh, Ina L. Brown, 
G. W. Riley, C. II. Sheldon. Alice M. Sheldon, 
Mariiarct Harris, Aniianclla J\enncy, Ida Bloom, 
W. H. Bloom. 

Jennie M. Albrecht was first W. il. 

A. B. Blake was first W. P. 

Achsa L. Welsh was first A. M. 

The present membership numbers one hundred. 

The officers for .1906 are as follows: 

W. M., JIargaret A. Welsh. 

W. P., W. B. Albrecht. 

A. M., Carrie C. Battcy. 

Treasurer, Emma Pierson. 

Secretary, Nettie Welsh. 

Conductor, Hazel Petteys. 

A. C, Ada Bacon. 

Warden, Armanella Kenney. 

Adah, Alice M. Crater. 

Ruth, Vera Crabbe. 

Esther, Opal English. 

Martha, Myrtle Durfee. ' 

Electa, Jennie Curtis. 

Chaplain, J. A. Alford. 

Marshal, Jennie M. Albrecht.' 

Organist, Electa Chesnev. 

Tyler, G. E. Welsh. 

KXIGIITS OF PYTPIIAS. 

Beauseant lodge. No. 19, K. of P., was insti- 
tuted April 11, 1871, the work being done by the 
then grand chancellor of the state, Henry Clay 
Berry, who now lives in Chicago. He was assisted 
in the work by three of the charter members, who 
had been made knights Ijy Board of Trade lodge, 
No. 4, of Chicago. 

The charter members were : 

James W. Seeley, Lewis Loventhall, P. I). Win- 
ship, Samuel Patterson, Charles P. Elliott, Jo- 
seph Rosenstraus, Zach Thompson, James "\'an- 
dergrift, C. C. Wiedrich, Samuel Rosenstraus, 
John Campbell, I. 0. Brokaw. L. E. Davis, Wil- 
liam L. Campbell, C. W. McMuUen, George W. 
Taylor, Philo H. Zeigler, L. R. Jeronu'. K. I). 
Thompson, V. S. Bastion. 

Only four of the above named are still members 
of the lodge, namelv: C. C. Weidrich. 1. O. 
Brokaw, C. W. McMullen and G. W. Taylor. I!ul 
one or two of the remainder are now living. 

The present ollicers are : 

C. C, John Coddington. 

V. C, Ira Gibons. 

Prelate, John L. .Vnderson. 

M. of W., E. M. Elv. 

M. of E., C. C. Campbell. 

M. of F. and K. of R. and S., I. 0. Brokaw. 

M. at A., John II. Beeker. 

I. G., Philip Greener. 

0. G., E. E. Ohman. 

G. L. Rep., James A. Eraser. 

Trustees, James E. Dabler, Selby L. Smith, E. 
M. Ely, Harry W. Hanson and James A. Frasor. 



138 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUXT.Y. 



ItKBliCCA LODGE, XO. 397, TISKILWA, ILL. 

Rebecca lodge was organized in November, 1895, 
with thirteen members. 

J). II. Duncan, Edward A. Remington, G. A. 
Mav, William H. Bloom. Henry C. Simpson, ]j. 
0. ilav, J. H. Gudgel. .Melissa G. Paul, Alice J. 
Swain,' Belle Giles, Regina Duncan, Mae Gudgel 
and Nellie S. Gullii'ord were the charter members. 

The lodge now numbers seventy-si.x, with the 
following officers, viz.: 

Nobli' Grand, Mrs. Main. 

A'ice Grand, Mrs. Lea. 

Past Noble Grand, Mrs. Ring. 

Cliapbiin, Mrs. Kenney. 

IJight Supjiorter, Mr. Beyer. 

Ix'ft Sup])orter, Mrs. Lusty. 

R. S. A'ice Grand, Mrs. Smith. 

L. S. Vice Grand, Carrie Beyer. 

A\'nrden, Mrs. Manning. 

('(inductor, Mrs. Durtec. 

Secretary, Mrs. Barto. 

G. Secretary, Mrs. t^iick. 

Treasurer, Mrs. Betz. 

PlilNCKTOX LODGK, NO. J87, A. F. & A. il. 

("barter granted October G. A. D. 1868; A. L. 
5868. 

Charter members, George 0. Ide, R. B. Foster. 
Charles J. Peckham, Stephen G. Paddock, A. 
Scott Chapman, Thomas J. Henderson, Harvey 
M. Trimble, Hart Rawson, J. V. Thompson, (fil- 
bert G. Gibbous, I). II. Smith. B. S. Ferris, Wil- 
liam C. Stacey, N. C. Buswell, AV. H. Mesenkop, 
Dan McDonald, William W. McManis, Henry Ad- 
ley, A. H. Thompson, J. Stubbs, Daniel Dean, 
Henry F. Royce. 

First officers Umlei- cbartci': 

W. .M., George (). Ide. 

S. W., Reulien B. Foster. 

J. W., Charles J. Peckham. 

Treasurer, Hart Rawson. 

Secretary, Stephen G. Paddock. 

S. D., liarvey M. Triunble. 

J. D., Daniel H. Smith. 

S. S., Joseph A'. Thfimpson. 

J. S.. William H. Mesenkop. 

Tyler, Henry Adler. 

Organist, A. Scott Chapman. 

Present officers : 

\y. M., H. W. Hanson. 

S. W., J. L. Norman. 

J. W., A. C. Carlson. 

Treasurer, George G. McManis. 

Sccretarv, T. P. St reefer. 

Chaplain, D. H. Dean. 

S. 1)., E. C. Prior. 

.). 1)., E. M. Elv. 

S. S., Fred L. White. 

J. S., George A. Dun])ar. 

Tyler. C. E. Brown. 

lUTII CHAl'TKII. NO. 161, OliDKR EA.STERN STAR. 

Chartered Octoljer il, A. 1). 1890. 
First officers: 



Worthy .Matron, Sister Sallie M. Trimble. 

Worthy Patron, Brother Luther D. Romberger. 

Associate Worthy Matron, Sister Elizabeth 1). 
Snow. 

Secretary, Brother John Bannister. 

Charter members: 

Mrs. Sallie M. Trimble, Mrs. Francisco Romber- 
ger, Mrs. Frances E. Bannister, Mrs. Mary A. 
Gibbs, Mrs. Harriet E. Streeter, Mrs. Elizabeth I). 
Snow, Mrs. Frances A. Brown, Mr. JIarshall N. 
Trimble, Mr. Luther D. Romberger, Mr. John C. 
Bannister, Mr. Howard G. Gibbs, Mr. Theodore 
P. Streeter, Mr. Corydou P. Snow and Mr. Charles 
E. Brown. 

Officers 1906: 

W. M., Mrs. Effie Schendel. 

W. P., James L. Norman. 

A. M., Mrs. Clara Harris. 

Treasurer, Mrs. Mary Bradley. 

Secretary. Mrs. ('arrie McManis. 

Conductor, Miss Dolly I. Dean. 

Assistant Conductor, iliss Alice Robinson. 

Adah, Mrs. B. Hedetischong. 

Ruth, Mrs. Zoe Bushey. 

Esther, Miss Winona E. Dean. 

Martha. Mrs. Besse Seelig. 

Electa, Mrs. Pearl Norman. 

Cha])lain, Mrs. Clara Givler. 

Organist, Mrs. Fannie Clark. 

\\'ardeii, Mrs. Julia Yaughan. 

St^ntinel. George W. Houck. 

Marshal, Miss Kate Mesenkop. 

UEBECCA LODGE, NO. 159. 

Officers for 1906 : 
N. G., Grace Near. 
V. G., Arvilla Osboru. 
Secretary, Jfalx'l ilinkler. 
Chaplain. Mrs. William .Vaugle. 
Warden, Mrs. Uiroiil. 

0. G., Guv Sharp. 

T. G., Mrs. M'illiam IMcElroy. 
Deputy, Mattie Sajtp. 

TONXALIKA LODGE, 1. O. O. F., XO. 89. 

Organized in 1852. 
Charter members: 

Samuel Bradv. J. T. Tavlor. W. II. Winter, E. 
E. Mathis and J. F. WhitzrI. 
First olficers: 
N. G., Samuel Bradv. 
Vice N. G.. J. 1. Tavlor. 
Treasurer. K. R. :\[a'this. 
Warden. J. F. Whitzel. 
Conductor, J. S. Clark. 

1. G., A. J. Morton. 

R. S. V. G., David i;.>l,insou. 

L. S. V. G.. E. E. Xorton. 

0. G., J. H. Young. 

Present olliccrs subordinnte lodge: 

N. f!., Guy Sliarp. 

\'. ( ;.. .lor II lIlltinLTioU. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUltEAU COUNTY. 



rsd 



R. S., W. F. Smith. 
P. S., George McLean. 
Treasurer, E. J. Best. 
A\'arden, George Pryor. 
Conductor, Joseph Sharp. 
Chaplain, Charles Lea. 
Deputy, C. B. Cartwright. 

SEXAniWINE LODGE, NO. 147. I. 0. O. F., TISKILWA. 

This lodge was organized Octoher 12, 1854, witli 
the following charter memliers, viz. : 

H. L. Miller, Daniel M. Bort, L C. Spalding, 
N. Headington, Ozias Simmons, Albert Barren 
and John Garvin. 

The charter was surrendered and the lodge dis- 
organized some time between IStil and 1865, but 
was reorganized in 1883 by five of thi' nld mem- 
bers, viz. : 

W. H. Bloom, J. W. Baker, 0. Wilkinson, J. N. 
Cook and Mathias Fritchey. 

They received their old charter and their old 
numlier back again ( Senachwine, No. 147). 

FEURLS POST, NO. 309, DEPAUTJIENT OF ILLINOIS, 
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC. 

Organized July 26, 1883. 

Regular meetings held the second and fourth 
Wednesday evenings of each month. 

Charter members : 

T. J. Henderson, J. H. Robinson, W. D. At- 
kinson, George A. Robinson, H. M. Trimble, J. 
M. Fisher, D. E. Munger, C. G. Gushing, George 
M. Martin, A. C. Best, W. C- Warren, Atherton 
Clark, Peter Pierson, A. M. Swengel, John Nor- 
berg, P. R. Daken, Charles C. Warren, Walter 
Truitt, T. P. Streeter, R. R. Gibons, F. M. 
Lafrinier, C. A. Hirth, E. B. Dunbar, H. M. 
Miller, M. C. Clark, E. G. Ford, P. T. Richardson 
and H. M. Thomas. 

They were mustered in liy Comrade P. W. Wil- 
cox, of Mendota, 111. 

Officers elected first year : 

Commander, T. P. Streeter. 

S. V. C, Atherton Clark. 

J. V. C, George M. Martin. 

Quartermaster, P. S. Richardson. 

Ciiaplain, W. D. Atkinson. 

0. D., H. M. Trimble. 

0. G., John Norberg. 

Surgeon, P. R. Dakin. 

Adjutant, C. G. Gushing. 

Sergeant Major, C. C. Warren. 

Second M. S., D. E. Munger. 

Post commanders have been as follows: 

T. P. Streeter, 1883-85. 

F. M. Herrick, 1886. 

A. M. Swengel, 1887. 

R. R. Gibons, 1888. 

D. E. Munger, 1889-91. 

J. R. Cottle, 1892. 

M. F. Laughliii (unfinished term), 1892. 

Eli Wliitc, 1893. 



G. T. Smith, 1894. 
A. C. Best, 1S95. 
C. H. Masters, 1896. 
H. M. Trimble, 1897. 
T. P. Streeter, 1898. 
R. W. Phelps, 1899. 
T. J. Henderson, 1900. 
R. R. Elliott, 1901. 
W. S. Merriman, 1902. 
C. H. Fish, 1903. 
John Norberg, 1904. 
G. W. White, 1905. 
Orrin Wilkinson, 1906. 
The present officers are: 
Commander, Orrin Wilkinson. 
S. V. C, C.' L. Turner. 
J. V. C, Joe Perkins. 
Adjutant, A. M. Swengel. 
Second M., A. C. Best. 
Chaplain, T. P. Streeter. 
0. D., R. W. Phelps. 
0. G., F. M. Atkins. 
Sergeant Major, G. T. Smith. 
Second M. S., C. D. Wagoner. 
Surgeon, AV. M. Kaull. 

Comrade A. M. SwimiucI has been adjutant since 
1895. 

BUREAU LODGE, NO. 428, I. 0. O. F. 

Organized June 28, 1870. 

PEACE LODGE, NO. 801, I. O. 0. F. 

Organized June 28, 1903. 

These two lodges were consolidated March 31, 
1903, under the name of Peace lodge, No. 428. 
I. 0. 0. F. 

Charter members : 

Thomas Wood, W. H. Makutchan, J. W. Ross, 
Theo. F. Hobbagger, T. F. McKane, J. Harry 
Johnson, F. B. Aldricli, J. M. Makutchan, Thomas 
Finlay, Ferris B. Aldrich, E. R. Virden, W. L. 
Hindman, W. F. Waldroii, J. Nut Anderson, Jacob 
Ashenfelter, A. P. ]{aymond, George Roth, John 
Erickson, J. C. Deuel, Milford Frazee, A. Ring, 
Frank Martin, H. E. Makutchan, E. G. Crampton, 
John Moscrop, J. L. Thompson, W. S. Booth, J. 
E. Little, Ed M. Golden, P. Batson, W. E. Dabler, 
M. H. Shugart, Charles B. Thompson, Eli Aldrich, 
Charles F. Anderson, E. A. Cline, John A. Hiud- 
quist and Reed Baker. 

Twenty were initiated the night of organization. 
This lodge now nund)ei-s one liundred. 

lilREAU ENCAMPMENT, NO. 36. 

Organized S('|)li'iidK'r 26, 1856. 

Charter membci's : 

n. D. "i'oung, .lohn F. Ruhe, A. J. Wharton, 
David Rol)inson, Jr., .\iidi-e\v Carse, John Garvin, 
S. G. Paddock. 

Mr. I'addoek is the only cliarler member now 
living. 

In 1892 the encamiiment was nearly extinct, but 
Tliouuis Wood, witii liLs energy and push, a.«sisted 



140 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



Ijv others, took liold of the work of re-establishing 
its prestige, and it now has 140 members. 

I'lJlNCETON- CAXTOX, XO. 63. 

()rpaiiizf<l ilarch T, 1902, with Thomas Wood as 
cainain ami Walter i[akiitchan as lieutenant. 

Charter meiiibers: 

A. H. (ieotz, William Keller, II. E. Makuiehan, 
F. M. Poschoeskj', M. Rask, James E. Taylor, 
Thomas Wood, George Koth, James Bush, W. L. 
Dabler, Samuel Selig, Ed Miller, Joseph Wiggim, 
W. C. Johnson. 

Canton Xo. li:? now has forty-three swords. The 
encampment lias l)een honored by having one of its 
members, Thomas Wood, elected by acclamation 
to the office of grand patriarch, and Howard 
Makutchan is in line for same office at next elec- 
tion. 

MYSTIC TIE LOIX;E,X0.3G4,DAtGIITEKS OF REBECC.\. 

Organized January 17, 1895. 

Charter members: 

J. W. Koss. Mrs. J. W. Ross, Thomas Wood, 
Mrs. Thomas Wood, H. V. Rees, Mrs. H. V. Rees, 
T. F. McKane, Mrs. T. F. McKaue, Jacob Miller, 
Daisy Smith, Fraidv Crossley, Myrtle Miller, H. 
A. Suulh, Mary Anderson, J. X. Anderson, Minnie 
Elliott, M. H. Shugart, Betsy Smith, William 
Keller, .\inanda Shugart, P. G. Larson. Josie Kel- 
ler, F. P>. Aldrich, Jennie I^arson, C. M. Jones, 
Hattie Aldrich, P. Batson, Fannie Moscrop, Win- 
nifred Aldrich, .Vda Smith. 

Officers 190li : 

Noble Grand, Mrs. H. E. Makutchan. 

Vice Grand, Mrs. W. A. Hiddleson. 

Secretary, Miss Ollie Tatman. 

Warden, Mrs. Carrie Xagle. 

Conductor, Mrs. Ollie M. Pease. 

Inside Guard, Mrs. S. H. Stiles. 

Outside Guard, Mrs. William Fishel. 

Chaplain, Miss Brems. 

R. S. N. G., Mrs. Jennie Larson. 

L. S. N. G., Mrs. M. L. Crossh'y. 

Pianist, Mrs. Minnie Johnson. 

Past (irand, Mrs. Calvin Phijijis. 

Ij. S. V. G., Miss Jennie Johnson. 

R. S. V. G., Miss Hannah Rjork. 

Financial Secretary, Mrs. Ida Dabler. 

Treasurer, Mrs. Lillie Crossley. 

The lodge now has sixty-four member; 

SIIAKOX I,OIh;K. xo. .").")((, TISKIl.WA. ILLINOIS. 

Sharon I»ilge was cliartered October 2, 1.S(m, 
with sixteen memben?, as follows: 

F. B. Xash, Hugh Kirkjiatrick, E. S. Johnson 
II. C. Greeley, J{. H. S. Kenney. J. F. :More, 
Charles Ma.son, C. H. S. Powers, J. M. Quimliv, 
J. H. Welsh, C. IL Wilkinson, J. L Wilkins, Jolni 
Kelly, L. J. Wilkinson, Georce K. Carter. A. II. 
Remington. 

The lodge now lias eighty-one inenilieis with 
the following officers, viz. : 



W. M.. W. .M. I.'eliine. 

S. W.. W. 11. Albrecbt. 
J. \V., G. U. Brown 
Treasurer, J. H. Welsh. 
Secretarv, A. B. Blake. 
J. D., W. R. Soverhill. 
S. 1)., G. ]•:. Dexter. 
S. S., G. W. Kirkpatrick, 
Chaplain. .1. .\. .Vlford. 
ilarshall, i'. C. Bacon. 
Tyler, G. E. Welsh. 

PRIXCETOX CHAPTER. XO. 28, li. A. il. 

Organized October, 1855. Charter members: 

William IT. Winter. Joseph fiercer, William T. 
Swain. William Bacon, Joseph Shugart, Charles 
Kelsey, Joseph S. Williams, George Crossley, John 
M. Storms, William I. Moore. 

Officei-s, 1906: 

E. H. P., Fred Lehman. 

E. K., A. Oppenheim. 

E. S., J. F. Taylor. 

Treasurer, H. M. Trimble. 

Secretary, H. C. Roberts. 

Chaplain, Elijah Ross. 

C. of H., E. A. Vauuhan. 

P. S., D. H. Dean. 

R. A. C, T. P. Strceter. 

:\L 3d v.. L. L. Ackerson. 

M. 2d Y., H. 0. Bushev. 

M. 1st Y., T. C. Callinau. 

Sentinel, C. E. Brown. 

Trustees — F. Lehman. A. Oppenlieini. .1. V. 
Taylor, D. H. Smith, H. G. Gibbs. 

Past High Priests of Princeton Chapter No. 28 : 

George Crossley, William H. Winter, Joseph 
Mercer, Henry F. Royce, George O. Ide, Clark 
Gray, Levi R. Jerome, Reuben B. Foster, Luther 
D. Romberger, George H. Sampson, Jlarshall N. 
Trimble, Edward A. Washburn. .Idlin Pickles, 
Charles A. Palmer. Josiah Ilcntler.'ion, John C. 
Bannister, George B. Harrington, Daniel H. Dean, 
Theodore P. Streeter, Edwin .\. Yaughan, .Xhra- 
bam Oppenheim. 

TEJtPLE COiI.\fAXDERY. XO. 20, KXICIITS TEJtPLAR. 

Dispensation granted April 13, A. D. 1866, A. 
0. 748. Charter members: 

William Bacon, Joseph Mesigh, Joseph Mercer, 
George Crossley, Philo H. Zeigler, William I. 
Morrison, L. R. Jerome, J. H. Fawcett, William 
L ^foore. 

Charter granted October 2:!, A. D. 1866, A. 0. 
748. Dedicated and constituted November 14, 
1866. First officers: 

E. C, L. R. Jeronu'. 

General, George Crossley. 

Captain General, Josejih fiercer. 

Prelate. Joseph Mesigb. 

S. W.. Pbilo IL Zeialer. 

.1. W.. J. II. Fawcett. 

Treasurer. Cyjiian Jones. 

Recorder. William Bacon. i 

St. 11.. William Miiri'ison. 



PAST AX I) TKESENT OF BUL'EAU COUXTY. 



] 



Sw. B., S. M. Knox. 
Warder, William I. Mooio. 
Officers 1906-T : 
E. C, Lorton L. Ackerson. 
(ieneral, Abraham Oppeuheim. 
Captain General. Fred Lehman. 
S. W., Harrv Bushe_y. 
J. W., Chas". E. Brown. 
Prelate, Edwin A. Vaughan. 
Treasurer, Daniel H. Smith. 
Recorder, Theodore P. Streeter. 
St. B., Geo. L. Herbolsheinier. 
Sw. B., Chas. W. Sapp. 
Warder. James L. Norman. 
Sentinel, Thomas C. Callinan. 
Trustees — L. L. Ackerson, A. Oppenheim. Fred 
Lehman, L. K. Thompson, C. E. Brown. 

BUREAU LODGE, XO. 113, .\. F. & A. M. 

Organized October T, 1851 A. L. .5851. Char- 
ter memliers : 

William Bacon, W. H. Winter, Centralia, Illi- 
nois : A. L. Phillips, Warren, Ohio ; Peter Martin, 
Peoria, Illinois; Brown Searls, Greene Count}', 
Ohio: John Green, London, Virginia; Timothy 
Searls. Putnam. Illinois; V. C. Frank, Cham- 
paign County, Ohio. 

Present officers : 

W. M.. A. Oppenheim. 

S. W.. C. C. Scott. 

.1. W.. H. P. Phelps 

Treasurer, Wm. Keller. 

Secretary, E. S. Phelps. 

Chaplain, A. G. Downer. 

S. D., X. W. Isaacson. 

J. D., Charles Proutv. 

S. S., L. E. Davis. 

J. S., R. W. Story. 

Tvler. C. C. Weidrich. 

Trustees— H. G. Gibbs, A. Oppenheim. X. W. 
Isaacson, Fred Harris, L. R. Davis. 

Member of Board of Control, H. G. Gibbs. 

ORION COUNCIL NO. 8, ROYAL AND SELECT M.VSTERS 

Charter .granted September 30, A. D. 1858. A. 
L. 5858, Y. D. 2837. Charter members : 

George Crossley, Wm. H. -■'Winter, Geo. H. 
Phelps, Martin Carse, Joseph Mercer, Alfred 
Johnson, Jr., James Sowers, Z. K. Waldron. .Tn- 
seph H. Williams. 

Officers, 1858: 

T. I. M., George Crossley. 

I. D. M., Wm. H. Winter. 

P. C. W., Joseph ]\Iercer 

C. of G., Geo. H. Phelps 

Treasurer. Cypian Jones 

Recorder, A. Jolinson Jr. 

G. S., Martin Carse. 

Officers, 1906: 

T. I. M., Fred Lehman. 

I. D. M., C. M. Sapp. 

P. C. W., E. A. Vaughan. 

Ti-easurer, H. 0. Bushev. 

Rw'order. T. P. Streeter. 



Chaplain, L. L. Ackerson. 

C. of G., D. H. Dean. 

C. of C, -V. Oiipcnheim. 

Steward, T. C. Callinan 

Sentinel, C. E. Brown. 

The Woman's Club of i'rincetou. 111., was oi- 
ganized in 1891. Incorporated, 1893. Federated. 
1896. United with District Federation, 1902, and 
became au.xiliary to the Mothers' Congress in 1903. 

The first ol)ject of the club was practical tem- 
perance. The first work was accomplished in 
connection with Dr. Keeley's Bi-Chloride of Gold 
treatment. In jirosecuting this work other phil- 
anthropies presented themselves, which received 
careful attention and at the end of two years and 
four montiis there had been e.xpended $3,047.04 
for the B. C. of G. T. and $444.90 for other pliil- 
anthropies, as reported Ijy Mrs. Victoria M. Rich- 
ardson, chairman of B. C. of G. committee. 

The object of the club enlarged until in 1893; 
wlien incorporated, it was defined as being to ad- 
vance the moral, educational and social welfare 
of the community of Princeton and vicinity. In 
1893 there were four standing committees, viz. : 

Philanthropy, Mrs. Victoria M. Richardson, 
chairman. 

Reading Room, Mrs. Emma V. Harrington, 
chairman. 

Household Economics, Mrs. Clara Xorton, 
chairman. 

Programme. Mrs. Ellen B. Freeman, chairman. 

These continued until 1896 when new ones 
were added, viz. : 

Village Improvement, ilrs. Victoria M. Rich- 
ardson, chairman. 

Social, Mrs. Angle E. j\[unger, chairman. 

Homeless Children, Mrs. S. J. Smith, chairman. 

The club has been officered as follows. 

Presidents— :\Irs. Margaret D. Trimble. 1891- 
1900: Mrs. Eunua V. Harrington, 1900-1902; 
:\Irs. Ellen B. Freeman. 1903-1904; ^[rs. Jose- 
phine A. Griswold, 1904-1906; Mrs. :\rollie Miller 
Clark. 1906i removed. 

First Vice-President— Mrs. Emilv Colton. 1891- 
1893; Miss Eliza J. Warfield, 1893-1894; Mrs. 
Leona R. Cunningham, 1894-1899; Mrs. Emma 
V. Harringt(m, 1899-1900; Mrs. Hattie Joy 
Browne, 1900-1901 : Mrs. Barbara E. Page, 1901- 
1904: Mrs. Clara Trimble. 1904-1905: Mrs. MoUie 
M. Clark, 1905-1906: I\[rs. Ella C. Dexter. 1906. 

Second' Vice-President — ^Frs. Sarah A. Tavlor. 
1891-1893; Mrs. Lvdia A. Anthony, 1893-1899; 
Mrs. Hattie Jov Browne, 1899-1900; Mrs. Barbara 
E. Page. 1900-1901 ; Mrs. Ellen B. Freeman, 
1901-1903: :\Irs. Lucv Barto, 1902-1904; Mrs. 
Mollic M. Clark. 1904-1905; Mrs. Jenet Decker, 
1905-1906; Mrs. Jenet Decker. 1906. 

Third Vice-President — Mrs. Harriet Barnhart. 
1891-1896; Mrs. Jennie H. McCormick, 1896- 
1899; Mrs. Emma P. Lovejoy, 1899-1900; Mrs. 
Alice S. Davis. 1900-l!)03; I\rrs. Mary C. Lehman. 
1902-1903: Miv. Miuidc (lolding. 1903-1904; Mrs. 



142 



I'AST AND PRESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Jenet Decker. 1904-1 !i05; Mrs. Barbara E. Page, 
1905. 

Keconlin^ Secretary — Mrs. ilabel Priestley, 
18!)l-iy00; Mrs. Jennie C. Bailev, 1!MI0-1!)02; 
Miss Mary A. Wiggins, 1902-1904; Mrs. Alice 
Trimble, "l904-1905; Miss Ella Parker, 190.5- 
190G ; Miss Ella Parker, 1906. 

Corres])on(ling Secretary — Mr.*. Elizabeth L. 
Elliott. 1.S91-1S!M; .Mi-s. Stella B. (iaryin, 1894- 
1.S9G: Mr.-;. X'ictoria M. IJichardson, 1896-1900; 
Mrs. Margaret i). Trimble. 1900-1901 ; Mrs. Mabel 
S. Priestley, 1901-1904; Miss Mary A. Wiggins, 
1904-1905; Mrs. Mabel S. Priestley, 1905-1906; 
Mrs. Mabel S. Priestley, 1906. 

Treasurer— Miss Camilla Ferri-<, 1891-93; Miss 
:Marv Horton, 189:5-1898: Miss Grace Bryant, 
1898-1902; .Miss Fanny Moseley, 1902-1905 ; 'Miss 
Hester Field, 1905-1906; Miss Hester Field, 190G. 

Woman's Club Board: 

Mrs. .Afargaret D. Trimlile, 189:?-190;. 

Mrs. Mabel S. Priestley, 1893-1903, 1905-1907. 

Mrs. Victoria .M. Kiciiardson, 1893-1894, 1896- 
1897, 1898-1900, 1905-1906. 

Mrs. Leona R. Cunningham, 1893-1894, 1896- 
1899. 

ilrs. Elizaljcth L. Elliott, 1893-1894. 

Mrs. Emma D. Bailey. 1893-1903, 1905-1906. 

Mrs. Mary S. Horton," 1893-1894, 1898-1900. 

Mn*. Anmi L. A'inlen. 1893-1894. 

Mi.ss Eliza .1. Warlicld, 1893-1896. 

Mrs. Stella B. Garyin, 1894-1896. 

Mrs. Emily M. Latimer, 1894-1900. 

Mrs. Mary 1). Ferris, 1894-1899. 

Mrs. Emiiiii \'. ninrin>,rton, 1S94-1896, 1899- 
1907. 

Mrs. Firimia .\. Wasliliurn. 1896-1903. 

Mrs. S. M. Knox. 1896-1897. 

Mrs. Elizal)eth E. Keith. 1897-1898. 

Mrs. Charlotte M. Xash, 1899-1900. 

Mrs. Hattie Joy Browne, 1900-1903. 

Mrs. Jennie C. Bailey, 1900-1902. 

Dr. Hattie ^I. Owens, 19(10-1902. , 

Mrs. Ellen B. Freeman, 19iio-1904. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis, 1902-1903. 

Mrs. Lucy Barto, 1902-1905. 

Miss Mary A. Wiggins, 1902-1904. 

Mrs. Sarah F. Delano, 1903-1904, 1905-1907. 

^Irs. Alice Dayis, 1903-1905. 

Mrs. Josephine Griswold, 1901-1907. 

Mrs. Lydia Wilson, 1904-1905. 

Mrs. AJartha Peckham, 1904-1905. 

Mrs. Amina Foster Magill, 190.5-1907. 

Mrs. Alice ^I. Trimble, 1904-1905. 

^Irs. Barbara E. Page, 1904-1907. 

^frs. Ella I>yford Warfield, 1906-1907. 

Ciiairnian of standing committees: 

Philanthropy— ;Mrs. Victoria M. Richardson. 
1893: Mr.«. Cyrus Cautl'man, 1896: :\rrs. Cliarlotte 
:\[. Xa.sh, 1898: .Mrs. Helen Xewell. 1900: Mrs. J. 
M. Clark, 1901: Mrs. Eyeline Conner, 1902; Mrs. 
Helen Xewell. 1903-"0(i. 



Reading Room — Mrs. Emma V. Harrington, 
1893. 

Library and Reading Room — Mrs. Emma V. 
Harrington, 1896. 

Educational — Mrs. Emma V. Harrington, 1898 ; 
Mrs. Jennie M. Beede. 1900: Dr. Hattie M 
Owens, 1901: Mrs. Jennie M. Beede, 1902-'05; 
Mrs. Belle B. Bridgham, 1906. 

Household Economics — Mrs. Clara Xorton. 
1893. 

Homeless Children— S. J. Smith, 1896. 

Political Scienci — Mrs. Ellen B. Freeman, 1897. 

Music— Mrs. Bella H. Vedder, 1899: iliss 
Grace Y. Harrington, 1900: :Mrs. ilartha ^l. 
Peckham. 1901-1904 : Mrs. Grace M. Jordan, 1905- 
1906. 

Art— Mrs. Mabel S. Priestley. 1899: Mrs. 
Loui.se J. :Moseley, 1900: Miss Eka L. Washburn, 
1901: :Mrs. :\rary C. Lehman. 1902: Mrs. Clara 
Trimble. 1904: '.Mrs. Louise J. :\roseley, 1905; 
:\rrs. ifary W. Gil)l)s. 1906. 

Library — Mrs. Hattie Joy Browne, 1899; Mrs. 
Clara S. Trimble, 1900; Mrs. Hattie Joy Browne. 
1901: Miss Mary A. Wiggins, 1902; Miss Agnes 
Robinson, 1904-1906. 

Social — Mrs. .\ngie E. ^Munger. 1896; Mrs. 
Roxanna B. Rawson. 1898 : Mrs. 'Alice Best. 1901 : 
.Mrs. F. L. Romliorger. 1902: Mrs. Alice Dayis. 
1903: :\Irs. Lydia Wilson. 1904: :yrrs. L'oxanna B. 
Rawson, 190.')'-1906. 

Domestic Science — ifrs. Emma D. Bailey. 
1899: Mrs. Lizzie Bryant. 19ii(i: :Mrs. Rachel M. 
Handin. 1902: ^fiss Ella Parker. 1903-1901: 
^liss Jane Palmer. 1905-1906. 

Press— :\rrs. Jennie C. Bailey. 1897; .Mi.ss 
Georgia Beede. 1900: ^[rs. ]Hae Unholz. 1902; 
:Miss Mary .\. Wiggins. 1903. 

Programmt ^Irs. Ellen B. Freeman, 1894: 

Mrs. A'ictoria M. Ricliard.^on. 1896: Jlrs. ifahel S. 
Priestley. 1900: Afrs. Ella W. Harrison, 1901: 
Mrs. Emma Y. Harrington. 1902: Airs. Lucy M. 
Barto. 1903: :Mrs. Mabel S. Prie.^tley, 1904-1906. 

Village Improvement — ^Irs. Victoi'ia M. Rich- 
ardson.' 1896 ; :\lrs. Bariiani i:. l'ai:e. 1899: Mrs. 
Charlotte M. Xash, 1900; Mrs. Elizabeth J. Cur- 
tis, 1901 : Mrs. F. L. Romberger, 1903 ; Mrs. Ellen 
B. Freeman, 1904; disrontinui>d. 1905. 

Historical— "Mrs. Claia \l. Xortmi. I9i)0-l!i(»l; 
]\lrs. Miu-iraret D. Trimble. li»02-1903; Mrs. .Iidia 
R. Plu'lps. 1904: Mrs. Esther :Mathis. 1905; Mrs. 
Josei)hiiie R. Griswold. 190(;. 

Regular meetings of the Woman's club have 
been held on alternate \yeeks. beginning in Sep- 
tember or October and continuing till the latter 
part of .A|)ril. 

Some of (he topics discu,<sed. other than those 
designated by the names of the standing commit- 
tees, are: "The Home and Scliool." '"Relation of 
Parents and Teachers." "Child Study."' "Child- 
Savinsi." "Relation of Public Library to Schools."' 
"Sanitation." "Ventilat'on."" "Bird-Sayinji.'" '"Pa- 
triotism." "".Vssociated Cliirit ies." ""Physical Cul- 



PAST AM) I'UKSEXT OF BUI!EAU COIXTY. 



143 



tiiro and tlie Art of Movement,,'" '"Ithvthin or Time 
iu Ifeadiug roetrv," "Parliameutary Law,"" etc. 

The literary programmes of the reguhir meet- 
ings have been enriched from time to time by such 
eminent sjaealvers as CoL Francis \V. Parlcer, Prof. 
F. W. Ormsby, Prof. Bennett; Mrs. llenrotin, 
.Airs. Coonley Ward; Misses ilary A. Wadswortli, 
Julia Lathrop, ^Irs. Mary t'odding Bourland 
and numy others whose names are equally worthy 
of mention. These, together with the best home 
talent, have brought helpful suggestion and inspi- 
ration to the various committees in their several 
hours of work and have touched the lives of in- 
dividual members to broaden, enlighten and ce- 
ment them into a united whole whose power for 
good is felt in every avenue of life, and whose 
ideal is well expressed in their club motto, "In 
Good Things Unitv, In Small Things Liberty, In 
All Things, Charity."" 

Substantial aid has been given to tlie schools in 
the form of pictures, statuary, furnishings for 
manual training room in Douglas building, and 
])rizes for domestic science in the high school. 
These departments were established in 190.3 and 
190-t, largely through the inflence of the club. 

The kindergarten material (chairs, tables, gifts 
and cupboard), given to the club by the Kinder- 
garten Association, were turned over to the public 
kindergarten, wdiich was maintained in the schools 
from September, 1902, until June, 1904. A piano 
and other assistance was also given for the same 
]nirpose: and material aid in tlie industrial work 
of the grades. 

The Y. M. C. A. parlor was furnished and the 
Public Library has received many gifts in books, 
magazines, etc. 

At this writing (October, 1906) the \Voman"s 
club has declared its oliject to be for the present 
year, "A new Public Library building," and if 
they receive the hearty support of the ])ublic as 
they have done in the past it will soon stand an 
enduring nionument to the enterprize of the peo- 
ple of Princeton, with its doors ever open to in- 
vite the seeking pilgrim to enter and satisfy his 
thirst for knowledge and open a fountain of per- 
])etual inspiration to higher attainments and no- 
l)ler living. 

There is now in the club treasury over two 
thousand ($'2,000) dollars, which is constantly ac- 
cumulating for the benefit of thi.s project. The 
nucleus of this fund was secured froin tlie re- 
ceipts of three entertainments given in 'March. 
1S94. 

lilHKAf COITXTY SOLDIEIis' ASSOfl.VTIOX. 

In accordance with a call issued by order of 
Ferris Po.st No. 309, G. A. R., a meeting of rep- 
resentatives from the different parts of the couniy 
was held on Wednesday. July Stli. 1896, at K. o'f 
V. hall io effect a soldiers' association. 'I'luisi^ 
present were: J. N. Robinson, Post -TTT, Wahuit. 
111.: Ezra Mclntire, Post 284, Xeponset, ill.: J. 



M. Gohlsmith, Post (iU.3, Sheffield, 111.; C. X. 
Masters, D. E. ilunger, li. K. Gibons. William 
Wilson, A. M. Swengel, 11. M. Trimble and T. P. 
Streeter of Princeton, 111. 

Commander C. H. Masters was elected chair- 
man and A. j\I. Swengel secretary. 

After the object of the meeting had been stated 
by the chair, T. P. Streeter moved that this asso- 
ciation be called "The Bureau County Soldiers' 
-Vssociation."" Carried. 

Moved by P. P. Gibons that Comrade H. .M. 
Trimble be elected president of the association, 
which was unanimously carried. A. M. Swengel 
was elected secretary and William Wilson was 
elected treasurer. 

The first reunion was ludd at Princeton, 111., 
October 14 and 1."), 189(5. The second annual re- 
union was held at Princeton October 13-14, 189T, 
at which meeting T. P. Streeter was elected pres'- 
dent, A. M. Swengel secretary, and William Wil- 
son treasurer, each holding their office until 1906. 
Third annual reunion held at Tiskilwa, Illinois, 
September 29, 1898 ; fourth annual reunion held 
at Buda, Illinois, September 20-21, 1899: fifth 
annual reunion held at Sheffield, Illinois, Septem- 
ber 2.5-26, 1901: sixth annual reunion held at Ne- 
ponset, Illinois, September 18-19, 1902 ; seventh 
annual reunion held at Wyanet. Illinois, Septem- 
lier 16-17, 1903; eighth annual reunion held at 
Princeton, Illinois, September 22-23, 1904 ; ninth 
annual reunion licld at Ohio. Illinois, October 11- 
12, 1905; tenth annual reunion held at La Jloille, 
Illinois, October 4-5, 1906. 

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTIOX. 

Tlie Princeton, Illinois, chapter of the Daugh- 
ters of the American Revolution was organized 
April 13. 1896. 

The charter members were: Mines. Laura Smith 
Bryant. ^landana Stevens Temiileton, Jane Hub- 
liell Smith, Darlene Stevens Reeve, l^ora Stone 
Bates, Mary Knox Stevens, Louise Jones Moseley, 
]\Iary Moseley Horton, Misses Fannie Harper 
Stevens, Laura Sue Bryant (now Mrs. Ferris), 
Grace Mary Bryant. ]\Iary Moseley Horton (now 
Mrs. Moseley), Caroline llcConnie Horton, I'ran- 
ces Radcliff Horton, Jane Folsom Smith. 

^frs. Darlene Stevens Reeve organized the 
chapter and was elected the first regent, whicli 
office she held as long as she remained a resident 
of Princeton. 

The membership has nev(>r numbered over 35 ; 
at present it numbers 33. 

The meetings are held the first Friday of each 
.month with (ho exce))tion of the montlis of Aug- 
ust and Se])leiiiber. 

The clia])ter has presented a number of ]iic(iires 
to the schools of the city and each year gives 
lliree jirizes to the students of American history 
wild write Hie best essay on Ibe subject. They 
have conli'iliuted liberally in ibe building of Coii- 
liiieiital hall at Washington. 



144 



PAST .VXD rUKSEXT OF RUKEAT' (OI'XTY 



The chapter is about to place a boulder in the 
city park, in commeiuoration of Lincoln's visit 
here July 4th, 1856. 

The one real daughter is Mrs. Mary P. Keyes, 
who is now in her niuety-fonrth year. 

The regents have been as follows : 

Mr^^. Darlene Stevens Peeve, 1896-1901. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Edward.^ Keith. 19U1-1902. 

Mrs. Sue Brvant Ferris, 190-M903. 

Miss Celia Gi-ceuwood, 1903-1905. 

Miss Ella Parker, 190.x 



CHAPTEK XX. 

MISCELLAXEOUS. 



KAHI.Y SWEDISH SETTLERS IX BUREAU COUXTY. 

A. P. Anderson and family of Horn, Ostergoth- 
land, came to Princeton during the summer of 
18.30. At that time lie found here five persons 
of his own nationality. Among these was a young 
nian named Burgeson, in the employ of Owen 
Lovejoy, and a Miss Signa Xorell, from Bergsjo, 
Helsingland. An adventurer, Eric Wester, from 
Stockholm, also arrived in 1850. During the fall 
of the same year ten or eleven families came, but 
none of them located permanently. Hans Kamel 
came from Bergsjo. In 1851 Lars J. Spake and 
N. J. X^elson and their families came here from 
Djursdale, Smaland ; Jacob Xyman also came 
that year ; also C. M. . Skold, from Yestra Eyd ; 
A. P. Stern, from Asby, Ostergothland ; Ake Nel- 
son, from Wa Skane; P. Fagercrans, from Bro- 
sart Skane : S. Frid, from Wa ; P. C. Anderson, 
from Elfsl)orgo Lfiu ; John Anderson, Stockholm; 
Henry Xorman, from Stockholm ; John A. West- 
mar, from Borstig; Johan G. Stahl, from Jonkop- 
ings-liiu : A. P. Larson from Vadstena: J. 0. 
Linderblood from Linkopings-lau; and Lars An- 
derson, from Gingrid Elisborgsliiu, came to 
Princeton in 1852: Jonas Anderson, from Farla 
Helsingland, and A. .\. Shenlund, from Westcr- 
gothlaiid, canu' in 1853. 

Nearly all of tlie a!)ove named persons and their 
desceiKhints and most of the later arrivals have 
taken an active part in the affairs of Bureau 
county. The Swedish people are industrious, fru- 
gal and honest. They have engaged in farming, 
mcrcliandising. manufacturing, teaching and in 
nearly every branch of industry. Xo more law- 
abiding people can anywhere be found. And of 
all nationalities they quickest Americanize and 
bwonie useful factors in our citizenship. Many of 
the Swedish citizens have held high positions both 
in the state and national affairs. In 1900 the 
number of people in this county born in Sweden 
was nearly 1,800 and their descendants were le- 
gion. One of the noticealde characteristics of the 
Swedish people is their industry. It is no un- 
usual thing for families who came to this country 
but a few years ago with nothing but willing 



hands and a brave heart to now be surrounded by 
all the comforts of modern life. And this can 
only be done by thrifty habits. Sweden for cen- 
turies has been well and peacefully governed and 
this perhaps accounts for the stable and self-poised 
condition of her subjects. 

The first Swedish Lutheran church was organ- 
ized in 1854. The original members w^ere P. 
Fagercrans, X. P. Lindquist, Eric Wester, Jacob 
NjTtnan, Nels Linderblood, S. Frid, and Lars An- 
derson. Two j'cars later they built a church and 
called Pastor Esbjorn, who was their spiritual 
leader until 185S. 

EARLY settlers' ASSOCIATTOX. 

The annual meeting of the Old Settlers" Asso- 
ciation has become one of the permanent insti- 
tutions of Bureau county and is worthy of a 
|)lace in the chronicled events of its past and 
present history. The writer has obtained from 
the well kept books of J. M. McConihe. who has 
been secretary of this society for a period of 
years, such data as would seem to be useful as a 
matter of reference. These meetings were begun 
in 18G5. At that time most of the early settlers 
were still alive and could tell in their o'«ti lan- 
guage of the trials and hardships as well as of the 
I'ovs and sorrows of those strenuous davs. John 
H. Bryant. Milo Kendall, Caleb Cook, Eli Smith, 
and a host of others could entertain the people 
with personal reminiscences ; but now the cold 
clods of the valleys and hillsides cover their once 
proud forms and only the remembrance of their 
active and useful lives is left. It seems that 
as early as December 21, 1861, a preliminary 
meeting was held in Princeton for the purpose 
of organizing an association of early settlers, at 
which time J. V. Thompson was named as presi- 
dent and E. S. Phelps Jr. was elected secretary. 
At that meeting D. McDonald, E. S. Phelps, L. J. 
Colton, C. G. Eeed, Cjtus Langworthy and Ar- 
thur Bryant were present and made speeches 
favorable to the enterprise. The first meeting 
of the association was held in Converse hall. 
Princeton. January 12. 1865. John H. Bryant 
was elected president and L. D. Whiting, J. V. 
Thompson and Milo Kendall were appointed com- 
mittee on resolutions. 

The second annual meeting of the association 
was held in the court house. Princeton. Illinois, 
December 21. 1866. .\t this meeting a consti- 
tution was adopted and article three of said con- 
stitution ]irovi(!ed that any person having been a 
resident of Bureau county twenty-five years — or in 
other words, any person coming to Bureau county 
liefore January 1. 1841. could become a member 
by giving in his or her name to the association. 
.T. V. Thompson was elected president. E. S. 
Phelps secretary. E. S. Phelps gave an address. 
In compliance with article three of the constitu- 
tion the following names were handed in. with 
the date of settlement : 



PAST AND PIUCSEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



1-t.j 



1828 — Mrs. Abram Stratton. nee Sarah Baggs; 
Mr. and Mrs. George Hinsdale; Mr. and Mrs. 
Ira Jones; Smiley Shepherd (Putnam Co.). 

1829 — Abram Stratton, Amos Leonard, Dan- 
iel Dimmick, Timothy Perkins, Leonard 
Eoth, William Hoskins, John Clark, Eeason B. 
Hill, John Hill, William Hill, Nelson Shepherd 
(Putnam Co.). 

1830— Charles S. Boyd, William Hoskins, 
James G. Foristall, Nicholas Smith, John M. Gay, 
Mrs. John M. Gay, M. Kitterman, Sylvester Brig- 
ham, Mr. and Mrs. Searle. 

1831— E. S. Phelps, Mrs. Anna W. Phelps, E. 
Hinsdale Phelps, Mr. and Mrs. Elijah Smith, 
Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith, Nicholas Smith, John 
Cole, Frederick Moseley, D. P. Smith, Dwight 
Smith, George Hinsdale, E. H. Phelps, Daniel 
Jones, Abram Jones, Mary Jones, Daniel Smith, 
Henry George, Poland Moseley, John Musgrove, 
Williamson Durley (Putnam Co.). 

1832 — Nathaniel Chamberlain, William 0. 
Chamberlain, Joel Doolittle, Elias Isaacs, William 
Cowan, John Greenrud, Alexander Holbrook, 
Mrs. M. Sturdyvin, Mrs. H. W. Kelly, John H. 
Bryant, James 0. Doolittle, Joseph Brigham, 
Mrs. Joseph Brigham, William Munson, Daniel 
Shirley, Gilbert Kellums. 

1833 — Arthur Bryant, Lazarus Eeeve, Abbott 
Ellis, Madison StiircJATin, Demareus Ellis, James 
Wilson, Frank Shepherd, Samuel Triplett, Wil- 
liam Allen, Aquilla Triplett, Mrs. Elizabeth Mat- 
son, Mrs. Arthur Bryant, Mrs. Elizabeth Norton, 
C. C. Corse, H. B. Deeper, Charles Leeper, Mrs. 
Sarah Ann Taylor, I. Wilson, James Garvin, John 
Leeper. 

1834 — Kichard Masters, John Masters, Caleb 
Cook, Mrs. Lucy Cook, Henry Cook, Edward C. 
Hall, Chauncey D. Colton, McCagga Triplett, C. 
F. Winship, Mrs. Sarah Winship, T. J. Holbrook, 
Cyrus Langworthy, Mrs. Cyrus Langworthy, Wil- 
liam Knox, John Elliott, Daniel R. Howe, Samuel 
Fay, Herman Downing, Mrs. Demareus Ellis, Mrs. 
Lumry, Mrs. Mason, Tracy Eeeve, Mrs. Maria 
Clapp, Adam Galer, Mrs. Clark Norton, Bar Mer- 
cer, Mrs. Julia E. Whitmarsh. Eev. J. E. Prunk, 
Mary Durfee, N. Perkins, John Clapp, W. Mer- 
cer, W. P. Griffin, E. H. Phelps. Mrs. John 
Vaughn, Jonathan Ireland, Mrs. Eliza Ireland, 
Mrs. Andrew Eoss, W. L. Isaac, Moses M. Thomp- 
son, Enos Holbrook. 

1835 — Lewis J. Colton, Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus 
Colton, Frank W. Winship, Solomon Sapp, Henry 
Sapp, James Coddington, Austin Bryant, Timothy 
Searl, I. B. Chenoweth, Solomon F. Eobinson, 
James S. Everett, Enos N. Matson, Charles H. 
Bryant, James M. Winship, Mrs. S. M. Dunbar. 
Mr. and Mrs. Benjamin Newell, Mrs. David Eob- 
inson, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Phelps, Mrs. Hannah 
M. Phelps, John Clapp, E. Strong Phelps, W. C. 
Drake, Sarah Tucker, E. Sherwin, Enoch Prati. 
Amanda Pratt, John Pratt, Susan Pratt, George 
W. Pratt. 



1836— Nathan Eackley, Justin H. Olds. Enos 
Smith, Jacob xYlbrecht, Allen S. Lathrop, Sidney 
Smith, Daniel Eadcliffe, Mr. and Mrs. Samuel 
Mohler, Martin Hops, John Long.^eth C. Clapp, 
John Stevens, E. S. Phelps, Jr., George Brown, 

A. E. Kendall, Jesse Emmerson, George M. Em- 
merson, Alfred Lyford, Daniel Heaton, Caleb 
Pierce, Enos Matson, Enoch Lumry, Mrs. Sarah 

B. King, Mrs. AVilliam Cowan, Mrs. Susan Brown, 
George H. Brown, Enos Smith, 0. E. Jones, W. 
Prunk, W. E. Chenoweth, George E. Phelps, Su- 
sanna Campbell, George Eackley, Joseph Hough- 
ton (La Salle county), Samuel Norris (Iowa), 
Mrs. Adaline D. Norris (Iowa). Adelia E. Drake, 
Mrs. Sarah Musgrove, E. S. Phelps, Nehemiah 
Matson, Parker J. Newell, Alonzo E. Kendall, 
Mrs. Harriet Childs Everett. 

1837— Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Wilson, David 
Marple, James H. Smith, William Young, Caleb 
Gushing, James M. Dexter, Joseph S. Clark, Evan 
H. Swayne, George M. Eadcliffe, David Greeley, 
William Hudnut, George E. Dorr, John Vaughan, 
Jr., William Frankeberger, Mrs. Eebecca Warfield, 
Mrs. Elizabeth Curtis, Mrs. Daniel King, Mrs. 
Eufus Carey, Mrs. Aaron Fisher, Mrs. Eli Wood, 
Mrs. A. M. Hops, Mr. and Mrs. John Walter, 
John Vaughan, A. M. Sheldon, John L. Enyart, 
Mrs. Mary M. Anthony, Alfred Anthony, Mrs. 
W. J. Moore, Frank Langworthy, J. N. Hill, Eich- 
ard Phelps, Edward C. Winship, Mrs. Ann Win- 
ship. 

1838 — Benjamin Porter, Henry V. Bacon, Amos 
N. Bacon, Samuel Dexter (Hinsdale), Anthony 
Sawyer, Franklin Foster, William Eobinson, 
James B. Aiken, P. J. Newell, Mrs. Lucinda Bu- 
bach, j\Irs. Nancy Morton, Caleb Cook, Mrs. Lucy 
Cook, Mary Cook, A. Durfee, Mrs. Mary Ann Col- 
ton, Joseph I. Taylor, Henry Cook, Franklin 
Walker (Champaign county), Gilbert Clement, 
Oliver Denham, J. W. Spratt. Mrs. Nancy H. 
Morton, M. Pritchey, Orris S. Phelps, J. E. 
Phelps. 

1839 — Eufus L. Craig, Joseph Pierce, Niel Mc- 
Arthur, Francis Buchan, Samuel M. Dunbar, Mrs. 
Hannah M. Phelps, L. A. Hope, E. G. Peter, An- 
drew Gosse, E. J. Benson, E. B. Belknap, M. T. 
W. Lathrop, A. Benson, Eobert M. Kearns. 

1840— J. V. Thompson, William S. Eichards, 
Martin L. Goodspeed, Mr. and Mrs. Adam Pruts- 
man, Mrs. Joseph S. Clark, Mrs. William McKco. 
E. E. Mathis, A. Prutsman, J. N. Eies, Zilpha 
Griffin, L. L. Frizzell, Mrs. Lucretia Jones, W. W. 
Ferris, Carlton W. Combs, M. Bertrand Lockwood. 

The third annual meeting was held in Converse 
Hall February 22, 1867. John II. Bryant, presi- 
dall gave a very able address, reviewing the prog- 
ress of the county and state up to that time, after 
which General Thomas Henderson made a 
short and interesting talk, and John H. Bry- 
ant recited a poem. The oldest man in the 
couiitv was called for and .\l)rani Stratton walked 



140 



PAST ASD PRESENT OF BUKKAf COUNTY. 



forth, being about sixty or sixty-five years of 
a^e. If tlie same request had been made at the 
la's! old f^ettlers" meeting the result would have 
been quite different, as Bureau can now boast of 
octogenarians and even add ten years to that, and 
those that are over sixty are legion. From 1S6T 
to 18T5 no meetings were held. 

The tenth annual meeting, reckoning the years 
that no meetings were held was at the court house 
in Scptemlier. 1875, Caleb Cook, president. A 
new constitution was adopted, and the change 
made it possible for anyone residing in the county 
to become a member. The eleventh meeting was 
held at fair grounds on Thursday, January 15, 
1876. Milo Kendall, president; E. S. Phelps, 
secretary. Mr. Warren gave an address. The 
clause in regard to membership was changed back 
so that to be called an old settler one must have 
been a resident for twenty-five years. 

The twelfth annual meeting of the association 
was held at the fair grounds September 6, 1877. 
Rev. John Cole was president and E. S Phelps 
secretary. E. Strong Phelps gave an address. 

The thirteenth annual meeting was held in Pat- 
terson's hall August 15, 1878. Rev. John Cole, 
president, and E. S. Phelps secretary. Short ad- 
dresses were given by several of the old settlers. 
The fourteenth annual meeting was not held, nor 
the fifteenth or sixteenth. 

The seventeenth annual meeting was held at the 
fair grounds on August 24, 1882, T. W. Nichols, 
president. Short addresses were given by a few 
of the early settlers. 

T'he eighteenth annual meeting of the early set- 
tlers was held at the fair grounds September 6, 
1883, John Walters president, L. D. Whiting sec- 
retary. 

The nineteenth annual meeting was held at the 
fair grounds on August 30, 18S4, John Walters 
president, H. B. Leeper secretary. An address 
was given by Colonel Clay Bradslty. 

The twentieth annual meeting was held at the 
fair grounds on August 15, 1885, Andrew Ross 
president, G. M. Radcliffe, secretary. 

The twenty-first annual meeting was held at the 
fair grounds on August 28, 1885, S. G. Paddock 
president, C. P. Bacon secretary. This meet- 
ing voted to build a log cabin on the fair grounds. 
Joseph Brigham, Dover; J. H. Bryant and H. C. 
Field, Princeton ; D. P. Smith, Ohio, and W. C. 
Ilobles of Indiantown were appointed a commit- 
tee to take charge of the building of the structure. 

The twenty-second annual meeting was held at 
the fair grounds on Saturday, .\ugust 27, 1887, 
Julius Henedict president. Arthur Bryant sec- 
retary. The attendance was very large, the largest 
in the history of the society. General I. II. Elliott 
gave the address, which was nuu li appreciated. 

The twenty-third annual meeting was held at 
the fair grounds on August 23, 1888, Louis Zear- 
ing president, Arthur Bryant secretary. 

The twentv-fourth annual meeting was held at 



the fair grounds on Saturday, August 27, 1889, 
George Rackiey of Maiden, president, Arthur Bry- 
ant secretary. Rev. V. H. Brown gave an address. 

The twenty-fifth annual meeting was held at 
the fair grounds on Saturday, August 30, 1890, 
Anthony Saw^-er president, Carrie Everett secre- 
tary. Short talks were given by old settlers. 

The twenty-sixth annual meeting was held at 
the fair grounds on Saturday, August 22, 1891, 
Colonel I. H. Elliott president, Carrie Everett sec- 
retary. General Thomas J. Henderson gave an 
address. 

The twenty-seventh annual meeting was held at 
the fair grounds on Saturday, September 1, 1892, 
General 1. H. Elliott president, Carrie Everett 
secretary. Rev. T. R. Strobridge of the Methodist 
church of Princeton gave the address. 

The twenty-eighth annual meeting was held at 
the fair grounds on Saturday, August 23, 1893, 
Z. S. Hills of Ohio, president, Carrie Everett sec- 
retary. Short talks by old settlers were given. 

The twenty-ninth annual meeting was held at 
the fair grounds on Saturday, August 25, 1894, 
D. P. Smith president, Jennie Smith secretarj-. 
Rev. W. I. Davenport gave the address. 

The thirtieth annual meeting of the old settlers 
of Bureau county was held on the fair grounds on 
the twenty-fourth day of August, 1895, J. M. 
McConihe president, Jennie Smith secretary. An 
address was given by L. N. Stratton. 

The thirty-first annual meeting was held on the 
fair grounds on Saturday, August 29, 1896, Z. S. 
Hills of Ohio, president, J. M. McConihe secre- 
tary. Rev. Albert Ethridge gave the address. 

The thirty-second annual meeting of the old 
settlers was held at the fair grounds on September 
4, 1897, Louis Zearing president, J. M. McConihe 
secretary. Colonel I. H. Elliott gave the address. 

The thirty-third annual meeting of the old set- 
tlers was held on the fair grounds on September 3, 
1898, Louis Zearing president, J. M. McConihe 
secretary. Charles K. Ladd of Kewanee and Smith 
D. Atkins of Freeport gave addresses. A large del- 
egation came from Chicago. 

The thirty-fourth annual meeting was held on 
the fair grounds on September 10, 1899, Z, S. Hills 
president, J. M. McConihe secretary. Rev. C. A. 
Moore of Kewanee gave the address. 

The thirty-fifth annual reunion of the early set- 
tlers was held at the fair grounds on Saturday, 
September 15, 1900, Z. S. Hills president, J. M. 
McConihe secretary. Rev. C. A. Moore again ad- 
dressed the association. There were 264 names re- 
corded at this meeting. Of this nimiber two were 
over 100 years old : nine were over 90 ; forty-three 
over 80. and eighty-two over 70. 

The thirty-sixth reunion of the association was 
held at the fair grounds on Thursdav, September 
12, 1901, Z. S. Hills president. J. .M. McConihe 
secretary. Congressman . Joseph V. Graff gave the 
address, after which a number of short speeches 
were made. 



I'AST AM) PRESENT OF BUK'EAU COl WIV. 



147 



The thirty-seveutli ruuuiou of the asoeiation 
was held at the fair grounds, in Mechanics" Hall, 
on Saturday, Sept. 13, 1908, Z. S. Hills president, 
J. il McConihe secretary. Kev. Ogders of Prince- 
ton, Judge Prentiss of Chicago, and General T. J. 
Henderson made speeches. 

The thirty-eighth annual reunion of the asso- 
ciation was held in Machinery Hall at the fair 
grounds on, September 12, 1903, Arthur Bryant 
president, J. M. McConihe secretary. Judge Em- 
ery C. Graves of Geneseo gave the address. 

The thirty-ninth annual reunion of the associ- 
ation was held in Machinery Hall on the fair 
gi'ounds on Thursday, September 15, 1904. Arthur 
Bryant president, J. M. McConihe secretary. Hon. 
Clark E. Carr of Galesburg delivered an eloquent 
address. S. G. Paddock read a very interesting 
paper on the evolution of the court house. 

The fortieth annual reunion of the Old Settlers' 
Association was held at the fair grounds on Thurs- 
day, September 14, 1905, Arthur Bryant presi- 
dent. J. M. McConDie secretary. Kev. Frank G. 
Smith of Chicago gave a thrilling address. 

The forty-first annual meeting of the association 
was held at the fair grounds on Thursday, Septem- 
ber 13, 190G, Z. S. Hills president, J. M. Mc- 
Conihe secretary. Eev. Albert Ethridge gave the 
address. The attendance was large and the exer- 
cises listened to with marked attention. 
A pioxeek's experience. 

Gen. Thomas J. Henderson in response to a 
request from the writer to give an account of his 
boyhood ride through tliis county says, "About tlie 
middle of Xovcmber, 1840. when I was sixteen 
years old, my father, then living about one mile 
south of Toulon, in Stark county, sent me to 
transact some business matters with my uncle, 
who lived on Indian Creek in La Salle county, 
some ten or twelve miles north of Ottawa. It 
was a two days' journey and I traveled on liorse- 
back. The road ran by Wyoming, Holgate's 
Point. Boyd's Grove, Indiantown, now Tiskilwa, 
to Princeton, where I stayed all night. The 
country was then sparsely populated and but few 
houses anywhei'e on the road, outside the villages 
of Wyoming and Indiantown. From Wyoming to 
Holgate's there were but one or two houses. Prom 
Holgate's to Boyd's Grove I do not think there was 
a single hou.se immediately on the road I traveled, 
but there were several houses along the Spoon 
river timber, some miles away, but in sight. From 
Boyd's Grove to Indiantown I do not remember 
of passing a single house, but a few houses were 
to be seen in and around Providence and on 
Dorr's Hill, some distance away. But there wore 
several houses along the road from Indiantown to 
Princeton, where I stayed all night. Princeton 
was then a small village. Tiie road from Prince- 
ton ran by 'Lost Grove,' where Arlington is now 
located ; then by 'Troy Grove,' where tliere was a 
very small village, as I rememlier, with but few 
houses, called l)y the classic name (if Homer. I 



do nut icinend)er wlietlicr the road ran tbrough 
IloMT at that time or not. But as 1 now retneni- 
ber it, there were some houses on the road for four 
or five miles out of Princeton; then not a house 
till 1 gdt t(i 'J'lMv (irove or Homer. At this place 
1 inquired the way to Davis' ^HU or Indian 
Creek, where my uncle lived. I was tobi that I 
must l)e sure and take the first right-hand road; 
that if 1 did not, I would go to' Paw Paw Grove, 
quite a nuudjer of miles al»ovc Davis' ilill and 
farther from it than I was then. So after going 
a mile or two, I came to a road leading to the 
right. It was a road which had been much trav- 
eled, but was not at that time. After traveling 
several miles I l^ecame satisfied I was on a wrong 
road, but thinking it must take mo to some set- 
tlement, and knowing that I ought to have been 
at my uncle's scnne time before. I pres.sed on. A 
little while after dark I crossed a traveled road 
and was tempted to change my course, but con- 
cluded to go on, and after traveling some miles 
farther, saw a light ahead and hastened to it. I 
was beginning to be anxious about a place to stay 
all night, as well as to know where I was. Ask- 
ing if they would keep me all night, they told 
me there was a tavern at the foot of the hill. 
There I went and stayed for the night. I found 
that I was at Dayton, on the Fox river, and only 
a few miles from Ottawa. I was as far from my 
uncle's as when I was at Troy Grove and had 
traveled twenty miles or more. The next morning 
I went to my uncle's on Indian Creek and re- 
mained one night, then started on my return home 
late the next morning. It was a cloudy morning 
and before I had gone far it began to snow; the 
first snow storm of the season. The storm in- 
creased, traveling was slow and it began to be 
dark as I reached Lost Grove. I had expected to 
get to Princeton, where I could stay all night; 
but it was growing colder, and the roads were 
filling Tip with snow. I began to be afraid ] 
might get lost and perish in the storm. A mur- 
der had Ijeen committed at Lost Grove not long 
Ijcfnre, and the body had been discovered by a 
ilethodist preacher. As I was riding along the 
edge of the grove, thinking of this murder, I 
heard a rattling out in the b'ush and as it was 
still light enough to sec. I looked in the direction 
of tiie noise and saw two men with giuis on their 
shoidders. I confess that for a moment I was a 
little frightened, for as I have said, I was think- 
iiii;- of tlio man who had been murdere<l, and as 
I knrw that no one lived anywhere near the grove, 
it nuidc my hair stand on end, Init as they paid 
no attention to mo, I concluded to find out what 
they knmv about the country, wlio they were and 
what tbcy were doing there. Sn 1 rmle out toward 
them, and hailing them, asked how far it was to 
Pi'inceton. Tlu>y replied about fourteen miles. 
Then I asked if tliere was not a house nearer on 
the road to Princeton, and fhey said if was eight or 
nine miles to the nearest liou.<e. I tlien inciuired 



148 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



if there was no house noarei-. and thev told me 
tlie house nearest to the grove was at (Greenfield 
(La Moille), five miles away. 1 then told them 
1 had got belated, that my horse had not traveled 
very well, that the road w^as filling up and it was 
growing dark -and cold and I was afraid I might 
loose my way and perish on tlie prairie. They 
then said to me, 'You must not try to go any 
further tonight. We have a comfortable bed at 
the other end of the grove and can give you some- 
thing to eat; come and stay with us.' I gladly 
w^ent and found it as they had said. They gave 
me a comfortable bed. a good supper and break- 
fast and then started me on my way home re- 
joicing. They would not receive anvthing for 
their trouljle and have always been very kindly 
remembered by me. The two men were carpen- 
ters, who were framing a barn for old Captain 
Kennedy, the first settler at Lost Grove, and for- 
tunately for me, they had taken their guns a lit- 
tle while before dark and gone out to see if they 
could not kill a deer. And one thing they told 
me of interest was, that Fletcher Webster, son of 
old Daniel Webster, then living at Peru in La 
Salle county and witli whom I had spent the 
night before, was on his way to Eock river for a 
hunt and had stayed with them the night before. 
These carpenters had a very comfortable tent 
and it was well protected from the northwest 
storms by two long ricks of hay, and I have often 
tiiought how pleasantly I was sheltered by it from 
a cold November snow storm." 
iionTicri.TriiK. 

Bureau county has a state notoriety in horti- 
culture on account of its being the home of Ar- 
thur Bryant Sr. and Samuel Edwards, both of 
whom may be considered as pioneers in this 
enterprise, although there was some little atten- 
tion given to fruit tree planting previous to the 
beginning of their extensive nurseries. The first 
effort in fruit culture was made by John Hull, 
who brought seeds from Kentncky. From these 
seedlings a few orchards were planted, but they 
were soon destroyed by the apple borer, which 
some of the fruit men thought were imported 
with the seeds. In the spring of 1833 John 
Belanger imported a quantity of grafted apple 
trees and started a nursery from which a few 
small orchards were started. In the winter of 
IR.^S-.'if) most of the fruit trees were destroyed on 
account of the severe weather. In the early for- 
ties nurseries were started in a small way by 
James Bosley, Charles S. Boyd and Curtis Wil- 
liams. In 18)f> Samuel Edwards started a 
nursery in La Mnille. He brought his stock from 
Cincinnati. In 184(5 or 1847 Mr. Arthur Bryant 
Sr. commenced his nursery, at first with a limited 
amoimt of stock, but it soon grew into large and 
extensive proportions. Since then V. Aldrich, H. 
W. Bliss and John G. Bubach carried on a small 
nursery business for a time, but it has at last 
come down to .Arthur Brvant and son. who are 



the only men in Bureau county at the present 
time engaged in the nursery trade. The firm by 
prompt and fair dealing has established a large 
and groM'ing business, their trees and shrubs are 
sold and shipped over a large part of the north- 
west. Mr. S. G. Soverhill, of Indiantown, and 
Mr. Lester Bryant, of Princeton, are the largest 
apple growers in this part of this state; their 
fruit took premiums at the World's Fair in St. 
Louis and the Paris exposition in France. 

BUREAU COUNTY INDEPENDENT TELEPHONE 
COMPANY. 

This company has become one of the great in- 
stitutions of this county. The history and growth 
of it is worthy of a space in this volume. The 
Dover Telephone Company was incorporated Feb- 
ruary 22, 1899, by M. H. "Blackburn, J. W. Sabin 
and C. 0. White for two thousand dollars, and 
commenced to operate exchanges between Dover 
and La Moille, August 1, 1899, with a toll line 
connecting the two places. About the same time 
a company was at Ohio, 111., under the name of 
the Ohio Teleplione Company, and exchanges at 
Ohio and Walnut were installed and placed in 
operation. The Dover and Ohio Telephone com- 
panies were consolidated in May, 1900, under the 
corporated name of Bureau County Independent 
Telephone Company, with home ofBee in Prince- 
ton. The stock of the company has been increased 
from time to time ; at present the authorized 
capital is two hundred thousand dollars. This 
capital stock is carried by Bureau county people. 
Tlie company has eleven exchanges in the county, 
located as follows: La Moille, Ohio, Walnut, New 
Bedford, Dover, Spring Valley, Princeton, Wyanet, 
ShefTield, Tiskilwa and Ladd. The total number 
of telephones is about thirty-seven hundred, being 
the second largest system in the state. It operates 
about three hundred miles of toll lines. The 
Pi'inceton exchange was installed in 1900 with 
but a small number of subscribers, but at the 
present time it has grown to over nine hundred 
subscribers in the city. In 1905 the company 
erected a large brick building, modern in every 
way and fitted up with the most approved fixtures, 
so that first-class service is assured to all its 
patrons. The Princeton office employs eleven 
operators. The telephone company occupies the 
enlire upper floor of the new building. This 
b\iilding and lot cost about thirteen thousand 
dollars. An underground system has been in- 
stalled, making it thorough and up-to-date in all 
of its departments. Its present officers are Dr. 
.\. E. Owens, piesident ; C. 0. White, secretary 
.111(1 general manaEC': and A. IT. Ferris, treasurer. 



CHAPTER XXI. 

BUREAU COrxrv I'.MH. 

.\ half century is a long period of time as 
compared with average length of human life. 
When mil' |iass('s tlic fiftieth mil(^>.lone he is bor- 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BT'REAH COUNTY. 



14!) 



dering upon the period of decay and gradually 
he withdraws from the responsible positions and 
becomes only a remembrance in life's activities. 
Not so with institutions. Institutions if properly 
managed, live on and grow brighter and better 
as the years roll by. Of such is the history of 
the Bureau County Fair. A little more than half 
a hundred years liave come and gone since a little 
knot of men stood in and about the postofSce in 
Princeton waiting for the distribution of the 
mail. While standing there their attention was 
attracted to a poster of the "Buell Institute Fair/' 
to be held at Hennepin, the county seat of Putnam 
county. 

Among that party of men who read the notice 
of the Putnam county Fair was Stephen G. Pad- 
dock, who said to the others, "Why not have a fair 
of our own instead of crossing the Illinois river 
to see the show?" This was in 1855, and as a re- 
sult of the conversation that morning at the post- 
ofEce a notice was published asking those in favor 
of such an enterprise to meet in the court house 
on June 16, 1855. This call was signed by J. I. 
Taylor, John H. Bryant, Alfred F. Clark, Stephen 
G. Paddock, H. V. Bacon, Lazarus Eeeve, R. T. 
Templeton, Benjamin Newell, Justus Stevens and 
J. V- Tliomiison. 

The meeting convened in accordance with the 
call and Caleb Gushing was made chairman and 
S. G. Paddock secretary. R. J. Woodruff, Arthur 
Bryant and Thomas S. Elston were appointed as 
a committee to prepare an address to the farmers 
and to draft a constitution and by-laws for the 
society. S. G. Paddock was appointed corre- 
■iponding secretary and Mile Kendall his assistant. 
July 7, the same year, the second meeting was 
called. Austin Bryant was chairman and S. G. 
Paddock secretary. The constitution was read 
and adopted. The committee on address reported 
and one thousand copies of the address and con- 
stitution was ordered printed, and the society 
made this organization permanent. The follow- 
ing officers were elected : President, R. J. Wood- 
ruff ; vice-president, W. R. Bense; secretary, S. G. 
Paddock; treasurer, R. T. Templeton; directors, 
Hezekiah W. Terry, Alphcus Cook, V. Aldiich. 
Thomas Grattize, Fred Moseley. 

On account of the lateness of the organization, 
it was thought inexpedient to hold any fair this 
year. At the October meeting the same officers 
were re-elected in 1856. Thus the great fair of 
today had its beginning, and of all the men 
spoken of as meeting in the postoffice that summer 
morning in 1855, and the committee on address 
and constitution, and the officers for the first 
two years of the fair, but one lives to tell the 
story, and that is our S. G. Paddock, so well 
known to us all. Verily men die, but institutions 
live. The first Bureau County Fair was held in 
the fall of 1856. The stock was exhibited on a 
vacant lot south of the new Tjincnln school build- 
ing. This lot was owned bv the late Justus Stev- 



ens, who kindly permitted the ground to be used 
for that purpose. The fruits and fine arts were 
exhibited in the old South Union school house, 
while the trotting was done on the prairie l)ctween 
the old Bubach place and where Charles Wiggins 
now lives. The accommodations, of course, were 
meager and crude, but it was the first fair, and 
many a heart, now pulseless, beat with satisfaction 
and Joy at its great success. The people from that 
time began to look forward to fair week with in- 
terest and expectation. The next three fairs were 
held just north of the high school grounds back 
of the home of ilartin Zearing. The fourth meet- 
ing was held upon the present fair ground, the 
society having purchased it from Andrew Gosse. 
The first purchase did not comprise all of the 
present grounds, but additions have been made at 
different times until now Bureau county justly 
feels proud of her spacious and well kept en- 
closure for her annual exhibits of the products of 
the farm, the trade, and the horses. The track 
is one of the finest half-mile tracks in the state. 
There are fine stock barns, besides a large number 
of stables. A large and commodious fine arts 
building, a fine, large fruit hall, a well equipped 
mechanics' hall, an extended carriage repository, 
an education hall, and a mammoth hog and sheep 
barn. All of these are under shingle roofs and 
they are all painted and in fine order. Such has 
been the evolution of the Bureau County Fair 
grounds. The management has been wise and 
conservative. 

1855-6-7, R. J. Woodruff, president; S. G. 
Paddock, secretary; R. T. Templeton, treasurer. 

1S5S, J. V. Thompson, president; S. G. Pad- 
dock, secretary ; R. T. Templeton, treasurer. 

1859-60-61-62, H. C. Field, president; S. G. 
Paddock, secretary ; R. T. Templeton, treasurer. 

1863, no fair was held. 

1863, H. C. Field, president; C. P. Allen, sec- 
retary; B. S. Ferris, treasurer. 

1864, J. C. Weeks, president; John G. Bubach, 
secretary; C. P. Allen, treasurer. 

1865-6, H. C. Field, again president; C. D. 
Trimble, secretary; C. P. Allen, treasurer. 

1867, J. T. Thompson, president; S. G. Pad- 
dock, secretary; C. P. Allen, treasurer. 

1868-9, D." McDonald, president; George W. 
Stone, secretary ; C. P. Allen, treasurer. 

1870-1, A. C. Boggs, president; George W. 
Stone, secretary; J. T. Thompson, treasurer. 

1872, George N. Palmer, president; R. R. Gib- 
ons, secretary, James L. Worthington, treasurer. 

1873, C. C. Kellogg, president; R. R. Gibons, 
secretary; James L. Worthington, treasurer. 

1874-5, Rufus Ford, president; J. W. Temple- 
ton, secretarv; W. H Winter, treasurer. 

1876-7, S'imon Elliott, president; E. R. Vir- 
dcn, secretary; W. H. Winter, treasurer. 

iS'IS-ll, Justus Slovens, president; C. P. Bas- 
com, secretary; S. G. Paddock, treasurer. 



l.jU 



PAST AM) ri!ESE.\T Ui-' iiUilKAl CorXTV 



1880-81, A. C. Boggs, prusident : C. P. Bascoin, 
secretary; S. G. Paddock, treasurer. 

1882, George ^'. Palmer, president; J. \V. Teni- 
pleton, secretary ; 8. G. Paddock, treasurer. 

1883-4, John Crossnian, president; M. C. Clark, 
secretary; C. G. Gushing, treasurer. 

1885-6, Ellis Wood, president; M. C. Clark, 
secretary; E. A. Washburn, treasurer. 

1887-8, David Knight, president; M. C. Clark, 
secretary; George W. Stone, treasurer. 

1889, J. K. Hopkins, president; C. A. Palmer, 
secretary; S. G. Paddock, tieasurer. 

1890, J. K. Hopkins, president; C. A. Palmer, 
secretary; S. G. Paddock, treasurer. 

1891, W. F. Horton, president; C. A. Palmer, 
secretary; E. C. Bates, treasurer. 

1892, W. F. Horton, president; 0. Wilkinson, 
secretary; E. C. Bates, treasurer. 

1893-4, H. C. Smith, president ; 0. Wilkinson, 
«ecretarv ; E. C. Bates, treasurer. 

189,5-6, W. S. Wilson, president; 0. Wilkinson, 
secretary; C. A. Palmer, treasurer. 

1897," H. E. Waddell, president ; 0. Wilkinson, 
secretary, C. A. I'almor, treasurer. 

1898,' H. E. Waddell, president: 0. Wilkinson, 
secretary; Henry Fuller, treasurer. 

1899,' T. C. Callinan. president; 0. Wilkinson, 
secretary; Henry Fuller, treasurer. May 16, 1900, 
0. Wilkinson resigned as secretary and E. W. 
Phelps elected to fill out his term. 

1900, S. P. Clark, president : Charles L. Trim- 
ble, secretary; A. J. Braclien, treasurer. 

l'.ii»l-2. J." H. Coddiiiglon. president: Charles L. 
Trinilile, secretary: A. J. Brachen, treasurer. 

19();3-4, .James ^I. Enuos, president; Charles L. 
Trimble, secretary; H. B. Peterson, treasurer. 

190.), W. Scott Martin, president; Charles L. 
Trimble, secretary; H. B. Peterson, treasurer. 

The dates given arc the dates of election. The 
reader will see that the ofTicers elected in lOn." 
have charge of the Fair in 1906. 



CITAPTEH XXTI. 
TLLISTIJIOCS DEAD. 
.Iiilin \\ . Bailey was one of Biii'eau county's 
most respected citi/ens. Ho was born in Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. October l."). 1S30. At the early age 
of eleven Mr. Bailey commenced his career as a 
journalist. He remained in his native state until 
1863, when he came to this county and purdiased 
the Bureau County Hepublican. in which he de- 
voted the rest of his life. Mr. I?ailey was a man 
who always gave his influence and that of his 
J)ai)er to every enterprise that had for its ol)ject 
the betterment of our community and the peo]ile 
generally. On all the great questions of the (lay 
Mr. Bailey was always found on the side of social 
and moral reform. 11 is paper was jirogressive and 
imlepondent, and under his judicious manage- 
ment became one of the most widely circulated 
local papers in the whole country. Mr. Bailev 



early espousetl the cause of the high seho il. and 
was always its earnest supporter. He was an 
ardent advocate of the waterworks, and for all 
needed improvements Mr. Bailey was a strong 
advocate. His life work was of such a character 
that his inMueiice extended to many parts of the 
country, and it can truthfully be said that John 
W. Bailey's writings were always on the side of 
morality, integrity and progress, and when his 
summons came to joint the great majority he 
passed peaceful ly away, leaving a lamented void 
in the hearts of all the community. 

Mr. Samuel Edwards, of La Moilli', was one of 
the early Inisincss men of Bureau county. He is 
remembered as a man of versatile endowments and 
of high ideals. His voice was ever heard in the 
cause of human rights and hiuuan jinjgress. He 
was an ardent abolitionist ami was ever ready to 
lend a heljiing hand to the jjoor colored pilgrims 
fleeing from bondage and struggling for liberty. 
Samuel Edwards was born at Skaneateles, Xew 
York. October 11. 1819. He was a lineal 
descendant of (iovernor William Bradfor'T He 
obtained his education in the common schools and 
later went to Canandaigua and Skaneateles acad- 
emies. He was a successful teacher for a num- 
liei' of years. While leaching near (Cincinnati, 
(Jliio. he foiined an acquaintance with Miss 
Aurelia M. i'aiinelai'. whom he married May 19, 
l.Si2, and settled on a farm in Ijn Moille, Illinois 
the same year. Ami there, under his careful di- 
rection, the nursery known as the Evergreens was 
established, '{'he beautiful home, suri-ounded with 
widespreading trees, green lawns and beautiful 
tlowers, was a favorite resort for people of educa- 
tion and culture, and the hospitality with ^vhich 
they were greeted and entertained made them loath 
to go and eager to return again. 

.Mr. Edwards was honcuvd by being elected to 
all the ollices in the State Horticultural Soi-iety. of 
which be was a ebaiier membei'. lie was also a 
nu^mlier of the Xorlliei'n Illinois 1 bn't ieultural So- 
ciety, and here. loo. be received like ivcognition. 
The articles fidin bis pen. which were published 
in \arious papers and magazines. ])ertaining to ibe 
care and culture of trees and |)lants. was an edu- 
cation to the peo])le. ami the ri'sult is visible, as 
everywhere we see what was once treeless ])rairies 
now dotted over with stately 'trees and shrubs of 
numerous types. 

The education of the young engaged much of 
the attention of Mr. Edwanls. and he was ap- 
pointed one of ibe first trustees of the Illinois 
Industrial rni\i>rsily. at Champaign, by (iovernor 
b'icbard Ogleshy. He was inlhiential in its oi'- 
ganizalioii and early im|irovements. 

He was at one lime assoi-iali^d on llii' editorial 
staff of ihe I'eoria .lournal. and ser\c(l one term 
as treasurer of Hui-eau county, lint most of his 
attention was gixcii to his eboseii oecu])ation. The 
impress of Samuel fidwaids" strong character Ins 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU ('Ol XTV 



151 



followed down the years, and today he is considered 
one of the fathers of hortieulture in the groat 
state of Illinois. Mr. Edwards was married the 
second time on November 27, 18T4, to Mrs. Eme- 
line Benedict Ladd. His last years were spent in 
Mendota, where, on January 2i, 1898, he jjassed 
to the higher life. 

lion, t'liarles. Baldwin was a man whom Bu- 
rean county delighted to honor. He was ener- 
getic, progressive and scholarly. He was plain, 
modest and unassuming, but his mind was clear, 
logical and coni]ireheusive. His alnlity to gras)) 
the situation of things and conditions, coupled 
with' his sterling integrity, nmde liim a man of 
superior business qualifications. 

Mr. Baldwin was born at Barkhamstead, Litcli- 
tield county, Connecticut, August "20, 1S"2!). and 
died at Block Island, a summer resort off tlie 
coast of Rhode Islanil, on the IGth of August, 
1S8"3. His early life was one of toil and priva- 
tions, but his active mind and indomitable will 
led him through those trying years during which 
time he fitted himself for his chosen profession 
and was admitted to the bar in 1856. In the 
spring of 1857 he came west and in 1858 found 
his way to Princeton, where he spent the remain- 
der of his life. In 1860 Mr. Baldwin was married 
to Miss Louisa McArdle. In 1863 he was elected 
by the board of supervisors drainage commissioner 
of Bureau county. He held this office nearly six- 
teen years, nntil the matter in controversy was 
settled. He served eight years as a member of the 
school board. In 1876 was elected to the state 
legi.slature and left such a favorable impression 
of his ability and worth that when he was again 
elected in 1880 he was made chairman of the 
judiciary committee, which is considered the post 
of honor and trust in the house. In all of the 
many public positions that he was called upon to 
fill, he managed with marked ability and to the 
satisfaction of the people and with credit to him- 
self. This is a short sketch of this n,seful jnan. 
He died in the full flush of a vigorous manhood 
lamented by all who knew him, but his memory 
lingers in the hearts of his kindred and friends. 

Proliably im iiuiu in the liistoi-y of Bureau coun- 
ty has had more to do with its progress and de- 
velojiment than the Hon. John H. Bryant, and no 
man was l)etter known or a]ipreciated. He came 
here in his yonng nuuihood with all of the hope 
and ambition incident to that period of life. He 
found the whole country wild, unsettled and deso- 
lalr. awaiting the hand of civilization. No roads, 
no bridges and no prospects of immedirte settle- 
ment, while on every side stretched miles and 
miles of trackless prairies that liad been the home 
and dwelling place for generations of a race of 
people who.se past has never been known ami 
probably will never bo written, not a font rif 
canal or railroad I ransportri ion, lunilicr for build- 



ing jiurposes being drawn by ox teams from Chi- 
cago, which was abso the market for the products 
of the land, which were carried by same mode of 
transportation. Amid such scenes and conditions 
as these 'Sly. Bi'vant came to this county. The 
Black Hawk war had just closed, what few settlers 
remained had passed through most trying experi- 
ences, yet they were not dismayed and the com- 
ing among them of such a young man as John H. 
Bryant brought new life and new hopes. Mr. 
Bryant was born in Cummingtou, Massachusetts, 
July 22, 1807, where he spent the early yeiirs of 
his life with his widowed mother, his father hav- 
ing died M'lien he was but thirteen years of age. 
His educational prospects were somewhat clouded, 
in his boyhood, on account of having weak eyes, 
but his mind was quick to grasp the elementary 
j)rinciples of a correct and thorough education ; 
later he attended the ('ummington Academy and 
the Rensselaer School, of Troy, New York. He 
left Troy in June, 1829, and walked home, a dis- 
tance of forty miles, arriving there aljout nine 
o'clock on the day of starting. He spent a short 
time at home, but not idly, as he, at this time. 
was writing both prose and poetry for different 
periodicals. In the winter of 1830-31 he tauglit 
school in Plainfield for which he received fourteen 
dollars per month and '"boarded around." Be- 
ginning to realize that there were lietter openings 
for young men in the far west he accordingly made 
arrangements for a trip to Illinois. In the spring 
of 1831 he took his belongings, which consisted of 
clothing and a few carpenter tools, and started on 
his journey. He rode to Hudson on the river 
of the same name in New York in a wagon, the 
owner of which nuide trips to that city for mer- 
chandise; then he took steamer to Albany, where 
he engaged pas.sage on the Erie canal to Buffalo, 
lieing seven days on the way, costing him four 
dollars for the trip, board included. Finding the 
harljor full of floating ice at Buffalo he was 
obliged to go to Dunkirk further south for a boat. 
He wished to go to Cleveland and then by canal 
to tlie Ohio river, but the boat that was to leave 
Dunkirk did not stop at that place, so he decided 
to go by the way of Jamestown and Lake Chau- 
tauqua, then down the Concwango creek on a 
irft boat to the Allegheny river. Here he fell in 
with a family going down the river in what they 
calli'il an "'Ark." They made room for the sub- 
ject id' our sketch and they with their bagcage 
floated down the stream to Pittsburg, Mr. Bryant 
occasionally going ashore to shoot squirrels to 
furnish meat for the company. It took them sev- 
en clays to go from Warren, wliere they struck the 
.Vljegheny, to Pittsburg. Here he took a steamer 
down the Ohio. When he arrived at Louisville 
he was transferred to another boat liound for St. 
liouis. On tins l>oat were one hundred and twen- 
ty-five slaves, the pi'operty of some Kentuckians 
moving to 'Missciui-i. 'I'hey reached St. Louis on 
^ia\ ■,'!. .Vfler'a lu-icf stav in that c-itv lie boarded 



152 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



the steamer ••Traveler," uliieli made regular trips 
up the Illinois river as far as Naples. At the last 
named place he arrived May 27 and immediately 
started on foot for his brother Arthur's home in 
Jacksonville, a distance of twenty-seven miles, 
which he reached before nightfall. 

This journey from L'ummington to Jacksonville 
was made in five weeks at an e.xpense of sixty tlol- 
lars. During the spring and summer of 1832 he 
worked on his brother's farm in Jacksonville; 
about this time his brother Cyrus arrived from 
the east and in September, 1832, they started on 
horseback for Bureau county. Their course was 
directed by the knowledge they possessed in regard 
to the Ham]ishire colony locating at Princeton. 
They pa,ssed through what is now one of the most 
productive parts of the state and finally arrived 
at Roland ^[oscley"s, whom Cyrus had known in 
JIassachusetts, and being pleased with the appear- 
ance of the country, they made arrangements to 
locate. While at yir. iloseley's they met Dr. Wil- 
liam Chamberlain, lie and others called the Bry- 
ants' attention to the piece of land where the John 
H. Br}^ant house now stands; this land had been 
"claimed" by Michael Kitterman but had been 
Jumped by Curt Williams — a character of those 
early days. The war had scared him away, but 
he returned in due season, and the Bryants bought 
him off, so they obtained peaceful possession of 
the same. The cabin was a very mule niic. luiv- 
ing a stick chimney and dirt floor, but here the 
two brothers lived in peace and harmony, having 
an abundant opportunity to study the works and 
wonders of nature with which Mr. Bryant dearly 
loved to commune. Their fare was plain but 
plentiful and consisted mostly of corn bread and 
bacon, which was occasionally interspersed with 
white bread of their own cooking. During the 
winter they split rails and fenced forty acres each. 

In the spring they commenced breaking sod 
with an ox team, using what wa.s called the Cary 
j)low, which they lirought from Jacksonville; when 
it needed sharpening they took the share on horse- 
back to a shop eighteen miles distant. The two 
brothers did their own housework ami tilled their 
sorl until June, 1833, when John H. went back 
to Jacksonville for a helpmate, where he was mar- 
ried on June 17, 1833. They came by the Illinois 
river to Hennepin, where he met Dr. Cliamiierlain, 
who kindly oU'ered tlie use of his horse to convey 
them to Princeton. This offer was accejited by 
the young couple and Mrs. Bryant mounted iijioii 
the willing steed while the l)ridcgroom walked by 
its side. It being a time of liigh water, he found 
some places on the road too deep to wade, so 
the nolile liorse woidd carry them both. The bride 
was Miss ITattie Wi,swall. a daiigbter of Jlr. Elijah 
Wiswall, of Jacksonville, the man for whom Mr. 
Bryant worked the first summer he was in the 
state. Tiie hajipy cou])le finally reached the cabin 
previously deseriix'd and commenced housekeep- 
ing. ITcrc they lived one year, whrn ^Ir. Bryant 



finished, in the spring of 1834, a new log cabin 
on the spot wdiere the spacious brick house now 
stands. The location was known as "Round Top." 
This cabin was afterward moved to the place that 
Capt. Ori-in Wilkinson's fine residence now occu- 
pies. 'I'liis old landmark stood for many years 
as a reminder of the days of long ago; in tact, its 
removal in 1892 cost a pang of regret to many 
who from childhood's hours had seen its rustic 
form standing as a sentinel to prevent the rushing 
and progressive present from obliterating the 
memories of the past. 

In 1S3G-37 ]\Ir. Bryant, in company with Mr. 
Elston, at their own expense, went to X'andalia, 
wdiere the legislature was in session. Through 
their iiilliieuce and the help of Stephen A. Doug- 
las, who was a member at that time, the legisla- 
ture passed an act which led to the organization 
of Bureau county. In 1843 this district, composed 
of Stark, Peoria and Bureau counties, sent Mr. 
Bryant to the legislature. He was again elected 
in 1858. Mr. Bryant was a delegate to the na- 
tional republican convention held in Chicago in 
1860 when Abraham Lincoln was nominated for 
president, and in the time of the rebellion he was 
active in every movement that had for its purpose 
thie advancement of the union cause or the better- 
ment of the condition of the soldiers. In 1802 
President fiincoln appointed him collector of the 
inlei'nal re\cnue foT' the Fifth Congressional Dis- 
trict of Illinois. He was chairman of the first 
board of supervisors and was an active worker for 
the Princeton high school and served as president 
,of the first board of directors. A full volume of 
interesting reading could be written of his work 
and worth in this county; but we have only 
touched upon tlie salient points of his long and 
eventful life. For sixty-nine years he was an im- 
portant factor in the political, social and business 
affairs of this people. He lived to see his fondest 
ho])es rc'alized. His later years wore spent in cpiiet 
retirement, surrounded by all the comforts of this 
great age. In 1902 at the age of 94 he passed to 
the other shore, but the memory of this worthy 
pioneer lingers in the hearts and minds of this 
coniniuiiify like reiiienilirancc of a joy that lias 
passed. 

Dr. James Swanzy was one of the early physi- 
cians (if this county. Many persons now living 
stand ready to testify to his skill as a practitioner. 
Dr. Swaiizy was born in Monaghan, lieland, in 
1808, and came to America in 183(5. From New 
York he went by canal most of the way to Pitts- 
burg, then down the Ohio river and up the Mis- 
souri and Illinois rivers to Hennepin. He re- 
mained in Princeton about two years, iheii in 183S 
moved to .Vrispie townshi]i, on section l"). where 
he lived until his death, which occurred on June 
22, 18(55. Dr. Swanzy was a graduate of the Royal 
College of Surgeons in Tjondon. lie was married 
hefiire coming tn iliis country to Catherine Mil- 



PAST a>;d peesent of bukeau county. 



153 



ling, who was born in Ireland in 1809 and died on 
June 11, 1880. Dr. Swauzy is remembered with 
great kindness by those whom he ministered nnto 
during their hours of sickness. But few physicians 
had the confidence of the public as he had it. His 
thorough preparation and his sanguine tempera- 
ment made him a source of great strength to those 
under his care. His practice was extensive and 
his success was almost marvelous in many cases. 
He seemed to liave a natural insight into the com- 
plications of disease, and that, coupled with his 
superior preparation, made him masterful in his 
profession. 

Milo Kendall was born in Waterford, Caledonia 
county, Vermont, April 1, 1819, where he lived on 
a fami until eighteen years of age, when he left 
home to attend school, teaching in the winter to 
help defray the expenses necessarily incurred while 
obtaining his education. At the age of twenty- 
three lie commenced the study of law at Lyndon, 
Vermont, where he remained three years. In the 
fall of 184:.5 he came to Knoxville, Illinois, where 
lie remained until the next spring, and was then 
admitted to the bar in Illinois. In IS-IG he came 
to Princeton, where he lived until his death, which 
occurred in December, 190-5. For almost sixty 
years he went in and out liefore this people, and 
through all that time his life was an open Ijook. 
He was genial, kind-hearted and obliging. He 
had strong personal attachments, but every man 
was his friend. He believed in the "fatherhood of 
God and the brotherhood of man." In his long 
and eventful career he never was a grumbler, but 
he looked at life from a philosophical standpoint, 
and by so doing he was able to be a source of 
strength to many a weary soul. Milo Kendall, 
though dead, still lives in tlic hearts of the people. 
Health and strength were spared to him far be- 
yond the average of mankind, and when the sum- 
mons came he apjiroached tlu^ grave "like one who 
wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies 
down to pleasant dreams." 

In the early part of 1839 the "Illinois Associa- 
tion" was formed at Yale College. The preceding 
year one Tlieron Bahlwin had read a paper before 
what was known as the "Society of Inquiry" at 
Yale on "Indivi(huil Effort in the Cause of 
Christ." This paper so wrought upon the feelings 
and inclinations of a Mr. Mason Grosvenor that 
he immediately conceived the idea of forming an 
association of young men who would pledge them- 
selves to go west as home missionaries and to 
locate near each other for mutual advice and en- 
couragement and to found a college; in fact, to 
give themselves up to the development of the 
frontier. Just at this time there appeared in the 
"Home Missionary Journal" an account of the 
plan of Mr. Ellis for establishing a seminary of 
learning at Jacksonville, Illinois. Mr. Grosvenor 
at once wrote to him and told him of the Yale 



organization that was contemplated and suggested 
that the two projects be combined. It took two 
months for a letter to reach Illinois and to receive 
a reply, but when the answer came it was so satis- 
factory that the organization was at once com- 
pleted, with the following compact: 

"Believing in the entire alienation of the natural 
heart from God, in the necessity of the influence 
of the Holy Spirit for its renovation, and that 
these influences are not to be expected without the 
use of means; deeply impressed, also, with the 
destitute condition of the western section of our 
country and the urgent claims of its inhabitants 
upon the benevolent at the east, and in view of the 
fearful crisis evidently approaching, and which we 
believe can only be averted by speedy and energetic 
measures on the part of the friends of religion 
and literature in the older states, and believing 
that evangelical religion and education must go 
hand in hand to the successful accomplisluncnt 
of this desirable object, we the undersigned hereby 
express our readiness to go to the state of Illinois 
for the purpose of establishing a seminary of 
learning such as shall be best adapted to the ex- 
igencies of that country, a part of us to engage 
in instruction in the seminary, the others to oc- 
cupy, as preacliers, important stations in the sur- 
rounding country, provided the undertaking be 
deemed practicable, and the location approved; 
and provided, also, the providence of God permits 
us to engage in it." 

Signed by Tlieron Baldwin, William Kirby, 
John F. Brooks, Julian M. Sturtevant, Mason 
Grosvenor, Asa Turner and Elisha Jenney. 

'I'lieological Department, Yale College, Febru- 
ary 21, 1839. 

Tliese seven heroic and self-sacrificing young 
men were called the "Yale Band." Five others 
joined this band, and among them were Lucian 
Farnham and Flavel Bascom. This band at once 
wont to work to raise money for the establishment 
of an institution of learning on the prairies of 
Illinois. In September, 1839, the association sent 
J. M. Sturtevant and Theron Baldwin to Illinois 
to complete arrangements for combining the two 
enterprises. They brought with them pledges of 
money, and an agreement was entered into between 
the "Yale Band" and the original stockholders, 
and the new college at Jacksonville opened its 
doors on January 4, 1830, with nine students. 
Lucien Farnham was the only member of this 
band that had not been a student at Yale. He 
was a graduate of Amherst. He was born July 
8, 1799, at Lisbon, Connecticut, graduated at .Vni- 
herst college in 1837 and from Andover seminary 
in 1830. He came to Illinois in 1830, the year 
of his graduation, and preached until his death, 
in 1874. He was the first pastor of the Congre- 
gational church in Princeton, serving from 1834 
to 1839. He was a frequent visitor to Bureau 
county up to the time of his death, and was highly 
respected by all who knew him. His estimable 



Id-l 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUliKAl (orXL'V. 



wile was a sister of J. M. MlLouUic, uf rriuce- 
ton. Flavel Bascom was born in Lebanon, Con- 
necticut, ill 1804, and graduated from Yale in 
1828. For three years lie was a student in the 
Yale Divinity School, and for three years more 
was a tutor in the college. The rest of his life 
work was in IlUnois. He preached in Peoria, 
Bureau, Putnam and Tazewell counties. He was 
pastor in Galesburg, Dover, Princeton and Hins- 
dale, and from 18 10 to 18.30 in the First Presby- 
terian church in Chicago. He was one of the 
foundci's of Beloit college and one of the trustees 
for thirty-seven years. He was also a trustee of 
Knox college and a director for thirty years of 
Chicago Theological Seminary. He was one of 
the si.xteen incorporators of the young ladies" 
.seminary at Kockford. It will be seen by the 
foregoing that Eev. Bascom's life was full of good 
words and work. Bureau county liad the services 
of this good man for many years. He was pastor 
in the Dover Congivgational cliurch for several 
years and in Princeton from 1SG4 to 1869. In 
his declining years he returned to Princeton and 
spent his last days among friends and relatives. 
Surrounded by loving hearts and willing hands, 
his life went out peacefully and trustingly on 
August !), 1890, at the advanced age of eighty-six. 
He was buried at Oaleslnirg. Thus passed away 
one of earth's great souls, whose whole life had 
been spent in the service of God and humanity, 
and as a ripple that is started on the great deep 
touches the farther sliore, so will the influence of 
this godly man reach down the ages, broadening 
and dee])ening as time rolls on. The writer is in- 
debted to the publications of the Illinois Historical 
Society and to the courtesy of Senator Templeton 
fill- |il:icing it in his bands, t'or these facts. 

Isaac H. A'orris of Berlin township was one 
of Bureau county's most successful business men. 
'Sir. Xorris was born in Belmont county, Ohio, 
Aiiril ^:^, 1818, came to Bureau county in ISlfi, 
ami llic next year bought a tract of laiul and 
gave his attention to stock raising. He was a 
man of fine judgment in Ijusiness matters and 
ra|iiilly Mccum,ulated ])ro])erty, both in land and 
stock. Me was an early imiiorter of both horses 
and cattle and through his influence the grade of 
stock in Bureau county was greatly improved. 
Mr. X(u-ris was a |ilain. unassuming man, but al- 
ways had an eye to Inisiness. He died a few vears 
ago, leaving bis thousands of acres of land under 
a bii,di state of cultivation, covered witli Hocks and 
herds of the most choice selection. 

Hon. Lorenzo Dow Whiting was born in Ar- 
cadia, Wayne county, Xew York, November 17. 
1819. His father, Samuel Whiting, was a native 
of Connecticut and married Zilpha Mather, also 
of that state and a lineal desccn.laiit of Cotton 
Mather. The grandfather, Samuel Whiting, Sr.. 
was a soldier of the continental arniv in the Kevo- 



lutionaiy war and an early resident of New Eng- 
land. The family was of English descent. Lo- 
renzo D. Whiting, after acquiring an academic 
education, was employed as a clerk at Olcott, New 
York, until eighteen years of age. In 1838 he 
came to Illinois and for four years was engaged 
in the patent right business, returning then to the 
Empire slate, where for seven years he engaged in 
teaching and also acted as town auperintendeut of 
schools in Newfane. In 18-19 jje again came to 
Illinois and for three years thereafter engaged in 
farming ami teaching. He afterward concentrated 
his energies solely upon agricultural pursuits and 
became the owner of extensive land holdings. 
Prominent in community aft'airs, he served as su- 
pervisor of Indiantown for five or si.x years, w^as 
elected to the Illinois house of representatives in 
18(58, to the constitutional convention 'ii 18G9 and 
to the state senate in 18T0. He was a member of 
the upper house for many years and in the consti- 
tutional convention was the first to propose the 
insertion of a ])rovision requiring the general as- 
sembly to pass laws regulating railroad charges 
and as senator was active in carrying througli the 
bill which embodied a law against unjust discrim- 
ination and extortionate cliarges known as the 
Granger law. He was the projector of the Henne- 
pin canal scheme and the authcn- of several im- 
portant laws relating to agriculture, roads and 
drainage, and of the bill which passed, ceding the 
Illinois and Michigan canal to the United States 
on certain conditions. In 18G9 he was among the 
most active in ojiposing the lake front scheme, 
whereby three railroad corporations sought to pos- 
sess themselves of the shore line of the outer and 
future harbor of Chicago. His championship of 
measures relating to the producers and liis watch- 
fulness of the public interest when assailed by 
special and corporate greed made him known as 
the "fanner statesman." He was married in 
1846 to Lucretia C. Clement, of Oneida county, 
X^ew York, who died in 1872; and in 1874 he 
wedded Eriphyle Robinson, of Brooklyn, Xew 
"^'ork, a daughter of Dr. Daniel liobinson, scholar 
and scientist. 

B. X'^. Stevens, deceased, formerly of Tiskilwa, 
was a native of Boscawen, now Webster, X"ew 
Hampshire, the tlate of his birth being January 3, 
ISlli. .\ftii- acquiring an early education in the 
common schools and attending an academy in his 
native town he became a student in tJie academy 
at Hopkinton and afterward in La Petite semi- 
nary at Montreal, Canada, whiM-e he spent one 
year. He was graduated from Dartmouth col- 
lege in the class of IS.S."), after which he established 
the Pestolozzian Institute, named in honor of the 
Swiss teacher in Hopkinsville, Ivcntucky. After 
three years of active work in that school he re- 
turned to his old home in New Hampshire, where 
he was married September 26, 18.39. to Lydia P. 
Aldcu. wild was born in Lebanon, New Ilamp- 



PAST AND I'ltESEXT Ui' BIKKAL' COL'XTY. 



15.J 



shire, October 22. 1811. and is a direct descendant 
of John Alden of JIayllower fame and a daughter 
of Ziba and Sybil (Allen) Alden, natives of Xew 
Hampshire. 

After his marriage Mr. Stevens went to New 
York city and for three years was a teacher in a 
select school there. He arrived in Bureau county 
in September, 1843, having, however, visited the 
county in 1836. Here he forniL'd a partnership 
with his father. John Stevens, and his brother, 
Justus, while Calvin Stevens afterward became 
associated with them. The firm was known as J. 
Stevens & Sons and conducted a large mercantile 
business in Princeton and Indiantown, now Tis- 
kilwa, to which he removed his family in 1845. 
After selling his interest in the store B. N. Stevens 
engaged in milling, farming and the lumber busi- 
ness and in 1877 Ijeeame a partner in the estab- 
lishment and ownership of the Ti^kilwa bank. He 
also opened a store in Buda and one in Tiskilwa, 
which he conducted for sonie years. His last 
years were spent in retirement from active busi- 
ness. He and his wife were members of the Pres- 
byterian church and he was for many years an 
active factor in business life and public interests 
in Bureau county. 

Hon. Justus Stevens was born in Boscawen, 
now Webster, New Hampshire. J.inuarv 18, 1819, 
and was educated at Fi'anklin academv in Part- 
ridge military school at Norwich, Vermont. In 
1842 he became a resident of Princeton, where for 
nearly twenty years he carried on a large mercan- 
tile business, buying grain and shipping all kinds 
of agricultural products to St. L juis and Chicago. 
His business extended over four counties and he 
was one of the best known men in his part of the 
state. At an early day he entered a large tract 
of land in Bureau county and in 18G0 concen- 
trated his attention upon its improvement. He 
became the owner of four thousmd acres in one 
farm twelve miles northwest of Princeton which 
was devoted principally to stock raising. His 
efforts not only proved a source of individual suc- 
cess but were of tlie utmost benefit to the commu- 
nity. He was one of the prime movers in organiz- 
ing the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad Company, 
of which he was a direct<ir for several years. He 
also had a contract on the Chicago, Burlington & 
Quincy Railroad. While chairman of the board 
of supervisoi-s he superintended the building of 
the jail and the purchase of the county farm. He 
was one of the first to advocate the use of gravel 
for the building of roads in and about Princeton 
and also supervised the drainage of the city. In 
]March, 1884. he wrs elected mayor of Princeton 
and all his public work was of direct and immedi- 
ate benefit to city and county. 

On the 9th of June, 1842, Justus Stevens was 
married to T urena ^IcConihe, a daughter of John 
^[cConihe, of llcrrimack. New Hampshire. They 
liad eiaht children, nf whom five readied maturity: 



ilandana, who became the wife of James W. Tem- 
pleton; Mrs. Fannie Harjicr: Darlcne; and Mrs. 
Blanche Newcomb. The only son, Justus Mas- 
sillon Stevens, was born December 30, 1846, was 
ediu'atefl at Racine college, Wisconsin, and be- 
came his father's partner in business. In his var- 
ivd and extensive enterprises Justus Stevens was 
a leader among men. and in his large warehousi's, 
stores, farms, puidic buildings and residences con- 
tributed more than proliably any man ever in the 
county to encourage a spirit of tuterprise among 
the jieojile, and to adorn, enrich and beautify this 
portion of Illinois. With all these demands upon 
his mental and physical powers, his sleepless ener- 
gies enalded him to more than supply the defi- 
ciencies of his early opportunities of education and 
esthetic culture, and in social, intellectual and 
political life he was well equipped at an early age 
to command the same influence and power here 
that he so easily possessed in the business and 
commercial world. His executive and financial 
talents were of the highest order. A democrat by 
birth and conviction, and althou.T;h spending the 
days of liis useful manhood in a community and 
district overwhelmingly republican, and although 
in no sense a politician by profession or practice, 
yet his republican friends rarely failed to call hun 
to the helm where they might enjoy the benefits of 
his masterly abilities exercised in their behalf in 
positions of important financial or executive re- 
sponsibility. 

For more than sixty years Rev. Chester CoacII 
was in the work of the ministry. His first sermon 
was delivered in New Y(n'k in Novendier. 1840, 
rnmi the text. "T am the light of the world." 
and I'l-diii that day unlil liis death hi- continued 
to ilisjiense light and truth, as lie saw it. to all 
with whom he canu' in contact. He put i-rceds 
and theories in the background of his religious lii'e, 
but with all that was good and true and with 
cvciylliing that nuikes mankind better, stronger 
and pui'cr, ids great heart beat in sympathy. lie 
believed in the "Fatherhood of God and ibe lirotli- 
crhood of man." l']l(li'i- Covell w(>nt out and in 
before his penple in jiiida. I'nr nearly lil'ty years 
and during all that jicriod his life grew richer 
and sweeter and his faith in Cod and humanity 
grew stronger and stronger. H(> believed in char- 
acter, his whole soul was ind)ued with the idea 
that character is the acme of e.vcelloncc. 

I'ev. Covell was a man of high ideals. Xothins 
low (ir gi'iiveiiing e\ci' I'liund l'a\iii- with him. He 
was a strong nnudy man and Ins whole life was 
devoted to the betternu'ut of human society and 
the assuaging of human sorrow. Tic went down 
to his grave rich. iu)t in houses and lands, but in 
tlial wliicli transcends all mcrcenar\ wealth, rich 
in the iidieritanc(> of well s])ent life. Chester 
Covell was born in Ogden. Monroe c(uinty. New 
York, Juno IS. ISi:. He came to Illinois in 18.i2 
and to Bureau eiiunly in 18.5."). He permanently 



IjU 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



located in Jiuda in 18.")S. He passed from this 
life on Aujnist 5, 1!)0:3, being a little past 86 3'eai-s 
of age. So pa-si^cd away one of the servants of 
God who, though liberal in his belief, had perfect 
faith that an all-wise Creator would guide and 
guard him in the life that now is and that which 
is to come. He died mourned and lamented by 
all who knew him. Let us believe that as the 
scenes and sounds of this world receded that his 
disembodied spirit was touched by the breath 
of the eternal morning and wafted to its haven 
of rest. 

Roderick B. Frary, of J^a Moille, was one of 
Bureau county's honored citizens for nearly sixty 
years. He was born in \^liately, Mass., January 
28. 1821. and came to Bureau county in 1843. 
Mr. Frary was a man who was respected for his 
sterling qualities and strict integrity. He was 
called to occupy many i)laces of public trust, all 
of wiiicli be filled to the satisfaction of the people 



and with credit to himself. He was a man who 
believed that there was something higher and bet- 
ter in life than colfers of gold and stores of silver 
and he lived in accordance with that belief, and 
out from his exemplary life came an inheritance 
to all of the community in which he lived. He 
cultivated the higher self. He believed in the 
Christian religion and practiced its virtues and 
when his life went out at the age of more than 
four score years it left a void that could not easily 
he filled. His courteous ways and manly bearing 
brought delight wherever he went. He was loyal 
to his friends and forbearing to his enemies. For 
many years his presence was enjoyed at the differ- 
ent county gatherings and especially was he pleased 
to meet with early settlers of the county at their 
annual reunions and when he laid down life's 
burdens at the command of the pale horse and its 
rider his community lost a kind and obliging 
friend, the county a patriotic citizen and the world 
a inanlv man. 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



EDWAKD A. WASHBURN. 

Edward A. Wasliburn, president of the Farm- 
ers National Bank, was born May 23, 1847, on 
Cherry ishmd in Jett'erson county. New York. 
His paternal grandfather, White Washburn, was 
a representative of an old Massachusetts family 
and served in the war of 1812, participating in 
the battle of Saekett's Harbor. His son, Alva 
Washburn, a native of New York, served in the 
Civil war as a member of the One Hundred and 
Kighty-sixth New York iVoluntcer Infantry, par- 
ticipating in the Virginia campaign and in various 
engagements before Petersburg. By occupation 
he was a farmer, devoting his entire life to the 
tilling of the soil. He married Miss Clarissa 
.\dams, a daughter of Ambrose Adams, a well 
known and respected farmer of Jefferson county. 
Now York, who was also a soldier of the war of 
1813 and participated in the battle of Saekett's 
Harbor, and their family numbered four chil- 
dren, one of these being the subject of this sketch. 

Edward A. Washburn was educated in the 
schools of Jefferson county. New York, and after- 
ward engaged in teaching school until 1870, when 
he became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, 
settling in La Moille township, where he carried 
on general agricultural pursuits. His capability 
and enterprise in bnsiness were soon manifest and 
the favorable regard which he won from his fel- 
low townsmen led to his selection for public office. 
He wa.« chosen a member of the board of super- 
visors in 1873 and re-elected in 1874 and 1875. 
In the latter year he was chosen county treasurer, 
filling the position for four consecutive terms — a 
record scarcely paralleled in the history of the 
county and unsurpassed for official integrity and 
capability. The first three terms were for two 
years each and the fourth term, which came under 
the new constitution, was for four years, while 



one extra year of service was given the county 
officers before the new constitution came into full 
force, making in all eleven years. In 1886 Mr. 
Washburn was elected to the state senate as the 
candidate of the republican party and left the 
impress of his individuality upon the statutes of 
the state. Before his term as senator expired he 
removed to Holdrege, Nebraska, where he re- 
mained about four years, being engaged in bank- 
ing. While there his worth as a citizen and busi- 
ness man was recognized by his being elected 
mayor of the city and he was called upon to take 
part in the political councils of the state. In 
1894 he returned to Princeton to take the presi- 
dency of the Farmers National Bank, where his 
business interests are now centered, and the safe, 
conservative policy of the institution as promoted 
by Mr. Washburn is one of the salient features 
in its siiccess and substantial growth. 

On the 4th of January, 1871, Mr. Washburn 
was united in marriage to Miss Firona A. Lowe, 
who was born at Pillar Point, New York, January 
19, 1850, a daughter of Jacob and Betsy (Han- 
cock) Lowe. Mr. and Mrs. Washburn have two 
children: Gertrude C, who was married De- 
cember 28. 1893. while residing with her parents 
at Holdrege. Nebraska, to Edward G. Titus, of 
that city, where they now make their home; and 
Elva L., who was married at the home of her 
parents in Princeton, November 23, 1904, to 
Corwin Radcliffe, of Merced, California, where 
they now reside. 

Mr. Washburn is a thirty-second-degree Mason, 
being affiliated with Oriental Consistory of Chi- 
cago. He is prominent among the energetic and 
successful business men of Bureau county, and 
his life record most happily illustrates what mav 
be accomplished bv fiifbful and continued effort 
in carrying out an honest purpose. 



Kid 



PAST AND rKESE-NT OF BUIJEAU COUNTY 



THOMAS J. GUNNING, D. V. S. 

Dr. Thomas J. Gunning, engaged in the practice 
of veterinary science in Neponset, was born near 
Trov, New Yorlv, August 7, 1851. He is a son of 
John and Margaret (Porter) Gunning, who were 
natives of County Down, Ireland, born near Bel- 
fast. The father's birth occurred February 22, 
1828, and lie passed away in 1903, while the 
mother died in 1889, at the age of sixty years. 
John Gunning liad come to America in June, 1849, 
accompanied by his bride, for this was their wed- 
ding journey. They crossed the Atlantic on a sail- 
ing vessel, having a rough voyage. They were 
shii)wrecked off the banks of Newfoundland and 
lost three men overboard. The ship was disman- 
tled of hor spars and it was hard work to keep her 
afloat, but by working the pumps for three weeks 
.=he was saved, although she drifted back to the 
coast of Ireland. There repairs were made and 
she sailed again, this time safely reaching the 
harbor of New York. On coming to America, 
John Gunning and his young wife located at 
Troy, New Y'ork, where he worked for one year 
at si.x dollars per month. He resided in New 
Y'ork state until 1856. when he came to Neponset, 
Illinois, and soon afterward located on section 24, 
Neponset township, where he afterward added to 
his original holdings until he owned a half of 
that section. His property was valuable, owing 
to the excellent improvements which he placed 
upon it. In community affairs he was active and 
influential and served as road commissioner and 
in other positions of public trust. In politics he 
was a stanch republican and in early life held 
membcr.ship in the Presbyterian church in Ire- 
land, but in Neponset became a member of the 
Congregational church. His wife was also indenti- 
fied with the same church and they were most 
worthy people. In their family were two sons 
and three daughters, of whom three are now liv- 
ing, Thomas J. ; Catherine, of Kewanee ; and 
Hugh G., a resident of Neponset township. 

Thomas J. Gunning was only about four years 
and a half of age when brought by his parents to 
Bureau county in ^larch, 1856. He spent his boy- 
hood days upon the home farm and pursued his 
early education in the public schools, after which 
he attended ^[oniiioHth College. Soon after his 
marriage he began farming for himself on a tract 
of one hundred and twenty acres of land, on which 
he made many modern and excellent improve- 
ments, carefully conducting his agricultural in- 
terests until 1875, when ho took up the study of 
veterinary science. lie has since been connected 
with the profession and is a graduate of the Chi- 
cago Vetcrinarv College of tlie class of 1890. His 
skill and ability in this line arc so pronounced 
that he is frequently called to different parts of 
the state in a professional capacity and he was 
summoned to Tavlorville as an expert witness on 
a case. He is making a specialty of the treatment 
of diseases of the eye and his prominence in pro- 



fessional circles is indicated by the fact that he 
was at one time president of the Illinois State 
Veterinary Association. Since 1894 he has re- 
sided in Neponset and in this place and the sur- 
rounding country he has a large and growing 
practice. 

On the 27th of January, 1880, Dr. Gunning was 
united in marriage to Miss Alice L. Carpenter, 
who was born in the state of New Y''ork, August 3, 
1860, a daugliter of Sylvester and Calista (Lick) 
Carpenter, who were likewise natives of New 
York. The father, born December 9, 1833, is now 
living in Neponset, but the mother, whose birth 
occcurred May 21, 1834, died October 13, 1884. 
In their family were two sons and a daughter: 
Charles, who was born July 18, 1858, and died 
April I], 1862: Alice L.. born August 3, 1860; 
and Charles M., born January 27, 1865. 

The marriage of Dr. and ilrs. Gunning has 
been blessed with six children, of whom four sur- 
vive, namely : John, who is farming on the old 
homestead ; Thomas, a dentist of Princeton; Alice; 
and Lee Charles. Dr. Gunning is at this writing 
serving as supervisor of Neponset township and 
has held nearly all of the township offices cluring 
the jiast twenty-five years, ever discharging his 
duties with a promptness and fidelity that has 
made his record most creditable to himself and 
satisfactory to his constituents. In politics he is 
an earnest and unfaltering republican and he is 
a devoted member of the Congregational church, in 
which he has been a member of the board of trus- 
tees for the past twenty years, while at the present 
writing he is serving as president (d' the iioard. 
He is a man who in all life's relations has com- 
manded the respect of his fellow citizens and as a 
leading resident of Neponset he well deserves men- 
tion in this volume. 



CLAKK J. McilANIS. 
Clark J. ^IcManis, postmaster of Princeton and 
an influential factor in political circles, is equally 
well known as a representative of industrial inter- 
ests, having been for many years engaged in bridge 
building. lie was born in Ijivingston county, 
Illinois. January 6. 1S()0. His father, George G. 
>rcManis. a native of Clinton county, Ohio, be- 
came a resident of Bureau county in 1842 and fol- 
lowed farming six miles southeast of Princeton, 
giving his time and energies for many years to 
general agricultural pursuits. In 1880, however, 
he retired from {\w farm and turned his attention 
to contracting an(l bridge building as a member of 
the firm of ^ifcManis & Son. This firm has done 
considerable important work in many states, large 
contracts being awarded them, and his father is 
still the head of the firm. He has always been an 
active and vigorous man, prominent and popular, 
and in business circles has attained an enviable 
position through cla=e application and that qual- 



PAST AND PIJESENT OF BUREAU COUXTY. 



IGl 



itv wliich for want of a better term has been called 
coniinercial sense. 

Clark J. ilcManis acquired his education in the 
country schools and in Princeton high school and 
after putting aside his text-books was engaged for 
a few years as a clerk in Princeton and in Walnut. 
In 1882 he entered his present line of business 
with his father, taking charge of the engineering 
department, and has since continued in close con- 
nection with bridge building, a steadily growing 
patronage classing him with the prominent repre- 
sentatives of industrial interests in Bureau county. 
Moreover, he has been for a number of years rec- 
ognized as a leading factor in republican circles 
and one whose opinion is often a decisive element 
in local councils of the republican party. On the 
1st of April, 1899, he was appointed postmaster 
of Princeton, which otfice he has since filled, giv- 
ing a businesslike administration characterized by 
promptness and unquestioned tidelity. He has 
also been chairman of the county central commit- 
tee for seven years and has so guided the interests 
of the party as to win notable successes and bring 
out the full party strength at elections. 

Mr. j\rcj\[anis was married, on the 14th of 
September, 1886, to Miss Laura R. Kennon, a 
daughter of Henry Kennon, a lawyer of St. Clairs- 
ville, Ohio, who removed thence to Newark, that 
state, where he was called to the bench. After 
serving as judge he became a resident of Prince- 
ton, Illinois, in 1864 and resided in Bureau 
county up to the time of his death in 1890. Jlr. 
and Mrs. McManis has one daughter, Eumana. 
His fraternal relations are with the Princeton lodge 
of Masons, the council and the commandery and 
he is also identified with the Knights of Pythias 
fraternity and other organizations. Alert and en- 
terprising, he is a typical representative of the 
times — a man of action rather than of theory, 
who has demonstrated in a successful Inisiness ca- 
reer and capable pul^lic service the strength of his 
character and the power of his energies in coping 
with intricate problems, which arise just as fre- 
quently in political life as in business. 



J. FREDERICK SCHULTZ. 
J. Frederick Schultz, who since 1867 has been 
a resident of Bureau county, spending the entire 
interim upon a farm in Bureau township, which 
is now his home, was born in Powesheik county, 
Iowa, on the S-ath of September, 18.58. His 
father, Gustave Schultz, was born in Germany and 
came to the United vStates in 1854. He made his 
way to Princeton before the Chicago, Burlintrton 
i^' Quincy Railroad had extended farther than rliat 
city. He married Miss Mary Hechtner, who was 
also a native of Germany, their wedding being 
celebrated in this country. Unto them were born 
four children, of whom J. Frederick was the 
third in order of birth. In 1861 the parents 



came with their family to Bureau county, Illinois, 
where they remained for three years, and in 1864 
removed to Muscatine county, Iowa, where the 
succeeding three years were passed. On the ex- 
piration of that period they returned to Bureau 
county, settling upon the farm which is now 
owned by the subject of this review, who has re- 
sided here continuously since 1867. 

In the common schools of Bureau county J. 
Frederick Schultz acquired his elementary educa- 
tion, which was supplemented by study in West 
Bureau Academy. After putting aside his text- 
books he took up farming as a life work and now 
owns a half interest in the old homestead prop- 
erty, his landed possessions aggregating three 
hundred and sixty-five acres of very valuable and 
productive land. He was the first man in the 
county to pay a hundred and fifty dollars per 
acre for land and today the place is worth two 
hundred dollars per acre, owing to the substantial 
improvements he has made thereon. He has 
brought his fields under a high state of cultiva- 
tion and they annually yield good crops. Every- 
thing about his farm is kept in excellent condition 
and his broad acres are so well tilled that they 
produce among the best crops in the county. The 
full corn cribs and the high grades of stock seen 
upon the place all indicate the progressive spirit 
of the owner, who is accounted one of the most 
successful farmers of his community. 

In 1881 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Schultz and Miss Mary Lempkey, who was a 
daughter of Conrad and Mary Lempkej', natives 
of Germany, who came to America in the "nOs 
and located in Chicago, where Mrs. Schultz was 
born. They afterward removed to Bureau county 
during the early girlhood days of their daughter. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Schultz have been born nine 
children, eight of whom are still under the pa- 
rental roof, while one is married and lives upon a 
farm in Bureau county. 

Mr. Schultz belongs to Wyanet lodge. No. 231, 
A. F. & A. M. He contributes to the support of 
the German Lutheran and the Wesleyan Methodist 
churches and is interested in all that pertains to 
the material, intellectual, political and moral 
progress of the community. His political allegi- 
unce is given to the democracy and he ha.s been 
honored with various township offices. He has 
served as supervisor for seven years and is still 
the incumbent in that position. He has also been 
school director since 1888 and the position which 
he holds in public regard is indicated by the fact 
that he ha.s long been continued in these offices. 
He is a man of sterling pur]ioso, of unfaltering 
industry and is tireless in support of liis honest 
convictions. His success is attributable to his own 
labors and he is regarded as one of the foremost 
farmers of the county, keeping in touch with ad- 
vanced ideas of agriculture and standing as a 
worthy representative of the industrial life of this 
nart of tlic state. His residence here covers a 



1G2 



PAST AND rKKSEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



period of almost four decades, so that he has wit- 
nessed many changes which have occurred, and as 
the years have passed by he has borne his full sliare 
in the w^ork of general progress. 



B. F. OAKFORD. 



H. F. Oakford, interested in the Citizens Bank 
of Walnut, and also the owner of fine farming 
land, is a native of Bureau county, having been 
born in Dover township, June 26, 1856. He is 
a son of S. M. and Elizabeth (Evans) Oakford, 
the former a native of Bucks county, Pennsyl- 
vania, and the latter of Germantown, that state. 
The parents came to Illinois in 1854, settling in 
Bureau county, where for a number of years the 
father was engaged in general agricultural pur- 
suits but of late years has been engaged in the 
insurance business and now makes his home in 
Walnut. He served as postmaster of Walnut for 
four years during Cleveland's administration, and 
has always been an active worker in the progress 
and development of his town and community. He 
has now reached the advanced age of eighty years. 
His wife, however, is deceased, having passed 
away April 7, 1903. Besides our subject they had 
two sons residing in this county, Eugene E., a 
farmer residing near Walnut, and Howard M., a 
resident of the village of Walnut and the owner of 
farming interests in North Dakota. 

B. F. Oakford was reared to farm life and re- 
ceived his education in the common schools of 
Bureau county. After starting out in life on his 
own account he was a salesman on the road for 
a lumber firm for five years and later was the 
owner of a lumberyard in Walnut, which was 
operated under the name of the B. F. Oakford 
Lumber Company, but he finally disposed of his 
business. He is now the owner of one hundred 
and six acres of land on section 1, Gold township, 
and owns a third interest in eighty acres on sec- 
tion 26, Walnut township. He also owns a nice 
home in Walnut, and has real-estate in ]\Iilwau- 
kco. Wisconsin. In November. 190"2. in connec- 
tion with John E. Knight, Mr. Oakford organized 
the Citizens' Bank, in which he owns a half in- 
terest, and this has proved a very successful ven- 
ture. From the beginning the bank gained favor 
with the general public and today the Citizens' 
Bank is one of the important and successful enter- 
prises of the village of Walnut. The partners arc 
reliable in all dealings with their fellowmen and 
thereby have gained a large and increasing pa- 
tronage. 

On the 19th of Juno, 1899, was celebrated the 
marriage of B. F. Oakford and Miss Mary Ella 
Baxter, a native of Bureau township. Bureau 
county, and a daughter of Harvey and Hannah 
(Conklin) Baxter, both natives of the Keystone 
state. They were among the early settlors of thi.s 
cnuntv. having come here in tlie fifties, where the 



father engaged in general agricultural pursuits and 
bore they spent their remaiuiug days, the former 
passing away March 27, 1865, and the latter April 
27, 1896. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Oakford has been 
born one son, John Howard, November 2, 1902. 
Mr. Oakford has been prominent in local af- 
fairs, having for two years been a member of the 
village board. He is a Mason, belonging to Wal- 
nut lodge, No. 722. In politics he is a democrat. 
He is interested in the advancement of his town 
and county and gives hearty endorsement to every 
movement which tends in that direction. He 
possesses sound business judgment and has been 
very successful in the management of his aiiairs, 
being now a partner in the Citizens' Bank of Wal- 
nut and also owning valuable farming land in 
Gold and Walnut townships. He is a genial and 
pleasant gentleman and he and his wife have a host 
of warm friends. 



LEWIS KENT THOMPSON. 
Lewis Kent Thompson is largely living retired 
in Princeton, although he engages to some extent 
in the real estate business. He represents one of 
the old and prominent families of Bureau county, 
tiis father having been county clerk and county 
siieriff at a very early day in the development of 
this part of the state. The son was born in Milo 
township, September 16, 1844, his parents being 
Joseph V. and Mary E. (Kent) Thompson, both 
natives of Tx)ndon, England. They came to 
America in 1837, settling in Geneseo county. New 
York, wliere the father engaged in farming until 
1839. when with his wife and brother he started 
for Illinois. They journeyed westward by canal 
to Toledo and thence by wagon to Bureau county, 
where Mr. Thompson arrived with a cash capital 
of fifty dollars and a team of horses. He settled 
in Milo township, made arrangements for the 
purchase of a farm and began clearing his land. 
Soon after his arrival one of his horses died and 
ho traded the other for a yoke of oxen. He and 
his brother then hauled logs to the sawmill all 
winter in order to get lumber to build a house. 
Soon after the erection of the new home, however, 
it caught fire and was burned to the ground, leav- 
ing the family homeless; but with resolute spirTt 
and unfaltering diligence the father soon built 
;.notlicr home. They cleared off the land, plowed 
the fields and in course of time gathered good har- 
vests, engaging in general farming there until the 
death of Mrs. Thompson in September, 1847. 
Soon afterward 'Mr. Thompson was elected county 
shcrifl" and held the office for one term of two 
years. He saved his money during that period 
and then purchased a farm of two hundred and 
sovcnty-nine acres west of Princeton in Prince- 
township, where he began general agricultural 
pursuits. Ho was afterward elected county clerk 
and filled that position for four years. During 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



163 



this time his son, Lewis K, who was at home, 
assisted in farming upon the father's land near 
Princeton. In 1862 the father bought a farm 
of four hundred and eighty acres in this county, 
and he afterward bought a home on East South 
street in Princeton, where he lived retired. In- 
dolence and idleness, however, were utterly foreign 
to his nature and he could not content himself 
without some occupation, so that he gave con- 
siderable time to auctioneering and became well 
known throughout the county in that capacity. He 
was also one of the directors of the Illinois Grand 
Trunk Railroad and was greatly interested in the 
project in early days. In fact he was the cham- 
pion of every movement that tended to promote 
the growth and development of the county and his 
labors were effective and far-reaching. Having 
lost his first wife in 1847, Mr. Thompson after- 
ward married Miss Maria A. Mosely, the eldest 
daugb.ter of Roland Moselj', also a representative 
of a pioneer family of Bureau conty. The second 
wife died in Princeton in 1881, having for ten 
years survived Joseph V. Thompson, who from 
the time he left the farm continued to live retired 
in Princeton until his death on the 13th of May, 
1871. By the second marriage there were three 
children : Mary, a resident of New York ; Joseph, 
an attorney of New York; and Lucy, deceased 
wife of 0. G. Lovejoy, of Princeton. 

Lewis Kent Thompson was educated in the 
schools of Princeton and at Notre Dame, In- 
diana, being thus well equipped by advanced 
educational training for the practical and respon- 
sible duties of life. Having put aside his text- 
books, he began work in Princeton as a book- 
keeper for the firm of Fisher & Company, who 
were then the largest merchants and grain-buyers 
in Bureau county, their business being located near 
the old depot here. Mr. Thompson remained in 
their employ for a year and then went south, 
where he remained for three years. 

While in Athens, Alabama, Lewis Kent Thomp- 
son was married to Miss Rebecca E. Boshart, who 
was born in Limestone county, that state, and 
reared there by an aunt, Mrs. Nancy M. Rice, 
who died at the home of Mr. Thompson in Prince- 
ton in 1880. Seven children graced this union: 
Joseph v., who died in 1880; George P., who is 
engaged in the lumber business in Minneapolis, 
Minnesota; Lewis K., who is engaged in rail- 
roading at Underwood, North Dakota; Herbert 
S., a lumber merchant of Minneapolis; Inez, 
who died in infancy: Mary K.. the wife of E. .1. 
Best, who is living in Princeton ; and Jennie M., 
at home. 

Following his marriage Mr. Thompson returned 
to the north in 1R68 and settled upon his father's 
farm in Walnut township, this county, where he 
engaged in general farming and stock-raising. In 
1882 he was elected supervisor of the township and 
held the office for one term. He was afterward re- 
elected three different t'lnes to the same position 



and proved a capable and trustworthy official, as is 
indicated by the fact that he was so many times 
chosen by popular suffrage. He engaged in farm- 
ing until 1891, when he removed to the village of 
Walnut, this county. He has almost continuously 
held some office and while living in Walnut was 
made postmaster, in which capacity he served for 
five years. He resided there until 1899, when 
he took up his abode in Geneseo, Illinois, where he 
lived until March, 1900. He then removed to the 
west, spending six months in Livingston, Mon- 
tana, after which he located in Springfield, Utah, 
where his brother was living. Mr. Thompson 
lived retired at that place for five years, during 
which period he spent much of his time in travel- 
ing in order to see the western country. He af- 
terward located in Provo, Utah, where he remained 
for a year and thence returned to Princeton, 
where he has since resided, living a retired life. 
He still, however, spends much of his time in 
traveling. He is interested to some extent in real 
estate and owns property in the county seat. He 
is, however, practically a retired farmer. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of 
the Methodist Episcopal church of Princeton. In 
politics he was a stanch democrat until 1896, 
when he became a republican. Since 1883 he has 
been a member of the Knight Templar command- 
ery of Princeton and was a charter member of 
Walnut lodge, A. F. & A. M. He has a fine resi- 
dence at No. 423 West South street, where he 
and his family reside. A life of activity, guided 
tjy sound judgment, has been crowned with suc- 
cess, making him one of the prosperous and sub- 
stantial residents of this part of the state and as 
one of Bureau county's native sons he well de- 
serves mention in the history of her representa- 
tive citizens. 



EDWIN WATSON LAWTON. 

Edwin AVatson Lawton, a capitalist of Sheffield, 
who in former years controlled important busi- 
ness interests but is now living retired save for 
the supervision which he gives to his investments, 
was born August 30, 1864, in the city which is 
still his home. He is a son of Watson Freeman 
and Carrie (Estabrook) Lawton, both of whom 
have now passed away. The father, who is rep- 
resented elsewhere in this volume, was for many 
vears one of the most prominent business men of 
Bureau coimty, constantly enlarging his business 
in scope and importance until he became a fore- 
most repre.sentative of trade circles in this part 
of the state. 

The son Edwin was educated in the public 
'chools of Sheffield and in tlie Northern Illinois 
Normal College, at Dixon, from which he was 
graduated in the class of 1882. He afterward en- 
gaged in teaching school for two years and en- 
tered business life in connection witli his father, 
with whom he was associated in all his extensive 



164 



PAST A\D riiESEXT OF BUREAU COIXTY. 



business ventures. In 1872 the fatlier began the 
operation of a farm of eight hundred acres in 
Mineral township, two miles west of the village, 
but continued to reside in the town, the actual 
work of the fields being done by those whom he 
employed for the purpose. He also began breed- 
ing stock and feeding cattle for the market, af- 
terward devoting his entire attention to that busi- 
ness, his son being his partner in the enterprise 
for seven years, or until the father's death, which 
occurred on the 10th of February, 1898. Fol- 
lowing the fathers demise Edwin W. Lawton 
continued in business alone and was accounted 
one of the best known and most successful rep- 
resentatives of farming and stock-raising inter- 
ests in this country. In 1906 he rented his farms 
and is now practically living retired. Through- 
out an active business career he displayed keen 
discernment, his judgment being rarely, if ever, 
at fault in business affairs, his keen sagacity, sup- 
plementing unfaltering industry and perseverance, 
and the growth of his business was most gratfy- 
ing. Recently he was one of three to organize 
the Farmers State Bank of Sheffield, of which 
he is now president. 

On the 18th of May. 1889, Mr. Lawton was 
united in marriage to Miss Nina V. Simington, of 
Boston, ^Iassachu,=ctts, and they became the 
parents of two daughters, Gladys M. and Caro- 
lyn F. 

Mr. Lawton is deeply and helpfully interested 
in commimity affairs and is now supervisor of 
Concord township. He is also president of the 
Sheffield school board, which position he has filled 
for the past six years, doing effective service in 
behalf of the system of public instruction here. 
He IS likewise president of the library board and 
he stands as the champion of intellectual and 
educational progress. He is likewise a member 
of the board of trustees of the Unitarian church 
and he withholds his co-operation and substantial 
assistance from im movement calculated to benefit 
the comm^mity at large. He looks at life from 
a broad, humanitarian standpoint, recognizing 
quickly needs and possibilities and utilizing the 
means at hand to produce practical results. He 
is the worthy son of an honored sire and his own 
record adds luster to an untarnished family name. 
Fraternally he is a member of Ames lodge. No. 
193, A. P. & A. M., of Sheffield; Princeton 
chapter. No. 28, R. A. M. ; and Princeton com- 
mandery, No. 20, K. T., the two latter of Prince- 
ten. 



WILLIAM SMITH WILSON. 
William Smith Wilson, well known in financial 
circles as president of tlie bank of Wil.son, Pom- 
eroy & Co., of Oliio, has spent almost his entire 
life in Bureau county and is numbered among the 
representative and honored pioneer families who 
opened up the way to civilization in this region 



and laid the foundation tor its present pros- 
perity, ilr. Wilson is a native of Belmont county, 
Ohio, born May 15, 1831, and is a son of Stephen 
and Amy (Smith) Wilson. The father was born 
in New Jersey July 20. 1793, and tiie mother's 
birth occurred in Pennsylvania, December 28, 
ISO.T. They were married in Belmont county, 
Ohio, in 1824, and resided in the Buckeye state 
until their removal to Bureau county on the 1st 
of April, 1837, when they settled at Princeton. 
They resided in or near the city until 18.51, when 
thev took up their abode in Ohio township and 
were there identified with farming interests. By 
trade tlie father was a carpenter, but much of his 
life was devoted to agricultural pursuits. He took 
an active and helpful interest in public affairs and 
acceptably filled various official positions in his 
township. Both he and his wife held membership 
in the Methodist Protestant church and their earn- 
est Christian lives won them the confidence and 
respect of all. The death of Jlr. Wilson occurred 
upon the old homestead farm in Ohio township, 
^iareh 30, 1873, when he had reached the age 
of four score years, and his wife passed away in 
1890 at the age of eighty-five years. In the family 
of this worthy couple were five children. Re- 
becca, who was born April 26, 1826, became 
the wife of John Warfield, of Princeton, who 
died August 4, 1896, while her death occurred 
in 1887. William S. is the second of the familv. 
Joseph G., born August 20, 1833, died May i3. 
1884. Nancy, born in September, 1835, was the 
wife of L. T. Pomeroy, who departed this life 
in JanTiarv, 1896. Edwin is also deceased. 

William S. Wilson was reared to manhood in 
Bureau county, residing upon the home farm up 
to the time of his marriage. He is still inter- 
ested in agricultural pursuits, owning almost fif- 
teen hundred acres of valuable and productive 
land, so that he is now one of the extensive- land- 
holders of the county. He has also dealt in stock 
to quite an extent and these branches of his 
business have proven profitable sources of income. 
Following his first marriage he settled upon a 
farm in Ohio township, where he resided until 
1876, wdien he removed to the village of Ohio. 
In 1870 he had established a mercantile enterprise 
there and continued in its conduct for ten years. 
In 1882 he established his present banking b\isi- 
ness in Ohio and has since figured in financial 
circles as president of the bank of Wilson. Pome- 
roy & Company, the institution maintaining a 
conservative, trustworthy policy that makes it one 
of the strong moneyed concerns of the county. 

On the 7th of October, 18.52, Mr. Wilson was 
united in marriage to Miss Maria .Tones, of Prince- 
ton, who was born April 29, 1834. in that city. 
Her father, .\l)raham Jones, was one of the early 
settlers of Bureau county and was born Sep- 
tember 5, 1801, while his wife's birth occurred 
on the 18th of March, 1802. They arrived in 
this county in 1831, the year prior to the Black 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



.1(J7 



Hawk war, and found that Princeton was a small 
village and that many of the now thriving towns 
of the county had not yet sprung into existence, 
while the greater part of the land was still un- 
claimed and imcultivated. Mr. and Jlrs. Wilson 
had no children of their own but reared two: 
Emma Morse, who was born April 25, 1859, and is 
now the wife of Fenwick R. Anderson, of Ohio, 
this county; and Addie Doty, born May 25, 1873. 
In 1890 Mr. Wilson was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife, who died in the village of 
Ohio on the 25th of November of that year. 

On the 10th of August, 1893, he married Mrs. 
Anna Rebecca Rutf, nee Remsburg, who had served 
as postmistress of Ohio for four years under Presi- 
dent Harrison's administration. She had three 
children by her former marriage, Maude E., 
Blanche and Arthur Claude. Maude E. was born 
December 6, 1874, and was married December 7, 
1897, to Avery C. Golden, of Walnut, Illinois. 
They resided in Walnut until 1904, when they 
removed to Eockford, Illinois, where Mr. Golden 
is now engaged in carpentering. They have two 
children: Lee W.. born November 18, 1898; and 
Marguerite Blanche, born November 23, 1904. Ar- 
thur Claude, born January 31, 1879, was married 
April 25, 1905, to Mabel F. Nash, at Burlington, 
Vermont, and after a brief residence in Rockford 
they came to Ohio, Illinois, where Mr. Ruff is 
assistant cashier of the Wilson, Pomeroy bank, of 
which Mr. Wilson is president. The younger 
daughter, Blanche, was born April 14, 1876, and 
made her home with her parents in Ohio. In 
1893 she entered college at Adrian, Michigan, where 
she studied for three years. After teaching for 
two years in the public schools at Princeton she 
became a student in Kansas City University, from 
which she was graduated two years later with the 
degree of Bachelor of Philosophy. The succeed- 
ing year was spent as a teacher in Kansas City. 
She was a member of the Adrian chapter of the 
Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and was a most 
earnest worker in the People's church at Kansas 
City. She found time to devote to slum work and 
was a most earnest worker in the Young Women's 
Christian Association. She passed away Febriiary 
16, 1906, at the age of twenty-nine years, ten 
months and two days. Her death came as a 
great shock and calamity to the community, for 
she was held in the highest esteem by all who 
knew her. She was just returning from a meet- 
ing of the Eastern Star lodge, of which she was 
a member and faithful worker, when she was 
stricken down with Bright's disease and instantly 
became unconscious, her death occurring shortly 
afterward. At the time of her demise she was 
acting as assistant cashier of the Wilson, Pomeroy 
bank. A young lady of exemplary Christian 
character, she was the leader of tlic church choir 
and was especially prominent in the young people's 
society, while no work in which she engaged was 
to her of deeper interest than that of the Junior 



Christian Endeavor, of which she was superintend- 
ent. At the time of her death she was acting 
treasurer of the northern Illinois branch of the 
board of Women's Foreign Missions of the Metho- 
dist Protestant church. The funeral services were 
conducted by Rev. A. T. Evans, who preached from 
the text : "And Enoch walked with God and he 
was not, for God took him. (Jenesis 5 :24.'' At a 
special meeting of Friendship chapter of the Or- 
der of the Eastern Star the following preamble 
and resolutions were adopted : "Whereas, The 
golden chain that binds us in sympathy and fel- 
lowship has been suddenly broken by the death of 
Sister Adah, Miss Eva Blanche Rutt', and one 
link has dropped away. Whereas, It is just that 
a fitting recognition of her many virtues should 
be had. Therefore be it Resolved, That in the death 
of Eva Blanche RufE this chapter laments the 
loss of a sister who was ever ready to give to her 
sisters and brothers advice in their troubles, sym- 
pathy in their sorrows and aid in their misfor- 
tunes, an active member of this society, a friend 
and companion who was dear to us all, a sister 
whose upright and noble life was a standard 
of emulation to the world at large. Resolved, 
That the chapter be draped in mourning for thirty 
days. Resolved, That the heartfelt sympathy of 
this chapter be extended to her parents and rela- 
tives in their afflictions. Resolved, That these 
resolutions be spread upon the records of the chap- 
ter and a copy thereof be transmitted to the par- 
ents of our deceased sister and the Ohio Herald 
for publication. 

"Mrs Emm.\ Jackson, 
"Mrs. Anna Spencer, 
"Mrs. Eva Howard." 
The remains of Blanche Ruff were laid to rest 
beside those of her father, James G. Ruff, in 
Union cemetery, the services being conducted by 
the Eastern Star in charge of twenty-five mem- 
bers of the Walnut chapter. Few people are as 
greatly and uniformly beloved as was Miss Ruff, 
whose circle of friends was co-extensive with the 
circle of her acquaintance. She possessed a kindly 
nature, a genial, cordial disposition and, moreover, 
displayed a beautiful Christian character which 
gained for her the highest esteem of all with whom 
she came in contact. For years to come her mem- 
ory will be cherished and remain as a blessed bene- 
diction to all who knew her. 

Politically a democrat, Mr. Wilson has taken an 
active interest in the local work of his party and 
for many years has been supervisor of Ohio town- 
ship. He is equally loyal to the best interest of the 
community whether in office or out of it and his 
labors in behalf of general progress have been far- 
reaching and beneficial. An earnest Christian 
gentleman, he is a faithful member of the Metho- 
dist Protestant church and is known as a straight- 
forward, reliable business man, whose upright, 
honorable course has gained the confidence of all 
with whom he has come in contact, while his en- 



168 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



ergy, capable management and diligence have 
brought to him a measure of success that makes 
him one of the leading representatives of the com- 
mercial and agricultural interests of Bureau 
county. 



COLONEL JACOB T. THOMSON. 

Colonel Jacob T. Thomson, deceased, was a 
leading business man of Princeton, and one of 
the prominent politicians of the city, where he 
served as mayor. He came to the city in 1S4G 
and established a general mercantile enterprise. 
From that time forward until his death his in- 
fluence wa.-; an active factor in general progress 
and improvement here and his labors resulted in 
the acquirement of a handsome competence. A 
native of Changewater, New Jersey, he was born 
November 26, lcS12, and was of Scotch lineage. 
His parents, however, were also natives of New 
Jersey, where they spent their entire lives. In 
the public schools of his native town Colonel 
Thomson acquired his education and in 1846 he 
came to Princeton, where he entered into partner- 
ship with his brotlier Robert in the establish- 
ment and conduct of a general mercantile store in 
the southern part of the city. They dealt in 
groceries, dry goods, drugs and other commodi- 
ties and engaged in business together for many 
years, conducting a very successful store. At ths 
same time Colonel Thomson iuiproved favorable 
opportunities for investment in farm lands in 
Bureau county and became the owner of much 
valuable property in various localities. He after- 
ward sold his store here and in partnership with 
Milo Kendall and J. A'. Thompson purchased one 
hundred acres of land in the northern part of 
the city, which they divided into town lots and 
sold. This proved a profitable venture, and the 
district became one of the loading residence dis- 
tricts of the city. From that time forward Mr. 
Thomson lived retired until his death. 

Colonel Thomson was married twice. He 
wedded Miss Mary Weise, a native of New Jersey. 
and a daughter of Jacob Weise, one of the early 
settlers in Princeton, the record of whose family 
is given elspwhero in this work. Mrs. Thomson 
died in Princeton in 18.57, leaving two sons. The 
elder, ^[ajor Samuel P. Thomson, won his title 
by service in the army and afterward went to 
Denver, Colorado, in the vicinity of which city he 
owned a ranch. Subsequently he became a city 
officer in Denver and died there. Jlatt, a farmer 
of Princeton township, married Ellen R. Rob- 
inson, of Princeton, but both are now deceased. 
He died in 1878. and his wife in IPOO, leaving 
two sons, Jacob T. and David R.. both living in 
Colorado. For his second wife Colonel Thomson 
wedded Miss Pernina Weise, a sister of his first 
wife, and there were four children by this union : 
Miss Neal now resides in Princeton with her 



sister, Mrs. Fawcett. Franklin P. wedded Mary 
Baumbaugh, a resident of Princeton, and died in 
1SS4, leaving one daughter, now Mrs. Nina C. 
Prime, who lives in New York. Jacob W., who 
is now living retired in Pueblo, Colorado, and is 
the owner of a large ranch near there, married 
Flora Boggs, of Princeton, who died in 1888, 
leaving two sons, Arthur T. and Harry, both 
residents of I'ueblo. Julia M. is the widow of 
Charles Fawcett, who was a respected and promi- 
nent business man and citizen of Princeton for 
many years. 

Charles Fawcett was born in Clinton county, 
Ohio, and was a son of J. H. Fawcett, who came 
west in an early day, establishing his home in 
Henry county, Illinois, where he taught school 
for a few years, while later he came to Princeton 
and established a dry-goods business in the north- 
ern part of the town. There he conducted his 
enterprise for several years, after which he be- 
came agent for the American Express Company 
in Princeton and filled that position for several 
years. He then gave up all business and official 
service and retired to private life, since which 
time he has enjoyed a well merited rest, his home 
being now in PasadenA, California. He was a 
prominent Mason in Princeton, recognized as one 
of the valued representatives of the craft in this 
city. His son, Charles Fawcett, also became 
agent for the American Express Company here 
and occupied that position for some time. Be- 
cause of ill health he was forced to resign, and 
in 188.") went west to California, hoping that he 
might be benefited in that land of flowers and 
sunshine, but the change proved unavailing, and 
he died on the Pacific coast on the 15th of May, 
1887. His remains were then brought back to 
Princeton for interment, and he was laid to rest 
amid the deep regret of many friends, who sin- 
cerely niourned his loss, for he was a gentleman 
of many good traits of heart and mind and en- 
joyed in large measure the friendship of those 
with whom he came in contact. There were two 
children born unto Mr. and l^frs. Fawcett: Jacob 
T. married Libbio Babcock, of Princeton, and is 
connpfted with the drug business in that city. J. 
Fred, n veteriTiary surgeon of Erie, Wliiteside 
countv, Illinois, married Ida Ells, of that place, 
and they have one child. Julia Marzie. 

The death of Colonel Thomson occurred on the 
22d day of February, 1876, and his wife survived 
him for about twenty-seven years, passing away 
on the 4th of September. 190.3. He was a lead- 
ing and influential resident of Princeton, who 
exerted a widely felt and beneficial influence in 
public affairs, giving a stanch and stalwart sup- 
port to the domocrncy. In his political service 
be ever had an eye to practical results and not 
fflittering generalities. Strong and positive in 
his democracy, his party fealty was not grounded 
on partisan prejudice, and he enjoyed the respect 
and confidence of all his associates irrespective of 




COL. J. T. THOMSON. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUN'rV. 



171 



party. Hu was well groimded in the political 
maxims of the schools and in the issues which 
divide the two great political organizations. Such 
men, whether in office or out, are the natural 
leaders of whichever party they may be identified 
with, especially in that movement toward higher 
politics, which is common to both parties and 
which constitutes the most hopeful political sign 
of the period. His jnililic-spirited citizenship 
being recognized by his fellow townsmen, Colonel 
Thomson was called to the office of mayor, and by 
re-election was continued in that position for sev- 
eral years. He also served as a member of the 
city council for several years and took much in- 
terest in everything pertaining to Princeton's 
progress and upbuilding. Both Colonel Thomson 
and Mr. Pawcett were widely and favorably known 
in Princeton, having a circle of friends almost 
co-extensive with the circle of their acquaintance. 
Mrs. Fawcett owns an interest in the old Thom- 
son home at No. 504 South Main street, where 
she and her sister reside. This is a brick resi- 
dence and was one of the first fine homes to be 
erected in the city, and in addition to this prop- 
erty Mrs. Fawcett also owns one hundred and 
sixty acres of valuable farming land in Bureau 
township, besides other city property. 



REV. WILLIAM ANDERSON. 
Rev. William Anderson, pastor of the Dover 
Congregational church, was born in the parish 
of Clatt, Aberdeenshire, Scotland, November 2, 
1853, a son of William and Margaret (Macon- 
achie) Anderson. For forty years the father 
cultivated a rented farm which his father had 
rented before him. He took an active interest in 
the cause of education and for many years filled 
the office of chairman of the school board. He 
was also an ardent worker in behalf of temperance 
and in the Sunday-school, and his services were 
much in demand as a speaker at local, social and 
religious gatherings. He conducted a Sunday- 
school in his own home for over forty years and 
was long a deacon in the Congregational church 
at Rhynie. His life was honorable and upright 
and he may well be termed one of nature's no- 
blemen. He was married October 15, 1850, and 
continued his residence in his native country 
until 1889, when he came to the United States, 
making his home with his son, first at Imlay City, 
Michigan, and afterward in Dover, Illinois, to 
which place he removed in 1894. His wife died 
in Dover in October, 1897, at the age of eighty- 
three years. Three children were born unto 
them, two sons and a daughter, all born in Scot- 
land. The eldest, Alexander J. Anderson, was 
married in Scotland, had five children before 
coming to America, while three were added to the 
family in this country. He died at Greencove 
Springs, Florida, Spetember 2, 1899, leaving 



a widow and eight children. The daughter, Mar- 
garet Anderson, was born in Scotland, October 28, 
1856, and lived with her parents until 1889, 
when she came to America to make her home with 
her brother. She died at Greencove Springs, 
Florida, January 10, 1900. She possessed many 
lovable traits of character, was an earnest church 
worker and was active in behalf of many other 
good causes. 

William Anderson, the second son, inherited 
Celtic and even royal blood on his mother's side, 
being recorded as the lineal descendant of King 
Donahugh, one of the early tribal kings, whose 
fame was mighty among his loyal Highland sub- 
jects at a time when history was somewhat un- 
certain. On the father's side Rev. Anderson is 
of Anglo-Saxon descent. He acquired his early 
education at the parish school of Clatt and af- 
terward pursued a classical course in the grammar 
school at old Aberdeen. He then entered the 
University of Edinburgh and subsequently the 
Theological Seminary, from which he was gradu- 
ated in 1880. He had many famous teachers, 
studying Greek under John Stuart Blackie; phys- 
ics under Professor Tait ; psychology under Henry 
Calderwood ; mathematics under Philip Kendall ; 
and English literature under John Ma.sson. He 
also studied theology under Dr. William Lind- 
say Alexander. Following his graduation in 1880 
he received a call to the Congregational church 
at Newry, Ireland, where he was ordained in 
February. 1881. He remained for two and a half 
years and in 1883 emigrated to the United States, 
ifter which he accepted a call from the church at 
Laingsburg, Michigan, in July of that year. He 
remained in charge there for five and a half years, 
on the expiration of which period he accepted a 
call to the church at Imlay City, Michigan, where 
he labored for nearly six years, and then came to 
Dover on the 1st of September, 1884, remaining 
there to the present date. 

The Dover Congregational church was organ- 
ized March 24, 1838, by the Rev. Lucian Farn- 
ham, of Princeton, from whose church came by 
letter the nine persons who were the charter mem- 
bers of the Dover church, namely: Eli O. Thorp, 
Lydia Thorp, Lyman and Amanda Stowell, Syl- 
vester, Eliza and Joseph H. Brigham, Wealthy 
Poole and Oramel A. Smith. The first resident 
minister of the church was Rev. Asa Donaldson, 
whoso labors began about one year after the 
church was organized. Other pastors have been : 
Rev. Ami Nichols from 1846 to 1849; Rev. Allen 
Clark, 1850; Rev. E. G. Smith, 1850 to 1857; 
Rev. F. Bascom, D. D., 1857 to 18(M ; Rev. S. G. 
Wright, 1864 to 1866 ; Rev. Otis F. Curtiss, 1867 
to 1874; Rev. W. T. Blenkarn, 1874 to 1877; 
Rev. M. F. Howe, 1877-78; Rev. W. E. Hol- 
voke, 1878 to 1879; Rev. A. Ethridgc.. 1880; 
Rev. Israel Brown, 1880 to 1888; Rev. Roger M.' 
Sargent, 1888 to 1891; Rev. J. F. Ellis. D. D., 
1891 to 1892; Rev. Wni. R. Hench. 1893 to 1894; 



172 



PAST AXD PRESP^'T OF BUKKAF COUNTY. 



Rev. William Anderson, commenced September 
Ist, 1894. The following have been deacons of 
the cliurch. namely: Sylvester Bripham, Isaac 
Delano, R. A. Leeper, George Wells, Asahel Wood, 
T. W. Nichols, Jonathan Hoyte. The following 
deacons are at this date in active service, namely: 
Aaron Dunbar, J. B. Allen, Alfred Westover, C. 
J. Pierce, J. C. Field and William Geisweller. 
'J'he trustees are Henry G. Wells, George F. 
Carter, C. J. Pierce, Warren Poole and George 
Steele. The Sunday-school was organized by 
Isaac Delano soon after the church was formed 
and the present superintendent is Henry G. Wells, 
who lias filled the ofifice for a number of years, 
■^'he chuich roll contains tno names of over two 
hunflred members, who are lecugnized as an ac- 
tive working force in the various dejiartmeiil^'. 
Besides supporting a Sunday-school and m wei>kly 
prayer meeting the church has a large and vig- 
orous Young People's Society of Christian En- 
deavor, a strong woman's missionary society and 
a men's league. It is in close touch with the vari- 
ous lines of benevolent work of the denomination, 
for which it contributes liberally every year from 
its funds- — tlie amount varying usually from six 
hundred to seven hundred dollars. The Deacon- 
ess Home at Dover was organized mainly through 
the efforts of the church and its pastor and has af- 
forded an opportunity for practical philanthropy, 
of which the members have not been slow to avail 
themselves. 

Rev. Anderson was married at Laingsburg, 
Michigan, August 25, 1885, to May Eliza Hollis- 
ter, the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Charles 
E. Hollister. She was horn and reared in Laings- 
burg, acquired her early education in the public 
schools and was afterward a student in Olivet 
College at Olivet, Michigan. Her father was one 
of the first graduates of the ]\Iichigan Agricultural 
College at Lansing and was a life-long member of 
its board of trustees. Mr. Hollister was a sur- 
veyor and civil engineer and owned several farms. 
At one time he had a government contract for 
clearing a portion of the Red river in Louisiana. 
He was a deacon and trustee of the Congregational 
church at Laingsburg and for many years su- • 
perintendent of the Sunday-school. lie was one 
of the most active supporters of the church until 
the time of his dcatli, which occurred in 1900. 
He enlisted in the army and served until the end 
of the Civil war. His wife, Minnie A. Alverson, 
a woman of rare gifts, was a school teacher at the 
time of her marriage in 1863. She survived her 
husband only about two years. Their only son, 
Oliver Cary llollistcr. is also a graduate of tlic 
state agriculturnl college and now occupies "Seven 
Oaks," the old liomcstead near Laingsburg. He 
enlisted and served in Cuba during the Spanish- 
American war and was promoted to the office of 
chief clerk in his regiment. 

Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have two cliildron: Mar- 
guerite, who was graduated from the high school 



at Princeton in 1900; and Minerva, who is a 
student in the public schools of Dover. Beside 
their own family, the father, William Anderson, 
Sr., and a niece, Wilhelmina Anderson, of Green- 
cove Springs, Florida, made their home with them. 
Mrs. Anderson has been a most active worker with 
her husband in their several fields of labor, her 
efforts being more particularly directed in mission- 
ary, Sunday-school, young |ieople'.s society and 
deaconess' lines, beside having charge of the church 
music and the training of the children for pub- 
lic exercises. The work which Rev. and Mrs. 
Andcr'^on are doing is most effective and far- 
reaching and under his guidance the church has 
made rapid and substantial growth, while his in- 
fluence is a most potent element in the moral de- 
velopment of the community. 



0. H. SKOGLUND. 

The growth and prosperity of a city depend 
upon its industrial and commercial interests and 
the enterprise and character of the men who con- 
trol its leading business concerns, in which con- 
nection Mr. Skoglund may be mentioned as a 
representative citizen, having been since 1903 an 
active factor in commercial circles in Princeton 
as a member of the firm of Greenwood, Skoglund 
& Company, proprietors of a plumbing and heat- 
ing establishment. In this connection he has 
wrought along modern business lines and with 
ready recognition of opportunities and apprecia- 
tion of advantages which have come to him he has 
so directed his labors that he is now in control 
of an extensive and profitable trade. 

A native of Sweden, Mr. Skoglund was born 
in ISfiS and in 1871 came to America with his 
parents, John J. and Johanna E. Skoglund. The 
father followed farming near Princeton after his 
emigration to America and both he and his wife 
have now passed away. In their family were 
seven children, of whom four are still living: 0. 
H., of this review; Mrs. Emma E. Christian, of 
Chicago; Mrs. Anna Lundgren, living in Mitchell, 
Sanborn county. South Dakota: and Mrs. I'Mwin 
Holmes, who resides at Spring Valley, Bureau 
county. 

O 11. Skoglund acquired a common-school edu- 
cation and in his youth was denied many privileges 
and advantages common to most lads because of 
hi.s mother's invalid condition for thirteen years. 
When still a youth he engaged at farm labor and 
after ten years of his early manhood devoted to 
general agricultural pursuits he came to Prince- 
ton and nrcepted the position of dejuity sheriff 
under ^[njiu- Clark. In ISDS ho was elected sheriff 
and filled that otTlcc imtil 1002, when he turned 
his attention to the plumbing and heating busi- 
ness in connection with Mr. Greenwood. During 
his incumbency in the office of sheriff he appointed 
Fred Tjehman as otTice deputy with T. W. Mercer 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



173 



and R. R. Elliott as bailiffs and thus, with com- 
petent assistance, the duties of the position were 
discharged with promptness and capability. 

In the meantime, as stated, he joined Mr. Green- 
wood in the plumbing and heating business and 
the firm of Greenwood, Skoglund & Company 
was formed. Their store is located in the Ameri- 
can House block in Princeton and they install all 
kinds of plumbing and heating plants, their trade 
covering all of Bureau county, including much 
city work in Princeton. They now have the con- 
tract for the plumbing work and heating of the 
Congregational church in this city and many other 
important contracts have been awarded them, their 
patronage steadily increasing until it has now 
reached extensive and gratifying proportions. The 
firm employs three men throughout the year and 
many more during the busier seasons and also 
has a young lady for office work. They carry 
a large and complete stock of plumbing and gas- 
fittings and their equipment is unsurpassed be- 
tween Chicago and Galesburg. 

Mr. Skoglund was married in 1886 to Miss 
Jennie E. Anderson, who was born in Princeton 
and is a daughter of Jonas Anderson, deceased. 
Her father arrived in this county about 1850 and 
devoted his attention to the carpenter's and build- 
er's trade and also to moving. Unto Jlr. Skog- 
lund and his wife were born four children who 
are yet living and they lost one, who died in 
infancy. Those who still survive are Ida E., 
Eugene, Iva and Violet, aged respectively eighteen, 
seventeen, five and two years. Politically Mr. 
Skoglund is a republican, who for a long period, 
served as constable of Princeton. He is a member 
of the blue lodge of Masons at Princeton and he 
and his family are members of the Presbyterian 
church. 



WILLIAM H. GOULD. 

William H. Gould is a leading and successful 
business man of Neponset, his native village. He 
today owns five hundred acres of valuable farm- 
ing land, from which he derives a good rental, and 
he is identified with the corporate interests of the 
town as president of the Neponset Electric Light 
Company. He was born April 17, 1852, a son of 
Abraham and Hannah (Bowen) Gould, natives 
of England. The father was born in Eastchurch, 
county of Kent, October 13, 1828, and came to 
this country in 1849, landing on the twenty-first 
anniversary of his birth. From New Yoi-k he 
went to Chicago, where he arrived with a cash 
capital of only fifty cents. He went to work roll- 
ing salt barrels and after three weeks, having 
earned some money, he started to walk out into 
the country, arriving at Summit at night. He 
thought to continue his journey after dark, but 
the wolves were so numerous that he dared not 
venture far sind returned to Summit, where he 



spent the night, starting the following morn- 
ing for Neponset, where he spent the first 
winter splitting rails. He then began 
work as a farm hand and, following his 
marriage, began farming on his own account on 
a tract of wild prairie land of one hundred and 
sixty acres. The first thing he did was to set 
a post to which he could tie his horse, for there 
was not a single tree on his land or other thing 
to which he could fasten the animal. He built 
a frame house which he continued to occupy until 
1884, when he retired from farm life and removed 
to Neponset, where he spent his remaining days 
in the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. 
As the years had passed he had lived frugally and 
industriously and as he had prospered he had made 
judicious investments in real estate until he was 
the owner of six hundred acres of valuable land 
at the time of his death. This he had improved 
from wild prairie, turning the first furrows upon 
much of it and converting it into very productive 
fields. His life record of industry and business 
activity is well worthy of emiilation. He was a 
member of the school board for many years and 
the cause of public education profited by his ef- 
forts in its behalf. His vote endorsed republi- 
can principles by the support which he gave the 
candidates of the party. 

Abraham Gould was married January 5, 1850, 
to Miss Hannah Bowen, who was born in Der- 
byshire, England, August 12, 1831. For more 
than a half century they traveled life's journey to- 
gether and were separated in the death of the 
husband, November 3, 1901. Mrs. Gould is still 
living, a resident of Neponset. They were the 
parents of four children: William H. ; John B., 
of Neponset to^vnshin; Eliza, the wife of Stephen 

5. Russell; and Addie, wife of Charles Lewis, of 
Neponset. Mrs. Gould came to this country in 
1846 with her parents, George and Sarah (Mo- 
croft) Bowen. who were pioneers of this county, so 
that for six decades she has lived in this part of 
the state. 

In the public schools William H. Gould ac- 
quired his education, pursuing his studies in the 
winter months, while in the summer seasons he 
worked on the home farm. He assisted his 
father in the work of the fields up to the time of 
his marriage, which was celebrated January 39, 
1876, Miss Laura E. Bennett becoming his wife. 
She was born near Muncie, Indiana, February 

6. 1856. a daughter of Timothy N. and Elizabeth 
(Russell) Bennett, both natives of Clinton county, 
Oliio. the former born April 15, 1813, and the lat- 
ter I^tay 9, 1814. Coming to Illinois in 1856, 
Mr. Bennett cast in his lot with the pioneer farm- 
ers of this county and at one time was the owner 
of three hundred and twenty acres of land here. 
For a long period he served as school director 
and was a member of the Christian church, thus 
taking an active and helpful interest in the in- 
tellectual and moral, as well as material, progress 



174 



PAST AND PRESENT OF UUHKAL' COUNTY. 



of the community. He died February 6, 1872, 
and his wile passed away November 3, 1879. In 
their family were twelve children, six yet living: 
Mary Jane, wife of S. M. Williamson, of Kewanee, 
Illinois; George M. ; Juretta, wife of E. J. Jud- 
kins, of Topeka, Kansas ; Alice, the wife of James 
Gridley, of Iowa; Timothy N. ; and Mrs. Gould. 

At the time of his marriage Mr. Gould began 
farming on his own account on one hundred acres 
of land and succes-sfully carried on agricultural 
pursuits until 1892, when he removed to Nepon- 
set, where he handled some real estate and bought 
and sold farms. At the present time he owns five 
hundred acres of rich and arable land, which he 
rents, deriving therefrom a good income. He is also 
part owner and president of the Neponset Electric 
Light Company and is one of the stockholders and 
directors of the Kewanee District Fair Association. 
He was one of its organizers, has been one of its 
directors the past twenty years and is now 
its president. He is also one of the directors of 
the Bureau County Fair Association, and has 
contributed in no small degree to the success of 
those organizations. His interest in community 
affairs is deep and sincere and arises from a pub- 
lic-spirited enterprise and is manifest in hearty 
endorsement of many movements for the general 
good. He was serving on the village board when it 
was decided to put cement walks through the 
town and he has always stood for progress and 
improvement in municipal interests. For many 
years he has been a school director, thus doing 
effective service in behalf of education. In poli- 
tics he is a repuljlican. 

The greatest sorrow that has come to Mr. 
and Mrs. Gould was the loss of their daughter, 
Grace M., who was born October 26, 1877, and 
died December 2. 1879. They have always been 
received into the best .social circles, while the hos- 
pitality of their own home has been greatly en- 
joyed by those who know them. Viewed in a 
personal light Mr. Gould is a strong man — strong 
in his business activity and in his good name, in- 
fluential in public affairs and justly regarded 
as one of the prominent and valued residents of 
♦his portion of Illinois. 



ELIJAH W. BEY ANT. 

Elijah W. Bryant, whose life, although devoted 
i<> the quieter pursuits of the farm, was in har- 
mony witli the record of a distinguished ancestry, 
figured for many years as a representative and 
honored resident of Bureau county. He was born 
December 2, 1836, in this county, where his pa- 
rents had located in early pioneer times. His 
father, John Howard Bryant, was the youngest 
son of Dr. Peter and Sarah (Sncll) Bryant, whose 
second son, William Cullcn Brvant, won fame as 
the first American poet of more than local note. 
John Howard Brvant was horn at what is now 



known as the Bryant homestead in Cummington, 
ilassachusetts. and both of his parents were de- 
scended from Mayflower ancestry. Dr. Peter 
Bryant of Cummington was of the fourth genera- 
lion from Stephen and Abigail (Shaw) Bryant 
of Plymouth, Massachusetts. He studied medi- 
cine with his father in North Bridgewater, Mas- 
j-achusetts, and succeeded to his practice. He 
was also for a time under the instruction of a 
French refugee from San Domingo — an able sur- 
geon, under whom he became a dexterous opera- 
tor. The young physician early fell in love witii 
the daughter of a sturdy and severe Revolution- 
ary veteran of the neighborhood. Esquire Ebenezer 
Snell, who was a Puritan of the Puritans and 
when he later removed to the then ratlier new 
settlement of Cummington Dr. Bryant followed 
and in 1792 married the veteran's daughter. 
"Sweet Sally Snell," as she was called in her 
maidenhood and who became the mother of Amer- 
ica's first famous poet as well as. of a family of 
vigorous and upright sons and daughters. 

Dr. Peter Bryant became known over a wide 
range of country as a scholarly and skilful physi- 
cian and at different times had many students in 
his office. He was endowed by nature witli a 
strong constitution, but his long rides over rough 
mountain roads and exposure to all kinds of 
weather doubtless shortened his days and he 
passed away at the comparatively early age of 
fifty-three years. His son, William CuUen, had 
already at this time given to the world Thana- 
topsis. To a Waterfowl and other poems, which 
brought to the father a knowledge of the enduring 
fame which this son was to attain, although the 
poet was but twenty-six years of age at the time 
of the father's death. Dr. Bryant was a man of 
gentle manner and bearing, of fine literary judg- 
ment and took constant delight in the mental 
exaltation and the music of the greater poets. 
There was dignity but no aristocracy in the fam- 
ily and the doctrine of the universal brotherhood 
of man was taught and practiced. The hired men 
and girls employed in the family, both white and 
black, all ate at the family table and were treated 
as equals. Dr. Bryant wielded a wide influence 
in public affairs as well and was for a time rep- 
resentative from bis district in the state senate, 
where he formed the acquaintance and won the 
friendship of such scholarly men in and around 
Brtston as Buckminster. Channing and others. 
He was politically a zealous federalist but most 
democratic in bis practices. He was also one of 
the first well known rTiitarians of western ilassa- 
chusetts. .\ftor the death of Dr. Brvant his widow 
found al)undant scope for hi'r ability and energy 
in practical affairs. Her husband, enthusiastic 
and unselfish in the practice of his profession, had 
cared more to render aid to the ill and suffering 
than to collect his fees and as a consequence he 
left his estate involved, .\ccordingly the sons of 
tlie fatnilv save, Austin, the eldest, and William 




ELIJAH W BRYANT 




JOHN H BRYANT 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUPEAU L'OIXIV 



179 



Culleii, wlio had already begun life i'or themselves, 
were put to work on the farm. (Jyrus Bryant 
acted as manager of the place and John Howard, 
then thirteen years of age, became his assistant. 
In the summer they wrought together at farm la- 
bor and in the winter months Cyrus engaged in 
teaching school, while John Howard looked after 
the chores at home. In the years 1826 and 1827 
the latter attended the select school of Rev. Ros- 
well Hawks and subsequently was a student in the 
academy in Cummington, Massachusetts. In the 
winter of 1828 and 1829 he taught school in the 
town of Williamsburg, Massachusetts, and in the 
spring of the former year he was a student in 
Rensselaer school, now the Rensselaer Polytechnic 
Institute at Troy, New York, then conducted by 
the able but eccentric Professor Amos Easton. 

In June, 1829, he took leave of the Troy school, 
walking home by way of Williamstown, Massa- 
chusetts, where he spent three or four days with 
his brother Arthur, then a student in Williams 
College. Later in the same years he returned to 
Williamstown and spent some time in the study 
of geometry, trigonometry and Latin. He soon 
returned to the Cummington farm, however, and 
in the summer of 1830 took the census of that 
part of Hampshire county lying west of the Con- 
necticut river. In the winter of 1830-1 he taught 
school in Plainfield at a salary of fourteen dollars 
per month and "boarded round." 

In the spring of 1831 John H. Bryant started 
for Illinois. His worldly possessions, consisting 
of clothing, carpenter's tools and a few books, 
being stowed in two chests and a trunk, which were 
carried to the city of Hudson by a tanner of West 
Cummington, who was accustomed to make busi- 
ness trips to New York. Leaving his baggage 
at Hudson, Mr. Bryant went down the river to 
take a look at the metropolis before leaving for 
the far west. On the 18th of April, 1831, how- 
ever, he started for Illinois, secured his baggage 
at Hudson and at .Albany took a line boat on the 
Erie canal, thus making the trip to Buffalo at 
an expense, for meals and passage, of four dollars 
and sixty cents. This trip, which is now made by 
rail in a few hours, then occupied seven days. On 
reaching Buffalo he found the lake full of ice, so 
that it became necessary for him to hire a team 
to make the next stage of the journey, which was 
to Dunkirk, New York. He then went on Cha- 
tauqua lake to Jamestown and by wagon to War- 
ren, Pennsylvania, where he met two families of 
English people, who took him on their wateroraft 
called an "ark'' and thus he proceeded to Pitts- 
burg. He then went by steamer to Louisville, 
where he was transferred to a boat bound for St. 
Louis, where he arrived on the 24th of May. 
After a brief stay in that city he secured pas- 
sage for Naples on the Illinois river. He was now 
within twenty-two miles of his destination — Jack- 
sonville, Illinois — and in company with a Mr. 
Harlan he completed the journey on foot. About 



a year was spent there in clerking and in farming 
land belonging to his brother Arthur, during 
which time he was joined by his brother Cyrus. 

The two made the journey to Princeton on 
horseback in September, 1832, and John II. l^ry- 
ant here entered land from the government, upon 
which he built a cabin, while with the assistance 
of his brother Cyrus he began improving the place. 
He was married June 7, 1833, to Miss Hattie 
Wiswall, of Jacksonville, Illinois, and immediately 
after the wedding the young couple started to 
Meredosia, whence they proceeded up the Illinois 
river to Hennepin and from that point came 
overland to Princeton, arriving at tlie Bryant 
cabin on the 11th of June, 1833. In that little 
pioneer liome they lived until the following 
.spring, when Mr. Bryant built another cabin on 
the site now occupied by the present spacious 
mansion which is the home of Elijah Bryant's 
widow in Princeton. The home farm comprised 
three hundred and twenty acres of land, which 
he entered in 1835. He was a very active, en- 
ergetic man and a most prominent factor in the 
early development and agricultural progress of 
the county. He was also influential in public life 
and held almost every office within the gift of 
the people. Originally a democrat, he acted with 
that party until 1854, when on account of its 
attitude on the slavery question he joined the 
free soil party and on the organization of the 
republican party in 185G became one of its sup- 
porters. He was present as a delegate at the 
first national convention of that party in Pitts- 
burg, which nominated the great pathfinder, John 
C. Fremont. Again in ISfiO he was a delegate to 
the national convention at Chicago and was active 
in his championship of .\braham Lincoln. In 
1862 he was appointed collector of internal rev- 
enue for the fifth district of Illinois and served 
four vears. When the war was ended and other 
issues were paramount before the people Mr. 
Bryant did not accept the republican policy on 
questions of currency, tariff and other issiies and 
therefore returned to democratic ranks, the views 
of that party on such questions being more nearly 
in accord with his own. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bryant were born two sons: 
Henry \V., who was born ,\pril 17, 1835, and died 
April 26, 1854; and Elijah W., of this review. 
The mother passed away in October, 1888. at the 
age of eighty years. She was a woman of marked 
strength of "character, of kindly spirit and noted 
for her good management and her hospitality in 
her household affairs. John Howard Bryant 
passed away in January, 1902. 

Elijah W. Bryant, horn upon the old homi-- 
stead farm, was reared amid the environments of 
pioneer life and was educated in the Princeton 
schools. As a life work he followed farming and 
stock-raising, carrying on an extensive business in 
the latter department. He owned five hundred 
and thirty acres of fine land in Bureau coiinty. 



180 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



which is now iu possession of his widow, and his 
business interests were capably controlled, making 
him a successful and prominent man. He pos- 
sessed natural ability as a nurse and his labors in 
this particular were often called into requisition, 
his kindly spirit prompting his ready assistance. 

On the Gth of June, 186-5, Mr. Bryant was 
married to Miss Laura Smith, of Princeton, who 
was born March 27, 1846, a daughter of Sidney 
and Laura (Doolittle) Smith. The father was a 
native of Massachusetts and came to Illinois in 
1836. His wife, a native of New York, arrived 
in 1834, and Mr. Smith was identified for many 
years with the farming interests of Bureau coun- 
ty. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bryant was 
blessed with six childdren, of whom five are now 
living. The eldest, Frances E., is the wife of 
J. C. Banister, of Kewanee, Illinois, and they 
have seven children. Kate is the wife of W. C. 
McVay, a banker of Los Angeles, California, and 
they have five children. John H. is deceased. 
William Cullen, who operates the home farm, mar- 
ried Lydia Warfield, of Princeton, and has three 
children, Janet, Howard and Sidney. He is a 
breeder of Hereford cattle and Canadian hogs, 
having a large herd of cattle and from two hun- 
dred and fifty to three hundred hogs. He has 
become well known as a prominent stockman of 
this part of the county. Laura Sue is the wife 
of A. H. Ferris of Princeton and they have two 
sons. John Howard, a graduate of the Chicago 
Medical College and of the Northwestern Uni- 
versity, is now practicing in Galesburg, Illinois. 
He married Miss Lillian Warfield of Princeton. 

In his political views Mr. Bryant was a repub- 
lican but without aspiration for office. Through- 
out his entire life he was a resident of Bureau 
county and one of its honored native sons and pio- 
neer settlers. In all life's relations he maintained 
a high standard of conduct in harmony with the 
history of distinguished ancestry and while he 
prospered in his business his methods were ever 
straightforward and he was never known to take 
advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in 
any business transaction. He passed away April 
23, 1892. respected by all who knew him, and his 
name is now on the roll of Bureau county's hon- 
ored dead. Mrs. Bryant, still surviving her hus- 
band, is a member of the Congregational church 
and makes her home in Princeton, where she has 
Tn pxtonsivo circle of friends. 



LA MONTE PERKINS. 
The business interests of La !Moille find a 
worthy representative in La Monte Perkins, owner 
of an implement store. Wide-awake, alert and 
enterprising, he keeps in touch with the trend of 
modern business progress and has made for him- 
self a creditable position in commercial circles. 
He was Jinrn in La l^Ioille township, October 16, 



1857, and was a son of John and Isabelle (Mar- 
tin) Perkins. The father was born at White- 
hall, New York, February 17, 1833, while the 
mothers birth occurred in Belmont county, Ohio, 
May 22, 1835. They were married in La Moille 
February 17, 1857, Mr. Perkins having built his 
home upon the farm a year prior to that event. 
As the years passed by several children were added 
to the household, namely : La Monte, Carrie, Jen- 
nie, Edward, ^May, Mary, Frances and J. Martin, 
of which number three are now deceased. The 
father and mother have also departed this life. 
They were members of the Methodist Episcopal 
church, in which they took an active and helpful 
part and were widely recognized as earnest, zeal- 
ous and consistent Christian people. In the com- 
munity where they made their home they gained 
many friends and when called from this life their 
death was deeply regretted by those who knew 
them. 

La Monte Perkins of this review spent his boy- 
hood under the parental roof and supplemented 
his early education, acquired in the common 
schools, by study in Dover Academy, in Prince- 
ton high school, and in Bryant & Stratton Busi- 
ness College, in which he pursued a commercial 
course. He was thus equipped by liberal educa- 
tional advantages for the practical and responsi- 
ble duties of a business career. On leaving col- 
lege he turned his attention to farming and con- 
tinued actively in general agricultural pursuits 
until 1901, when he came to La Moille and engaged 
in the stock business. In 1905 he withdrew from 
that department of activity and established an 
implement store, which he is now conducting, hav- 
ing secured a good patronage by reason of his 
earnest desire to please his cii.?tomers and his 
straightforward dealings. 

Mr. Perkins has been married twice. In 1883 
he wedded Miss Alida R. White, who was born in 
La Moille township and died in October, 1887. 
On the 26th of January, 1892, Ut. Perkins wedded 
Estella M. Root, who was born iu Wenona, Illi- 
nois, November 22, 1863, and was educated in 
the high school at Galva, Illinois. There have 
been two children born of this marriage: Cora, 
on the 19th of November, 1892; and Emerson, 
July 17, 1900. 

Mr. Perkin.s has filled the office of school di- 
rector for three years, was justice of the peace 
for one term and supervisor for five years. He 
also served as councilman on the village board 
and in office has been prompt and faithful in 
the discharge of his duties, which have been per- 
formed with credit to himself and satisfaction 
to his constituents. In politics he has been a stal- 
wart republican since casting his first presi- 
dential ballot for James G. Blaine in 1884. The 
religious faith of himself and family is indicated 
by their inonibersliip in the Congregational church. 
Their hoTne is in the village of T>a Moille and in 
addition to his residence there Mr. Perkins owns 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



181 



one hundred and sixty acres of choice land in 
La Moille township, which eighteen years ago 
was purchased for forty-two dollars per acre and 
is today worth one hundred dollars per acre. In 
his fields corn, oats and hay are raised and he also 
does a successful business as a .'^tock-raiser. Nearly 
all that he possesses has been acquired through his 
own labors and the value of his present business 
holdings has resulted from his careful manage- 
ment and industry. 



PEARL P. MICHAEL. 

Pearl P. Michael, editor and publisher of the 
Ohio Herald, which paper he also founded, and an 
active factor in community interests in the vil- 
lage in which he makes his home, was born in New 
Washington, Clearfield county, Pennsylvania, No- 
vember 18, 1852. He is a son of William 'M. and 
Florinda J. (Humm) Michael, both of whom 
were natives of the Keystone state and there 
spent their entire lives but passed away some years 
ago. Their family numbered thirteen children. 

Pearl P. Michael, the fifth in order of birth, 
pursued his education in the public schools of In- 
diana, Pennsylvania, and after putting aside his 
text-books he entered upon an apprenticeship to 
the printing trade in the office of the Messenger, 
a weekly paper published in the city where his 
education was acquired. He gained a good knowl- 
edge of the business and remained a resident of 
Pennsylvania until 1876, when he went to Kan- 
sas City, Missouri, and was employed on different 
daily papers of that place for a nimiber of years, 
or until 1891, when he came to Ohio, Illinois. 
Here he founded the Ohio Herald and with the ex- 
ception of a period of seven years has since been 
its owner and manager. He is now publishing 
the paper with good success and its large circula- 
tion makes it an excellent advertising medium. 
Viewed from a typographical standpoint it is a 
well conducted sheet and the patronage which is 
accorded it is indicative of the fact that it is a 
bright, newsy journal. 

Mr. Michael was married on the 2d of May. 
1877, to Mis.« Elmina G. Kirk, who was born in 
Ohio township. Bureau county. May 28, 1859. Her 
parents were Bernard and Malvina (Abbott) 
Kirk, the former a native of Ireland and the lat- 
ter of the state of New York. In their family 
were four children, of whom Mrs. Michael is the 
eldest, and by her marriage she became the mother 
of two children : Everett Blair, who was born 
May 28, 1878; and Ethel Kirk, born December 
13, 1890. They were called upon, however, to 
mourn the loss of their son, who died on the rsist 
of June, 1895. Mrs. Michael was educated in 
the schools of Ohio township and Princeton, com- 
pleting a hisrh school course, and she joined her 
husband in Kansas City. 



Interested in community affairs and loyal in 
his devotion to the general good, Mr. Michael was 
selected for ten years' service as president of the 
school board, during which time his labors proved 
most effective for the advancement of the cause 
of public education here. He has likewise been 
president of the board of trustees of the village of 
Ohio and so continues today. Fraternally he is 
a Mason, belonging to Ohio lodge. No. 814, A. F. 
& A. M., and to Princeton commandery, K. T. 
Both he and his wife are connected with the Chris- 
tian Science church and their interests are allied 
with all those movements which tend toward a 
broader view and toward intellectual, esthetic and 
moral culture. Mr. Michael started upon an in- 
dependent business career with no capital or in- 
fluential friends to aid him. He has found that 
success is ambition's answer and his friends and 
neighbors recognize the justice of his claim to the 
prosperity which he enjoys. 



SELBY B. WINTER. 

Sclby B. Winter is one of the self-made men of 
Berlin township, owing whatever success he has 
achieved entirely to his own efforts. He now has 
thirty-six and a half acres of good land worth 
two hundred dollars per acre and his farm i.s 
the visible evidence of his life of thrift and in- 
dustry. He was born in Bureau county, Janu- 
ary 3, 1870, his parents being Joseph B. and 
Syndona (Kenfield) Winter, the former a native 
of Belcherfown, Massachusetts, and the latter of 
West Leyden, New York. In 1850 they came to 
Illinois, locating in Berlin township. Bureau 
county. Unto them were born eight children, who 
are still living: Risa, Alice, Selby B., Charles 
L., Eula M., Louis J., Linnie and Nettie B. 

Selby B. Winter is indebted to the public- 
school system of Bureau county for the educational 
privileges he enjoyed. He first attended the dis- 
trict schools and completed his education in Princ- 
ton. With the work of the farm he early be- 
came acquainted through actual experience in the 
fields, for duiing the periods of vacation he as- 
sisted his father in the cultivation of the crops 
and the care of the stock upon the old homestead. 

Having arrived at years of maturity he chose 
as a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
^liss I'hnnui B. Jury, to whom he was married on 
ilu' I2tli of .Tanuary, 1S9fi. She wa.« born October 
12, ISfifi, and was also educated in this county. 
Their home is pleasantly located in Berlin town- 
.■^hip upon a farm of thirty-six and a half acres of 
good land now worth two hundred dollars per 
acre. All that Mr. Winter possesses he has ac- 
quired through hard and unremitting labor and 
his life illustrates what may be accomplished by 
diligence and perseverence when guided by sound 
business judgment. The beautiful residence is 
surrounded with lovely flowers and shrubs and 



182 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



shows the cultured, refined taste of the inmates. 
Everything about the place is indicative of the 
care and supervision given to the farm, which is 
neat and thrifty in appearance and is a desira- 
ble property, representing the labor and perse- 
verance of the owner. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Winter are held in high es- 
teem by their neighbors for their many good 
qualities. They attend the Congregational church, 
of which Mrs. Winter is a member, and Mr. Win- 
ter gives his political support to the republican 
party but has never sought, held or desired office, 
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his 
business affairs, which he has so managed that he 
is now accounted one of the substantial farmers of 
his commimity. 



HARKY C. ROBERTS. 

Harry C. Roberts, whose business career has 
been marked by consecutive advancement, com- 
ing in recognition of ability, enterprise and laud- 
able ambition, is now cashier of the First National 
Bank of Princeton, which position he has filled 
continuou.-;lv for almost thirty years. He is there- 
fore well known in financial circles in this part 
of the state as a prominent representative of bank- 
ing interests. His birth occurred in Peru, La 
Salle county, Illinois, November 6, 18.51, and he 
comes of an ancestry honorable and distinguished. 
His paternal grandfather was John Roberts, a 
native of W^aterford, Ireland, where he engaged 
in the practice of law. He had three brothers : 
Major General Abraham Roberts ; Sir Samuel 
Roberts, who was a captain of the English navy ; 
and General Thomas Roberts, of the English army. 
The first named, Abraham Roberts, was the father 
of Lord Roberts, affectionately termed Little 
Bobs, the hero of Kandahar and the idol of the 
English army. Lord Roberts states in his remi- 
niscences entitled Forty-one Years in India, a copy 
of which he sent to our subject, that he and his 
father had served the English government in India 
for over ninety years. He was the recipient of 
the Victoria Cross for distinguished bravery in 
front of the enemy when only a subaltern and his 
rise in the army was continuous until as com- 
mander of the forces in South .\frica he won the 
successes and gained the distinction that made 
his fame world-wide. 

.\brahani Roberts, father of Harry C. Roberts, 
was born in Waterford, Ireland, came to the 
United States in the early '40s and resided suc- 
cessively in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania ; Vicksburg, 
Mississippi : and St. Louis, Mis.souri, prior tn 
his arrival in Bureau county, Illinois. Here he 
engaged in merchandising, his last days being 
spent in Dover, where he passed away in ISfiO, 
at the age of sixty-five years. He married Mis* 
Elizabeth Zearing, who was a native of Penn.syl- 
vania and of German descent. The Zearing fam- 



ily is a very old and prominent one in Bureau 
county, the name being inseparably associated 
with the history of this locality. Martin Zearing 
arrived in 1833 and after a return visit to Penn- 
sylvania came again to Bureau county in 1836 
with his family, making the journey on a fiatboal 
down the Ohio and up the Mississippi rivers to 
lk'niie|iin. He thence continued on his way to 
Bureau county and entered from the government 
a tract of land which is still in possession of the 
family. 

Thus in both the paternal and maternal lines 
Harry C. Roberts is descended from distinguished 
ancestry. He was educated in the public schools 
and in Dover Academy and in 1869 came to 
Princeton, where he entered business life as a 
clerk in the book store of R. B. Foster, with 
whom he remained until 1871. He then spent six 
months in Ackley, Iowa, as clerk and bookkeeper 
in a private bank, after which he returned to 
Princeton and on the STth of May, 1872, ac- 
cepted the position of clerk and bookkeeper in 
the First National Bank. On the 26th of August 
IS?."), he was promoted to assistant cashier and 
on the 9th of January, 1877, he became cashier, 
which position he has since filled. He has de- 
voted his time and energies throughout his busi- 
ness life to banking interests and is one of the 
prominent representatives of financial affairs in 
Biireau county, proving a competent and popular 
official, whose service is characterized by prompt- 
ness and consideration, so that he enjoys in large 
mea.sure the respect, good will and confidence of 
the manv patrons of the bank. 

On tlie 16th of May, 1878, Mr. Roberts was 
married in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Miss 
Emma E. Steckel, a daughter of Solomon and 
Emeline (Heinley) Steckel, of Pennsylvania, and 
a native of New York city, born September 13, 
18.52. Four children graced this marriage : Beu- 
lah. who was born June 30, 1885, and died Aug- 
ust 8. 1888: Helen M.. born June 24, 1889: Grace 
E., born February 3, 1892: and Ruth H. born 
Januarv 1, 1894." 

^fr. Roberts takes a keen and public-spirited in- 
terest in municipal affairs and in those move- 
ments which are a matter of civic virtue and civic 
pride. He gives tangible support to many meas- 
ures for the general good and stands for all that 
is progressive in citizen.«hip. He is likewise a 
zealous worker in the First 'Methodist Episcopal 
church, of which he has been treasurer for twenty- 
five years, superintendent of the Sunday-school for 
fourteen years, and held other positions of trust. 
He is a member of Princeton lodge. No. .587. 
A. F. & A. M. : Princeton chapter. No. 28. R. A. 
M. : and Temple commandery. No. 20. K. T. Tn 
all life's relations he has borne himself with such 
signal dicnitv and honor as to gain him the 
respect of all. He has been and is distinctivelv a 
man of affairs and one who has wielded a wide 
influi'iHT. A strong mentality and invincible 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAT- ('OKNTY. 



185 



courage and a most determined individuality liave 
so entered into his make-up as to render liim a 
natural leader of men and a director of opinion 
and yet he has never sought the notoriety whicli 
comes from public office. 



BRADFORD R. BATTEY. 

Bradford R. Battey, deceased, who was for 
many years the leading lumber merchant of Tis- 
kilwa, was born in Foster, Rhode Island, Novem- 
ber 14, 1862, a son of Henry and Zilpha (John 
son) Batte}', both natives of that state. The father 
engaged in farming during his active business 
career and still resides on his farm near Foster, 
Rhode Island, but is now practically living re- 
tired, merely giving supervision to his farm work. 
Both he and his wife are quite aged. 

Bradford R. Battey was reared to farm life and 
received his elementary education in the public 
schools of his native township, subsequent to 
which time he attended a business college at 
Providence, Rhode Island, where he was fitted to 
enter business life. He then began learning the 
carpenter's trade in Foster, and there worked at 
his trade for a few years, or until 1880, when he 
went to Florida, where he was engaged at car- 
penter work for about two years. In May, 1883, 
he came to Bureau county, locating in Sheffield, 
where he continued at his chosen occupation and 
also worked to some extent in Tiskilwa until 
1891, when he removed to Tiskilwa, Bureau 
county, where he purchased the lumberyard, and 
this continued to be his business pursuit through- 
out his active career. He was very successful in 
this venture and built up a large trade both in 
the town and surrounding country. He was al- 
ways reliable in his business dealings and thereby 
merited the large patronage which was extended 
to him, thus becoming one of the prominent busi- 
ness men of this city. For several years prior 
to his death Mr. Battey was in very poor hoaltli, 
and in 1889 went to New Mexico, hoping he 
might be benefitted by the change of climate. 
After a year he returned to his home and resumed 
his business but in 1899 his health became so 
impaired that he was compelled to abandon all 
business interests and disposed of his lumberyard 
to his brother-in-law, H. E. Curtis, who still con- 
ducts tlie same, and on the 28th of January, 1900, 
Mr. Battey passed away. 

Mr. Battey was married on the 18th of July, 
189.?, to Miss Carrie Curtis, a native of that town, 
and a daughter of James and Helen (Stephenson) 
Curtis, of which family a complete record is given 
on another page in this volume. Unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Battey were born three children, Zilpha Cur- 
tis, Bradford Reed and Leslie James, all resid- 
ing with their mother in Tiskilwa. 

Mr. Battey wa.s a loyal .supporter of republican 
principles, and for two terms served as town clerk 



of Tiskilwa but aside from filling that office he 
gave his entire time and attention to his business 
interests, which grew to mammoth proportions 
and caused him to be numbered among the in- 
ftuential men of his town and community. He was 
highly respected not only for the success he had 
achieved but for his probity, fairness and honora- 
ble methods in every trade transaction. He was 
eminently practical, as was manifested in his 
business undertakings and also in social and pri- 
vate life, and his death was the occasion of deep 
regret not only to his friends in his home town but 
in Sheffield, where he had become widely and 
favorably known, and also throughout Bureau 
county. His widow owns a fine residence in the 
northwest part of Tiskilwa, where she and her 
children reside. She is a member of the Unitarian 
church at Sheffield, where she has many friends, 
as well as in her home town. 



CHARLES A. SIMINGTON. 

Charles A. Simington, filling the office of post- 
master of Sheffield and engaged in business as an 
ice dealer, his trade extending also to Buda and 
Neponset, was born in Des Moines, Iowa, Octo- 
ber 6, 1864, a son of John A. and Sarah F. 
Simington. The father, who engaged in business 
i.s a furniture manufacturer, was a native of Eng- 
land. Having acquired his education in the com- 
mon schools, Charles A. Simington learned the 
business of manufacturing shoes, mastering every 
detail, and for many years he was traveling sales- 
man for extensive shoe manufacturing establish- 
ments. His thorough understanding of the busi- 
ness was a strong element in his success and he 
proved a most capable salesman, building up a 
large trade for the various houses which he repre- 
sented. In 1891 he came to Sheffield and contin- 
vied to make his home here during the period when 
he was not upon the road. He took up his abode 
Iiere permanently in 1900 and has since given his 
attention to the ice business, which he had es- 
tablished prior to his retirement as a commercial 
traveler. He has prospered in this undertaking 
and his trade now extends to Buda and Neponset, 
while in Sheffield he has a large local patronage. 
In all of his business dealings he is enterprising 
and his labors have resulted in a gratifying 
measure of prosperity. 

In 1906 Mr. Simington was appointed post- 
master of Sheffield and is the present incumbent 
in the office. In politics ho is an active republi- 
can, having been a delegate to various county and 
state conventions, and his opinions have fre- 
quently been a decisive factor in the local coun- 
cils of the party. 

On the 13th' of .\iigust, 1891, Mr. Simington 
was united in marriage to Miss Emma Tvouise 
Walbournc, of Revere, Massach\isetts, a daugh- 
ter of Joseph C. and Mary Walbourne, 



186 



PAST AXn TRESEXT OF BUKEAU COUXTY. 



the father a prominent contractor and build- 
er of the Bay state. Five children bless 
the union of* Mr. and Mrs. Simington: 
Charles W., Nina V., Frances N., Mary W. and 
Barbara L. The parents are members of the 
Unitarian church and Mr. Siniino;ton is a Mason 
and past master of SheHiold lodge. He also be- 
longs to the Knight Templar Commandery of 
Princeton and is in thorough sympathy with the 
teachings and tenets of the craft. He ha.s the 
social, genial qualities which made him popular 
on the road and have won him many friends in 
Sheffield, at the same time contributing to his 
success as an official. In office he is alw^ays oblig- 
ing, as well as prompt and reliable, and wherever 
he has gone he ha> gained warm personal regard. 



WATSOX FREEMAX LAWTOX. 

Watson Freeman Lawton was for many years 
a prominent figure in the commercial and agricul- 
tural circles of Bureau county and he also exerted 
a wide influence in public affairs, his labors prov- 
ing of direct benefit to the county because of his 
unquestioned devotion to the general good and 
Ihe pnictic-al methods which he followed in bring- 
ing about general improvement and advancement. 
His life record is in many respects well worthy 
of emulation and illustrates in no uncertain 
manner the value and force of upright character 
and of indefatigable energy in the affairs of life. 

Mr. Lawton was born December 29. 1828, at 
Wilmington, Windham county. A''ermont. was the 
son of Israel and Melissa (Freeman) Lawton, also 
natives of the Green ^Mountain state, where their 
parents, who were born in ^lassachiisetts. had lo- 
cated before the Revolutionary war, in which 
Israel Lawton and hi.« father participated. Our 
subject was one of a family of seven children, 
only one of whom is still living. 

Upon a farm in his native state ^Ir. Lawton 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth and in 
18.')2 emigrated to Illinois, wliere he had old 
friends living at Perkins Orove, Clarion town- 
ship. Bureau county. He had no definite thought 
of remaining and his father supposed that he 
would be back in a few weeks, but in that town- 
.«hip he purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
of land at six dollars and a quarter per acre, which 
claim bad been partly fenced. .\t that time his 
capital consisted of two hundred and fifty dollars, 
which he had earned and this he invested, going 
in debt for tlic remainder. Here he continued to 
live throughout bis remaining days but the winter 
of lS."j2-.'53 he spent in the east. 

Returning to Vermont, Jfr. Lawton was there 
married, January 30. 18.56, at Wilmington, to 
Miss Carrie Estabrook, who was born June 27. 
1831, in the same house where his birth had oc- 
curred and whom he had always known. Imme- 
diately after their marriage Mr. Lawton brought 



his bride to Illinois. Unto them were born two 
children : Alice, the wife of Henry Howard, a 
farmer of Sheffield; and Edwin Watson, who was 
his fathers business associate, and who is repre- 
sented on another page of this volume. 

The first vear of his residence in Bureau county 
was a hard one for Mr. Lawton as he was ill 
much of the time. The next year he raised good 
crops, which he stored for two years; as prices 
were so low, wheat bringing only thirty cents, 
corn ten cents and oats eight cents per bushel, but 
by keeping his products until 18.54. the demand 
caused by the Crimean war raised prices and he 
received a dollar and thirty cents for wheat, sixty 
cents for shelled corn and thirty-five cents for 
oats, realizing about three thousand dollars cash. 
In this way he got his .start in life and in 1854 
removed to Sheffield but retained his original farm 
until during the Civil war, when he sold the one 
hundred and sixty acres, for which he had paid 
one thousand dollars, for eight thousand. 

On coming to Sheffield Mr. Lawton opened a 
.store in connection with E. F. Pulsifer. now of 
Chicago. This was the same fall that the rail- 
road was completed to the place and three stores 
had been started the previous spring, belonging 
to X'ash &• .Andrews, J. C. Xiles and Carrell & 
.lohnson. Our subject continued in the mercantile 
business until 1804 but during the hard times, 
from 185? until 1860, lost considerable through 
bad debts. This was when the wildcat currency 
was in circidation and he received all kinds of 
iuoney. wliich be took to Xew York when buying 
goods and made about fifteen per cent on all he 
handled. He was very careful in receiving money, 
alwavs using a bank detector which was published 
daily. 

In 1864 Mr. Lawton formed a partnership 
with William Wilson under the firm name of 
Lawton & Wilson, and for eight years they con- 
ducted a general store, dealt in agricultural im- 
]ilements and engaged in shipjiing stock, the last 
])roving quite profitable and in all lines they 
were very successful. In 1872 our subject began 
the operation of a farm of eight hundred acres in 
Mineral township, two miles west of the village, 
but continued to reside in the latter place, his 
farm being cultivated by hired help. He also 
iiegan breeding stock and feeding cattle for the 
market, to which he afterward devoted his atten- 
tion throughout his remaining days, his son being 
his partner during the last seven years of his life. 

In connection with J. M. Curtis of Sheffield, he 
purchased a tract of fifteen hundred acres in 
Gold township. Bureau county, on which are three 
sets of farm buildings and of which about one 
section was used for pasturage. For this land he 
paid from three to fifteen dollars per acre, it being 
swamp land along the Winnebago slough, but 
since being drained it has become quite valuable 
and is now worth about forty dollars per acre. 
He also owned a half section of land in Woodson 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BFKEAU COUNTY. 



IS!) 



c-ouiUy, Kanscif, and for this land lie paid as high 
as fitty-five dollars per acre. He was a stockholder 
in the Citizens Xational Bank, of Princeton. 

Mr. Lawton took a deep interest in political 
aifairs, always voting with the republican party, 
and served as a delegate to the local and state 
conventions. He was elected supervisor when the 
county first began the drainage system and held 
that position for eight years, taking an active part 
in that work, which resulted in reclaiming all 
the swamp land in the county, now worth sev- 
eral times its original value. Mr. Lawton was 
reared a Universalist but liccanic a member of 
the Unitarian church, he and his wife being among 
its original members, and they contributed largely 
to the erection of the house of worship in 1870 
and always took a very active part in church work. 
He died February 10, 1898, and Mrs. Lawton 
passed away on the 5th of December, 1901. 

During the last thirty years of his life he was 
a member of the village board for the greater part 
of the time, and was its president for four years, 
and took an active part in establishing the pres- 
ent system of waterworks, which cost twelve thou- 
>,md dollars. He stood for high license and as- 
sisted in putting in force that law in Sheffield 
since 1885. As will be seen he was public-spirited 
and enterprising and had the best interests of his 
town and county at heart. He therefore deserved 
to be numbered among the influential and popu- 
lar citizens. 



CYRUS BRYANT. 



The student of history cannot carry his investi- 
gations far into the annals of Bureau county with- 
out learning of the close and honorable connec- 
tion of the Bryant family with the interests of 
this portion of the state, where representatives of 
the name have been influential factors in promot- 
ing progress along material, intellectual and moral 
lines. They have stood for all that is best in cit- 
izenship, for all that is progressive in business 
and for all that works for the development of 
justice, truth and right in man's relations with his 
fellowmen. It is therefore mete that prominent 
mention should be made of the Bryant family in 
this volume. 

Cyrus Bryant, the third son of Dr. Peter and 
Sarah (Snell) Bryant, was born at Cummington, 
Massachusetts. July 12. 1798. He was not strong 
nor healthy in his infancy but on the contrary was 
subject to frequent illnesses and during his life 
was afflicted witli nervous sick headaches, but in 
spite of these unpromising beginnings he grew into 
a vigorous manhood both physically and mentally. 
His early education was such as covdd be obtained 
in the subscription schools of that period and, 
ambitious for further advancement, at the age of 
eighteen years he entered the Hadley Academy, 
then under the superintendency of Dr. Daniel 



Huntington, an eminent divine and teacher and 
the father of Bishop Huntington of western New 
York. Under the instruction of that able edu- 
cator Mr. Bryant made rapid advancement in his 
studies. He also assisted in the cultivation of 
the farm during the summer seasons and for sev- 
eral winters taught school. Soon after attain- 
ing his majority and following the death of his 
father he found employment as a copyist in the 
office of Judge Vanderpool at Kinderhook, New 
York, and between 1823 and 1827 he was em- 
ployed in the city of Columbia, South Carolina, 
as head clerk for a Mr. Miller, who was formerly 
a resident of Cummington, Massachusetts. Sub- 
sequent to his return to the north he entered the 
Renssalaer Polytechnic School at Troy, New York, 
under Professor Amos Eaton, where he remained 
as a student for two years and was graduated in 
1829. While there he gave his entire attention 
to the mastery of the natural sciences, chemistry, 
botany, natural philosophy, mineralogy, geology 
and astronomy and was soon afterward engaged as 
an itinerate lecturer on those subjects. He de- 
livered a full course of lectures liefore the Round 
Hill school at Northampton, Massachusetts, of 
which Mr. Cogswell and George Bancroft, the 
historian, were proprietors, and in which Mr. 
Bancroft was the principal instructor. Probably 
no one in Illinois at the time of his arrival here 
had as broad a knowledge of those subjects as 
Cyrus Bryant. In his early manhood he was an 
enthusiastic student of music, possessing a good 
ear and bass voice. He played the violin, bass 
viol, clarionet, flute and bassoon. In the fall of 
1831 he went to Lenawee county, Michigan, where 
a number of Cummington, Massachusetts, families 
had settled the previous spring. There he re- 
mained until the next summer, when he went to 
Jacksonville, Illinois, and thence came to Prince- 
ton, where he made his home until his death 
February 19, 1865. 

It was Cyrus Bryant who promoted and organ- 
ized the first library association of Bureau county, 
numbering at first about a dozen citizens of Prince- 
ton. He drafted the constitution and by-laws, 
was its first president and made the first purchase 
of books, consisting of history, biography, travels, 
science, poetry and romance. The first purchase 
was about one Inmdred and fifty volumes, after- 
ward increased to two hundred and fifty or three 
hundred volumes. This association, after an ex- 
istence of four years, was dissolved and the books 
were scattered among the members. Mr. Bryant 
was also one of the proprietors of the first jirint- 
ing press and newspaper in Hureau county and for 
a time acted as one of the editors of that work. 
In connection with Robert T. Temideton he was 
instrumental in holding the first agricultural e.x- 
hibition in the county in 1837 and this was the be- 
ginning of the present county fairs. He was an 
active participant in the formation of Bureau 
iMUinfv. was its first roiintv and circuit clerk ani' 



190 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF F-riiEAU COUN'TY. 



its first master in chani-ery, in all of which of- 
fices he performed the duties faithfully and sat- 
isfactorily. He was the author of an occasional 
verse or poem and once wrote a patriotic song to 
the metre of Scott's song of Clan Alpine, which 
was rendered at a fourtli of July celebration in 
Massachusetts and again in Princeton on a similar 
occasion. Cyrus Bryant was a man of superior 
mentality and of rnuch more than ordinary mental 
cultivation, for he improved such opportunities 
as he had for the acquisition of knowledge with 
persevering assiduity. He possessed, moreover, 
a large fund of practical common sense and sa- 
gacity, was a man of strong will and decided opin- 
ions upon all subjects which he had fairly con- 
sidered and was ever frank and outspoken in the 
e.xpression of his views, so that his position was 
never an equivocal one. He liked and disliked 
with intensity. He was a man of unimpeachable 
integrity, always straightforward in his dealings, 
faithful and conscientious in the performance of 
his duties as a public officer and despised trick- 
ery, falsehood or prevarication. In fact his was a 
character worthy of regard because of its fi- 
delity to the highest principles of upright man- 
hood. 

In ls;!:i Cyrus Bryant returned to Cumming- 
ton, Massachusetts, and was married there in May, 
18.34, to l\Iiss Julia Everett, with whom he re- 
moved to Illinois in the spring of that year. They 
traveled by wagon as far as Albany, thence by 
Erie canal to Buffalo and by steamer around the 
Great Lakes to Chicago. Leaving his bride in a 
Chicago boarding house, he started on foot for his 
claim, fully one hundred miles away, in order to 
bring back his ox team and wagon for the trans- 
portation of his wife and his household effects to 
his new home on tlie jirairie. Tlie fatigue and 
exposure incurred in his long tramp brought on 
a severe illness, which prevented him from set- 
ting out on his return to Chicago until several 
days after the allotted time for his appearance. 
As there were no mails or other regular means of 
communication, no explanation of the delay coidd 
be sent to her who anxiously and almost despair- 
ingly awaited his return. As soon as he was suf- 
ficiently recovered he hurried to his young wife 
and the remainder of their trip to Bureau county 
was made with an ox team. On their arrival they 
took up their al)ode in a pioneer log cabin liome. 
which served as their jihice of residence for about 
eleven years. In the tenth year, lSl-1, ground was 
broken near by for the more impo.iing brick resi- 
dence which was to replace it and on tiic 1st day of 
May, 184.'), they moved into their new home. 

Mrs. Bryant was born April 8, 1808, in Hamp- 
shire county, ilassachusetts, and was the fourth 
child of James and Phoebe Everett, who had a 
family of fifteen sons and daughters. Their 
home was on the Ilamp.shire hills of Ma.ssacbu- 
setts, where their daughter Julia was trained to 
the work of the household and to aid her mother 



in the care of the younger children of the family. 
She was always gentle and kindly speaking in her 
association with the younger brothers and sisters 
and assisted them in their tasks, for life in those 
days in a Puritan household was a busy one. Her 
intluencu was silently exerted but potently felt 
and she possessed a kindly, peaceful nature that 
wrought for serene contentment in all around her. 
In her own home she lived for her husband and 
children, displaying a loving, sympathetic nature. 
Prior to her marriage, aside from her duties as 
the eldest daughter of the household, she worked 
at the tailor's trade and while she was waiting in 
Chicago at the time she came to the west she sewed 
for the lady with whom she boarded and in pay 
received two flat irons and a tailor's goose. Read- 
ing was a favorite pastime of hers, although in 
her earlier years she had little opportunity to in- 
dulge her taste in this direction. In later years, 
however, books were her constant companions and 
she obtained the keenest enjoyment in this asso- 
ciation of the master minds of all ages. She 
passed away in Princeton, April 25, 1875, and 
Mr. Bryant died in the same citv, February 19, 
1865. 

This worthy couple were the parents of six 
children. Everett, born August 10, 1835, is de- 
cea.sed. Peter, born June 2, 1837, was married in 
September, 1862, to Henrietta Bacon and now 
lives at Holton, Kansas. Cullen, born June 3, 
1839, entered West Point in 1860. He married 
Kitty Scott and now lives in Alameda, California. 
Marcus, born March 31, 1842, died February 27, 
1876. He spent his early life on his father's 
farm and throughout life continued to follow the 
occupation of farming and was also engaged in 
the grain business at Tampico. Illinois. On the 
IDth of December. 1867, he married Kezia H. 
McGinnis, of Dixon, Illinois, and to them were 
born two children : Grace M., born November 4, 
1868; and Alice M.. December 7. 1870. The lat- 
ter was married in October, 1896. to Edward B. 
Crater, a resident of Tiskilwa, and they have two 
children: I^Iarian L.. born July 5, 1897; and 
ilarcus B., born June 1. 1901. Julia, the older 
daughter of Cyrus and Julia (Everett) Bryant, 
was born February 3, 1845. and is now the wife of 
F. W. Norton, of Carleton, Nebraska. Charity, 
born December 17, 1848, was married May 5, 
1869. to George A. Robinson, who died at Prince- 
ton. .\j)ril 29. 1889, and to them were born three 
children: .\gnes M.. Marcus B.. and .Mice J. 



CONSTANT HifOWX. 
Constiiiit Brown, a grain dealer of Wvanet, 
whose business interests have been the important 
element in the commercial activity of the town 
and who is well known as supervisor of Wyaiiet, 
his native township, was i)orn October 10. 1868. 
He is a son of Constant Brown. Sr.. who resides 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



1!)1 



at Geneseo, Illinois, and is agent for the Eock 
Island Eailroad Company at that place, which 
position he has filled since 188-i. He was born on 
that 20th of March, 1845, in Canajoharies, New 
York, and came to Illinois in 18U6. He located 
at Wyanet where he was agent for the Eock Island 
Eailroad Company until 1884, when he was trans- 
ferred to Geneseo, making forty years' continuous 
service in the employ of the railroad, a fact which 
is indicative of the unqualified trust reposed in 
him by the corporation which he represents. He 
married Anna M. Wilcox, a native of Stone 
Arabia, New York, and a daughter of 0. G. Wil- 
cox, who came to this county about 1854 and lived 
to be about ninety-four years of age. Mrs. 
Brown was reared and educated in Princeton, and 
there she was married to Mr. Brown. In this 
family were seven children. The father has a 
brother, Charles H. Brown, who is railroad agent 
and postmaster at Marquette, Illinois. 

Constant Brown of this review was educated in 
Wyanet and in the Geneseo high school, complet- 
ing his course in 1886, since which time he has 
been engaged in the grain and stock business. In 
that year he formed a partnership with his uncle, 
Mr. Wilcox, in the grain trade in Wyanet and 
they operated the elevator together until 1901, 
when he sold out. The business now is conducted 
under the name of the Neola Elevator Company, 
and Mr. Brown still manages the business and 
operates the elevator, which has a storage ca- 
pacity of twenty-four thousand bushels, and has 
handled as high as two hundred and sixty loads 
of grain in a day, while in former years from this 
elevator has been shipped as high as three hun- 
dred and twenty-three carloads of grain in a single 
month. The plant is well equipped with a seven 
horse power gasoline engine and every needed 
facility for the rapid and economical handling 
of grain. Mr. Brown built an electric light plant 
in Wyanet in 1901 and is still secretary and 
treasurer of the company, which is conducting 
the business. He also has a crude oil gas plant 
in Spring Valley, together with a gas plant in 
Seatonville, Illinois. His interests are thus varied 
and extensive and his business capacity and en- 
terprise are manifest in his successful manage- 
ment of these different concerns. 

Mr. Brown married Miss Mate C. Strvker, 
whose stepfather, Eev. W. J. Abel, was pastor of 
the Methodist Epi.scopal church in Wyanet. Mr. 
Brown is a republican in his political views and 
for six years has served as supervisor in Wyanet 
township. He is recognized as a leader in politi- 
cal circles here and his opinions are often de- 
cisive factors in the local councils of his party. 
He is likewise a member of tj^c Masonic fratern- 
ity, in which he has taken the degrees of the lodge, 
chapter and comiiiandery and he is also a member 
of the ^ledina Temple of the Mystic Shrine in 
Chicago. He likewise affiliates with the Kniglits 
of Pvthias and otlier fraternal and social orixan- 



i7.ati(,ins and is popular with his brethren of these 
dill'erent fraternities because of his fidelity to the 
principles, combined witli a genuine personal 
worth and that regard for others which is shown 
in a kindly and generous spirit and deference for 
the opinions of those with whom one comes in 
contact. 



DAEIUS F. FAY. 



Darius F. Fay is now living retired upon his 
farm in Bureau township. He was born in this 
township, October 5, 1842, and is a son of Samuel 
L. Fay, whose birth occurred near Boston, in 
Middlesex comity, Massachusetts, August 1, 1813. 
At a very early age, however, he accompanied his 
parents on their removal to Conway, Franklin 
county, Massachusetts, and on attaining his ma- 
jority he became a resident of Putnam county, 
Illinois, where he remained for a few years before 
removing to Bureau county. As a companion and 
helpmate for life's journey he sought Mary Mer- 
cer, who w'as born in Greene county, Pennsyl- 
vania, February 8, 1807, and by their marriage 
they became the parents of five children, of whom 
Darius F. Fay was the third in order of birth. 

Beared in the county of his nativity, Darius 
F. Fay is indebted to the public-school system for 
the early educational privileges he enjoyed and 
which were supplemented by study in Dover Acad- 
emy. From his early youth he has been identified 
with the agricultural interests of the county, liav- 
ing continuously followed farming save for the 
period of his service in the Civil war. In re- 
sponse to his country's call for aid he joined the 
army, enlisting as a member of Company P, 
One Hundred and Pifty-first Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry, in February, 1865, at the last call for 
three hundred thousand men. He was then twen- 
ty-two years of age and he served faithfully and 
well until the close of hostilities, when victory 
perched upon the Union banner and the country 
no longer needed the military aid of her loyal 
sons. He then returned home and resumed farm- 
ing and is today the owner of one hundred and 
sixty acres of land which is very rich and arable. 
The entire farm is under cultivation. There are 
large and substantial modern buildings upon the 
place and the home is surrounded by a beautiful 
and well-kept lawn. Were it not for the ad- 
jacent corn-fields one might mistake this for a 
modern city residence and in fact it would be an 
ornament to any city in Bureau county. 

In 1866 Mr. Pay was married to Miss Sylvia 
Smith, wjio was born in Bureau county. Illinois, 
September 83, 1844. By this marriage there were 
born three children, one of whom died in infancy, 
while two daughters, Mrs. Jennie L. Hoffman and 
Mrs. Clara E. Weller, are now living on farms in 
this county. Mr. Pay and his family are members 
(if tlie Wesleyan Methodist church, of which he is 
a most ardent .'idvocate. doing nil in liis power to 



192 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COLXTY. 



promote its growth and extend its influence. His 
political allegiance is given to the republican party 
and he cast his first presidential ballot for Abra- 
ham Lincoln in 1864. He is now practically re- 
tired from the active work of the farm, renting 
the land which he so ably managed for years and 
which brought to him the competence that now 
enables him to live retired. His rest is well 
merited, for his persistency of purpose and inde- 
fatigable labor were the strong elements in his 
])rosperity. In matters of citizenship he is as 
true and loyal to his coimtry as when he followed 
the old flag upon tlie battle-fields of the south. 



J. H. C0DD1N6T0N. 

J. H. Coddington is the owner of one of the 
fine farms of Bureau county situated in Dover 
township. To see this place with its excellent 
buildings, its beautiful shade trees, its fine stock 
and broad acres of rolling prairie land is a sight 
to make one desire the life of the agriculturist, 
while the hospitality of the pleasant home is sucli 
that the guest always likes to linger there. j\Ir. 
Coddington is an enterprising, progressive business 
man, now owning five hundred and thirty-eight 
acres of vauable land, which is devoted to the 
raising of grain and stock. 

He was born in the township which is still his 
home on January 25, 1847, which was the forty- 
ninth anniversary of his fathers birth. He is a 
son of James Coddington, a native of Allegany 
county, Mar}'land, born January 25, 1798. He 
became one of flie earliest settlers of Bureau 
county, Illinois, arriving in 1831 prior to the 
Black Hawk war. He bore his full share in the 
work of development here, aiding in the task of 
reclaiming wild land for the purposes of civiliza- 
tion and converting a new and undeveloped prairie 
region into a state of rich fertility. There were 
few white settlers in the county at the time of 
his arrival and the Indians were very trouble- 
some, so that the lives of the pioneers were in 
constant danger. However, the Black Hawk war 
was soon inaugurated and the red men were 
brouglit into subjection. 

Upon the old homestead farm J. H. Codding- 
ton was reared and his preliminary education. 
acquired in the district schools, was supplemented 
by study in Dover .\cademy. He received ample 
training at farm labor, for during the periods 
of vacation he assisted in the work of the fields. 
Having arrived at years of maturity, he was mar- 
ried to Miss Lizzie Keel, who was born in Ohio 
in 1851, their marriage being celebrated on the 
twenty-fifth anniversary of the birth of our sub- 
ject. They have become the parents of nine chil- 
dren : James K., who was born in 1872, and is 
now practicing physician in Humboldt, Iowa : 
John W. C. who was born in 1876. and is 
a bookkeeper in the Farmers National Bank 



in Princeton; Harry, who was born in 1878, and 
aids in tlie operation of the home farm; Nellie 
May, born in 1880; Frank, who was born in 
1882, and also assists his father on the farm ; 
Mattie, born in 1884; William, in 18Sl> ; and 
Lloyd H. and Lottie, twins, September 21, 1890. 
Of this family William is a graduate of the civil 
engineering department of the Northwestern 
University at Evanston, Illinois. The younger 
members of the household are still at home. 

Throughout his entire business career Jlr. Cod- 
dington has carried on agricultural pursuits, and 
is now the owner of five hundred and thirty-eight 
acres of rich and productive land in Dover tmd 
Princeton townships, supplied with all modern 
equipments and accessories. The farm produces 
corn, oats and hay. which are the staple products 
of this section of the state. He also has a herd 
of fine Hereford cattle and owns a number of 
Englishshire horses. His stock-raising interests 
are no unimportant part of his business, but on 
the contrary bring to him a good financial re- 
turn annually. He also has considerable fruit 
upon his ])lace. and the farm is lacking in none 
of the accessories of a model country property. 

In his political views ]\[r. Coddington is a stal- 
wart republican, and his fellow townsmen have 
called him to several public offices, the ditties of 
which be has discharged with credit to himself 
and satisfaction to his constituents. He has 
served as a school director for many years and as 
road commissioner for three years. He has also 
been school trustee and was assessor for seven 
years and supervisor for four years, holding the 
last named position at the present time. For 
seventeen years he has been a member of the 
United Brethren church, and his life has at all 
times been actuated by high principles and char- 
acterized bv honorable, manly conduct. He is a 
gentleman whom to know is to esteem and honor, 
and during the long years of his residence in 
Bureau conntv. covering the entire period of his 
life, he has enjoved the unqualified regard and 
respect of bis fellnwmen. 



W.MvLACE BASS. 

Wallarc Bass is the vice-president of the Walnut 
Bank and the owner oF extensive landed interests 
in Illinois and other states, including five hun- 
dred acres in Lee and Bureau counties, while he 
has the management of several other farms. He 
is a Inisiness man whose intense and well directed 
activifv has gained him prominence and won him 
a goodlv measure of wealth. 

.\ native son of Bureau county, Wallace Bass 
was born in IMalden, ^^farch 12, 1860, a son of 
Edwin and Emaline J. (Stanard) Bass, the for- 
mer a native of Scotland, Connecticut, and the 
latter of Madison county. Now York. The father 
ranio to this countrv in 1840 and the mother some 




J. H. CODDINGTON. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF RUHEAU ('OT'XTY. 



195 



years later. They were married in Clarion town- 
ship during an early epoch in the history of the 
county and with the early business development 
and substantial improvement of this section of 
the state the father was closely associated. He 
died December 17, 1901, and his wife passed 
away in ilarch, 1903. 

Wallace Bass completed his education, begun 
in the district schools, by a course in the Prince- 
ton high school, and in 1881, when twenty-one 
years of age, went to Lee county, where he re- 
sided for about thirteen years, engaged in farm- 
ing and stock-raising. The practical experience 
gained in youth now stood him in good purpose 
and the careful supervision which he gave to the 
work of the fiekls enabled him to annually harvest 
crops that brought to him a most desirable yearly 
income. Moreover, he demonstrated the sound- 
ness of his judgment concerning the value of land 
through investments which proved protitable and 
on leaving the farm and establishing his home 
in Walnut he engaged in buying and selling real 
estate, including both town and farm properties. 
He today owns and operates five himdred acres 
of land in Bureau and Lee counties. His in- 
ve.stments not only include properties in this lo- 
cality but have also been placed in the cities. He 
owns some forty acres near the city of Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin, together with real estate in Chicago 
and he has land in South Dakota and four sec- 
tions in Monroe and Jackson counties, Wisconsin, 
which is now being drained with steam dredges, 
which will make it valuable. 

On the 15th of December, 1886, Mr. Bass was 
married to jMiss Cora A. Stone, who was born No- 
vember 24, 1864, a daughter of Silas 0. and 
Sarah (Thorn) Stone, natives of New York and 
Hlinois. respectively, and both still living. Her 
father followed farming and stock-raising as a 
life work but is now living retired in Walnut. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bass have become the parents of 
three children : Glenn W., Alcie L. and Leo 0., 
aged respectively sixteen, fourteen and six years. 
The family residence, erected ten years ago, is one 
of the most beautiful homes in Walnut and its 
warm hearted and gracious hospitality is one of 
its most attractive features. 

The family are members of the Methodist 
church of Walnut and generous contributors to 
its support. Mr. Pass is also prominent in 
Masonry, belonging to Walnut lodge. No. 732, 
A. F. & A. M. ; and to Temple commandery, No. 
20, K. T., of Princeton. He is also connected 
with Walnut camp, No. 15, M. W. A. His politi- 
cal allegiance is given the republican party and 
his opinions are an iniluential element in the con- 
duct of community interests, for all recognize his 
devotion to the public welfare and his practical 
and helpful methods for the furtherance of move- 
ments which have proven of direct benefit to the 
community. He has served altogether for eight 
years as a member of the village board, being an 



incumbent of the ottice at the present time, and 
lie has also been a member of the school board. 
His interest centers in those channels through 
which are secured the greatest good for the great- 
est number, and although his business interests are 
important, complicated and extensive, he has al- 
ways found time to co-operate in public-spirited 
movements. 



JAMES E. DABLEK. 



James E. Dabler, recognized as a leader in 
I)olitical circles in Bureau county and numbered 
among the prominent merchants of Princeton, 
where as a member of the firm of J. E. Dabler 
& Brother he is engaged in dealing in farming 
implements, vehicles and harness, was born in 
Wabash, Indiana, July 26, 1854, and came with 
his parents to Bureau county when only a year 
old. They settled upon a farm between Prince- 
ton and Tiskilwa and in 1861 removed to a farm 
near Manlius in this county. 

At the age of fifteen years James E. Dabler 
started out in life on his own account, being em- 
ployed at farm labor during the summer months, 
while in the winter seasons he engaged in selling 
books. He made his home with his parents until 
twenty-five years of age, when he entered the em- 
ploy of J. W. Mercer and sold books throughout 
northern Illinois. He was afterward a salesman 
of school furniture for A. H. Andrews and later 
went to Walnut, Illinois. On the 24th of De- 
cember, 1880, Mr. Dabler was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Jennie Clayton, of Walnut, the 
second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John H. Clay- 
ton, who came to Illinois from Ohio about 1876. 
Her father died in 1902 and her mother is still 
living. 

The year following his marriage James E. 
Dabler embarked in business with his father at 
Manlius and in 1882 went to New Bedford, 
Bureau count)', where he entered the employ of 
J. W. Sprett. A year later he formed a partner- 
ship with L. Aldrich, of Princeton, and opened an 
implement house at New Bedford, but subse- 
quently returned to Walnut and entered the employ 
of the Sandwich Manufacturing Company, which 
he represented as collector for three years through 
Minnesota and Dakota, while for ten years he was 
general agent in northern Illinois and southern 
Wisconsin. In 1886 he came to Princeton and 
in 1894 formed the present partnership with his 
brother, Webb Dabler, under the firm style of 
J. E. Dabler and Brother. They embarked in 
the implement business and Mr. Dabler of this 
review is still at the head of the house. In 
1896 he left the road and has since given his 
personal attention and supervision to the busi- 
ness bore. The firm deal in farming implements, 
vehicles, hardware, liarness. rob&s, whips, cream 



196 



PAST A>iD PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUXTY. 



separators, etc., aud now have a liberal patronage, 
for their trade has constantly grown and developed. 
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Dabler has been 
blessed with four daughters and a son, Myrtle, 
Viola, Lillie, Chrissie and Edgar. In his politi- 
cal views Mr. Dabler is a democrat and in 1904 
was elected to the state legislature from his dis- 
trict. He belongs to the Elks lodge, No. o8-l, 
at La Salle, to the Knights of Pythias and the 
Masonic fraternity, both of Princeton. He has 
a beautiful home where he resides at No. 312 
North Vernon street in Princeton and on the 
24th of December, 1905, was celebrated the silver 
wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Dabler, on which oc- 
casion fifty guests were present aud many valu- 
able gifts were received. Possibly no family in 
Bureau county has a wider circle of friends 
than Mr. and Mrs. Dabler. He is regarded as 
one of Princeton's substantial business men, a 
gentleman in the truest and best sense of the term, 
who possesses strong purpose and a kindly spirit, 
who is considerate of the right of others, and at the 
same time firm in support of his honest convictions. 
He ha.s made a creditable record in business and 
in political circles and as representative from his 
district in the state legislature has stood for the 
enactment of many measures which have received 
general endorsement and promise well for the. 
best interests of the state. 



SAMUEL G. SQVERHILL. 

One of the most prominent and active business 
men of Bureau county is Samuel G. Soverhill, of 
Indiantown township, who resides on section 24, 
where he has a splendidly located property known 
as the Evergreen Hill Farm. He is extensively and 
successfully engaged in the raising of fruit, grain 
and stock and in the conduct of a dairy and his 
prominence as a fruit-raiser is indicated by his 
connection with the Illinois State Horticultural 
Society, of which he is vice president. He was 
born in Arcadia, Wayne county. New York, No- 
%-ember 28, 1835, upon the same fann where oc- 
curred the birth of his father. Isaac Soverhill. 
The grandfather. Samuel Soverhill, was, however, 
a native of Scotland, and his wife was born in 
Wales. Thinking to enjoy better business oppor- 
tunities in the new world he became one of the 
pioneer settlers of Arcadia, New' York, and there 
purchased four hundred acres of government land, 
which he cleared and developed into a productive 
farm. In connection with its cultivation he also 
worked at his trade of blacksmithing and engaged 
in the manufacture of lumber and was thus 
closely associated with the agricultural, industrial 
and commercial interests of his community. He 
married Miss Sally Clark and they became the 
parent," of five children: Isaac, Hiram, Joel. Mrs. 
Susan Luce and Mrs. Pollv Cronise. 



Uf this family Isaac Soverhill, the eldest, was 
reared upon the old homestead and in early life 
learned and followed the blacksmith's trade but in 
later years devoted his attention to general agri- 
cultural pursuits. At the time of the second war 
with England he valiantly espoused the American 
cause and fought for the interests of this country. 
He was married in WajTie county, New York, to 
Miss Barbara Failing, whose birth occurred in 
Lyons, that county. Her father, George Failing, 
was of German birth and was numbered among 
the pioneer residents of Wayne county. Mr. 
Soverhill took his bride to the old homestead and 
continued his residence there up to the time of 
his death in 1846. He was one of the most active, 
enterprising and substantial farmers of Wayni.' 
county and was highly respected by all who knew 
him. His wife passed away in 1844, at the age 
of forty-five years. Of their family of two sons 
and four daughters all reached adult age, namely : 
Sally, who became the wife of Isaac Rowe, of New 
York, aud died in Bureau county, Illinois, subse- 
quent to their removal to the middle west; Eliza, 
who is the widow of Otis Parks and is residing 
near the old home place in Wayne county. New 
York ; Allen, a farmer of that county ; Susan, 
who became the wife of William Robinson of the 
same county, but both are now deceased: Loretta, 
the widow of William Dator and a resident of 
Strang, Fillmore county, Nebraska : and Samuel 
G,, of this review. 

Samuel G. Soverhill spent the days of his boy- 
hood anri youth in his native county. His edu- 
cational opportunities were very meager, for when 
but eleven years of age he lost his father and 
from that time forward his youth was largely .i 
period of earnest, unremitting toil. He made his 
home with a brother until he was able to earn 
liis own living by working by the month as a 
farm hand. From an early age he provided for 
his own support and his diligence, unabating en- 
ergy and keen business foresight have constituted 
the foundation upon which he has builded the 
superstructure of his later success. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Samuel G. Soverhill chose Miss Jane Whitbeck. 
to whom he was married December 15, 1849, in 
Wayne county. New York. She was born in that 
county, a daughter of James Whitbeck, who re- 
moved from Columbia county to Wayne county. 
New York. Following his marriage Mr. Soverhill 
in partnership with his brother purchased si.xty 
acres of land, which they operated together for 
ten years. He then sold out and made his way 
westward with the intention of locating in Iowa, 
but on the way he stopped in Bureau county, Illi- 
nois, to visit his sister, Mrs. William Dator. 
He then proceeded to Chickasaw count}', Iowa, 
where he engaged in contracting for some time 
and then returned to Bureau county to collect 
some money due him. Failing to make the anti- 
cipated collection he was persuaded to remain here 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COQNTY. 



199 



and In November, 1866, he purchased eighty acres 
of tlie farm on which lie now resides. About half 
of that tract was then under cultivation and a 
small house had been erected thereon. For two 
j-ears Mr. Sovcrhill engaged in the cultivation of 
that farm in partnership with his brother-inlaw, 
whose interest he then purchased and since that 
time he has been alone in business. 

After the death of his first wife in October, 
1874, Mr. Soverhill was again married, his second 
union being celebrated in Bureau county on the 
lUtli of jSTovember, 1875, when Miss Laura Couch 
became his wife. She was born in Henry county, 
Illinois, and was brought to Bureau county by 
her parents when only two years of age. She is 
a daughter of Benjamin C. Couch, who was born 
September 19, 1823, in Boscawen, Merrimack 
county. New Hampshire, and was a grandson of 
Benjamin Couch, Sr., a native of the old Granite 
state and a soldier of the Revolutionary war, par- 
ticipating in the battle of Bunker Hill, where liis 
ear was pierced by a bullet. He married a Miss 
Heath and of their five children Benjamin Couch. 
Jr., was the grandfather of Mrs. Soverhill. He 
was a farmer by occupation and spent his entire 
life in New Hampshire, his native state. He 
married Sally Morse, who was born in Portsmouth, 
New Hampshire, and died January 24, 1866, at 
the age of seventy-five years. She ^as the mother 
of eight children. Benjamin C. Couch, father 
of Mrs. Soverhill, was reared and educated in his 
native state and in 1843 removed to Tazewell 
county, Illinois, while in the winter of 1845 he 
became a resident of Henry county and in 1851 
took up his abode in Bureau county, Illinois. He 
first settled in Wyanct township, where ho followed 
the carpenter's trade unutil 1853. when he removed 
to Tiskilwa, where he was engaged in merchan- 
dising and grain buying for fifteen years, being 
recognized as one of the representative and pro- 
gressive business men of that place. He filled the 
office of township clerk and justice of the peace 
for many years, discharging the duties of both 
with capability and loyalty. He was married in 
Rhode Island to Miss Martha J. Calif, who died 
in Tiskilwa. In their family were nine children: 
Dion ; Cornelia A. ; Laura and Lucy, twins ; Sarah 
J. ; Charles S. ; Ilus ; Buel and Bias, twins. 
Prior to the Civil war Mr. Couch was a stanch 
advocate of abolition and his home was one of 
the stations on the famous underground railroad. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Soverhill were born four 
children, three of whom are living. Harvey A., 
who was graduated from the Tiskilwa high school 
and the State University at Champaign, married 
Ethel Payne and lives in Moline, Illinois, where 
he is engaged in the manufacture of gasoline en- 
gines and automobiles. George died in December, 
1905, at the age of twenty-eight years. Wilbur 
nnd Emma L. are at home. 

Since casting his first presidential vote for John 
C. Fremont in 185R Mr. Soverhill has been a pro- 



nounced republican and has taken an active part 
in local politics. He has filled various positions 
of honor and trust, having served as supervisor 
of Indiantown township for the past twenty- 
seven years witli the exception of a brief period 
of three years. For a number of years he has 
been a member of the county farm cominittee and 
is now chairman of the same. Since his arrival 
here he has also been a school trustee. He and 
his wife are devotsd Christian people, Mr. Sover- 
liill belonging to the Baptist church and his wife 
to the Methodist church. He affiliates with Sha- 
ron lodge. No. 550, A. F. & A. M., of Tiskilwa; 
Princeton chapter. No. 28, R. A. M., of Prince- 
ton; and Temple commandery. No. 20, K. T., 
also of Princeton. 

Mr. Soverhill has continuously engaged in gen- 
eral agricultural pursuits and stock-raising since 
coming to the county and that he has prospered 
in his undertakings is indicated by the fact that 
he is now the owner of five hundred acres of val- 
uable land in the township of Indiantown. His 
home is a beautiful residence and the farm, with 
its many modern improvements, its large and siib- 
stantial outbuildings, its well kept fences and 
highly cultivated fields, constitutes one of the fin- 
est country places of Bureau county. He is ex- 
tensively engaged in the dairy business and has 
kept about thirty-five cows for this purpose. He 
also feeds several carloads of steers and some ' 
hogs for the market each year and thus makes 
large shipments. He is now feeding about one 
hundred head of hogs. He has never sold a load 
cf corn since coming to Illinois and only a few 
loads of oats, for he feeds all that he produces. 
Interested in horticulture, lie has one of the finest 
orchards to be found in this part of the state and 
raises much fruit of all kinds. He has taken nu- 
merous premiums on fruits, grains and dairy 
products at local and state fairs and for many 
years received first premium on cheese at the state 
fair. He also received several premiums on his 
fruits at the Paris exposition and his opinions are 
regarded as authority on horticultural subjects. 
He has been a close and discriminating student of 
everything bearing upon the agricultural and hor- 
ticultural development of the state and his promi- 
nence in these lines is indicated by the fact that 
he is now vice president of the Illinois State Hor- 
ticultural Society and a meiulier of the Agricul- 
tural Society of Bureau county, in which he is act- 
ing as superintendent of the fruit department. 
His business interests have been most carefully 
conducted and have been characterized by keen 
discrimination and sound judgment as well as 
wise investments. He is quick to adopt any new 
method or improved farm implements that will 
facilitate the work upon his place and he has not 
only kept abreast with the progress of the times 
but has been a leader in northern Illinois in those 
lines of activity resulting beneficially to the rais- 
ing of fruit, grain and stock. While leading a 



200 



PAST AND PKKSEXT OF BUKEAT' (orXTY. 



very busy and ust'lul life he has also taken an 
active and helpful interest in those enterprises 
tending to promote the welfare and prosperity 
of the county. lie and his family occupy a beau- 
tiful home about two miles south of Tiskilwa and 
have an extensive circle of friends in Bureau 
county. Honored and respected by all Samuel G. 
Soverhill occupies an enviable position in agri- 
cultural and financial circles not only by reason 
of the splendid success he has attained but also 
owing to the honorable, straightforward business 
metliods he has ever followed. 



ORRIN WILKINSON. 

The mercantile interests of Princeton find a 
worthy representative in Orrin Wilkinson, who 
since the commencement of his business career 
has made steady and substantial progress in the 
legitimate lines of trade, placing his dependence 
upon the safe qualities of diligence, close appli- 
cation and perseverance. He was born September 
27, 183C, in Bradford county, Pennsylvania, a son 
of George and Julia A. (Manton) Wilkinson, who 
were natives of Rhode Island. In tiie year 1838 
the father became a resident of La Salle county, 
Illinois, and in 1844 removed to Buda, Bureau 
county, where he followed farming. He after- 
ward took up his abode in Tiskilwa, Illinois, where 
he conducted a hotel for eighteen years, on the 
expiration of which period he became a resident 
of Henry county, this state, where he died in 
1879, passing away in his seventy-tirst year, his 
birth having occurred in 1809. His wife, who 
was born in 1811, passed away in 189(i. 

After completing his education Orrin Wilkinson 
engaged in farming, to which pursuit he had 
largely been reared. In 1859, however, when a 
young man of twenty-three years, he became a 
partner of J. H. Welsh, in the ownership and con- 
duct of a general store, with which he was con- 
nected until 1862, when feeling that his first duty 
was to his country he put aside business and 
personal considerations and organized Company E 
of the Ninety-third Regiment of Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry. He was elected captain and served 
until the close of tlie war, participating in many 
important engagements, including the battles of 
Missionary Ridge, Altoona, the siege of Vicksburg 
and many minor engaL'ements. He was with Sher- 
man during the march to the sea and at all times 
was a brave and fearless leader of his company, 
inspiring men with much of his own courage and 
valor. 

The war over, Mr, Wilkinson became a resident 
of Tiskilwa, where he conducted an insurance and 
collection business for a number of years. In 
1877 he formed a partnership with M. W. Keig- 
ley in the conduct of a general store and in 1892 
he removed to Princeton, being numbered today as 
one of the city's most respected and representative 



merchants. In partnership with J. H. Rawson he 
owns and conducts two shoe stores, either one 
of which would be a credit to a much larger city 
than Princeton. The trade is extensive and in 
both large lines of goods are carried, while a liberal 
patronage has been secured through business meth- 
ods which are in conformity with a high standard 
of commercial ethics and therefore neither seek 
nor require disguise. 

Mr. Wilkinson has been married twice. He 
tirst wedded Maggie A. Welsh, who died in June, 
1862, and in October, 1865, he married Sarah A. 
Smith, who was born in Bradford county, Penn- 
sylvania, in 1841. Interested in those questions 
relating to the welfare and progress of his city, 
state and nation, he gives his political allegiance 
to the democracy and for a period of thirty years 
served as justice of the peace, beginning in 1860. 
He was town clerk of Arispie township for many 
years and school treasurer for sixteen years. He 
was elected supervisor of Arispie township in 1859, 
served one year; was again elected supervisor in 
1880 and served continuously until elected county 
clerk in 1890, when he resigned the olfice of su- 
pervisor. He served one term of four years as 
county clerk and is interested in all those move- 
ments and measures which are a matter of civic 
virtue and civic pride. He belongs to the Masonic 
fraternity, holding membership in the chapter and 
commandery in Princeton, and he is also identified 
with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He 
has made consecutive progress in a business career 
which has been characterized by the strictest in- 
tegrity, showing that success and an honored name 
may be won simultaneously. 



JOSEPH MARKEE. 

Joseph Markee, deceased, was for many years 
one of the highly esteemed citizens of Bureau 
county. He was born in St. Sylvester, East 
Canada, June 22, 1823, and at the age of twelve 
years removed to Maine. In 1851 he went to 
California, making the journey on a sailing vessel 
to the isthmus of Panama and after crossing that 
narrow neck of land embarked on Pacific waters. 
At length he arrived in safety at the gold-fields 
near Columbia, Tuolumne county, on the 8fh of 
November, and spent two years in search for the 
precious metal, at the end of which time he 
returned to Skowhegan, Somerset county, Maine. 

It was in 1855 that Mr. Markee came to Illi- 
nois, settling in Neponset township, Bureau coun- 
ty, where he purchased eighty acres of land, which 
became the nucleus of extensive possessions, for 
he added to his original tract from time to time 
as his financial resources increased until he owned 
five hundred and thirty-five acres of valuable 
farm land in Bureau county. He also had eighty 
acres in Missouri and eleven hundred and forty 
acres in Kansas. He spent his days upon his 




OEEIN WILKINSON. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



203 



fanti in Bureau coimt\-, carrying uu general agri- 
cultural pursuits and stock-raising, and he also 
bought and fed cattle for a number of years. 
His business affairs were carefully conducted and 
resulted in the acquirement of gratifying success. 
In 1870 he purchased a home in Neponset, where 
he lived retired from 1890 until his death, which 
occurred ^lay 26. 1906. 

On the 27th of June, 1857, Mr. Markee was 
united in marriage to Miss Jane Waite, who was 
born in Akron, Ohio, July 13, 1840, and came 
to Neponset township, this county, in 1853. She 
still survives her husband and resides in Neponset, 
an active and consistent member of the Congre- 
gational church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Markee were 
bom nine children, of whom seven are yet living : 
Margaret, the wife of William Gilkison; Mary 
Jane, the wife of Evan Davies, living at Keytes- 
ville, Missouri ; Charles J., of Buda ; Joshua VV., 
of Neponset township; Laura E., the wife of 
George Bates, of Neponset ; Alma, the wife of J. 
I. Carper, of Des Moines, Iowa ; and Eva I., 
the wife of Albert L. Mutti, of Hopkins, Mis- 
souri. 

Public office and emoluments had no attraction 
for Mr. Markee, yet he was not neglectful of duties 
of citizenship but preferred to aid in the promo- 
tion of general improvement as a private citizen 
rather than as an office-holder. He belonged to 
Neponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. & A. M.. and 
was a member of the Baptist church, while his 
iiolitical allegiance was given to the democracy. 



JOHN KITTERMAN. 



John Kitterman, a retired farmer residing in 
'J'iskilwa, was born in this county. November 
29. 1844, and was the tenth child of "Michael Kit- 
terman, whose birth occurred near Rocky Mount 
in Franklin county, Virginia, in 1800. Tradi- 
tion indicates that three brothers of the name 
emigrated from Germany to America in the latter 
part of the seventeenth century, landing in Mary- 
land, whence they afterward went to Virginia. 
Henry Kitterman, one of these brothers, lived 
near Rocky Mormt, Franklin county, while John 
settled, in Floyd county, Virginia. Henry became 
the father of fourteen children, including John, 
Zack, Chris, George, Michael, Peter, Elias. Polly, 
Leah, Anne and four whose names are not re- 
membered. Polly married a man of the name 
of Fortune and Anne became the wife of George 
Robinson. Michael and some of the others of 
the family journeyed to Harri.«on county, Indiana, 
where they arrived August 18. 1826." In 1827 
he married Miss Lydia Clark in Perry county, 
Indiana. She was a native of Nelson county, 
Kentucky, born September 15, 1810. 

In 1828 Michael Kitterman came to Illinois on 
a prospecting tour and was so well pleased with 
the country that he decided to locate in wliat is 



now Bureau county but was then Putnam county. 
In 1830 he made the journey on horseback to 
this state, leaving his wife and two children in 
Indiana. He had just four dollars on reaching 
his destination and he began working at farm la- 
bor in the employ of John Hall, who paid him 
a wage of nine dollars per month. He occupied 
his leisure hours in building a cabin and es- 
tablished a claim a short distance from the Prince- 
ton courthouse. Having thus made arrangje- 
ments for a home he went to Indiana for his 
family and during his absence his claim was 
jumped, finding the family of Kirke Williams 
living in his cabin when he got back, so that he 
lost his home and was obliged to make another se- 
lection. His father-in-law, Robert Clark, and 
his family accompanied ^Mr. Kitterman and his 
family to this state. Afterward his brothers, 
Peter and Elias Kitterman, and two of his sis- 
ters, Mrs. Fortune and Mrs. Robinson, came to 
Bureau county, although later they settled at 
Ottumwa, Iowa, where some of their descendants 
still live. John Kitterman, the eldest brother of 
Michael, remained in Perry county, Indiana, 
where he died at an extreme old age. His son 
John settled at Rock Rapids, Iowa, where about 
forty Or fifty of his descendants still live. Zack 
Kitterman, another brother, went south and set- 
tled west of New Orleans in what was tlien called 
the Beach country. There were born to Michael 
and Lydia Kitterman thirteen children, all of 
whom reached adult age with the exception of 
two, although three have died since reaching ma- 
turity, all leaving families. All still live in 
Bureau county with the exception of one daugh- 
ter, Mrs. J. H. Patt, whose home is in Preston, 
Iowa. Chaxincey A. Dean, son of Mrs. Anne 
Dean, their eldest daughter, resided in the far 
west and died in July, 1906. 

Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kitterman went through 
some terrifying experiences with the Indians and 
were obliged to seek safety in the fort at Henne- 
pin many times. Although the red men had no 
personal dislike for Mr. Kitterman it was con- 
sidered unsafe to remain in unprotected locali- 
ties. At the outbreak of the Black Hawk war 
he enlisted on the 26th of May, 1832, in Captain 
George B. Willis' com])any of mounted volun- 
teers of the Fortieth Regiment, commanded by 
Colonel John Strawn, and was mustered out on 
the 18th of June following. Upon the farm where 
he first settled on bringing his family to Illinois 
he made his home until his death, which occur- 
red fifty-five years later in 1885. His wife sur- 
vived him for more than five years, passing away 
in 1891, so that the old home was her place of 
residence for more than sixty years. 

John Kitterman was reared on his father's farm 
and acquired a common-scliool education. He 
gained practical experience in the best methods of 
tilling the fields and caring for the crops, giving 
his father fbe hnnefit nf liis service during the 



204 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAT COIXTV. 



period of his minority. On tlie 12th of Decem- 
ber, 1872, he married Frances Emma Swanzy, who 
was born April 13, 1850, a daughter of Dr. James 
Swanzy, a pioneer settler of Bureau county, who 
was prominent in this part of the state. Five 
children grace this marriage. Dr. H. B. Kitter- 
nian, the eldest, born in 1873, is an optician of 
Princeton. He was married in 1900 to Myrtle 
Sargent, wlio was born in 1879. and tliey have 
three children: John Harwood, born in 1901; 
Sarah lone, in 1902; and Eunice Alberta, in 1904. 
Ralph Swanzy, born in 1876, is at home. Hum- 
phreys Lyman, born in 1878, was married in 1902 
to Xettie Jlay Sharp, who was born in 1881. 
Ethel Grace, boni in 1882, and Lydia Catherine, 
in 1891, are at home. 

Throughout his active business life Mr. Kitter- 
man followed farming and in 19iJ0 retired, taking 
up his abode in Tiskilwa, where he purchased a 
beautiful residence. He is a democrat and served 
as road commissioner, but otherwise has never 
sought or held public otfice. In his business career 
he has prospered owing to his capable management 
and untiring industry and the success which he 
now enjoys is well deserved. He is now the owner 
of about eight hundred acres of land, all in one 
body except eighty acres. He has given consider- 
able attention to stock-raising and while living on 
the farm never sold a load of corn but fed it all 
to his stock. His fine l)arns, valued at seven thous- 
and three hundred dollars, were desti'oyed by hre 
in 1897, while the insurance amounted to only 
three tliousand dollars. He has since erected new 
buildings upon the place and the farm is excel- 
lently improved. He and his family are members 
of the Episcopal church and stand high in the 
community where thev reside. 



MARTIN V. TAYLOR. 

^lartin V. Taylor, a representative of the farm- 
ing interests of Dover township, was born upon 
a farm in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, 'March 18, 
1840. His father. John Taylor, was horn in Vir- 
ginia in 180.5, while his mother, Mrs. Sarah Tay- 
lor, was born in Pennyslvania in ISOfi. During 
the boyhood of their son Martin, in 18.55. they re- 
moved from near New Philadelphia, Ohio, to 
Bureau county, Illinois, .so that he completed his 
education in the jiiiblic schools here. He put aside 
his text-liooks at the age of seventeen years but 
remained at home with bis jinrmts until he un- 
listed in the Civil war. 

In 1878 ^[r. Taylor purchased forty acres of 
land which he still owns. He has resided upon 
this farm since 1874, it being the old homestead 
property. Some of the land was cultivated by 
the Indians and the mi.«sionaries more than one 
hundred years ago. The Taylor family was es- 
tablished here in ])ioneer times iind Mr. Tavlor 
of this review remembers seeing the old Indian 



chief, Shabbona, who was the friend of the whites 
and gave them warning of the threatened approach 
and hostilities of the Indians in the Black Hawk 
war. Our subject assisted in the arduous task 
of developing a new farm and has always given 
his attention to general agricultural pursuits save 
for the period when he defended the Union cause 
in the Civil war. 

His patriotic spirit being aroused by the con- 
tin\u'd attempt of the south to overthrow the 
Union, he enlisted on the 13th of August, 1862, 
as a mendier of Comnany I, Twelfth Illinois 
Infantry. He served through the war with dis- 
tinction and was honorably discharged June 28, 
1865, after a military experience covering almost 
tiiree years. He participated in the battles of 
Resaca, Lay's Ferry, Rome Crossroads, Dallas, 
Kennesaw ilountain, Atlanta, Ezra Church, Jones- 
boro, Altoona Pass and other engagements which 
led up to the final victories that crowned the 
Union arms. He was twice wounded and was ofE 
duty for seven months because of the severe in- 
juries which he sustained. He has every reason 
to be proud of his military record, for at all 
times he was a brave and loyal soldier, never fal- 
tering in the discharge of any duty that was as- 
signed him while aiding in the preservation of 
the I'nion. He now maintains pleasant relations 
with his old army comrades through his member- 
ship in the Grand Army of the Republic. 

ilr. Taylor was married (in the 24tli of February, 
1870, in "Princeton, Illinois, to Miss Malinda E. 
Sabin, whose father. Marcus Sabin, came to 
Bureau county in 1850. He died at the advanced 
age of ninety-two years and her mother is living 
at the age of eighty-nine years. Her grand- 
father, Asa Sabin, was a soldier of the war of 
1812, while his father, Jeremiah Sabin, took part 
in the Revolutionary war. Seven c'hildren grace 
this marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Taylor: Charles W., 
who was born April 18, 1871, and died February 
27, 1897; Mrs. Ollie B. Jensen, born Julv 5, 
1872; Jlrs. Ina E. McCall, born September 2, 
1874; JIarcus, who was born March 19, 1876, 
and enlisted for service with Company K, Sixth 
Illinois Infantry, in the Spanish-American war in 
1898 and was on duty at Porto Rico three months; 
Bertrand L., born September 2, 1878; Mrs. May 
B. Eickmeier, who was born February 7, 1881; 
and Lottie L, born April 23, 1888. 

In order to provide for his family Mr. Taylor 
has always followed tlie occupation of farming 
and is now the owner of three hundreil and twenty 
acres, his fields having been brought under a high 
state of cultivation. He raises corn, oats and hay 
and also raises some stock. He; is reliable and 
careful in his business interests and has never 
been known to take advantage of the necessity of 
his fellowmen in an}' trade transaction. His 
political allegiance is given to the republican 
[)arty and he has served as highway commissioner 
and school director. lie atf(>nds the Congrega- 



PAST AM) I'KESEXT OF BUKEAV COUNTY. 



205 



tioiial church, although lie is not a member, and 
is interested in all those things which are of 
value to the county in its substantial improve- 
ment and upbuilding. Almost his entire life has 
been passed in Bureau county and his memory 
forms a connecting link between the primitive past 
and the progressive present. 



THEOPHILUS SPEAGUE, M. D. 

Dr. Theophilus Sprague, engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine in Sheffield, his patronage being 
at once indicative of his professional skill and 
the confidence reposed in him by the general 
public, was born in Hilum, Staffordshire, Eng- 
land, on the 23d of January, 1846. His parents 
were James and Mary (Fulford) Sprague. The 
father, a mining engineer, came to America in 
1854, at which time he took up his abode in 
Vermont. Later he took about thirty Cornish 
miners to Virginia to develop some mines in 
that state and died there in 1855. 

Dr. Sprague was a youth of about eight years 
at the time of the emigration of the family to 
the new world. He became a resident of Sheffield 
in 1857 and was educated in the common schools. 
In early life he worked in the mines and at farm 
labor, being thus occupied until 18G4, when at 
the early age of eighteen years he responded to 
the call of his adopted country for aid and en- 
listed as a member of Company G, Sixty-sixth 
Illinois Western Sharpshooters, on the 1st of 
January. He joined his regiment at Pulaski, 
Tennessee, and marched from there to Snake 
Creek Gap, where he participated in an engage- 
ment on the 6th of May, 1864. He took part in 
the battle of Calhoun Ferry on the 14th of May, 
afterward was at Eome Crossroads and was with 
his company in all the skirmishes and engagements 
in which they participated in and around Atlanta. 
The regiment then proceeded to Jonesboro and 
back to Eome and marched with Sherman to the 
sea. Leaving Savannah they continued on through 
South Carolina to Goldsboro and to Ealeigh, 
North Carolina, and participate in the last bat- 
tle of the eastern anny at Bentonville, Mr. 
Sprague was with his regiment at Ealeigh 
when Lincoln was assassinated and when John- 
ston surrendered and was received there by Gen- 
eral Grant. The Sixty-sixth Illinois Sharp- 
shooters then proceeded to Eichmond, to Fairfax 
Courthouse and on to Washington, where they 
took part in the Grand Eeview with the west- 
ern army on the 24th of May. 1865. This was a 
gala day in the history of the country and the 
most celebrated military pageant ever seen on 
the western hemisphere. The capital was appro- 
priately decorated for the occasion and across 
Pcnnsylvana avenue, down which tlic victorious 
armv marched, there was a banner bearing the 
words, "The only debt which the countrv owes 



that she cannot jiay is the one she owes to her 
soldiers." Dr. Sprague was mustered out on the 
13th of July, 1865, at Louisville, and with a most 
creditable military record returned to his home. 
He had not yet attained his majority, but he dis- 
played on southern battle-fields valor and loyalty 
equal to that of many a veteran of twice his years. 

Eeturning to Shettield, Dr. Sprague took up the 
study of medicine in 1867, pursuing his profes- 
sional course in Eush Medical College of Chicago, 
from which he was graduated in the class of 1870. 
He then located for practice in Eussell, lowa^ 
where he remained for eight years, returning to 
Sheffield in 1878, since which time he has suc- 
cessfully engaged in general practice here. That 
the consensus of public opinion is favorable is 
indicated by the liberal patronage which is ac- 
corded him and that he ranks high in the regard 
of his professional brethren was shown by his 
election to the presidency of the Bureau County 
Medical Society. He is also a member of the 
State Medical Society and the Medical Association 
of America. He is likewise a past commander of 
the Grand Army of the Eepublic and through 
his asisociation with the post maintains pleasant 
relations with his old army comrades. 

In 1871 Mr. Sprague was married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Jones, of Sheffield, a daughter of Eobert 
Jones, and they became the parents of nine chil- 
dren, of whom four are now living. Mrs. Sprague 
died August 20, 1896, and in 1899 Dr. Sprague 
married Miss ^Martha Peterson, a daughter of John 
Peterson, of Sheffield. 



XEWTON BOOTH. 

The period of Newton Booth's residence in 
Bureau county covers his entire life record, for 
he is one of the native sons of Berlin township, 
where he was born September 4, 1856. His par- 
ents, Hiram and Caroline (Hosmer) Booth, were 
both natives of Massachu.setts and came to this 
county in 1852, locating on the farm where their 
son Newton now resides. It was largely an 
unimproved tract of land, which the father placed 
under cultivation, adding many modern equip- 
ments and accessories as the years passed by. 

Newton Booth, reared under the parental roof, 
was early trained to habits of industry, economy 
and diligence, and when not busy assisting in 
the labors of the fields his time was devoted to 
the acquirement of an <Mlucation in the district 
schools and in Dover .Academy. He was thus 
well qualified for life's practical and responsible 
duties, which he has ever met with a sense of 
conscientious obligation, performing every task 
that devolves upon him in a capable and energetic 
manner. He is now tlie owner of forty-five acres 
of choice land valued at two hundred dollars per 
acre, and lie aiinuallv harvests gooil crops of corn, 
onts and liny. Tlinuigh flic rotatimi of crops and 



206 



PAST AN 1 1 I'KKSEXT OF BIHEAU COUNTY. 



through tlie most approved modern methods of 
farming he has made his place a valuable tract of 
land which is richly productive. The home has 
pleasant surroundings and this is one of the well- 
kept farms of Berlin township, indicating in its 
tasteful appearance the care and .supervision of 
the owner. 

Happy in his home life, Mr. Booth was mar- 
ried April 3. 1884, to Miss Hattie Marriott, who 
was born July 34, 18G5. She was educated at 
La Moille and is a daughter of William and Ta- 
bitha (Nichols) Marriott, who have lived in 
Bureau county throughout the greater part of 
their lives. The father wa.s liorn in England, while 
the mother's birth occurred in this country. Mrs. 
Jlarriott, however, passed away when her daughter, 
Mrs. Booth, was only nine months old. Unto 
our subject and his wife have been born four 
children who are yet living: Edmund G., Sid- 
ney H., Mildred P. and Chester, all yet at home. 
Jlr. Booth exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the democracy 
and, keeping well informed on the questions and 
issues of the day. is able to support his political 
position by intelligent argument, but has never 
sought office as a reward for party fealty. He 
was reared in the faith of the Universalist church, 
to which he has always adhered. He is a self-made 
man and has imjjroved the estate which was left 
to him until it is now worth four times what it 
was when it came into his possession. The home, 
with its pleasant surroundings, and the farm, with 
its well tilled fields and modern improvements, 
present a most pleasing picture of agricultural 
life. 



.lOIIN WARFIELD. 

John Warfield, deceased, was for many years a 
well known resident of Bxireau county, his home 
having been in Princeton township. During the 
period of his connection with Illinois he was 
identified with farming interests and a life of 
activity was crowned with success. He was a na- 
tive of Maryland, born January 2G, 1810. and was 
a son of William and Martha (Bye) Warfield. 
also natives of the same state. His paternal 
grandfather, Philip Warfield, was of English des- 
cent and his ancestors were numbered among 
the early settlors of Maryland. Richard Warfield, 
the progenitor of the family in that stiite, came 
to this country from Berkshire. Engljind, in 1G62 
and settled on the banks of the Severn river.. The 
maternal grand futlier of our subject was Jona- 
than Bye, who died at the age of eighty-five years 
and who.se family were members of the Society 
of Friends. 

William Warfield, father of John Warfield of 
this review, spent his entire life in his native state. 
his death there occurring when his son John was 
but six months old. His widow afterward married 
Jacob Hollowav, who removed to what is now 



Belmont county, Ohio, and there her death oc- 
curred in 1866. By her first marriage she had 
ihree children : Mary, Maria and John, all now 
deceased. The children of her second marriage 
have likewise all passed away. 

John Warfield was reared upon his step-fath- 
ers farm in Belmont county, Ohio, and at the 
age of twenty-two years began merchandising on 
his own account in Uniontown, that state. He 
went to Baltimore, Maryland, for his first stock 
of goods and crossed the Allegheny mountains on 
horseback, but later trips were made by stage 
coach and he subsequently purchased his goods 
in Philadelphia. While on one of his early trips 
he saw the first railroad engine used m this coun- 
try and he again saw it when it was on exhibition 
in 1893 at the World's Fair in Chicago. Opening 
his store in Uniontown, Ohio, he conducted busi- 
ness there for fourteen years with excellent suc- 
cess, succeeding in accumulating several thousand 
dollars during that time. He removed from 
Uniontown to Bridgeport. Ohio, where he en- 
gaged in the wholesale grocery business through 
the succeeding ten years and he also extended his 
efforts to other lines of business activity, for while 
residing in that city he became president of the 
Belmont branch of the State Bank of Oliio, a po- 
sition which he filled for nine years, his careful 
inajiagoment and good judgment enabling him to 
carry the bank successfully througli the financial 
|ianii- of 1S3T. 

In 183.5, while still residing in Belmont county, 
Ohio, Mr. Warfield was united in marriage to Miss 
Lydia Smith, a native of Pennsylvania and a 
daughter of Elias and Nancy (Foster) Smith. 
They became the parents of seven children, as fol- 
lows : William, now residing in Quincy : .\ndrew. 
who died in 1901; Jacob TT., who died in 1890: 
Eliza Jane, of Princeton; Wilson R., now of 
Princeton ; and two who died in infancy. Jlrs. 
Warfield died May 1, 1851. in Kirkwood. Ohio. 
She was a most conscientious Christian woman, of 
beautiful character and rare loveliness of face, 
for her kindly life left its impress upon her fea- 
tures. Tn 18.52 ^[r. Warfield wedded Rebecca 
AVilsdn. M jiative of St. Clairsville, Ohio, who 
died in 1887. They had one daughter, Lydia 
Emma, now the wife of Yolney S. Cooper, resid- 
ing in Princeton. 'Mrs. Rebecca Warfield was a 
daughter of Stephen and Amv (Smith) Wilson. 
Her father was born in Philadelphia. Pennsyl- 
vania, and was a member of the Society of 
Friends. His wife was al.«o a native of the Key- 
stone state, in which slio was reared. The Wilsons 
became early pioneers of Illinois and were promi- 
nently identified with the history of Bureau coun- 
ty. Stephen Wilson was for a long time post- 
master at Ohio. Illinois, and also held the office 
of justice of the peace. His early political support 
was given to the whig party nnd he subsequently 
became a stjilwart republican. He departed this 
life in Afarcb. 1872, while his wife passed away 




^crd^^^f^^^^^/^-^f^ 




PAST AND PRESENT OF BUIJEAU COIXTV 



209 



in Ib'JO. Mrs. Rebecca Warfield was a devout 
member of tlie Methodist Episcopal church and a 
most worthy Christian woman. For his third 
wife Mr. Warfield chose Mrs. Jane (^ Pennington) 
Bellangee, whom he married in fSSy and who 
lived but two years afterward. 

The year 1856 witnessed the arrival of Mr. War- 
field in Bureau county, at which time he located 
on section 9, Princeton township. There he en- 
gaged in general farming and he also made large 
investments in land, which he subsequently sold, 
using his capital in other ways. He afterward re- 
moved to Quincy, Illinois, where he spent five and 
a half years, and then returned to his home in 
Princeton township. His early views on political 
questions were in accord w'ith the principles of 
the whig party and he cast his first presidential 
ballot for Henry Clay in 1832. He continued a 
whig until the dissolution of the party organiza- 
tion, when he became a republican and so con- 
tinued throughout the remainder of his life. While 
a resident of Uniontown. Ohio, he filled the posi- 
tion of postmaster, but he never cared for the 
honors nor emoluments of public office and never 
afterward served in a political capacity. 

He started out in life empt^'-handed and during 
his youth worked at farm labor. He lived hon- 
estly and economically and. moreover, displayed 
marked industry and enterprise in carrying for- 
ward every task which he undertook. By Judicious 
management and safe investment he became, as 
the years passed by. the possessor of a handsome 
competence which enabled him to spend liis declin- 
ing years in retirement from active labor and in 
the enjoyment of those things which make life 
worth living. For over forty 3'ears he was a con- 
sistent and devoted member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church and in all of life's relations he 
was iipright and honorable. He passed away 
August 4, 189G. his death being the occasion of 
deep regret not only to his family but to his 
friends as well. Nature endowed him with strong 
mentality and he was a broad-minded and far- 
sighted man, yet in manner was modest and re- 
served. He possessed a genial nature and kindly 
disposition, while his consideration for others was 
daily manifest in his relations with his family 
and hi.9 fellow townsmen. He was not only fair 
but also generous in his business dealings and he 
enjoyed the highest respect of all with whom he 
came in contact. He was reared in the faith of 
the Society of Friends, to which lie always ad- 
liered, and young and old, rich and poor, respected 
and honored him. In his declining years he en- 
joyed the reward of a well ordered life, one in 
which he had exerted himself not only to achieve 
success biit also to do good to those around him. 

His daughter. Miss Eliza J. Warfield, now re- 
sides in Princeton, occupying one of the beautiful 
homes of Bureau county. She has inherited good 
traits of character from both her father and 
mother. Kindly and generous, the poor and 



needy find in her a friend and those whom she 
meets socially receive from her the utmost con- 
sideration. She, too, is a prominent member of 
the Metliodist Episcopal church and her entire 
life has been in harmony with her professions. 



ERNEST A. WOOLLEY. 

Ernest A. Woolley, a practitioner at the bar in 
Walnut, Bureau county, Illinois, is a native of 
this county, having been born in Walnut township, 
April 18, 1872. He is a son of William and 
Lueinda (Allen) Woolley, the former a native of 
Manchester, England, and the latter a native of 
New York, and a great-grand-daughter of 
Ethan Allen. The father emigrated from England 
to the United States in ISIG, believing that in 
this country he might enjoy better business op- 
portunities than he would in his native land. He 
was one of the early settlers of Bureau county, 
following agricultural pursuits here for many 
years, and he is still living on the old homestead 
on section 24, Walnut township, but has now re- 
tired from all active work. He has now reached 
the advanced age of eighty-eight years, while 
his wife is ten j'ears his junior. 

Ernest A. Woolley received his early education 
in the district schools, which was supplemented 
by a high-school and business course at Clinton, 
Iowa. He then engaged in teaching for four 
years in the district schools of Walnut township, 
and on the expiration of that period began the 
study of law in the Northern Illinois College of 
Law, at Dixon, Illinois, where the Bachelor of 
Law and Master of Law degrees were conferred 
upon him. He later pursued a post-graduate course 
in the Northwestern University of Illinois. In 1900 
he was admitted to practice at the bar in Illinois, 
and since that time has successfully engaged in 
this profession at Walnut. He is well versed in 
the principles of jurisprudence and is very suc- 
cessful in the handling of eases, so that he has 
now built up a large practice. Besides his general 
law practice he is managing tlie old homestead 
farm of three hundred and forty acres on section 
24, Walnut township. 

On the 5th of March, 1903, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Woolley and Mrs. Mayme (Ma- 
thias) Hodgkins, a daughter of D. S. and Try- 
phena (Jones) Mathias, the former a native of 
Wales, and the latter of Wisconsin. Her father 
has always been connected with the steel busi- 
ness, and is now occupying the responsible posi- 
tion of general manager and adviser of the Illi- 
nois Steel Company, located at Chicago. Mr. 
and Mrs. Woolley have one son, Parker David 
Woolley. Mr. Woolley is a Mason, belonging to 
Walnut lodge, No. 722. For the past two years 
he lias filled the office of supervisor of Walnut town- 
ship and his services are giving general satisfac- 
tion. In politics he is a democrat. 



210 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COLiXTY. 



Although numbered among the younger mem- 
bers of the profession Mr. Woolley has proven his 
ability to solve the intricate problems connected 
with the practice of law. and while he is today 
occupying a leading position among the members 
of the fraternity he has every promise of a still 
brighter future before him. He is interested in 
local affairs and gives hearty co-operation to every 
movement which tends toward the advancement of 
his town and comniunitv. 



J. W. BERRY. 

.1. W. Berry, who, starting out in life without 
capital or influential friends to assist him, has 
worked his way steadily U))ward in business cir- 
cles, is now the senior member of the firm of 
Berry & Jackson, proprietors of a planing mill at 
Princeton and manufacturers of sash, doors and 
all kinds of porch and stair work. His fellow 
townsmen respect him for what he has accom- 
plished and honor him for the straightforward 
methods that he has ever followed in his active 
business career. 

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Bcrrv was l)orn 
April 2, 1857, a son of Israel Berry, who always 
remained a resident of the east. In the common 
schools of his native state Mr. Berry of this re- 
view acquired his education and in 1878 came to 
Illinois. In Pennsylvania he began learning the 
car]ienter's trade, which he com|ileted after liis 
arrival in Bureau county and since that time he 
has been identified to a greater or less extent with 
building operations. In 1906 he formed his jires- 
ent partnership with H. T. Jackson under the 
firm style of Berry & Jack.son. They conduct a 
planing mill and are manufacturers of all kinds 
of porch work, fancy stair work, carved moldings, 
window^ and door screens, window and door frames 
and sasli and doors. They also handle window 
and plate glass and art windows and do turning 
and scroll sawing. Theirs is one of the most com- 
plete plants in this part of the state and is located 
at No. G07 North Main street in Princeton. Mr. 
Berry built the mill in 1898 and has since con- 
ducted the business with constantly growing suc- 
cess. The firm ships a large amount of its finislicd 
product and in connection with manufacturing 
and commercial interests also does contracting, 
building from the ground. They employ about 
ten men for the season and their plant is operated 
throughout the entire year. Thev also handle 
fiaint? and oils and the business is successfully 
conducted, being constantly enlarged in its scope 
and in its activities until it is now one of the 
leading industrial and commercial concerns of the 
city. 

Mr. Berry was married to Miss Elnetta Noble, 
of Princeton, a daughter of Reuben Noble, who 
came here at an early day and is now deceased. 
Eight t hildren were born of this marriage, naniclv : 



Florence, who died at the age of eleven years; 
Parker, seventeen years of age; Ruth, fifteen years 
of age; Rupert, a lad of thirteen years; Pixley, 
nine years; Roger, five years; Fehn, who died in 
infancy; and Lou Rene, age three years. 

Mr. Berry is a stalwart advocate of the tem- 
perance cause and to that end votes with the pro- 
biintion partv. Fraternally he is a member of 
Peace lodge, No. 428, I. 0.' 0. F., and is likewise 
ciinnected with the Modern Woodmen of America 
and the Fraternal Reserve. He and his wife are 
both members of the Methodist church, interested 
in its work and active in all those things w-hich 
tend to promote its growth and extend its influ- 
eni-e. 'Sir. Berry is a man of indomitable enter- 
prise and progressive spirit, who has overcome all 
the obstacles in his path and reached the goal of 
success. He is not so abnormally developed in 
any direction as to be called a genius, but is one 
of the strong men because one of the well bal- 
anced men. He has acted well his part in both 
public and private life. It is impossible to keep 
the man of merit in the background although his 
early surroundings are those of poverty, of rigid 
economy and self-denial must be practiced and 
where few indeed are the advantages enjoyed. A 
progressive spirit knows no bounds and ability has 
no limitations of time, place or space. Effort, 
persistently put forth and honorably directed, al- 
Avays brings its reward and this statement finds 
verification in the life record of Mr. Berry. 



W. F. CAMPBELL. 

\V. F. Campbell, proprietor of the American 
House of Princeton, was born on the 20th of 
June, 1856, in that city, where he has ahvay.s 
made his home. After leaving school he started 
out for himself as a clerk in Princeton, being 
for eight years in the employ of Harris & Cottle, 
and then went to Chicago, where he accepted a 
position as traveling salesman for a wholesale 
grocery house. Later he entered the employ of 
Reid, Murdock & Company, whom he represented 
on the road for twenty years in the same line. 
He then met with an accident on the railroad, 
which caused him to retire from the road, and 
he l)ecame proprietor of the American House at 
Princeton, which he has now conducted for the 
past four years. 

Mr. Campbell was married at Tiskilwa, June 
4, 1879, to Miss Ada E. Snuth, a daughter of 
John and Mary (Bruce) Smith, who were early 
settlers of Bureau county, and by this union four 
children have been horn, namely: Earl, who is 
now emi>loyed in the Bostmi Store in Chicago: 
James ^laslin, a member of the United States 
navy; Guy, who is associated with his father in 
the conduct of the hotel : and Gladys, who is at- 
tending the Princeton high school and is studying 
music. 




J. W. BERRY. 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COIWTY. 



213 



Mr. Campbell is a stalwart republican but 
without aspiration for oflfice. He belongs to the 
bhie lodge of Masons at Princeton and to Prince- 
ton chapter, No. 28, E. A. M., also to Orion 
council, K. & S. M., and Temple commandery, 
K. T. Ilis wife is a member of the Baptist church. 
Mr. Campbell is a genial, jovial gentleman, who 
is personally interested in the welfare and com- 
fort of his guests and whose management of the 
American House has done much to make him 
popular, while during his long service on the 
road he made many warm friends in the various 
towns which he visited. 



JACOB HALLOWAY WARFIELD. 

Jacob Halloway Wartield, deceased, whose life 
record covered about fifty years and who spent 
nearly the entire half century in Bureau count}-, 
left behind him a luemory wliich is dear to those 
who knew him. Viewed from a financial stand- 
point his life may well be said to have been a 
success and yet it was not this which gave him 
his enviable position in public regard. He was at 
all times a man of gentle spirit and of generous 
nature, possessing that innate refinement and cul- 
ture which everywhere comnumd respect. He 
was born October 26, 1840, in Belmont county, 
Ohio, and came to Princeton with his parents in 
1856. He was a son of John and Lydia E. 
(Smith) Warfield. The former, a native of Mary- 
land, born January 26, 1810, was a son of William 
and Martha (Bye) Warfield, also natives of 
Maryland. The great-grandfather, Philip War- 
field, was of English descent, his ancestors having 
been numbered among the first settlers of the col- 
ony of Maryland. The maternal grandfather 
was Jonathan Bye, who died at the age of eighty- 
five years. His family were members of the So- 
ciety of Friends. William Warfield, tlie paternal 
grandfather, spent his entire life in his native 
state and his death occurred when his son John 
was but six months old. Following the demise of 
her husband his widow became the wife of Jacob 
Halloway, who removed to what is now known as 
Belmont county, Ohio, where she died in the year 
1866. By her first marriage she had three chil- 
dren : Mary, Maria and John. 

The last named, the father of our subject, was 
reared on the farm of his step-father and at the 
age of twenty-two years began merchandising, go- 
ing to Baltimore, Maryland, for his first stock of 
goods. He crossed the Allegheny mountains on 
horseback, while his later trips were made by 
stage coach. While he purchased his first stock 
of goods in Baltimore he usually obtained his sup- 
plies from Philadelphia. While on one of his 
early trips ho saw the old entrine which was after- 
ward on exhibition at the World's Columbian Ex- 
position in Chicago in 1803 and there he again 
looked upon this primitive locomotive. Opening 



his store in Uniontown, Ohio, he conducted busi- 
ness at that point for fourteen years, during which 
time he was very prosperous and succeeded in ac- 
cumulating several thousand dollars. He removed 
from Uniontown to Bridgeport, Ohio, where he 
engaged in the wholesale grocery business for the 
following ten years and while residing in that city 
he was president of the Belmont branch of the 
State Bank of Ohio, a position which he filled for 
nine years, during which time, owing to his good 
management, the bank successfully passed through 
the financial panic of 1837, whicli caused the fail- 
ure of so many of the moneyed institutions of the 
country. 

In 183.5, wliile still residing in Belmont county, 
Ohio, John Warfield was united in marriage to 
Miss Lydia E. Smith, a native of Pennsylvania 
and a daughter of Elias Smith. They became the 
parents of five children, as follows: William, 
now residing in Quincy, Illinois; Andrew, who is 
living in Clinton, Iowa ; Jacob H. ; Eliza J. at 
Princeton; and Wilson E., of Des Moines, Iowa. 
The mother died May 1, 1851, and in 1852 John 
Warfield was again married, his second union 
being with Eebecca Wilson, a native of St. Clairs- 
ville, Ohio, who died in 1887, leaving one daughter, 
Lydia Emma, the wife of Volney S.. Cooper, of 
Princeton. In 1889 Mr. Warfield married Mrs. 
Jane (Pennington) Bellangee, who lived but two 
years after her marriage to him. 

In 1856 John Warfield came to Bureau county, 
Illinois, and located on section 9, Princeton town- 
ship, where he engaged in farming and also in- 
vested largely in lands which he later sold, using 
his capital in other ways. He subsequently re- 
moved to Quincv, Illinois, where he spent five and 
a half years and then returned to his home in 
Princeton township. In early life he was polit- 
ically a whig, casting his first presidential ballot 
in 1833 for Henry Clay. He continued to support 
that party until its dissolution, after which he 
became a republican and remained an advocate of 
that organization througliout his remaining days. 
He started in life unaided and worked at farm 
labor during his youth. Living economically and 
practicing honesty and industry as well as frugal- 
ity, he became through careful management and 
judicious investment the possessor of a handsome 
competence, which enabled him to spend his de- 
clining years in ease and retirement. For over 
forty years he was a consistent member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church and in all relations of 
life lie was upright aiul honorable, justly valuing 
his own self-respect and the merited regard of his 
fellow men as preferable to wealth, fame or posi- 
tion. He died August 4, 1896, and the county 
Ihereby lost one of its valued citizens, whoso life 
of activity and usefulness made him a most hon- 
ored citizen. 

Jacob Halloway Warfield was educafetl in the 
district schools and in Jenning's Seminary at 
Aurora, Illinois. He was reared to (he occupa- 



214 



PAST AND PRESENT OF r.ri.'KAr COUNTY. 



tioii of farming, early became familiar witli all 
the duties and labors" that fall to the lot of the 
agriculturist and throughout his entire life car- 
ried on farming and stock-shipping. He was never 
known to take advantage of the necessities of his 
fellowmen in any business transaction, being thor- 
oughly just and reliable at all times. 

In 1865 Mr. Warfield was married to Miss 
;Mary Clark, a daughter of George and Nancy 
(Matson) Clark. Her father was born in St. 
Clairsville, Ohio, March 13, 1811, and came to 
Bureau county, Illinois, in 1835, settling on a 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Berlin 
township. Later he bought a home in Dover, 
where he spent his remaining years, his death 
there occurring in February, 1890. He and his 
wife traveled life's journey together for fifty-six 
years. She was a sister of Nehemiah Matson, who 
gave to Princeton the library. She was born 
April 6, 1814, and died in Princeton, December 
13, 1904, in the ninety-first year of her age. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Clark were born four children, three 
of whom are living in Princeton, while Enis Clark 
is an attorney of St. Louis, Missouri. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Warfield were born six chil- 
dren who still survive ; George C, now living in 
Iowa; Andrew A. and Charles W., who are resi- 
dents of Bemidji, Minnesota, where they own an 
electric light plant; Lydia M., the wife of W. C. 
Bryant of Princeton; Lillian P., the wife of Dr. 
John H. Bryant, a resident of Galesburg, Illinois ; 
and John J., who is living at home with his 
mother. Mrs. Warfield has some farming interests 
and also owns property in Princeton, including a 
beautiful residence at No. 445 East Elm street. 

In his political affiliation Mr. Warfield was a 
republican, unfaltering in his allegiance to the 
party. His religious faith was indicated by his 
membership in the Methodist church. He was a 
very modest man of upright nature and gentle 
spirit, well respected by all who knew him. In- 
deed his many good qualities endeared him to those 
with whom he came in contact through business or 
social relations. He died October 30. 1890, leav- 
ing his family in very comfortable financial cir- 
cumstances, and his memory is enshrined in the 
hearts of those who knew him because of his close 
adherence to a high standard of conduct, becau.se 
of his consideration for others, his geniality and 
his unfailing courtesy. 



CHARLES M. CARPENTER. 

Charles M. Carpenter is successfully engaged in 
merchandising in Neponset, having worked his 
way upward from a humble clerkship until he is 
now proprietor of a leading commercial establish- 
ment in this place. Tie was born in Suriirnerhill, 
New York, January 27. ISfio. His pafi'rrial grand- 
parents were Daniel and Botsv (Sbciianl) Car- 
penter, who were native* of tlic I*'.iri|)in' stntc. The 



father a carpenter and farmer, was born January 
14, 1811, and died at about seventy-four years of 
age, while his wife, who was born August 9, 1812, 
passed away in 1899 at the very advanced age of 
eighty-eight years. Their marriage was celebrated 
on the 25th of September, 1831, and they had a 
family of eight children, of whom five are now 
living, namely: Sylvester D., Stephen, Luther, 
ilarie and Nancy. 

Sylvester D. Carpenter w.as born in New York, 
I )ecember 9, 1833, and, having arrived at years of 
maturity, was married at Summerhill, that state, 
on the 24th of December, 1856, to Miss Calista 
T-ick, who was born May 21, 1833. She was a 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. George Lick, in whose 
family were eleven children, five of whom are yet 
living. Mr. Lick w^as born October 16, 1797, and 
died May 9, 1865, while his wife died at the ex- 
treme old age of ninety-two jears. Unto Mr. and 
^Irs. Sylvester D. Carpenter were born three chil- 
dren: Charlie, who was born July 18, 1858, and 
died April 11, 1862; Alice L., who was born 
.Vugust 3, 1860, and is the wife of Thomas J. 
(Junning, of Neponset ; and Charles M. The 
mother died October 13, 1884, and for his second 
wife Mr. Carpenter chose Mrs. Matilda Harring- 
ton, nee Cobb, the widow of Henry Harrington. 
She was also a native of New York. In the year 
1876 Sylvester D. Carpenter came to Illinois. For 
twenty-two years he engaged in teaching school in 
this state and in New York. By trade he was a 
carpenter and also followed farming, his life thus 
being devoted to the three pursuits. He is now 
living in Neponset. From the age of eighteen 
years he has been a church member and is now a 
deacon in the Congregational church. His polit- 
ical s\i)i)iort is given to the prohibition party, 
which indicates his attitude on the temperance 
f|uestion. At all times he has stood for those in- 
terests which promote reform, progress and im- 
provement for the individual and for the city at 
large, and he is a man who is justly entitled to 
the res])ect that is uniformly accorded him. 

Charles M. Carpenter began his education in 
the schools of New York and continued his stud- 
ies in Illinois following his removal to Neponset 
with his parents when he was eleven years of age. 
He entered business life at the age of eighteen 
years as an employe of the firm of Thompson & 
Lyford, with whom he continued until 1890. He 
then became connected with the firm of W. D. 
Whaplcs & Company, and in 1895 he withdrew and 
engaged in business on his own account as a part- 
ner of George T. Bowcn, on the 1st of ]\Iay of that 
year. He has since carried on merchandising in 
Neponset and has a well appointed store and a 
liberal patronage, wh'ch is indicative of his hon- 
orable business methods, his reasonable prices and 
his earnest desire to please his patrons. 

On the 17th of November, 1886, Mr. Carpenter 
WM'^ married to Miss Lillie Pricstman, who was 
b(ii-u in Ki'wanee. Illinois, November 8, 1866, a 



PAST AND PRESENT OF JiUREAU COUNTY. 



215 



daughter of Lawrence and Mary Ann (Law) 
Priestman, both of whom were natives of Eng- 
land. The father is now living in Kewanee, but 
the mother passed away February 2, 1902. He 
came to Illinois during the sixties and enlisted in 
the navy, serving until the close of the Civil war. 
Following the cessation of hostilities he took up 
his abode in Kewanee, where he was engaged in 
the manufacture of wagons for a number of years. 
He afterward spent a number of years in Nepon- 
set, where he was engaged in a similar enterprise 
and he is now one of the foremen in the Tube 
Company mills at Kewanee. While living in Ne- 
panset he was a member of the village board, 
serving as clerk for a number of years. He was 
one of the first members of Neponset lodge. No. 
803, A. F. & A. M., and in his political aflfilia- 
tion he is a republican. His wife died February 
2, 1902. They had three children: Mrs. Car- 
penter; Cora A., the wife of George T. Bowen ; 
and Lawrence. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter has been 
blessed with six children : Ealph D., born No- 
vember 12, 1887; Howard G., October 26, 1888; 
Floyd L., who was born May 14, 1891, and died 
on the 16th of December of the same year; Lois 
Blanche, born May 26, 1896 ; and Helen Joyce 
and Leroy, twins, born November 1, 1901. 

Mr. Carpenter is a member of Neponset lodge, 
No. 803, A. F. & A. M.. and served for three 
years as its master, beginning in 1902. He was 
also for three terms a delegate to the grand lodge 
and both he and his wife are members of the 
Eastern Star chapter. He gives his political sup- 
port to the repul:)lican party, but has never sought 
or desired office, preferring to devote his time and 
attention to his business interests, in which he has 
met with creditable and gratifying success and 
now as a merchant he is classed with the leading 
representatives of trade interests in Neponset. 



OLIVER BAECHLER. 
Oliver Baechler, a retired farmer residing in 
Walnut, where he owns a beautiful residence, is a 
native of Bureau county, having been born No- 
vember 26, 1860, a son of Christian and Anna 
(Gingrich) Baechler, both natives of Alsace- 
Tjorraine, France. The father emigrated from his 
native country to the United States in 1854, set- 
tling in Bureau county, where he engaged in farm- 
ing in Bureau township and made his home for 
several years. His mother had accompanied her 
parents to this country about the same time of 
the arrival of the one to whom she afterward gave 
her hand in marriage. Her parents settled in 
Peoria, Illinois, and here in January, 1860, slie 
was married to Christian Baechler. He took his 
bride to his home in Bureau township, where they 
spent several years, but in 1875 they removed to 
Princeton, Illinois, where her death occurred Sep- 



tember 9, 1887, and Mr. Baechler survived until 
December 21, 1905. 

The subject of this review began his education 
in the country school of Bureau township, and 
after the family removed to Princeton continued 
his studies in the high school of that place, but left 
school while in his junior year. He then began 
farming in Bureau township, where he still owns 
the old home farm of three hundred and twenty 
acres. This is a valuable property, on which he 
carried on general farming, raising the cereals 
best adapted to soil and climate. He used the 
latest improved farm machinery to facilitate his 
work and was practical and progressive in his 
methods, so that year by year his financial re- 
sources were increased, for his products found a 
ready sale on the market and always commanded 
tJie highest prices, so that he is now enabled to live 
retired from further labor, owning and occupying 
a pleasant residence in the village of Walnut. 

On the 20th of March, 1888, Mr. Baechler was 
united in marriage to Miss Ottilie Naffziger, whose 
birth occured June 20, 1863, a daughter of John 
and Eliza (Bender) Naffziger, both of whom were 
natives of Germany. They emigrated from the 
fatherland to Bureau county, Illinois, in the early 
tifticR, being numbered among the early settlers 
nf this part of the state. The father always fol- 
lowed farming and is now deceased, having passed 
away December 12, 1898, while the mother still 
survives and makes her home in Walnut. 

Politically Mr. Baechler is a democrat, believ- 
ing firmly in the principles of that party, and fra- 
ternally is connected with the j\Iasons, belonging 
to Walnut lodge. No. 722 : Haines lodge. No. 393, 
K. P. ; and the Modern Woodmen camp. No. 15. 
He has been practical in his business methods, 
possessing sound judgment and strong determina- 
tion, so that today he is the owner of tlirec hun- 
dred and twenty acres of fine farming land in 
Bureau township, besides owning a nice home in 
the village of Walnut. He is interested in local 
advancement and does everything in his power to 
aid in any worthy movement for the progress of 
hif town and community. He is a highly re- 
spected citizen, being w-ell known throughout the 
county in which he has ahvays made his home, 
and he is now enjoying a well earned rest at his 
lioiiic in Walnut. 



JOHN ROSEMAN MARSHALL, M. T). 
Dr. Joliii Roseman Mar.shall, physician and sur- 
geon of Sbcilleld, was born in ^lonniouth, Illinois, 
January IS, 1872, his ]iarpnts being James R. and 
Susan (Orr) Marshall, who came to America in 
1870 from Belfast. Ireland. The father was a 
mining contractor and established his home at 
Monmouth, Illinois, where his son. Dr. Marshall, 
attended the jniblic schools and later the Mon- 
mouth College. He did not complete his course in 



210 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



that institution, however, but turned his attention 
to tlie study of medicine, entering Kush Medical 
College at Chicago in 1893. He was graduated 
from that institution in 1896 and after a year and 
a half devoted to practice in Kewanee, Illinois, 
came in 1898 to Sheffield, where he has since re- 
mained. He engages in general practice and 
keeps in touch with the progress of the profession 
through the interchange of thought, idea.* and ex- 
pt-ricnccs in his couiicction with the County and 
State Medical Societies and the American Medical 
Association. He is surgeon of the Eock Island 
Railroad and the present health officer of Shef- 
field and in addition he has a gratifying private 
practice, for which his ability and experience well 
qualify him. He is a constant student of the 
science of medicine and anything which brings to 
man the key to that complex mystery which we 
call life is of deep interest to him. 

On the 10th of February, 1896, in Chicago, Dr. 
Marshall was married to Miss Tommie Logwood 
Marshall and they now have two children: John 
Roseman, born March 9, 1900; and ^largaret, born 
November 24. 1905. ilrs. Marshall is a Kentuck- 
ian by birth and the young couple occupy an en- 
viable position in social circles in Shetfield. the 
hospitality of the best homes of the city being 
cordially extended them. In his fraternal rela- 
tions Dr. Marshall is a Mason, belonging to Ames 
lodge, No. 142, A. F. & A. M., of Sheffield, and 
Princeton chapter. No. 28, E. A. M. He is also 
a trustee of the Antlers Club, a social club of 
Shettield composed of the leading gentlemen of 
the place, and one of the organizers and trustee of 
the Sheffield Commercial Club. Both he and his 
wife are communicants of the Episcopalian church. 



ANDREW ROSS. 

.Andrew Ross is one of the extensive landowners 
of Ohio township and a prosperous farmer, who 
has worked his way upward from a humble finan- 
cial position to one of atfluence. Investigation 
into his history shows that he liad no special ad- 
vantages but that he placed his dependence upon 
the safe, substantial qualities of close attention 
and persistency of purpose. He was born in Tu'^- 
carawas county. Ohio, 3Iay 28, 1823, and in the 
fall of 1845 cast in his lot with the early settlers 
of Bureau county. He was one of a family of 
eleven children — the ninth in order of birth and 
the youngest of the six sons. The parents were 
William and Jane (Whitaker) Ross, the former 
a native of Belfast, Ireland, and the latter of 
Somerset county. Pennsylvania. 

^Ir. Ross of this review acquired his early edu- 
cation in the public schools of his native state 
and was a young man of twenty-two years when 
he left Ohio and came to Bureau county, Illinois. 
He had no capital but was desirous of trying his 
fortune in this new yet rapidlv developing dictricl. 



lie and his two brothers, John and Joseph Ross, 
fornii'd a partnership and rented land, which 
liiey continued to operate lor three years. Andrew 
Koss then built a cabin upon his present farm ill 
Ohio township, hauling the timber from Dad Joe 
Grove. He pre-empted eighty acres of land and 
at tlie end of the second year had the place all 
paid for. He worked from early morning until 
darkness fell, making five trips a week to Peru, 
i'.iid his unremitting diligence constituted the basis 
of his success. As time passed by and his fiuancial 
resources increased he kept adding to his prop- 
erty until he is now an extensive landowner, hav- 
ing three hundred and twenty acres in Ohio town- 
ship, live lots in the village of Ohio and three 
thousand seven Inmdred and eighty acres in Allen, 
Woodson and Kearney counties. Kansas, together 
witii two hundred and sixty acres in Sac county. 
Iowa. He is extensively engaged in farming in 
this county, raising large quantities of grain and 
stock, and although he is now eighty-three years 
of age he is still a very active man, who works in 
the field with those whom he employs, leading 
them in the work as he used to do in his vounger 
days. 

On the 20th of October, 1846, occurred the 
marriage of Andrew Ross and Miss Hannah Ran- 
dall, who was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, 
January 25, 1825, a daughter of William and 
Rebecca Randall, of Ohio. Her father was a 
sohiicr (if the war of 1812. On the 18th of Jan- 
uary, 1857, Mr. Eoss was again married, his 
second union being with Miss Selina Ireland, who 
was a daughter of Jonathan and Eliza Ireland, 
of Virginia, and died in this county on the 16th 
of April, 1888. There were five children born 
of the first marriage, namelv: George E., born 
.\ugust 23, 184? ; Sarah J., Mav 27, 1849; Marga- 
ret C, :March IS, 1851 ; Mary, December 29, 1852 : 
and Joseph A., February 18, 1855. By the second 
marriage there were four children: Franklin F.. 
born December 28, 1857; Hannah Eliza, April 24, 
1860; Campbell, May 11, 1862; and Juliet S., 
January 10, 1864. Hannah Eliza and Juliet S. 
live at home with their father. 

Mr. Ross has been a prominent figure in the 
settlement and organization of his township and 
has left the impress of his individuality upon the 
church and political history of this county. He 
was the first class leader of the Methodist Protes- 
tant church established at Limerick and is now an 
ordained elder in the Church of Christ. His in- 
fluence has been an effective factor in promot- 
ing moral development and his labors in behalf 
of the church have been far-reaching and bene- 
ficial. In politics he is an unfaltering and un- 
equivocal republican anrl although he was not 
subject to draft at the time of the Civil war he 
hired a substitute to go in his place, for he wished 
to be represented in the field. He has long been 
:iu earnest and close student of the bible and, 
moreover, he reads broadly and thinks deeply, so 




,y^ky\pL^/KS^^iM' £jv-<Kf 




MRS. ANDREW ROSS 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUIJEAU CUUM'Y. 



221 



that altliough denied a college education he is 
a man of scholarly attainments and his taste in 
this direction is shown by the possession of one of 
the finest libraries in the county. He is still a 
young man in spirit and interest, seeming not 
yet to luive passed his prime. Old age is not 
necessarily a synonym of weakness, nor need it 
suggest as a matter of course idleness nor want 
of occupation. On the contrary, there is an old 
age which grows stronger and brighter mentally 
and physically as the years pass by, giving out 
of its rich stores of wisdona and experience for 
the benefit of others. Such is the life of Andrew 
Ross, and although one of the most venerable, 
he is also one of the most active and honored nien 
of Bureau county, where lie has now lived for 
more than six decades. He points to his library 
as his great helper and regards his honest, earnest 
toil as the foundation upon which he has built 
his success. As the years have passed he has 
cultivated his physical, mental and moral powers 
while cultivating the soil, and he still believes 
that activity and Christian living will bring man 
to an advanced old age, his own life serving as 
a splendid illustration of this truth. 

Miss Elizabeth Euth Ireland, a sister of our 
subject's second wife, was born in Clinton county, 
Ohio, in 1838, and is a daughter of Jonathan and 
Eliza Ireland, the former a native of Harrison 
county. iVirginia, and the latter of Baltimore 
county, Maryland. In 1834 she came with her 
parents to Bureaxr county, Illinois, the journey 
being made by wagon from Clinton county, Ohio. 
Here they found the Indians still numerous, as 
the Black Hawk war was just over. Miss Ireland 
taught two terms of school in 1852 and 1853, 
receiving ten dollars per month. For the past 
eighteen years she has made her home with Mr. 
Ross, and she has a large acquaintance in this 
countv. She is an earnest and faithful member 
of the Christian church and attends services nt 
Walnut. 



PETER J. CONRAD. 
Peter J. Conrad is a prominent factor in busi- 
ness life in Ohio and his section of Bureau 
countv. His investments and interests are of con- 
siderable extent and importance and he belongs to 
that class of representative men who while pro- 
moting individual progress also contribute to the 
general prosperity. He was born in Germany, 
near Bingen on the Rhine. September 2-1, 1854, 
and is the youngest and only surviving member 
of a familv of eleven children whose parents were 
Peter and TMary (Wendel) Conrad. Both were 
natives of Germany, born in 1811 and 1813 re- 
spectively. The father never left his native coun- 
try but passed away there in 18(54, while the 
molhor. coming to America, passed away in Bu- 
reau countv in 1888. She reached the new world 



with her family in June, IStiG, and, journeying 
toward the interior of the country, arrived in 
Princeton and established her home in Ohio town- 
ship. 

Peter J. Conrad spent the first eleven years of 
his life in the land of his birth and then accom- 
panied his mother on her emigration to the new 
world. His early education, acquired in the public 
schools of Germany, was continued in the public 
schools of Bureau county, and when he put aside 
his text-books he began ])roviding for his own 
support by acting as a clerk in a grocery and shoe 
store at Amboy, Illinois. He was first employed 
in this way in February, 1869, and so remained 
until the spring of 1871. In the meantime he had 
carefully hoarded his earnings and as the result 
of his industry and frugality was enabled to join 
his brother Fred in a partnership in a general mer- 
cantile business. They established a store in Ohio, 
carrying a carefully selected line of goods, ami soon 
won a place among the foremost and representative 
business men of the village. They likewise ex- 
tended the field of their activities to general farm- 
ing and stock-raising and the partnership was con- 
tinued with mutual pleasure and profit until the 
death of the brother on the 18th of March, 1893. 
He was then about forty-five years of age, having 
been born on the 12th of August, 1848. Follow- 
ing his brother's death Mr. Conrad became sole 
proprietor and manager of the business, which, 
however, he yet continued under the old firm name 
in honor of his brother's memory. He now owns 
four hundred and twenty-seven acres of very val- 
uable and productive land on sections 1 and 9, 
Ohio township, and in addition has a tract of two 
hundred acres in Lee county. He likewise owns a 
general warehouse for flour, feed, salt and crock- 
ery, together with three stores, in which he con- 
ducts his general mercantile business that has now 
assumed extensive proportions, the annual sales 
aggregating fifty thousand dollars. Watchful of 
opportunity, he has improved the advantages which 
have come to him in the business world and 
through the careful direction of his labor he has 
made a place among tlie wealthy residents of Ohio 
township. 

Mr. Conrad has never been neglectful of public 
duties while advancing his individual interests and 
has done capable service as town clerk for .seven 
years and as village councilman for twenty-.«ix 
years. Politically he is a republican and frater- 
nally is connected with the Knights of Pythias and 
the Knights of Columbus. He was reared in the 
faith of the Roman Catholic church and is a com- 
municant thereof. He attributes his success in 
no small degree to the care and guidance of his 
worthv mother, who. following the father's death, 
supported the family and carefully reared her 
children. He has as the years have gone by dis- 
played exceptional business ability and marked en- 
terprise and has made steady advancement and 
progress until his position is now a most favorable 



PAST .VXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



one among the leading citizens of Ohio town- 
ship. 

On the 10th of February, 1897, Mr. Conrad was 
married to Miss Ella V. Young, who was born 
July 28, 186.5, and is the eldest daughter of 
Michael and Elizabeth (Bettendorf) IToung, of 
Arlington, where she acquired her education. Her 
father is an old resident and substantial business 
man of Arlington and for the past forty-five years 
has enjoved the esteem and respect of the citizens 
of that community. His wife passed away Sep- 
tember 2, 1906, at the age of sixty-one years. 
There is now one child of the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Conrad, Elizabeth Marie, born January 27, 
1898. The family occupy a lovely residence taste- 
fully furnished, with attractive exterior adorn- 
ments. Its hospitality also is one of its most 
pleasing features. 

Mr. Conrad, as shown by his life work, stands 
for good citizenship, for substantial progress in 
community affairs, for business integrity as well 
as activity and for championship of those measures 
which directly affect the general interests of soci- 
ety. He has in his business career advanced from 
a humble clerkship to rank with the leading mer- 
chants of the county and has maintained a most 
enviable record, never incurring an obligation that 
he has not met nor making an engagement that 
he has not kept. He enjoys the full respect of his 
business contemporaries and justly merits his 
prosperity. 



JAY N. GRAY. 

Among the native sons of Bureau county who 
have always retained their residence here and 
have found in its business conditions the oppor- 
tunities which they have sought for advancement 
and success is numbered Jay N. Gray, an enter- 
prising farmer of Dover township. His birth oc- 
curred in Princeton on the 20th of July, 1852, 
and he was one of a family of four sons and two 
daughters, of whom four wore born in the Empire 
state and two in Illinois. ITis parents wore 
Nathan and ]\Teriba]i Woodmansee (Brown) Gray, 
who w-ere married at Hamilton, New York, Decem- 
ber 19, 1836. The father was born in Madison 
county. New York. April 8, 1812, and the mother's 
birth occiirred in Hamilton, the same county. May 
11, 1817. They became residents of Illinois in 
1846, settling in Princeton, wliere Mr. Gray con- 
ducted a general store. Later he was in partner- 
ship with Jnlm Dodge in the same business and at 
one time was postmaster of Princeton. In the 
spring of 1852 he purchased a farm of ten hun- 
dred and forty acres in Westfield township. Bureau 
county, whereon he and his wife spent their re- 
maining days, her death occ\irring in 1882, while 
he survived until Scpteinber, 1892. 

Jay N. Gray, supplementing his early educa- 
tional privileges, became a student in the high 



school of Peru, Illinois, from wliich he was grad- 
uated in 1869 and later completed a course in 
Quincy Business College by graduation in 1872. 
About that time a good position was offered him 
in a wholesale house. He wrote to his father ask- 
ing his advice and in reply received a letter telling 
him to return home and work on the farm. This 
he did and he has never regretted it. In 1891 
he purchased two hundred and twenty-five acres 
of the old homestead, where he lived until 1900 
and the following year removed to his present farm 
of two hundred and forty acres. This is now a 
very valuable property, worth one hundred and 
seventy-five dollars per acre. The difference in 
land values is readily seen by the fact that fifty- 
four years ago his father purchased the old home- 
stead farm for a dollar and a quarter per acre. 
'Mt. Gray has labored persistently and earnestly in 
the management of his farm, which he has placed 
under a high state of cultivation, raising the cere- 
als best adapted to soil and climate as well as good 
grades of stock. The farm is neat and thrifty in 
appearance and good harvests are annually gar- 
nered as a result of the care and attention which 
he bestows upon the fields. 

Mr. Gray was married in Arlington, Illinois, 
September "l9, 1878, to Miss Vista C. Dodge, who 
was born December 31, 1853, a daughter of Henry 
and Jane C. (Chambers) Dodge, the former born 
in North Brookfield, Massachusetts, August 3, 
1823, and the latter in Ohio, January 12, 1834. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gray have become the parents of 
four children: Vara, born ]\Iarch 16, 1883 : Jean, 
November 5, 1888: Ava, April 6, 1891; and Sid- 
ney J., July 9, 1898. 

Politically Mr. Gray is a republican, not active 
in the work of the party yet stanch in his belief in 
its principles. He is serving as school director, 
liut has never been an office seeker. He attends 
the Congregational church in Princeton, but is not 
a member and he is identified with no secret 
societies. His time and energies have been de- 
voted to the farm and he is justly classed with the 
leading and representative agriculturists of this 
part of the state. 



BEX.IA.MIN SEY.MORE Wll.lJA.MS. 
Benjamin Seymore Williams, a representative of 
the grain trade in Bureau county, now operating 
extensively along that line at Shelllold. was born 
.\pril 4, 1867. in the city which is still his l)ome. 
his parent.« being Benjamin Frenklin and Afar- 
garct Catherine Williams, mention of whom is 
made elsewhere in this volume. At the usual age 
he entered the public schools and passed through 
successive grades until lie had completed the high- 
school course by graduation. He then attended 
the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Illinois, 
and enforod business with his father in 1888, when 
a voung Tuan nf twentv-one vears under the firm 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUREAU t'OUXTY. 



223 



style of B. F. Williams & Son, dealers in grain 
and coal. They owned an elevator and made ex- 
tensive purchases and shipments of grain, also had 
a good local market in the coal trade. At the 
death of his father, which occurred in 1894, tht 
name of the firm was changed to B. S. Williams 
& Company and under this style business is still 
carried on, the firm being prominent in connection 
witli the grain trade in Bureau county. 

Jlr. Williams is a man of broad business capac- 
ity and enterprise and has not confined his efforts 
to one line but has extended his labors to various 
fields of activity, in all of which his sound judg- 
ment and wise counsel have been resultant factors 
in winning success. He was one of the organizers 
of the Sheffield Electric Light Company and acted 
as secretary, treasurer and manager until 1903. 
He is still one of its stockholders and directors. 
He is likewise a director in the Sheffield Opera 
House Company and holds a financial interest 11 
the elevator of D. H. Humphreys & Company at 
Atkinson. 

On the 15th of October, 1890, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Williams and Miss Chloe B. 
Humphreys, a daughter of Henry P. Humphreys, 
of Sheffield. They have one child, Martha Cather- 
ine, born in this city. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Williams is a 
member of Ames lodge, No. 142, A. P. & A. M., 
of Sheffield; Princeton chapter, No. 28, R. A. M., 
and Princeton commandery. No. 20, K. T., and 
the Modern Woodmen of America and his re- 
ligious affiliation is with the Unitarian church. 
His entire life has been passed in Sheffield, so 
that he is widely known here and the consensus of 
public opinion regarding his business record and 
his private life are alike favorable, so that he is 
accorded a prominent place in public regard. 



EDWARD RAYMOND BRYANT. 

Edward Raymond Bryant, deceased, was for 
many years numbered among the successful farm- 
ers and stock-raisers of Bureau county and the 
name of Bryant has stood as a synonym for all 
that is honorable in citizenship and in private life 
from an early period in the development of this 
county, while the ancestral history is of close and 
honorable connection with the annals of New 
England. Edward R. Bryant was the eldest son 
of Colonel Austin Bryant, who in turn was the 
eldest son of Dr. Peter Bryant and the brother 
of William C'ullpn Bryant, New England's distin- 
guished poet. William Cullen Bryant was born in 
the old Snell house in ]\rassachusotts and it was at 
tlie C'uinmingtoii jihiee that the birth of Edward R. 
Bryant occurred. His father, Austin Bryant, was 
born in 1793 and came to Bureau county, Illinois, 
in 183.'). He built a house on the place where his 
son's widow now resides and occupied that primi- 
tive home one winter without doors or windows. 



He shared in the arduous task of reclaiming a wild 
and unimproved region for the purposes of civil- 
ization and aided in laying broad and deep the 
foundation upon which has been built the super- 
structure of the present prosperity and progress 
of the county. He was a member of the Presby- 
terian church and his entire life was actuated by 
honorable, manly principles. He died in the year 
1866. 

Edward R. Bryant, born November 2, 1823, 
came to the west when only ten years of age with 
his parents and was reared to manhood upon the 
old family homestead in this county. This was 
about 1835 and from that time forward until 
called to his final rest he was a resident of Bu- 
reau county. He was reared to the occupation of 
farming, which he followed as a life work, becom- 
ing one of the progressive and prosperous agricul- 
turists of his community. His early training in 
the fields served him to good purpose when he 
began farming on his own account and all through 
his connection with business life he displayed 
energy and determination, which are very essential 
concomitants to success. He died on the old 
homestead where his father had lived many years 
before departing this life November 10, 1881. 

In early manhood Edward R. Bryant had mar- 
ried Miss Eleanor McDuffie, who was born Janu- 
ary 21, 1832, in Cameron, Steuben county. New 
York, and is a graduate of Alfred University. 
Her father, Isaac McDuffie, was born September 
1, 1803, on the Hudson river in the Empire state 
qnd was a son of William and Jane (Van ]\Iiddles. 
worth) McDuffie. His early life was spent in a 
village in Schoharie county, New York, where he 
secured a good common-school education and later 
at Sloansville in Montgomery county, New York, 
he learned the trade of a blacksmith with Walter 
B. Sloan. Subsequently he started west, finally 
locating at Addison, Steuben county, and after- 
ward at Cameron in the same county, where he 
opened a shop of his own. 

Mr. McDuffie married Miss Cynthia Baker on 
the 10th of March, 1829. She was born in Athens, 
Pennsylvania, March 16, 1804, and was a daughter 
of Samuel and Esther (Fields) Baker, who re- 
moved to Cameron, New York, when slie was about 
twentv years of age. By occupation her father was 
a miller, lumberman and merchant and was al- 
ways known as Captain Baker, for ho won his title 
by service in the Revolutionary war. He also 
served in the war of 1812, was captured by the 
Bri'ish and taken to Sacketts Harbor. He was 
held as a prisoner for eighteen months or until 
peace was restored. His son Urbane had been 
drafted for .service in the second war with Eng- 
land, but the father, thinking he was too young 
for militarv duty, took his place and fnitlifully 
served in that struggle. His eldest son. Daniel, 
was also drafted and was commiss'oncd as lieu- 
tenant in the American army. Mr. 'MrDuffie con- 
tinued to reside in Cameron, New York, until 



224 



PAST AND I'HESENT OF lUJKEAU COUNTY. 



1855 and was engaged in blacksniithing, wagon- 
making and in the lumber business. He also be- 
came connected with the New York & Erie Kail- 
road as a machinist, furnished much of the iron 
work for the railroad company and succeeded in 
accumulating considerable property as the result 
of his carefully managed business interests. How- 
ever, he met financial reverses through the failure 
of the Blossburg & Corning branch of the railroad 
at the time when the company was owing to him a 
large sum of money. Being thus left in rather 
limited financial circumstances he sought to re- 
trieve his lost possessions in the middle west and 
brought his family to Concord township, Bureau 
county, Illinois, where he bought one hundred 
and sixty acres of land from his father-in-law, who 
died in 1851. From Cameron they traveled by 
rail to Dunkirk, New York, thence by way of the 
lakes to Detroit, on to New Buffalo, Michigan, 
and from that point by boat to Chicago^ whence 
they made their way to Earl vi lie. Hlinois. In 
Lee county they spent the fall of 1853 while a 
house was being built for them on the farm in 
Concord township. Bureau county. ^Ir. ilcDufifie 
afterward gave his time and energy to general 
agricultural pursuits and made his liome in this 
county until his death, which occurred January 
10, 1898. He had a family of four sons and 
three daughters, namely: Mrs. Bryant; Valeda 
E., William Henry, Anna E., John V., James M. 
and Samuel A. The McDuffies are descendants 
of King Kenneth McDufhe, of Scotland, in which 
country the family was very prominent. The 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Bryant w-as blessed with 
five children, four sons and a daughter: James, 
who is now living in Chicago; William Austin, 
who resides on a farm near Tiskilwa, Illinois ; 
Edward Archer and Frederick Raymond, both liv- 
ing on the old houie place ; and ]\rai-ie, tlic wife of 
D. K. Middleton, of Birmingliam. Alabama. 

Edward R. Bryant was a farmer and prominent 
stock-raiser, who raised good horses and bought, 
sold and shipped cattle. His business interests 
were carefully conducted and he was ever watch- 
ful of the opportunities leading to success. In 
all his undertakings he was never known to take 
advantage of the necessity of liis fellowmen in any 
business transaction, his integrity and honor 
standing as unquestioned facts in his career. He 
was a man of firm character, true to his honest 
beliefs under all conditions and he never faltered 
in carrying out a given plan which he had made 
for himself. He was one of the honoreil jiioneer 
residents of the county, wliere he located with the 
family the year following the Black Hawk war. 
Everv evidence of frontier life was to be seen 
in this portion of the state and as the years passed 
by Afr. Bryant bore his sliare in the arduous task 
of development and improvement. When he was 
called to his final rest his death was deeply de- 
plored by many friends, for his life had been of 
such signal service ami usefulness that ho was 



classed with the representative and valued resi- 
dents of Bureau county. 

Mrs. Bryant, still surviving her husband and 
living on the old homestead farm on section 33, 
Princeton township, belongs to a family of equally 
remote and honorable ancestry as her husband. 
She is a member of the Episcopal church and she 
has in her possession a bible that was bought by 
her husliand's grandfather in 1803, it being now a 
valued heirloom in the familv. 



EDWARD H. BROOKS. 

Edward H. Brooks, at one time connected with 
the grain trade in Wyanet and now a stockholder 
in the Farmers Bank of Princeton, and one of 
tbe charter members of the same, is practically 
living retired in Wyanet, having passed the eighty- 
second milestone on life's journey. He was born 
near Philadelphia, at Newtown, Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania, February 29, 1824, a son of Will- 
iam and Mary ( Worthington) Brooks, who were 
likewise natives of the Keystone state. The father 
was born September 3, 1793, and died June 9, 
188v), while his wife passed away August 8, 
1850, at the age of fifty-two years. They 
were the parents of fifteen children. The mater- 
nal ancestors of our subject were among the early 
(Juaker settlers of Bucks county, Pennsylvania. 

IvUvard H. Brooks, educated in the public 
schools of the Keystone state, remained in his na- 
tive county until 1850, when he became a resi- 
dent of Belmont county, Ohio. On April 16, 1851, 
he came to Bureau county, Illinois, where he has 
now resided for more than a half century. His 
occupation in early life was that of farming, in 
wiiich ])ursuit he continued for two years after 
bis arrival in this county. He also worked on 
the railroad to some extent and when the Chi- 
ciigo, liurlington & Quincy Railroad was com- 
pleted to Princeton he began dealing in grain at 
that place, continuing in business there until 
1860, when he removed to Wyanet, where he pur- 
chased grain until 1880. He then sold out and 
retired from active life, since wdiich time he has 
enjoyed well merited and well earned rest, merely 
giving his supervision to his landed interests, for 
in former years he had made judicious and ex- 
tensive investments in property. He owns one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in Iowa and has 
a fine home on ^lain street, in Wyanet, where he 
resides. 

His sister, Mrs. Susanna (Brooks) Trego, lives 
with him. She is the widow of Cyrus Trego, and 
in tbe spring of 18C5 she removed from Pennsyl- 
vania to Jlercer county, Illinois, where her hus- 
band died in December, 1865, In 1867 she came 
to Wyanet and has since made her home with her 
brother. She has two children: Ellen, the wife 
of William .\. Weaver, of Wyanet; and Edwin A., 
(if .rdliet, lllinnis, and she also has tw^o grand- 




EDWAED H. BROOKS. 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUKEAU CorX'I'V 



Til: 



children. The Trego family is one of the oldest 
of Pennsylvania, for the progenitor of the family 
in this country was Peter Trego, who came to 
America w^ith the Penn colony. 

lu his political views Mr. Brooks is a repub- 
lican, deeply interested in politics and his lirst 
presidential ballot was cast for Fremont, He is 
a venerable citizen, active and energetic in his 
busine.-s affairs in former years and now enjoying 
a well earned rest, which has come to him as a 
reward of well directed and honorable labor. He 
commands the respect of all with whom he has 
come in contact and he is classed with the men 
of enterprise, who, in the middle of the nine- 
teenth century, were the founders and builders of 
the county's prosperity and progress. 



WILLIAM A. BUKNETT. 

William A. Burnett, president of the village 
board of Neponset, is one of the native sons of the 
county, whose life record is so well known that 
he needs no special introduction to the readers of 
this volume. He was born three miles south of 
the village. May 11, 1863, his parents being 
Abraham and Eliza (Gunning) Burnett. The 
father was born in Sutton, St. Nicholas, Here- 
fordshire, England, May 18, 1834, and was one 
of a family of ten children, five sons and five 
daughters. His mother's death occurred in Eng- 
land, June 16, 1875, when she was sixty-six years 
of age, while the father died January 7, 1891, at 
the age of eighty-six j'ears. Of their family four 
sons and one daughter came to America, while the 
surviving members of the family are: William 
Burnett, of Hazelton, Kansas ; Henry of Neponset ; 
Mrs. John Eeynolds, of Gold township ; Mrs. 
Thomas Nash, of Birmingham, England ; and 
Mrs. John Gaines, of Herefordshire. England. 

Abraham Burnett spent the days of liis boy- 
hood in his native country, and on the 6th of 
April, 1857, when in his twenty-fourth year, left 
his old home for the new world, arriving in Iowa 
City, Iowa, in May. He worked in that locality 
during tlie summer, and in the fall removed to 
Illinois. He was engaged in farming in the vicin- 
ity of Neponset, Sheffield and of Buda for many 
years. On the 1st of March, 1862, he wedded 
Elizabeth Gunning, who was born near the town 
of Porta Ferry in County Down, Ireland, Febru- 
ary 24, 1830, and was the fourth in a family of 
thirteen children. She came to the United States 
in 1854 and for two years resided in the vicinity 
of Greenbush, near Troy, New York. In the 
spring of 1856, in company with her brother John 
and his family, she came to Illinois and for six 
years lived in the vicinity of Neponset, Osceola 
and W^cathorsfield. 

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Burnett 
lived upon a farm for four years and then took 
up their abode in Neponset, where for fourteen 



years he followed tiie butcher's trade. In 1881, 
however, he practically retired from active life 
and lived quietly at his home in the village until 
he passed away November 6, 1904. In the fun- 
eral services Eev. H. L. Hartwell spoke of him as 
a tireless worker, a man ahvays loyal to his friends, 
a great lover of home and devoted to his wife and 
family. He was a member of the Episcopal 
church. His wife survived until October 7, 1905, 
but for more than four years had been in impaired 
health. The same friends who had ofliciated as 
pallbearers at her husband's funeral performed the 
same office for her, and tlie same quartette sang 
the hymns. The remains of both were laid to rest 
in Floral Hill cemetery. They had two children, 
William and Mary, both of whom survive. The 
father was for one year president of the village 
board of Neponset and was always interested in 
the progress and upbuilding of the town. 

At the usual age William A. Burnett began his 
education in the public schools, passing through 
successive grades until he completed the high- 
school course. On the 2d of October, 1882, he 
entered the employ of the firm of Russell & 
Thompson, general merchants, with whom he re- 
mained for a year, when Mr. Russell died and the 
firm became Thompson & Lyford. Mr. Burnett 
continued to act as clerk for two years thereafter 
and since 1885 has been engaged in business as a 
carpenter and painter, in which connection he has 
had a liberal patronage because of the excellent 
work which he does and his promptne.'s in execut- 
ing the terms of a contract. 

He is regarded as an independent in politics 
and has been honored with a number of offices of 
public trust. He was elected village clerk in 1887 
and held that office for fourteen years, afterward 
serving as trustee for two years. In the spring of 
1905 he was elected president of the village board, 
wliich office he is now filling, giving to the town 
a progressive administration, indicative of his de- 
votion to the public good. 



W. J. McELEOY. 

W. J. McElroy, proprietor of one of the best 
livery and feed barns in Bureau county, Illinois, 
was born on a farm in Indiantown township, this 
cnunty, February 8, 1857, and he is now the owner 
of that properl^'. His father, James McElroy, 
was a pioneer of thi,« county, arriving in 183S after 
his emigration from Ireland to the new world. 
His wife was also a native of Ireland and both 
were of Scotch-Irish descent. The father became 
a successful farmer, managing business interests 
so capablv and energetically that prosperitv re- 
sulted. He was married twice and was the father 
of eight children. 

Under the parental roof W. J. l\IcElroy was 
reared and early became familiar with the best 
methods of carrving on farm work. He was edu- 



228 



P^ST AND PKESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



eated in the public schools and since 1900 has been 
engaged in tlie liven' business, conducting one of 
the best livery and feed barns in Bureau county. 
He keeps fine driving horses and has a complete 
line of buggies, surreys and hacks and also has 
automobiles to hire. The barn is located at No. 
43s Main street and he resides on East Peru 
street, where he owns a nice home. He is also 
extensively engaged in the real estate business, 
buying and selling land in Kansas, Missouri, Iowa 
and Illinois, and is regarded as one of the most 
enterprising, active and energetic business men of 
Princeton or Bureau county. In his barn he keeps 
about twenty horses always on hand and he has a 
liberal patronage. 

In 1893 Jlr. ilcElroy was married to Miss Em- 
ma Yerrington, of Princeton, and they have two 
daughters, Cecil May and Pearl Marie. Mr. Mc- 
Elroy votes with the republican party and keeps 
well informed on the questions and issues of the 
day, although he has never been an active politi- 
cian in the sense of office seeking. He belongs to 
the Ma.'=onic fraternity, in which he has taken the 
degrees of the lodge, chapter, council and com- 
mandery, while he and his wife are affiliated with 
the Eastern Star. He is also a member of Ton- 
naluka lodge. No. 89, I. 0. 0. F., of which he is 
a past noble grand. He is one of the pleasant and 
accommodating business men of Princeton, well 
liked by all, possesses good business qualities and 
although not a strong man physically he has great 
energy and determination which has won for him 
a creditable and enviable position in business cir- 
cles. 



J. K. HOPKIXS. 
J. K. Hopkins, one of the foremost residents 
of Princeton, whose position in public regard is 
indicated by his election to the office of mayor 
in April, 190"), this fact standing also in incon- 
trovertible evidence of a progre-^sive, practical, 
business-like administration, receiving the en- 
dorsement of the majority of his fellow towns- 
men — was born in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, August 
9, 1846. His father, James .J. Hopkins, was a 
native of Marietta, Pennsylvania, born February 
24, 1815, and was married on the 2d of April, 
1840, to Miss Jane Cook, who was born Novem- 
ber 11, 1818, near Harper's Ferry, Virginia. Her 
parents were John and Jane (Armstrong) Cook, 
natives of Ireland but of Scotch descent. In the 
family of Mr. and Mrs. James J. Hopkins were 
seven children : Joseph C. : I^orcnzo D. ; James 
K.. of this review ; Mrs. Irene Morgan, living in 
Dixon, Illinois ; Mrs. Alice A. Davis, of Spokane. 
Washington ; Mrs. Jennie T. Shirk, of Kansas 
City, Missouri : and William D. Hopkins. About 
1847 the father removed with his family from 
Pennsylvania to Ohio, where he lived for six years, 
and in June, 18.")3, came to Bureau county, Illi- 
nois, settling upon a farm where he resided un- 



til a few years prior to his death, when he re- 
tired from business life. He then established his 
home in La iioille, where he spent his remaining 
days, both he and his wife having now passed 
away. 

James K. Hopkins largely acquired his educa- 
tion in the schools of Bureau count}', having ac- 
companied his parents <>u their removal to this 
state when a youth of seven years. He was reared 
to the occupation of farming and assisted in the 
labors of the fields until after the call was issued 
lor more troops to defend the stars and stripes. 
Although but seventeen years of age he offered his 
services to the government and became a mem- 
ber of the Fifty-second Eegimeut of Illinois Vol- 
unteers, joining Company B. He served for two 
years and five months and participated in many 
engagements. He also went with Sherman on 
tlie famous march to the sea and when the war 
was over received an honorable discharge and 
returned to his home. Later he crossed the plains 
to Nevada, where he became a railroad man, de- 
voting sixteen years of his life to that occupation 
in the capacity of a conductor. He rendered valu- 
able service and was very fortunate while on the 
road in escaping all accidents or injuries. In 
.\ugust, 1883, he returned to Bureau county and 
after about a year spent in La ^loille located in 
Princeton, where he has since made his home. 
Here he has lived retired from business cares. 
He has landed interests in Illinois and also ex- 
tensive realty holdings in Indiana. Iowa and Texas 
in additional to a beautiful home on Soutli Church 
street in Princeton, and the income from his prop- 
erty provides him with a very comfortable living. 
In April. 1893, he was elected mayor of Princeton 
on the license ticket and has since been continued 
in the office through successive re-elections, a fact 
which indicates his personal popularity and the 
unqualified confidence and trust reposed in him 
by his fellowmen — a trust that has never been be- 
trayed, for he stands in his administration for 
reform and improvement, for the material up- 
building of the city and for all those interests 
which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic 
pride, ilany tangible evidences of his progressive- 
ness can he cited that have worked for the direct 
benefit of Princeton and he may well be termed 
"Princeton's most popular mayor." He has also 
been a member of the state board of agriculture 
:-ince 1900. He belongs to the Grand Army of- 
the Republic, Perinen's Hill Post of La Moille, 
and in tlie ]\lasonic fraternity has attained the 
Kjiight Ternplnr degree. He is likewise a mem- 
ber of (he Order of Eailrond Conductors of the 
United States. 

On the 19th of February, 1879, Mr. Hopkins 
was married in Chicago to Miss Frances Martin, 
who was born in Bureau county, June 11, 18.52, 
r; daughter of William and Jane (Moore) Martin, 
both now deceased. Jlrs. Hopkins was called 
from this life August 19. 1896, and on the ?Oth 








'\yinn^^\'X^ 




PAST AXD TOESEXT OF F.U[;EAr ('OIX'I'V 



■^:il 



of July, 1898, Mr. Hopkins marriud Miss Mary 
Virginia Boggs, who was born Septuiuber 1, 1865, 
near Wheeling, West A'irgiuia, a daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. A. C. Boggs. Mrs. Hopkins came to 
Princeton in 1868 with her parents and was edu- 
cated in the city schools, being a graduate of the 
Princeton high school. She was secretary of the 
public library of the city for several j'ears and 
was a lady of rare intelligence and culture. Sh:? 
died July 16, 1906, leaving a daughter, Virginia 
J., who was born December 1, 1S99. Mrs. Hop- 
kins" father died in 1896 and her mother is still 
living, her home being in Princeton. 

ilr. Hopkins, while a stalwart champion of the 
democracy, has never been bitterly aggressive. 
On the contrary he is a broad-minded man. who 
has kept in touch with the trend of modern 
thought and progress and whose position on any 
question of local, state or national importance is 
a matter of conviction rattier than of bias. He 
actively interests himself in public affairs and 
participates earnestly in any effort to propagate 
a spirit of patriotism and of loyalty to American 
institutions and wherever there is a public-spirited 
attempt to drive corruption or unworthiness out 
of public office he is to be found working with 
the leaders of the movement. His own official 
service leaves no room for question as to his ability 
or his devotion to the ironeral sjood. 



JESSE A. PERRY. 

Jesse A. Perry is a member of the firm of 
Perry Brothers, dealers in general merchandise in 
^lalden, and his enterprise and public spirit make 
him a valued re.sident of the village. He was 
born in Claysville, Ohio, December 26, 184?, and 
has been a resident of Illinois since the 1st of 
November, 1869, coming here when a young man 
of twenty-three years. His parents were John and 
Martha (Young) Perry. His father M-as born in 
Belmont county, Ohio, June 17, 1809, and de- 
parted this life January 1. 1877, while his wife, 
who was born July 4, 1809, survived him for 
about five years and passed away ilarch 26. 1882. 
Their children were as follows: William B., who 
was born January 2, 1837, and died February 6, 
18.')3: Mary J., who was born February 1, 1839, 
and died August 4, 1844; Emilv C, who was 
born Januarv 17, 1841, and died June 14, 1880; 
John W., born Julv 19. 1843; Jesse A., of this 
review; and Anna M., boi'n July 23, 1850. 

Jesse A. Perry was reared in the state of his 
nativity and is indebted to its public-school sys- 
tem lor the educational privileges he enjoyed. 
Wlicn in his twenty-third year lie came to Bureau 
county and in Die winter of 1869-70 taught school 
in Maiden, where he now resides. Tn the latter 
vear he embarked in general merchandising and 
has since continued in business, the present firm 
of Perrv Brotliers beinfr one of the strong com- 



mercial combinations of the town. They carry a 
good stock suited to the demands of a general 
patronage, and their business methods are strictly 
fair and honorable, so that they now have a liberal 
and constantly growing patronage. 

On the 17th of October, 187"7, Mr. Perry was 
married to Miss Julia Rackley at Maiden. She 
was born in this town, June 7, 1857, a daughter 
of George and Calisla (Abell) Rackley. Her 
father was born in Orange, Vermont, November 
2, 1821, and is still living. Her mother, however, 
passed away March 8, 1899. She was born in 
Alden, New York, October 14, 1822, and was 
therefore in her seventy-seventh year when she 
departed this life. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Perry was blessed with one son, George N., who 
was born August 21, 1880, but they were called 
upon to mourn his loss on the 23d of August, 
1889. 

Mr. Perry is a prominent Mason, belonging to 
Bureau lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M. ; to Prince- 
ton cliapter. No. 28, R. A. il. ; and Princeton 
connnandcrv. No. 20, K. T. He is also a member 
of Ci-ystal Fount lodge. No. 547, 1. 0. 0. F., and 
the Rebekah lodge. No. 185. For twenty years 
he has held membership in the t'ongregational 
church, with which his wife is also identified, and 
in its work they are deeply interested and eon- 
tribute generously to its support. In his political 
views Mr. Perry is a republican and his fidelity 
in citizenship has been shown in his capable service 
in various offices. He served for twelve years as 
township clerk, as supervisor for six years, and for 
thirty-two years has been township treasurer. 
Maiden claims him as one of its most prominent 
and representative citizens and in the community 
where he resides he stands for all that is best and 
most effective in the material, intellectual and 
moral progress of the community. 



J. W. HAMRICK. 

J. W. Hamrick is a prominent representative of 
livestock interests in Wyanct and his extensive 
purchases and sales as well as shipments m;d<e him 
a leading business man of this ]iart of the country. 
He is a member of the firm of Ham lick it Brown, 
buyers of hogs, and also of the iirm of Ilamrick & 
Son, buyers and shippers of cattle, horses, mules 
and hogs. For a quarter of a century he has car- 
lioil (III business in Wyanct with the result that 
his intense and well directed activity has made 
him a prosperous resident liere. He was born 
liere in 1855, and is a son of James Hann'ick, one 
of the early settlers of Bureau county, who in 
pioneer times came from Ohio and established his 
liome in this jiart of the state. The year of his 
arrival was 1S35 and he settled near Wyanet, 
where he followed farming, owning tliri'e hundred 
and twenty acres of ricli and productive land. 



232 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



pleasantly situated a mile and a half east of the 
village. In the family were two sons, J. C. Ham- 
rick being now retired in Princeton. 

J. W. Hamrifk, educated in the public schools 
of Wvanet town.ship, early became familiar with 
the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the 
agriculturist and operated the old home farm until 
1902. when he removed to the village of Wyanet, 
where he has since lived. His identification with 
business interests here make him one of the lead- 
ing live-stock dealers of this part of the state, as 
he makes large annual purcliases and shipments of 
hogs, cattle, horses and mules, being an active 
member of the two firms of Hamrick & Brown and 
Hamrick & Son. He is an excellent judge of 
stock, being seldom at error in his estimation of 
the value of farm animals. 

Mr. Hamrick was married in 1873 to Miss 
Mary L. Wyatt, and they had eight children. Bert 
is engaged in the livery business in Wyanet and 
also pays particular attention to handling horses 
and mules, disposing of a large number each year. 
In his livery barn he has a fine line of rigs, all 
being rubber tired, and a libeml patronage is 
accorded him in the stable. Ella is the wife of 
C. W. Weaver, a druggist of Wyanet. Vital M. is 
engaged in the live-stock business with his father. 
Edith is deceased. Lorenzo is living in Wyanet. 
Junida is the wife of John Ramp, a resident of 
Galesburg; Rachel and Gladys are at home. 

Mr. Hamrick votes with the republican party 
and has served as assistant school director and in 
other office? to which he has been called by his 
fellow townsmen, for the duties of these positions 
are discharged with a faithfulness and fidelity that 
indicate his public spirit and his capability. In 
the jNIasonic fraternity he has become a member of 
the lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine and 
he is also identified through membership relations 
with the Knights of Pythias and the Modern 
Woodmen of America. Alert and enterprising he 
is watchful of business opportunities, which he 
readily recognizes and utilizes, and he is today 
conducting an extensive trade as a buyer and 
shipper of live stock, meeting with merited and 
gratifying euccess in his undertakings. 



MTC'H.VEL SKEFFINGTON. 

Michael SkelHngton engaged in farming in Ber- 
lin township, has been very prominent and influ- 
ential in community affairs and for about twenty- 
three years was a member of the board of super- 
visors of Westficld township. With keen insight 
into conditions that nuiy ho efTcctcd tiirouiili the 
discharge of the duties of a public office he has 
so labored that his efforts have been of direct 
good and he is regarded as one of the leaders of 
the democratic party in Bureau county. 

Mr. Skcffington, whose life record began in 
Ciinada on tlic' l.Mh of Octolier, 1837, is a son of 



Patrick and Nora (Stackpole) Skeifington, both 
natives of Ireland. In the year 18.30 tlie family 
came to Bureau county, arriving on the Ist of 
October, and a location was made about two 
miles east of Arlington, wiiere the father engaged 
in farming. 

Michael Sketlington began his education in the 
public schools of his native country and continued 
his studies in the district schools of Westfield 
township. Coming with his parents to Bureau 
county, he worked tor Ins father until twenty-seven 
years of age, and then started out upon an inde- 
pendent business career, since which time he has 
made his way unaided in life, and has achieved a 
gratifying measure of success through his unre- 
mitting diligence and perseverance. Allowing no 
obstacle to brook his path if it could be over- 
come by determined and honorable effort, he has 
steadily advanced toward the goal of prosperity 
and is now one of the substantial residents of the 
county, his landed possessions comprising three 
hundred and seventy-seven acres all in one farm 
and valued at two hundred dollars per acre. His 
residence, a beautiful modern dwelling, is ap- 
proached by two broad driveways bordered on 
either side with fine shade trees. Here Mr. Skef- 
fington has lived for three years, and during that 
time has made substantial improvements upon 
the place, which add materially to its value and 
attractive appearance. 

On the 5th of March. 1867, Mr. Skeffington 
was married to Miss Elizabeth Coakley, who was 
horn October 3, 1850. a daughter of Cornelius 
and Mary Ann (Hogan) Coakley. both natives of 
the Emerald Isle, the father born in the County 
Cork and the mother in County Tipperary. 
Thev became residents of Bureau county. Illinois, 
in the '30s, when the work of settlement had 
scarcely been begun. Mr. Coakley was a partner 
of Daniel Webster in the stock business, and was 
a leading and influential resident here during the 
period of the county's early development. He 
died July 1, 1859, at the age of fifty-nine years, 
while his wife, who long survived him, passed 
away December 8, 1885. in the seventy-eighth year 
of her age. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Skeffington have been born 
thirteen children: Elenora. who died January 11. 
1SG9: Jolm L., who is now married and lives in 
Kewanee. Illinois; Patrick, who resides upon the 
old home place; Theresa, the wife of Michael 
Kennedy, of Chicago; Elizabeth, Nellie, Joseph 
C, James .V., Cleophu? W., all at home; Harry, 
who died January 11, 1895; Genevieve, Sylvester 
and Williiiin A., who are also under the parental 
roof. 

The parents are members of the First C-itholic 
cluirch of Arlington, .nnd Air. Skeffington is a 
democrat in his politicnl views. He has long heen 
recognized ^s •) leader in political circles, and 
has done efl^ective service for the public at larce 
through twentv-three vears' connection witli the 




MICHAEL SKEFFINGTON 



i 



PAST AMI) riiESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



board of supervisors in Westfield townsliip. For 
twelve _years he was school treasurer of Westfield 
township, and is now a school director in Berlin 
township. The cause of education finds in him a 
very warm and stalwart champion and he has done 
everything in his power to advance the interests 
of the schools in this jjart of the state. At one 
time he was a candidate for nomination as state 
representative, but witlidrew before the balloting 
was completed. In his business and public life 
he has displayed much of the versatility and ready 
adaptability of his Irish ancestry, and at the same 
time he is a thoroughly loyal American citizen 
with deep attachment for the institutions of this 
country. 



GEOEGE WEBB BOYDEN. 

George Webb Boyden, of Shettield, the extent 
and importance of whose commercial and financial 
interests make him one of the leading business 
men of this section of the state, has manifested in 
his career a spirit of enterprise that has placed 
him with that class of representative Americans 
who, while promoting individual success, also ad- 
vance the general prosperity and progress. His 
name figures in connection with various banking 
and commercial concerns and he is honored and 
respected by all, not only by reason of the success 
which he has achieved but also by reason of the 
straightforward business methods that he has ever 
followed. It is true that he entered upon a busi- 
ness already established, but in enlarging and de- 
veloping this and in extending the scope of his 
activities many a man of less resolute spirit or 
of narrower vision would have failed. On the con- 
trary he has attained a broader outlook by each 
forward step that he has made and his record 
proves that success is not a matter of genius, as 
held by many, but the outcome of clear judgment, 
experience and indefatigable industry. 

llr. Boyden was born January 3, 1858, in Shef- 
field, son of Albert W. Boyden, of whom mention 
is made on another page of this volume, and, 
entering the public schools, passed through suc- 
cessive grades until he had completed the high- 
school course, when he joined his father in the 
conduct of a bank and general mercantile store. 
In 1881 the firm was known as Boyden & Dewey 
and in 1884 it became A. W. Boyden & Son. 
They organized a company, established a bank and 
erected the bank building at Annawan in 1899. 
After conducting this for a time they sold out. 
but bought it again in 1906. In 1902 they or- 
ganized the bank of Linden & Boyden at Buda, 
Illinois, and they also hold controlling interests in 
the firm of E. J. Ely & Company, proprietors of 
a general store, a bank and a grain and lumber 
business at Mineral. They are likewise financially 
interested in a grain and lumber business at Buda, 
in the firm of H. E. Curtis & Company of Tis- 
kilwa, the firm of J. C. Dewey & Company, grain 



merchants at .Vnnawan, and of F. G. Lindner & 
Company, dealers in grain and lumber at Buda. A. 
W. Boyden was also secretary and treasurer of the 
Sheffield Mining Company for a number of years, 
after which George W. Boyden was elected to the 
same position and was manager as well until they 
closed the mines in 1901. Mr. Boyden of this 
review was organizer of the Sheffield Electric 
Light Company, of which he was formerly presi- 
dent and is now vice-president. He is a man of 
resourceful business ability, alert and enterpris- 
ing, and through the utilization of his opportuni- 
ties has become possessed of widely extended and 
important business interests, which make him a 
foremost factor in trade and financial circles of 
Bureau county and this section of the state. 

In June, 1881, was celebrated the marriage of 
George Webb Boyden and Miss Ella Wiser, of Eock 
Island, -and imto them has been born a son, Albert 
Wiser Boyden, on the 12th of December, 1883. 
In Masonry Mr. Boyden has attained the KJnight 
Templar degree, being a member of Ames lodge, 
No. 143, A. F. & A. M., of Sheffield; Princeton 
chapter. No. 28, E. A. M. ; and Princeton com- 
mandery, No. 20, K. T., of Princeton. He is 
treasurer of the Congregational church, in which 
he holds membership, and his activity extends to 
various material, intellectual, fraternal and moral 
interests of his native town, his co-operation be- 
ing an element in advancement along all these 
lines which have had direct bearing upon the city's 
growth and progress. Various towns of this por- 
tion of the state have benefited by his labors in a 
business capacity and as the real promoters and 
iipbuilders of a community are the men who are 
at the head of leading industrial, commercial and 
financial interests Mr. Boyden in this connectioii 
is deserving of prominent mention. 



FEED LEIGH TUCKEE. 

Fred Leigh Tucker, owner and proprietor of 
the Mail and Express, a weekly paper edited at 
Walnut, Bureau county, Illinois, and also pro- 
prietor of the Manlius Weekly Star, at Manlius, 
this county, was born in Dodge county, Minne- 
sota, July 16, 1870. He is a son of Frank and 
Ariminta (Haskins) Tucker, the former born in 
Athens, Maine, and the latter born in Jefferson 
county. New York. In their family are four chil- 
dren, of whom Fred Iv. is the third in order of 
birth. 

Fred Leigh Tucker completed a common-school 
course at Princeton. Wisconsin, and after putting 
aside his text-books, started out to make his own 
way in the world. He began to earn his living by 
working in a newspaper office, and for the past 
twenty-four years has continued in work along this 
line, so that he is thoroughly conversant with the 
newspaper business in every detail. Previous to 
his removal to Bureaii county he was ensjaged in 



236 



FAST A\D PRESENT OF BUKEAl' COINTY. 



newspaper work at Clmton, Iowa, and on coming 
to Walnut worked at his trade for a year and then 
purchased the Hail and Express, at that time an 
eiglit-page paper, which he has increased to twelve 
pages. It is an excellent sheet, containing the 
local and county news, and is a good advertising 
medium, having a wide circulation throughout 
Bureau county. He is also editor and proprietor 
of the Manlius \\'et'kly Star, which is published 
weekly, and this, too, through the management of 
Mr. Tucker has been made a bright, newsy paper, 
circulating in the best homes of Manlius and 
Bureau county. 

In politics Mr. Tucker is a democrat. He is 
a popular young man of excellent qualities, and 
during the three years which he has made liis 
home in Bureau county he has gained numerous 
business and social friends. He is a self-made 
man, for he started out in the business world with- 
out capital, but through his persistency of pur- 
pose and straightforward business methods he has 
accomplished what he undertook, and during the 
past two years has been conducting his papers 
with excellent success, increasing them both in 
size and value, so that they are read w^ith interest 
in a large number of homes, ilr. Tucker now 
makes his home with his mother in Walnut, where 
he is a highlv esteemed and influential citizen. 



JOHN H. OLDS. 
John H. Olds, in whose death Wyanet lost one 
of its prominent and valued business men, was a 
leading hardware merchant of the town for many 
years. He was, moreover, a native son of Bureau 
county, having been born in Princeton, on the 
21st of May, 1847. His father, Justin H. Olds, 
was a native of Massachusetts, born September 6, 
1806, and was there reared, becoming a resident 
of Bureau county in 1834. Here he was married 
on the 1.5(h of June, 1837, to Miss Louisa C. Bry- 
ant, a daughter of Dr. Peter and Sarah (Snell) 
Bryant, natives of Massachusetts, and theirs was 
the first marriage ceremony performed after the 
organization of Bureau county, Mrs. Olds' brother, 
John H. Bryant, ofTiciating. The newly wedded 
couple located at La Moille, where they remained 
for two years and then removed to Princeton, 
where Mr. Olds engaged in merchandising. He 
was also editor of the Evening Post, a local paper, 
and was one of the prominent early settlers, not 
only figuring actively in business life, but also 
serving in various official jKisitions, including that 
of circuit clerk. He was well fitted for leadership 
and did much to mold public thought and action 
in an early day and to influence the policy of the 
county in its formative period. He was a stalwart 
abolitionist and took an active part in conducting 
the underground railroad, thus assisting many a 
poor negro on his way to freedom in the north. 
As a sincere and faithful member of the Congre- 



gational church he made his religion a part of 
his daily life and gave exemplification of his 
faith in his kindliness, consideraton and help- 
fulness to his fellowmen. He died at the age of 
seventy-two years, while his wife passed away 
at the age of sixty-two. In their family were 
five children, two sons and three daughters, all 
born in Princeton, namely: Sarah S., now the wife 
of Xewell Matthews, of Los Angeles, California; 
Julia L., who married James Bartman, now de- 
ceased, of Baltimore, Maryland ; Bryant 0., who 
has passed away; John H., of this review; and 
Lucy W., deceased. 

John H. Olds, the fourth in order of birth, 
remained a resident of Princeton to the age of 
fifteen years, when he accompanied the family 
to Peoria, the father having been appointed 
United States inspector of distilleries there, which 
position he held for seventeen years. When eight- 
een years of age Mr. Olds of this review was 
graduated from the public schools of Peoria and 
subsequently he pursued a commercial course in 
Bryant & Stratton Conuncrcial College of that 
city, becoming thereby well equipped for life's 
practical and responsible duties. It was in 1867 
that he came to Wyanet, and for ten years there* 
after he was engaged in farming on section 33, 
Wyanet township, a pursuit which he followed 
with good success. He then removed to the vil- 
lage, where he carried on the hardware business 
for several years and was equally prosperous in 
that undertaking. His was one of the oldest es- 
tablishments and he enjoyed a large and profit- 
able trade, owing to his earnest desire to please 
his patrons, his reasonable prices and his straight- 
fiu'ward dealing. 

Mr. Olds was happily married on the loth of 
.A.pril, 18G9, to Miss Annabel Kimmel, a native 
of Pennsylvania, who came to Bureau county with 
her father, Samuel Kimmel, in 1856 and was 
therefore reared in this part of the state. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Olds wore born eight children : 
Bryant, who married Anna Smith, a daughter 
of Williaju Smith ; Howard ; Edna, the wife 
of Elmer Sajip, cashier of the Bank of Wyanet; 
Blanche ; Guy : Lucy W. ; John C. ; and Myra D. 

Mr. Olds politically was in sympathy with the 
democracy and always stanchly supported the 
men and measures of the party. He filled some 
positions of honor and trust in the county, act- 
ing as collector and treasurer of his township. 
He was a member of Wvanet lodge, No. 231, A. 
F. & A. II. : Belmont camp. No. 25, M. W. A. ; 
and the Knights of Pythias lodge, all of Wyanet. 
He died July 8, 1901, and his widow still re- 
sides in Wyanet. He was valued as an influential, 
progressive and public-spirited citizen and was 
held in highest regard bv all. No trust reposed 
in him was ever betrayed in the slightest degree. 
The men who knew him best respected him the 
most, a fact which is indicative of an honora- 
ble upright life. With the exception of the brief 



PAST AM) rUESENT UE UrKEAl' COIXTY 



23: 



period passed in Peoria he was always a resident 
of Bureau county and his worth as a man and cit- 
izen were widely acknowledged. At his death he 
left to his family a comfortable competence, also 
the priceless heritage of an untarnished name. 



GEOKGE M. LEWIS. 

George M. Lewis, one of the leading men of the 
village of Neponset, who is now living a retired 
life but for many years was identified with farm- 
ing and stock-raising interests, was born in Potts- 
ville, Schuylkill county, Pennsylvania, April 8, 
1837. He is a representative of one of the old 
families of the Keystone state. His father, Ben- 
jamin M. Lewis, was born in Beading, Pennsyl- 
vania, and in that state was connected with rail- 
road interests, being superintendent of the Mine 
Hill Eailroad Company. Coming to Hlinois in 
1853 he located in Dupage county at Wheaton, 
and dealt quite extensively in lands up to the 
time of his death, which occurred when he was 
eighty-four years of age. In his native state 
he married Sarah Robinson, who was born in 
Burks county, Pennsylvania, and also died when 
eighty-four years of age. In their family were 
twelve children, of whom eight are now living, 
namely: George M., Rebecca M., Benjamin P., 
Morgan J., Amelia L., John B., Jefferson and 
Carrie. 

George M. Lewis acquired a public-school educa- 
tion and came to Illinois in 1851, when fifteen 
years of age. He resided in Dupage county 
from that time until August, 1861, when he came 
to Neponset, Bureau county. He was one of the 
organizers of this village and has ever been active 
in fostering its interests, its upbuilding and its 
welfare. He located on one hundred and sixty 
acres of land, which he secured through a soldier's 
claim. It was all wild prairie at that time and 
in the midst of the tract he built a home and 
upon the farm planted the first maple seeds in 
this locality. As the years passed he carried on 
the active work of cultivating the soil and raising 
stock and was particularly active as a breeder 
of black polled Angus cattle. In his business 
affairs he was very energetic and diligent, carrying 
forward to successful completion whatever he un- 
dertook. He continued upon the farm until 1895, 
when he retired to private life and has since been 
living in the village, enjoying in a pleasant home 
a rest which he has truly earned and richly de- 
serves. 

On the 1st of June, 1865, Mr. Lewis was mar- 
ried to Miss Esther F. Newman, who was born 
in Jamestown, New York, February 21, 1846, a 
daughter of Stephen F. and Lovina (Klock) 
Newman. The father was born at Wilson, Niag- 
ara county. New York, and was a farmer in the 
Empire state. He also engaged in the conduct of 
a meat market there and he filled the office of 



justice of the peace. His last days were spent 
in Iowa, where he died at the age of seventy-two 
j'ears, while his wife passed away at the age of sev- 
enty-eight. In their family were live daughters: 
Juliette, the wife of C. D. Martin, a resident of 
Los Angeles, California; Nellie, the wife of 
David Kennedy, of Logan, Iowa ; Margaret, the 
wife of F. Patt, of Los Angeles, California; 
Mrs. Lewis; and Minnie. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Lewis have been born six 
children, of whom five are now living: Benjamin 
M., who resides in Reno, Nevada; Rinnie L., 
the wife of A. L. Klock, of Los Ancgeles, Cali- 
fornia; Scott S., who follows farming near Ne- 
ponset; Carrie E., the wife of 0. E. Slates, of 
Neponset; and G. Noble, at home. 

Mr. Lewis has served as president of the village 
board and gave to the town a public-spirited, prac- 
tical and beneficial administration. He votes with 
the democracy and fraternally is connected with 
Neponset lodge. No. 803, A. P. & A. M., while 
both he and his wife are members of the Eastern 
Star lodge of Neponset. A resident of this local- 
ity from the age of twenty-five years he has wit- 
nessed many changes here as the work of trans- 
formation lias been carried forward through the 
effective labors of the enterprising citizens, in 
which class he is accorded a place through public 
opinion. 



B. F. LANDIS, M. D. 

Dr. B. F. Landis. the oldest active practicing 
physician of Tiskilwa, was Ijorn in Lebanon coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, in 1851. He was educated in the 
common schools and at the Lebanon Valley Col- 
lege and after completing his more specifically 
literary course he took up the study of medicine 
with Dr. Krecker of Lelianon as his preceptor. 
After preliminary reading covering a year he 
matriculated in Jefferson Medical College at 
Philadelphia and was graduated in 1877 with a 
class of one hundred and ninety-eight members. 

Dr. Landis then located for practice at Van 
Orin, Bureau county, Illinois, where he remained 
for ten years, and in 1S8S he came to Tiskilwa, 
where he has since continued. He has engaged in 
the general practice of medicine and surgery and 
in 1901 promoted his knowledge and eflSciency by 
post-graduate work in the post-graduate college 
at Chicago. He has always been a close and 
discriminating student of the profession and has 
kept in touch with modern scientific investigation 
and modes of practice. 

In 1895 was celebrated the marriage of Dr. 
Landis and Mi.'^s Lydia Gertrude More, who was 
born in Tiskilwa in 1867, a daughter of Jonas 
Hamilton More, who was born in 1828 and who 
in 1855 married Nancy Kitterman. The mother's 
birth occurred in 1832 and her death in 1905, 
while Mr. Jlore passed away in 1896. He was nnp 



238 



PAST AND JM.'KSKXT OF 



iv'HAr corxTV. 



of the old settlers of tlie county and for many 
years was a merchant and prominent resident of 
Tiskilwa. lu 1905 ilr. Landis was calleU upon 
to mourn the loss of liis wife, wiio died in Oc- 
tober of that year, her deatli being deeply re- 
gretted by many friends. In his political views 
the Doctor is a republican but without aspiration 
for oliice. Fraternally he is connected with the 
Modern Woodmen of America and in the line of 
his profession he is a member of the Bureau 
County -Medical Association, the North Central 
Illinois Medical ^Vsociation, the State Medical 
Society and the National Medical Society. He 
has written articles for medical journals and he 
keeps thoroughly abreast with the times in the 
line of his profession, having a large and grow- 
ing practice whicli is indicative of the confidence 
reposed in him l)y the general piddic. 



S. A. PADDOCK, M. D. 

Dr. S. A. Paddock, remembered by many of the 
older citizens of Bureati county as an able physi- 
cian and surgeon of marked aliility and wide 
practice, gave his life to his country after enlist- 
ing for service in the Civil war. His widow is 
still a resident of Princeton, and the family his- 
tory is well worthy of representation in this 
volume. Dr. Paddock was a native of Charles- 
ton, South Carolina, but was reared in New York 
city, his father having removed to the metropolis 
during the early boyhood days of the Doctor. 
The father was a hanker, and remained a resident 
(d' the cast until 1848, when he came with his 
family to Illinois, settling near Pi'inceton, where 
he purchased a farm. For some years his atten- 
tion was devoted to general agricultural ])ursuits. 
He died in Peoria, this state, while liis wife 
passed away in Princeton. 

After acquiring his literary c(hication Dr. Pad- 
dock began pre])aratioii for the ])ractice of medi- 
cine and surgery as a student in the College of 
Physicians & Surgeons of New York city, from 
wliich he was graduated. In 1848 he came west 
with his parents and settled in Princeton, where 
he opened an office for the practice of medicine. 
Xo dreary novitiate awaited him. He soon dem- 
onstrated his al)ility to successfully cope with 
the intricate prohlems whicli continually confront 
the physician, and proved his worth in the excel- 
lent results that followed his professional labors. 
He liad bei'n engaged in practice here successfully 
for tldrtcen years when the Civil war broke out 
and his patriotic spirit was aroused by the attempt 
of the south to overthrow the TTnion. He there- 
fore organized Company T\ of tlie Ninth Illinois 
Cavalrv, went to Springfield and was there mus- 
tered into the TTniied States service. Later the 
command wa.s stationed at Cliicago aiul he was 
elected lieutenant colonel. From Chicago the 
regiment sinrterl for Pilot TCnob, and Dr. Pad- 



dock died very suddenly on the way when at 
the comparatively early age of thirty-nine years. 
He had been a very successful physician and was 
a surgeon of excellent power, who was called to 
practice all over the northern part of the state. 

Dr. Paddock had been married in 1841) to Miss 
Angelica H. Boyd, who was boTn in Springfield, 
this state, in 18;i8. They became the parents of 
four children, one of whom died in infancy. The 
others were with their mother in Princeton at the 
time of his death, namely: Elizabeth D., George 
H., and James A. The daugliter was born in 
Princeton, married C. P. Snow, and at her deatii 
left two children. The elder son of Dr. and 
Mrs. Paddock is now a lieutenant colonel in the 
Fifth United States Cavalry, while James A. 
Padtiock was graduated from Bellevue College, 
and died at Dead wood. South Dakota, where he 
was engaged in the practice of medicine and sur- 
gery. He left one daughter, Angelica H. 

It will be interesting in this connection to note 
sometliing of the history of Mrs. Paddock's people. 
Her parents were Charles S. and Elizabeth 
(Dixon) Boyd, early settlers of Illinois. They 
lived for some years in Springfield and thence 
came to Princeton in 1842. Charles S. Boyd and 
Flizabeth Dixon were married in New York city, 
June (i. 1814. iiy the Pev. .Vrehibald McClay, and 
seven cliildreii were born to them, five sons and 
two daugliters. .Vliout fourteen months after 
the birth of their third son, Nathaniel Boyd, the 
father, with his i)rother-in-law, John Dixon, who 
was the founder of the city of Dixon, Illinois, 
became imbued with the desire to emigrate to 
what was then known as the "far west" — an unin- 
habited and almost unbroken wilderness, the abode 
of roving tribe.s of Indians and savage wild beasts. 
The point they intended to make was the Marine 
settlement, so called from the fact that the first 
settlers were mariners. This is now the city of 
Springfield. They left New York city. Aiu'il 13. 
1820. and reached their destination on the 24th 
of June (d' the same year, liaving made the journey 
with ox teams in seventy-two days, for the roads 
or trails were impassable for horses. .\t Pitts- 
Imrg they bought a fiatboat for sixty-five dollars, 
and ]uitting the teams and all mi honnl. fioated 
down the Ohio river to Shawneetown, where they 
sold the boat fcu' five dollars, resuming their 
journey with their teams, .\fter aliout two 
months" travel they readied their destination. 
Mr. Boyil dug the first well and luiilt the first 
brick chimney in Springfield. Tlis house stood 
about wliere the state oapitol now stands. Dur- 
ing his residence in Springfield be conducted a 
merchant tailoring establishment in connection 
with a general mercantile store, the latter being 
in charge of his partner, William S. TTamilton. 
who was a liacbelor and boarded in the Bovd home. 
Hiiriiig this jicriod of their residence in Illinois a 
<laiighter was born to them in 1828, which ^fr. 
Hamilton namerl for his sister, Angelica H., 




~7,^.^ -"-"^ '- 



S. A. PADDOCK M.D. 



^ ^ 




MRS A. H. PADDOCK 



PAST AXi) I'KKSEXT UF lil ItEAU COUNTY. 



243 



wlioiu. he claiiUL'd, was the best woiuau in the 
world. Mr. Hamilton was a sou of the illustrious 
statesman. Alexander Hamilton, who was killed 
in a duel b\' Aaron Burr. 

After ten years' residence in Springheld, from 
1820 until 1830, Mr. Boyd removed northward 
to a place now known as Boyd's Grove, purchas- 
ing a claim which Mr. Dixon had secured there 
two years before. Mr. Dixon afterward removed 
farther north to what is now the city of Dixon, 
but which was then and for many years after- 
ward known as Dixon's Ferry. Boyd's Grove 
was an important station on the stage road from 
Peoria to Galena, and a postoffice was established 
there in 1830, which, however, was discontinued 
after eight years. Mr. Boyd was postmaster dur- 
ing that time. Boyd's Grove was originally in 
Putnam county, but in the division of Putnam 
into Stark. Marshall, Henry and Bureau counties 
it was included in the last named. About 1830 
a stage line was established between Peoria and 
Galena, four horse coaches making the trip three 
times weekly. At Boyd's Grove a relay of horses 
was kept and the stages met here at night to ex- 
change mail, passengers and horses. Travelers 
considered themselves fortunate if allowed space 
enough to lie down on a straw covei'ed floor and 
were stoyed as carefully as possible in a large room 
adjoining the kitchen, in which place Mrs. Boyd 
and her culinary staff reigned supreme, being 
always on duty preparing breakfast for the sleepy 
crowd upon the floor, which meal was served at 
exactly four A. M., as all must be fed at this 
hour and started in their different directions. 
An eventful night was that of February 18, 1832, 
when between tlie hours of twelve and one o'clock 
the house was found to be on fire and the family 
barely escaped with their lives. This was a very 
serious calamity in those days, especially in mid- 
winter, for it was twenty miles or more to the 
nearest neighbor. The family therefore took 
shelter in a smokehouse, which had fortunately 
been saved from the flames and in which ha])- 
pened to be some bacon and ham, on which they 
subsisted until other supplies could be obtained. 
The next iiun-ning the stage came from Peoria, 
and finding tlie family in such circumstances, 
hastened on to Dixon, a distance of fifty miles, 
with the news of the disaster. Mr. Dixon at once 
sent some food and clothing to the Boyds. wlio 
were thus made as comfortable as possible by the 
end of the second day. It was necessary that 
shelter, however, be provided at once for the 
family, and they decided to build n temporary 
camp in the woods on low ground near a creek, 
thus obtaining the hills and trees for shelter. 
This change was made in about a week and they 
were safely located in their camp near old Shab- 
bona. a chief of the Winnebagos. and his four 
wives. The chief never forgot a friend, no mat- 
ter what his color or condition, and was devoted 
to the Boyd family. The stage sought out the 



camp in the woods and there the passengers were 
provided for in the best possible manner. Mrs. 
Paddock spent many a iiappy day at Shabbona's 
cam]), playing and shooting at a mark witli the 
young Indians, and the chieftain would always 
reward the best marksman with a silver quarter 
of a dollar. When spring approached the snow 
began to melt and the Boyd familj- moved their 
camp to a hill near by above high watermark. 
.Mr. Boyd and his sous spent the winter in liewing 
limber tor a new home, and when spring came 
tliey built a new house on the site of the old one. 
This was the spring of 1832, and rumors of an 
Indian uiH-ising having been heard, Shabbona, a 
J I lend of the whites, advised them to take all ths 
women and children to the fort, which was done 
as soon as possible. Mrs. Boyd and the children 
were sent to Fort Clark (Peoria), while Mr. 
Boyd and the sons remained at home. The sum- 
mer passed away without any dangerous results, 
and iu the fall, the Indians having settled down 
somewhat, Mrs. Boyd and the children returned 
to Boyd's Grove and she again began to prepare 
for the accommodation of the passengers on the 
stage routes. 

As the children grew older and the question 
of educating them became an important one Mr. 
Boyd built a log schoolhonse in the yard and 
employed a teacher by the year. This he con- 
tinued to do for eight years, and Mrs. Paddock 
remembers with much pleasure her last teacher 
in this school — the venerable Lucy T. Butler. 
Jlrs. Paddock still has a sampler made under her 
instruction, on the face of which is wrought in 
silk the fact that she was six years old. This 
was embroidered seventy years ago. The diffi- 
culty of securing and keeping competent private 
teachers finally decided Mr. Boyd to sell his farm 
of twelve hundred acres and move his family to 
Princeton, which he did in 1842. after twelve 
years' residence at the grove. He lived thirty- 
nine vears in Pi'inceton. an honored and respected 
citizen. On the fitb of June. 1872, the fiftieth 
wedding anniversary of tliis worthy couple was 
celebrated by their many friends at an outdoor 
meeting, nearly all of Hie old settlers of the county 
being present, and as a token of respect and 
friendship Mr. Boyd was presented with a valu- 
able ebony gold headed cane and Afrs. Bovd with 
an elcaaiit colTee urn. goblels and a sugar bowl 
suitablv emrraxed. Mi'. P.ovd was born Septem- 
ber 11). IT!)-!, and died yovember 12, 1881. at 
the age of eighty-eight, while his wife, who was 
born February 20. 179fi. passed away October 
1". IST."). at the age of seventy-nine years. 

Jlrs. Paddock lias lived in Princeton all her 
life since the arrival of the family in this citv. 
save for the period of fifteen years, which she 
spent with her son, George IT., in the army, act- 
ing as his housekeeper. He was graduated from 
the West Point Military Academy in the ela.ss of 
1873. and is now stationed at Fori \A'in2ate. New 



2U 



PAST AM) PKESI']XT UF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Mexico, in coininand of the Fifth Cavalry of 
United States troops. Mrs. Paddock's daughter 
left two children: Allen Paddock Snow, who is 
now studying medicine in Keokuk, Iowa, and 
makes his home with his grandmother; and C. 
Goodrich Snow, who at the age of twenty-two 
years is pathologist at Cherokee, Iowa, and also 
assistant surgeon. 

Mrs. Paddock owns a beautiful home at No. 
906 South Main street, Princeton, one of the 
attractive residences of the city. She also o\vns 
a block and other houses, which she rents. She 
represents one of the oldest families of the state, 
her parents having located at Springfield two 
years after the admission of Illinois to the Union, 
when the entire northern part of the state was 
sparsely settled and Chicago was but a mere ham- 
let or trading post for the Indians. She has 
been for many years an interested witness of the 
many changes which have been wrought in Bureau 
county as it has been converted from an Indian 
hunting ground into richly cultivated farms with 
substantial homes, and "here and there thriv- 
ing towns and villages, in which are found all 
of the industrial, manufacturing and commercial 
interests known to the older east. She relates 
many interesting incidents of the early days when 
as a" little girl she played with Indian maidens, 
when the homes were largely log cabins, when 
cooking was done over the fireplace, and when the 
house was lighted with candles. Spinning and 
weaving, too, were done by tlie housewives and the 
farmer plowed his land with primitive machinery. 
Years have come and gone and the Boyd family 
have always stood for progress and improvement. 
:M,rs. Paddock has a very wide circle of friends, 
being esteemed by young and old, rich and poor. 



JAMES H. RAWSON. 
James H. Rawson is a mcmljer of the firm of 
Wilkinson & Rawson, dealers in boots and shoes 
at No. 537 Main street, Princeton, and has been 
connected with this line of trade for the past 
six years, or since 1900. He is a young man of 
good business enterprise and the success he ha.s 
achieved is attributable to his own labors. His 
birth occurred in Princeton on the 18th of Jfarch, 
187.5, his parents being H. W. and Roxy (Bnyd) 
Rawson, the latter a resident of Princeton. The 
father came to this city in 18.55 from Chicago. 
He was a native of New York, born near Geneseo, 
and following his removal to the middle west he 
established his home in the metropolis, which was 
then but a small town, whence he afterward came 
to Princeton and in connection with his brother. 
Hart Rawson, opened a dry-goods store in tlio 
American House building as soon as it was com- 
pleted. He continued in that business until after 
the Civil war and later was connected with real- 
estate operations here, handling much valuable 



property. He also served as cashier of the First 
National Bank at Princeton and was continu- 
ously connected with business interests of this 
city until 18v8, when he removed to Greene 
county, Iowa, where he engaged in farming until 
his death. He passed away m 1893 at the age of 
fifty-six years. In politics he was a stanch repub- 
lican and .served as supervisor and in other otiices 
in Iowa. The family numbered three children, of 
whom H. B. Rawson is now supeiinteudent for 
the Lanyon Zinc Company, of lola, Kansas. Mary 
L., the only daughter, now living in Princeton, is 
a graduate of the Northwestern Law School of 
Chicago and of the Conway School of (Jratory and 
Dramatic Art. She was admitted to the bar of 
Illinois but has for some time been on the theatri- 
cal stage. 

James H. Rawson in his boyhood days accom- 
panied his parents on their removal to Iowa, where 
he spent fifteen years, and his early educational 
privileges were supplemented by a course of study 
in the high school at Jefferson, that state. He 
also pursued a business course in Dixon and in 
Princeton, Illinois, and, thus well qualified for 
duties of a commercial career, he was for some 
time employed as a stenographer, in fact was thus 
engaged until he entered into his present partner- 
ship as a member of the firm of Wilkinson & 
Rawson, dealers in boots and shoes. They have 
a good store which is carefully conducted and con- 
tains a large and well selected stock, i'or six 
years they have carried on the business and are 
justly accounted leading merchants of the city. 

In 1901 Mr. Rawson was united in marriage 
to Miss Grace Gill, a daughter of C. C. Gill, of 
Princeton, and unto them has been born one 
child, Isabel, now two years of age. Tiie family 
residence is on South Fourth street. In his po- 
litical views Mr. Rawson is a republican but has 
no aspiration for office, as his time and attention 
have been fully occupied by his business cares. 
He is yet a young man but has already attained 
a creditable place in trade circles and it does not 
require the gift of prophecy to predict for him 
a successful future, as he manifests the character- 
istics which are essential to prosperity — close ap- 
plication, unabating energy and industry that 
never flags. 



F. WIIJ.IAM DREMAN. 
F. William Dreiuan. who is engaged in general 
farming and stock-raising, having one of the fine 
stock farms of Bureau township, his place being 
known by the name of Centerhurst, was born in 
Princeton, August 14, 1863. He is of German 
lineage, his parents, William and Mary (Wellner) 
Drcman, being natives of Germany, whence they 
came to the United States in the sixties, being 
among the earlv settlers of Bureau county. They 
located in T'rinceton and Mr. Dreman secured em- 




CHARLES S BOYD 



PAST AXD I'K'ESEXT OF HUREAr COI'XTY 



24? 



ployment in a brickyard there at fifty cents per 
day, working in tliat way for tlie first year. He 
was employed in the brickyard for three or four 
years and afterward worked on the railroad for a 
"time. He then suffered from an accident which 
forced him to retire from that department of labor 
and subsequently he began farming on his own 
account in Bureau county, thus becoming one of 
the agriculturists of this part of the state. 

F. William Dreman, reared under the parental 
roof, acquired his elementary education in the 
district schools and completed his studies in Da- 
venport (Iowa) Business College, where he was 
well trained for the practical and responsible du- 
ties that come in an active business career. Fol- 
lowing his return home he resumed farming, 
which pursuit has since claimed his time and en- 
ergies and as the years have gone by he has 
worked his way steadily upward to a position 
among the foremost agriculturists of his locality. 
He is now living on a farm once owned by his 
father-in-law, who planted the many beautiful 
shade trees w^iich now adorn the place. 

On the 4th of February, 1888, Mr. Dreman was 
united in marriage to Miss Emma Heehtner, a 
daughter of John and Elizabeth Heehtner, early 
residents of Bureau county. This marriage has 
been blessed with two daughters, Pauline and 
Maud. Mr. Dreman is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen camp and in politics is a democrat in 
principle. He does not, however, consider himself 
bound by party ties and is a liberal voter, sup- 
porting the candidates whom he regards as best 
qualified for office, especially at local elections 
where no party issue is involved. He has always 
been a hard working man and has justly earned 
the proiid American title of a self-made man. His 
landed possessions now aggregate two hundred and 
forty acres and his place is very valuable, worth 
from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars 
per acre. In addition to cultivating the fields he 
raises considerable stock, keeping pure blooded 
Aberdeen Angus cattle and Norman and Perch- 
eron horses. His farm is known as Centerhurst 
and has become quite noted as one of the fine 
stock farms of the county. Upon it he has made 
excellent improvements and it is equipped with 
all modern accessories and conveniences, so that 
the owner is known as one of the most progressive 
agriculturists of this part of the state. 



rTEOEGE W. GPAYES. 
George W. Graves is an honored veteran of the 
Civil war and one whose loyalty and progressive- 
ness in citizenship well entitles hira to mention 
among the representative citizens of Bureau 
county. He makes his home in La Moille and is 
a native of Xew England, his birth having oc- 
curred in Belchertown. ^fassachusotts. Februarv 
9, 18,3fi. His father, Willett Graves. Sr.. was 



born in Palmer, Massachusetts, February 6, 1803, 
and died July 24, 1858. He was a son of Gideon 
Graves, a farmer by occupation and a sergeant of 
the Eevolutionary war. His birth occurred Au- 
gust 25, IToS, in what was then Brimlield but is 
now Palmer, Massachusetts, and when the colonies 
attempted to throw off the yoke of British oppres- 
sion he espoused their cause and aided in winning 
independence. His son, Willett Graves, having 
arrived at years of maturity, married Miss Lucy 
Payne, who was born in Ludlow. Massachusetts, 
April 11, 1815. There were born of this marriage 
si.x children: George W., Mrs. Josephine Barrett, 
Daniel H., Jason L., Mrs. M. Pamelia Yickroy 
and Willett Graves, Jr. Of this number Daniel 
H. was killed while serving at the battle of Vicks- 
burg, being a member of Company I, Thirty-tliird 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry. 

George W. Graves dates his residence in Bureau 
county from 1858. He was educated in the public 
schools of his native town and was a young man 
of about twenty-two years when he arrived in 
La Moille. Here he has resided continuously 
since. He is a painter by trade and carried on 
business along that Ijpe for a number of years, 
but now receives an ample income from a pension 
which he receives from the government and 
through the interest on the money which he loans. 
As the years passed he accumulated a comfortable 
competence and as he labored earnestly to secure 
his money he resolves now that it shall support 
him and accomplishes this end by loaning it out, 
so that the interest thereon supplies him with the 
necessaries and comforts of life. He had been 
a resident of this county for only about three 
years when in response to the country's call for 
troops he enlisted for service in the war of the 
Rebellion at the first call for ninety-days men to 
defend the Union cause. On the expiration of 
that period he re-enlisted as a member of Com- 
pany B, Fifty-second Illinois Infantry, and served 
until May 22, 1862. He was commissioned second 
lieutenant while serving in the Fifty-second Regi- 
ment but afterward resigned and on his re-enlist- 
ment he joined Company K of the One Hundred 
and Thirty-ninth Regiment of Illinois Infantry, 
of which he was made sergeant, serving with that 
command until October, 1864, when he was mus- 
tered out at Peoria, Illinois. He made a creditable 
record as a soldier, participating in the battle of 
Pittsburg Landing and in many other hotly con- 
tested engagements which contributed to the final 
triumph of the Union arms. He never faltered in 
the performance of any military duty and dis- 
played his valor on many occasions during his con- 
nection with the army in the south. 

Being mustered out Mr. Graves returned to 
Ija Moille, where he has resided continuously 
since. Here he was married on the 5th of Febru- 
ary, 1870, to Miss Ida ^L Kane, a native of New 
York, horn May 4, 1850. They became the par- 
ents of two children : Lorrin I., born November 



3-18 



PAST AXD PEESI':NT OF JiUEEAU COUNTY. 



11, 18 U; and Hugh, who was born November 10, 
1881, and died April 8, lSi)4. Tlie elder son gave 
indieatiou of the lighting stock from which he 
sprang when at the time of the Spanish-American 
war he enlisted for active service on the 36th of 
April, 18118, in the Sixth Illinois Infantry. He 
went direct to Camp Alger, ^■irginia, and entered 
into training for the service, holding the office of 
lirst sergeant. After remaining at the camp for 
si.xty days the regiment went to Charleston, South 
Carolina, and there embarked on a captured SpaJi- 
ish tramp steamer called the Rita. This regiment 
was sent to Bacjuiri, Cuba, where the troops re- 
mained on transport until the city capitulated. 
The regiment was then ordered to join General 
Jliles" expedition to Porto Eico and lauded at 
Cuanica. The following day the company to 
which Lorrin I. Graves belonged moved on to 
Ponce and after remaining there for a couple 
of days proceeded over the military road to Utvave. 
Before any resistence was encountered the protocol 
was signed and the regiment went into camp on 
the hills outside of the city, remaining there dur- 
ing the rainy season. After peace was declared 
the regiment jn'ocecdcd by transports to . New 
York and was then sent home on a sixty days" 
furlough. On the expiration of this period the 
regiment returned to Springfield, Illinois, and 
its members were there honorably discharged No- 
vember 20. 1898. Lorrin I. Graves then re-en- 
listed in the regular army and spent two years as 
a soldier in the Philippines. He belongs to a 
family of marked military prowess, ahvays loyal 
to the country and its progress and is popular wdth 
all who know liim, both among his army comrades 
and his associates in social life in Bureau county. 
George W- Graves maintains ])leasant relations 
with his old armv comrades through his memljer- 
sliip in P. C. Hills post. No. (JG, G. A. R., of 
which he has served as conmiaiider and is now 
quartermaster, llr l>cl(ings to \j& Moille lodge. 
No. 383, A. F. & A. M.. in whicli he has passed 
all the chairs and is now treasurer. lie has also 
lieen seliool dii-ector for five years and for two 
terms was police magistrate. He has likewise been 
councilman of the village and these various offices 
have found in him a worthy, faithful and capable 
incumbent. In politics he is a stalwart republican, 
ahvays faitliful to the princi]iles of the party. 
He belongs to the Congregational church, while 
his wife is a member of the Bapti.st cliurch. Both 
are worthy Christian ])eo]ile ami are highly es- 
teemed in the community where they nuike their 
home. ]Mr. Graves is now the owner of six town 
lots and a beautiful residence in La ^loille, stand- 
ing in the midst of a fine ami well kept lawn. His 
life has been honorable ami iipriglit. his actions 
manly and sincere and in all I'elations he lias 
commanded and enjoyed the cdnlidonce and trust 
of bis fellowmen. Industry and integrity liave 
characterized his entire career and he justly de- 
=prves the rest from active liusiness wliicb be is 



now enjoying. lie has reached the Psalmist's 
allott(;d sjian of three score years and ten and his 
friends join in the hope that he will remain a fac- 
tor in the village life of La Moille for many years^ 
to come. He relates many interesting incidents 
of earlier days as well as of his army experience 
and he has in his possession a luuuber of valuable 
relics, including a powder horn ujion which is en- 
graved the name Aaron Graves and the date 1748. 
He also has a cane presented by General La 
Fayette to Major Aaron Graves, who in turn 
gave it to his son Gideon Graves. It was next the 
]jroperty of Willett Graves, so that George W. 
Graves is the fourth generation to possess it. 



ANSON HORACE KNO.X. 

Anson Horace Knox, residing in SlieffieUl, is 
the owner of valuable farming and stock-raising 
interests in Bureau county, having a large farm 
of two hundred and fifty-six acres in Concord 
township, whereon the work of tilling the soil 
and raising stock is carefully and successfully 
conducted. One of the county's native sons, he 
was born in Wyanet, on the 8th of October, 1855, 
and is a son of Judge S. M. Knox, of Humboldt, 
Kansas, who is represented elsewhere in this 
work. He pursued his education in the schools 
of Princeton, being graduated from the high 
school with the class of 1874. He then entered 
business life in connection with his father as a 
real-estate dealer and for a long ])eriod operated 
extensively in lands, becoming thoroughly con- 
versant with realty values in the middle west, 
es])eciall\- in Kansas, where they control several 
thousand acres. 

As a eomjianion and helpmate on life's journey 
^[r. Knox chose Miss Annie Louise Dewey Whip- 
})le. the daughter of Hon. William M. and ^Iis. 
Whipple of Princeton. The nuarriage was cele- 
bi-ated October 8, 1885, and they removed to Hum- 
bdldt, Kansas, where ^Ir. Knox became a ))ronn- 
neiit re|)resentative of extensive landed interests 
in eiiiiiiection with his father. ,hidge Knox, who 
i-esided in the Sunflower state until 1802, when 
he i-emoved with his family to Sheffield, and his 
attention has since been given to general agri- 
cultural pursuits and stock-raising, making a spe- 
cialty of Aberdeen Angus cattle. His farm com- 
prises two hundred and fifty-six acres of laiul. 
situated in Concord township and constituting a 
valuable jiroperty, on which he resided \nitil Janu- 
ary, litOI), when he removed to Sheffield, where he 
now Tnakes his home. He still, however, gives his 
personal supervision to his farming interests and 
derives therefrom a gratifying income. 

TTnto I\Ir. and Mrs. Knox have been horn three 
children: Ednah Whipple, born October 25. 1S8(), 
who was formerly a student in Wellesley College, 
at Boston, ^Tassachusetts. and is now attending 
Prntt Institute in New York: Sanuiel Mile-, who 



PAST AM) J'KESKXT OF lUliEAU t'OrXTV 



249 



was bom io Hiuuboklt, J\iiiisas, Xoveinlici- 'i, 
1888; and Mary Jjinuse, aUo l)orn in lluinlioldt, 
Jannarv lo, 18!)'^'. Tlie sou Samuel wmi the 
scholarsliip at Princeton in 1!)05 for the counlv of 
Bureau, and is ndw attending the rniv<'rsity of 
Illinois, at Urbana. 

Sir. and Mrs. Knox are niendiers of the Uni- 
tarian eluireh at Shetficid. IIo is also a member of 
Shellield lodge. No- 808, 1. O. (). P., and in poli- 
tics is a democrat, interested in the growth of the 
party and the adoption of its [irineiples. His is 
a well rounded nature iu which due regard is 
given to business, social and moral interests as 
well as the duties of citizenship, and his influence 
is ever on the side of right, progress and im- 
provement. 



• lA.MI'lS P. lU'Ml'llKI.'V. 

James P. Bumpliery is the nwnci' of valual>le 
farming interests in Bureau (■(uuity, although 
for the past six or seven years he lias practically 
lived retired in Neponset. He is, moreover, one 
of the pioneer residents of this part of the state, 
having been brought to Illinois when only about 
two years of age. His birth occurred in Potts- 
ville, Pennsylvania, December 18, 1835, his par- 
ents being Stephen and Julia M. (Packingham) 
Bumphery. The father was a native of Massa- 
chusetts, and in 1831: became a resident of Penn- 
sylvania, where he lived until 18:)6, when he took 
up his abode in Hennepin county, Illinois. Two 
years later he removed to Center Grove, Bureau 
county, where he purchased eighty acres of land 
upon which he resided until 1847. He then sold 
that ]iro])erty and went to La Salle county, set- 
tling near Harding, where he purchased land and 
lived until 1853. In that year he removed to 
Black Hawk county, Iowa, and he died in 1854, 
at the age of forty-two years, while on his way 
from Dubuque. He was a consistent member of 
the ^letliodist Episcopal church and his ])olitical 
views were in nccni'd with the ]irineiples of the 
Whig party. His wife, also a native of Massa- 
chusetts, died in 1845, at the age of thirty-seven 
years. They were married in the state of their 
nativity and became the ]iarenls of seven chil- 
dren of whom four are now living: Elizabeth, 
James P., C. H. and .\lbert. 

James P. Bum|ilici-y was lirouglit to Illinois 
by his parents and when a boy at home he as- 
sisted in working the wild prairie and perform- 
ing other arduous labor in connection with the 
development and improvement of a new farm. 
When fifteen years of age he started out in life on 
his own account, bi'eaking ])rairie, and when sev- 
enteen years of age he went to ^rarsball county, 
Iowa, where with horse teams he liroke six hun- 
dred and forty acres of wild ])rairie land, thus 
aiding largely in reclaiming it for the iises of 
civilization an uniin|ii-ii\cil dislrict. On nllain- 



ing his uuijority he entereil from the government 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Mitchell 
county, Iowa, and he also purchased twenty acres 
of timber land, res'ding upon his farm theie from 
1S5(; iiMiil 185S. In the fall of the latter year 
he i-cinoved to Ilcniy county, Illinois, where he 
leinaincd for live years, and in 18G7 he took up 
his abode in Neponset township, where he had 
purchased eighty acres of land in 18GG. Sub- 
sequently he added to the original tract until he 
now owns two hundred acres constituting a valu- 
able and well improved farm. Here he has carried 
on general farming and stock-raising although 
during the past six or seven years he has not 
engaged in active labor himself. However, he 
gives his jwrsonal supervision to the place and 
as a result of the care and labor fcestoweil upon it 
he derives therefrom a good income. 

On the 22d of Soptendjer, 1862, Mr. Bumphery 
was married to Mrs. Elizabeth Moon, nee Stud- 
lev, who was born in Scott county, Illinois. .Marcli 
27, 1837, a daughter of William and Ann (Chap- 
man) Studley, Imtli of whom were natives of 
Yorkshire, England, in which country they were 
married. The father died November 2. 1879, at 
the age of eighty-eight years, and his wife jiassed 
away in 1887, in her ninety-first year. Mr. Stud- 
ley came to the I'nited vStates in the early "SOs, 
locating in Morgan county, Illinois, or in that 
section which is now a part of Stark county, 
while subsequently he removed to Bureau county, 
settling two miles west of the present site of Ne- 
Iionset. He first took up one hundred and twenty 
acres of wild prairie land and was the first set- 
tler of that locality, lie built a log house and 
in after years improved it by nuiking an addi- 
tion thereto. Unon that farm he spent his re- 
maining days and at one time ho owned an en- 
tire section of land, which he afterward divided 
with his children. He held mendier.ship in the 
^lethodist E)iisco])al church, and lived an earnest 
Christian life, while his |iolitical views were indi- 
cated by the" stalwart support that he gave to the 
democracy. I'nld liini and his wife were born 
twelve children, (W whom four are yet living, "Mrs. 
.\un Norton, Thonuis, Christopher and ilrs. Bum- 
])hery. 

The mendici-s of Mr. and ilrs. BumpheiT's 
family are Alice Julia, lleniT .V., Frank P., James 
C, lyuella J. and Grace. The family is well 
known in Neponset and this section of Bureau 
couidy and tbe memliers of the household oc- 
cupy an enviable position in social circles. Mr. 
Bnniphei'y"s study of the political issues and ques- 
tions of the day has led him to become a stal- 
wart supjiorter of republican principles, and he 
has figured promiiuMitly in local political circles, 
serving for five or six terms as president of the 
villatre hoard ami as one of its members for a 
much longer ]ieriod. In this connection he has 
doni- elVerliNe scv\ ice in behalf of public prog- 
ress and inipiowment. his work being of a most 



2.50 



AS'l' AM) I'KESKXT ()1 



i;kai 



(OCXTY. 



practical iiatuii'. From pioiiocr days down to tliu 
present time he has been an interested witness of 
the changes that have occurred and the trans- 
formation that has been wrought in this part of 
the state, and he lias always borne his full share 
in the work of public improvement. 



JAMES E. ELLBERG. 

James E. Ellberg is a farmer and stock-raiser 
residing on section 5, Princeton township, and is 
well known as the owner of the imported Perch- 
eron stallion, Chasselas. Mr. Ellberg was born 
in Germany in 1873 and came to America in 
1884 with his parents. He is a son of Carl Ell- 
berg, a farmer residing on section 6, Princeton 
township. His education was acquired in the 
schools of the fatherland and in Bureau county 
as well and he speaks four different languages — 
German, Swedish, Danish and English. 

He has always followed farming with the ex- 
ception of the short time which was devoted to 
railroad service as a brakeman. In 1902 he pur- 
chased his present fa^m of eighty acres, which is 
conveniently located two and a half miles from 
Princeton on section 5, Princeton township. He 
has added many improvements to this property 
and now has a splendidly developed farm. His 
attention is largely given, however, to the breed- 
ing and raising of stock, especially horses, and he 
is the owner of a Perchcron stallion, Chasselas, 
No. 45974, imported from Franco by McLaughlin 
Brothers of Columbus, Ohio, and registered in 
the stallion book of America with the record num- 
ber of 28144. His pedigree and description are 
as follows: entirely black, foaled March 18, 1899; 
bred by M. Gallon, Thiol, Orne, France. Sired 
by Ode'on 42878: dam Favette 44156, by Norbert 
35763, second dam ^largot 25245, bv Favorv 
1401. Odeon (42878) by Norbert (35763) out of 
Chorie (23437) bv Avata (912) he by Nogent 
(729) out of Bicottee by Bavard (717). Nor- 
bert (35763) bv Turco (8506) out of Pelotte 
(8334) by Brilliant (756). Turco (8506) by 
Briard (4630) out of Coquette (8505) by Coco 
belonging to M. Chattillion, he by Coco second 
(714). Briard (1630) ho by Brilliant (755) out 
of Pelotte (4885) by Brilliant belonging to Madam 
Therin, out of Bijou, belonging to M. Brouard. 
Brilliant (755) bv Brilliant (756) out of Rogout 
by Favori first (711) ho by Vieux-Chaslin (713) 
out of L 'Ausie bv Vieux-Pierre (894) he bv 
Coco (712). Brilliant (756) by Coco Seconil 
(714) out of Rosette by Mina, belonging to the 
French government. Coco Second (714) by 
Vicux-Chaslin (713) out of La Grise bv Vieux- 
Pierre (883). Vieux-Chaslin (713) by Coco 
(712) out of Poule by Sandi. Coco (712) by 
Mignon (715) out of Pauline by Vieux-Coco. 
Mignon (715) by Joan Le Blanc 739. Favory 
(1101) bv Favora (756) out of Jeannette bv 



Decide l>elonging to il. Yinault. Favora (765) 
by French Monarch (734) out of Marguerite by 
Favori. . French Monarch (734) by llderim 
(5302) out of a daughter of Vieux-Pierre (894). 
Hderim (5302) by Valentin (5301) out of Chat on 
by Vieux-Pierre" (894). Valentin (5301) by 
Vieux-Chaslin (713) he by Coco (712) out of 
Poule by Saudi. Coco (712) by Mignon (715) 
out of Pauline by Vieux Coco. Mignon (715) by 
Jean Le Blanc (739). Chasselas was approved by 
the French government to stand for public serv- 
ice in France. He is of great size, heavy bone 
and short legs and his pedigree is of the best on 
both the sire and dam side, being of the most 
noted prize winners and breeders of France. He 
weighs about two thousand pounds and on ac- 
count of his extraordinary merit Chasselas was 
a prize winner at the great stallion show at 
N'evers, France. He is one of the best bred 
horses in America and was purchased in 1905 
by Mr. Ellberg, who is sole owner. 

In the year 1895 Mr. Ellberg was married 
to Miss Ada Starkes, of New Jefsey, a daughter of 
Elias Starkes, a farmer residing in Wyanet town- 
ship. Mr. and Mrs. Ellberg have a son and 
daughter, Philip and Lizzie. In politics Mr. Ell- 
berg is a republican and in community affairs 
has taken a deep and helpful interest. He has 
served as commissioner of highways for three 
years and as school director for five years. Fra- 
ternally he is connected with the Modern Wood- 
men of America and his religious views are in- 
dicated by his membership in the Lutheran 
church. He has prospered in his business affairs 
and is a worth adopted son of America, loyal to 
the institution of this land, -wherein he has found 
good business opportunities that he lias improved 
in such a manner that success has resulted. 



MILFORD FRAZEE. 

Milford Frazee, who is serving as town- 
ship treasurer of Dover township, while 
liis industry, enterprise and integrity in his 
business life have made him a prosperous farmer, 
was born in Garrett county, JIaryland, November 
21, 1842. His father, Elisha Frazee, was born 
in Garrett county, April 30, 1800, and married 
Barbara Stuck, whose birth occurred in Fayette 
county, Pennsylvania, in 1815. In their family 
wore oiglit children, fivo sons and three daugh- 
ters, of whom Milford Frazee was the eldest son 
and second cliild. The days of his boyhood and 
youth wore spent under the parental roof, for he 
accompanied his parents on their various remov- 
als. Thus he acquired his education in differ- 
ent localities, attending school in West Virginia, 
in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and afterward 
in Bureau county, Illinois. 

lie arrived in this countv October 4, 1868, 



PAST AND i'UESEXT UF BUKEAU rOUM'Y. 



251 



and has since made his home within its borders. 
He worked by the month for two years as a 
farm hand and was then married on the 2Tth of 
December, 18T0, to Miss Anna M. Coddington, 
who was born in this county, September 7, 18-lS. 
They began their domestic life upon a farm and 
in 1878, when his Labors had brought to him suf- 
ficient capital, Mr. Frazee purchased his present 
farm, whieli comprises eighty acres of land. He 
has line buildings upon the place, which are sur- 
rounded with a beautiful grove that serves as a 
protection and also adds to the value and at- 
tractive appearance of the place. His fields are 
well cultivated and he has lived the life of an 
honest industrious farmer, his success being 
attributable entirely to his own efforts. He 
raises corn, oats and hay and also some cattle, 
making a specialty of the Durham. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Frazee have been born the 
following named : Lillian May, who was born 
July 5, 1872, and was married, January 16, 1902, 
to F. A. Keefer, their home being now on a farm 
in Ogle county, Illinois; Fannie Belle, who was 
born June 9, 1875, and was married February 
7, 1895, to W. M. Barnhizer, whose home is on a 
farm in Pocahontas county, Iowa; C. Winifred, 
born February 23, 1878 ; James W., November 6, 
1880; Kate Edna, August 20, 1882; Bessie A., 
who was born November 1, 1884, and died April 
15, 1887 ; Jennie M., who was born December 
13, 1889; and W. Guy, born November 2, 1891. 

Mr. Frazee is a republican in politics and has 
held the office of township treasurer for six 
years — from 1900 to the present time. He has 
been school director for nine years and township 
collector for one year and the prompt and capa- 
ble manner in which he has discharged his public 
duties has won him high and uniform admiration. 
He has been a member of the Methodist Protes- 
tant church for twenty-eight years, belonging to 
the congregation of that denomination in Prince- 
ton, and his family are all of the same faith. 
He is well known in Bureau county, where he 
has many friends, for his good traits, as mani- 
fest in his honorable business career and his 
capable public service have won him the esteem 
and oonfidonee of those with wliom he has been 
associated. 



EDWARD M. FAY. 
Edward M. Fay, whose farm comprises ninety 
acres, is one of the county's native sons, his birth 
having occurred on section 26, Bureau township, 
December 12, 1838. His father, Samuel L. Fay, 
was born at Newton, ^lassacliusetts, on the 1st 
day of August, 1813, and l)ecame a resident of 
Illinois in 1834, only two years after the Black 
Hawk war. He located first in Putnam county 
and afterward removed to Bureau county, where 
he resided continuously until his death, which oc- 
curred January 7, 1899. He was for many 



years one of the leading farmers of his conimu- 
iiity and his efforts resulted in transforming a wild 
tract of land into one of rich fertility. In 
Bureau county, on the 28th day of January, 1838, 
was celebrated a pioneer wedding, that of Samuel 
L. F'ay and Miss Mary Mercer. The lady was 
born in Greene county, Pennsylvania, in 1807, 
and came to this county after the arrival of Mr. 
Fay in 1836. They began their domestic life 
on section 26, Bureau township, and as the years 
passed five children were added to the household, 
of whom Edward M. Fay is the eldest. Two of 
the number are now deceased. 

Amid pioneer environments and surroundings 
Edward M. Fay spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth. Many of the homes were log cabins and 
the now thriving towns and cities were then but 
mere villages. Farm work was done with ma- 
chinery which was very crude as compared to 
that in use at the present time and only a few 
advantages could be enjoyed owing to the re- 
moteness of this district from any large city and 
the absence of railroads or other means of trans- 
portation. In the public schools Mr. Fay ac- 
quired his education and although his advan- 
tages in that direction were somewhat limited 
his training at farm labor was not meager and 
by practical experience he was well equipped 
for carrying on farm work. He is now the owner 
of a good farm of ninety acres, on which stands 
an attractive home. A glance at his place indi- 
cates that he is thoroughly familiar with the work 
of carrying on the farm. He raises corn, oats and 
hay and in his pastures are seen good grades of 
stock. 

Mr. F^ay was united in marriage to Miss Ella 
E. Stearns, who was born in South Hadley, Massa- 
chusetts, April 14, 1849, and after a residence 
of a year and a half in New York and three years 
in New Haven, Connecticut, came to Illinois, since 
which time she has made her homo in Bureau 
county. She is a daughter of Charles R. and 
F^lizabeth (Strong) Stearns, who were natives of 
the old Bay state and came to Illinois in 1856. 
Here they spent their remaining days, the father 
passing away in 1860 and the mother in 1877. 
[into Mr. and Mrs. Pay have been born two chil- 
dren : Mary E. and Florence M., both now at 
liome. The family are all members of the Wes- 
leyan Methodist church, with which Mr. Fay has 
been identified for forty-nine years, taking an 
active and helpful part in church work and con- 
tributing generously to its support. 

In politics he has been a prohibitionist, since 
1900, always voting the national ticket of that 
party, but at local elections, where there is often 
III! prohibition ticket in the field, he usually sup- 
ports the candidates of the republican party. In 
I860 he cast his first vote at a national election 
for Garrett Smith, an anti-slavery candidate, and 
supported the republican party from 1864 until 
1900. He has never sought or desired office but 



252 



PAST AND PHESEXT (JF J'.l l.'HAL" (OUXTY. 



has prul'urred to give undivided attention to his 
business interests. He is numbered among tlie 
pioneer residents of the county, having lived 
within its borders for almost seventy years, dur- 
ing wliicji time great changes have occurred as 
the county has emerged from frontier conditions 
and become the center of an advanced civiliza- 
tion in this great commonwealth. In his early 
chihlhood there were many evidences of frontier 
life, but gradually the labors of the settlers and 
the introduction of new and improved machinery 
wrought the tran.sformation and the county re- 
maineil no longer an uncultivated district but 
vas made to bloom and blossom as the rose and 
wiu-re once were wild prairie grasses are now 
sci-n rich fields of waving grain. 



HON. WILLIAM M. WHIPPLE. 

Without special pecuniary or educational ad- 
vantages at the outset of his career, Hon. William 
M. Wiiipple attained distinction in business and 
political life in recognition of the innate strength 
of his character and his natural and acquired 
ability. He made the best use of his opportuni- 
ties in all relations and gradually advanced from 
a luunblc position to one of prominence and of 
atlluctice. He was born at Croydon. Xew Hamp- 
shire, August 9. 1817, and for many years figured 
prominently in connection with the history of 
Bureait county. He was descended from one of 
the New England families and inherited many of 
the sterling traits which have ever been character- 
istic of the people of that section of t)ie country. 
He was a grandson of Samuel Wliipple, and a 
son of ('ai)tain William Whipple, who was born 
in Xew Hampshire, January 13, 1768, and died 
at Croydon on the 5th of December, 1853. Cap- 
tain Whipple followed farming extensively and 
was tlic largest wool-grower in Ins lnwn. keeping 
as high as one thousand ho-.u] of siieep in his 
pastures at a time. His luisiness interests were 
carefully conducted and resulted in the acquire- 
ment of success which was indeed gratifying. 
In early manhood he wedded Judith Putnam, who 
died in 1SG3. In their family were nine children : 
Harriet, Lyman, Sophia, Tjyndia and Ijaura, 
twins, Mahala, Sarah, William ^I. and TiUcy. 

In his native town William 'SI. Wbipjile spent 
the days of his boyhood and youth and there 
ac(|uired his primary education, but afterward 
attended the academy at Canaan, New Hampshire, 
and subsequently became a student at Norwich 
University in Vermont. He entered business life 
in Croydon as a merehnnt, and at a later date 
turned his attention to the manufacture and sale 
of machinery at Canaan, in which he continued 
for three years. He then began farming, which 
he continued in the east until 1855, when, be- 
lieving that he might enjoy better business oppor- 
tunities in the middle west, made his wav to 



Illinois, .\fter a brief residence in Chicago he 
i;ame to Bureau county and purchased land near 
Buda, but the following year he sold his farm and 
returned to the east to settle up his ali'airs be- 
fore making a permanent home in this county. 
Before he completed his preparation for his re- 
moval from his native state he was called upon 
by ids many friends in Sullivan county to rep- 
resent them in the state legislature, and lilled the 
office with credit to himself and honor to his con- 
stituents. 

Upon the e-\piration of his fei'in in the general 
assembly he felt the advantages of the west were 
again cirawing him to the Mississippi valley, and 
in the spring of 1857 he returned to this county. 
He then invested in land and also engaged in 
merchandising at Shelheld, where he continued 
business for thirteen years, while during seven 
years of that time he also acted as postmaster of 
the town. He at once took a prominent place in 
public and business life, and he liecame a leader 
iif public thought and action. In 1869 he dis- 
closed of his store, and during the four succeeding 
years devoted his energies to the supervision Oi 
his farms near SheiTield and Princeton. He was 
also a director and stockholder of the Citizens 
National l^ank. He was always very successful 
in his business ventures, esjiecially after his re- 
moval to Bureau county. His judgment was 
seldom, if ever, at error in a Imsiness transaction, 
and his success was the result not of accident but 
rather the natural sequence of industry and good 
judgment. His was a well balanced mind, and 
in his business life his aim was ever to deal with 
all so that his simple statement of fact should 
never be questioned. He avoided as far as pos- 
sible all litigation in the courts, ami was tlior- 
oughly relialDle and trustworthy in his dealings. 

While living in Berlin, A'ermont, Mr. Whippli' 
was united in marriage to Jliss Ednah Comings, 
a daughter of Fenno and T?ebccca (Smart) Com- 
ings, (if Berlin, both of whom were natives of 
New Hampshire. They had an adopted child. 
.Vnnie Louise Bewey, born April 21, lS5i'i. and 
now tlie wife of .\nson Horace Kno.x, of Shellield. 
who i.s represented elsewhere m this work. 

Mr. Wliipple's political views were in accord 
with the principles of the republican party and 
he took an active interest in all that pertained 
to local or national affairs. While a resident of 
Concord township lie was its representative on the 
county board an<l in I'rinceton he was a member 
of the school board for seven years, the cause 
of education finding in him a warm and stalwart 
champion. He died December 15, 1885, and thus 
closed a career of tisefulness and honor, in which 
his labors have been of direct and lasting lienefit 
to his feltowmen as well as a source of jirotit to 
himself. He won hotli success and an honored 
naiiic, and he is yet remembered by many of the 
li-ailinu' residents of tlie coiintv as a man whose 
genuine personal worth gaiiu>d fiu' him a ]ilace 



PAST AND PEESEXT OE BUREAU COUNTY. 



255 



among the representative citizens. EoUowing her 
husband's death. Mrs. Whipple returned to SJief- 
field and devoted the remaining years of her life 
to the upbuilding of the Unitarian churcli. It 
was largely through her efforts that the parsonage 
was erected, and when she died she left fifteen 
thousand dollars to the Unitarian conference. 
The church owes much to her efforts and influ- 
ence, and she was one of the best loved and most 
highly respected women in the county. 



0. J. PIPER. 

0. J. Piper is the proprietor of the Hillhtirst 
Stock Farm and a well known breeder of short- 
horn cattle and Poland China hogs. In fact he is 
regarded as one of Btireau county's most sub- 
stantial citizens and successful business men and 
his efforts have contributed in no small degree 
to the reputation which this county bears for 
its farming and stock-raising interests. 

Mr. Piper was born in Bureau county, Feb- 
ruary 8, 1866. His paternal grandfather was 
Ezekiel Piper and the father William W. Piper. 
The latter is now a retired farmer living in Mai- 
den, Illinois. He came to this county in 1836 
from the vicinity of Cincinnati, Ohio, being at 
that time only about a year old. As the years 
passed he was trained to the work of the farm 
and took up agricultural pursuits as a life occu- 
pation. He is now in very comfortable circum- 
stances and his position of affluence indicates a 
life of well directed and intense activity in for- 
mer years. He married Miss Lydia Savage, whose 
parents were early settlers here, and of this union 
there were born three children, of whom two are 
now living, Florence being the widow of Thomas 
Gritlln and a resident of Michigan. 

0. J. Piper was educated in the common schools 
of Bttreau county and has always been deeply 
interested in stock-raising. He entered upon his 
business career by renting land and raising regis- 
tered stock for sixteen years. He ha-s been breed- 
ing cattle for ten years, hogs for fifteen years and 
horses for sixteen years. He is now proprietor 
of tlie Hillhurst Stock Farm, where he is breed- 
ing shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs. He 
has bred on an extensive scale and always has 
stock for sale. His place is located on sections 
13 and 24, Wyanet township, and on section 18, 
Princeton township, two miles we«t of the city of 
Princeton on the Wyanet road. His stock is all 
registered. In former years he was extensively 
engaged in the breeding of Percheron horses and 
he still owns three fine stallions. In his cattle 
he makes a specialty of straight Scotch breeding 
and ha.s one of the strongest herds of shorthorn 
cattle in the country. He keeps from sixteen to 
twenty-five breeding cows and now has two young 
cows that are not excelled upon any breeding 
farm in the world. He raises from one hundred 



and fifty to two hundred head of hogs annually, 
keeping the best strains. His hogs of the Poland 
China variety are heavy boned and yet hold ex- 
cellent feeding and breeding qualities. In 1903 
he sold three hogs on the market for one hun- 
dred and fifty dollars. He has bought fine stock 
at state fairs and other places and lie also breeds 
bronze turkeys and barred chickens. He has al- 
ways taken iirst prize on turkeys at the fairs and 
took the first prize in Iowa on turkeys, where he 
also won six prizes on six turkeys. He mani- 
fests a justifiable pride in his stock and poultry, 
for he is one of the best thoroughbred breeders 
of Bureau county. He advertises his stock 
through the Breeders Gazette, which is published 
in Chicago. He owns one hundred and fifty-six 
acres of good land, which he purchased in 1902 
and upon which he has a fine home. The farm 
is well improved in every particular and indicates 
the careful supervision and progressive spirit of 
the owner. 

Mr. Piper wa.s married to Miss Nancy Self, who 
was born in Bureau county near Zearing, Illi- 
nois, and is a daughter of Franklin Self, a re- 
tired farmer residing in Princeton. They have 
two children: Ethel, aged sixteen years; and 
Cleona, in her first year. The parents are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. 
Piper is a republican in his political views. His 
business affairs are carefully conducted and all 
that he now possess has been acquired through his 
own. efforts. He certainly deserves much credit 
for this, as the Hillhurst Stock Farm is one of 
the leading enterprises of this kind in Bureau 
county. 



LEVI MYERS. 
Levi Myers, who was a veteran of tlie Civil war 
and one of the respected and worthy citizens of 
Maiden, was born in York county, Pennsylvania, 
December 18, 1831. The days of his minority 
were passed in the east but in 1854, when a young 
man of twenty-three years, he came to Illinois, 
locating in Bureati county. He was a carpenter 
by trade and was identified with building oper- 
ations here for some time, or until after the out- 
break of the Civil war, when he enlisted for serv- 
ice with Company B of the Fifty-seventh Illinois 
Infantry. He was with the army for four years, 
participating in many important engagements, and 
was wounded in battle, but he lived to return home 
and was spared for many years as a uscl'ul and 
valued citizen of the community in which he re- 
sided. He turned his attention to farming and 
became the owner of a good tract of land of 
two hundred and thirty-seven acres, on which 
he engaged in the cultivation of the crops best 
adapted to soil and climate. His life was one of 
activity, in which diligence and honesty were 
evenly balanced and rendered him a rclialile, en- 
terprising and successful man. 



25G 



PAST AND I'RESENT OF BUKEAU COUXTY. 



On the 15th of February, 18G6, in Bureau 
county, Mr. Myers was united in marriage to Miss 
Margaret Ellen Maginnis, who was born in Lou- 
doun county, Virginia, September 13, 1827, and 
who came to Bureau county a number of years 
before the arrival of Mr. Myers. This marriage 
was blessed with two children: Margaret E., 
who was born December 25, 1866; and Charles L., 
born April 12, 1870. The son was married to Miss 
Marion Burke, who was born in ]\Ialdon in 1874, 
and they have three living children: Harold E., 
Maud I. and Mildred E., aged respectively nine, 
seven and six years. The farm was inherited 
equally by the brother and sister upon the death 
of the parents. 

ilr. Myers was a member of Presbyterian 
church, while Mrs. Myers was for a long period a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and 
took an active and helpful part in its work, con- 
tributing generously to its support. For more 
than thirty years this worthy couple traveled life's 
journey happily together, sharing with each other 
in the joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosper- 
ity which checker the careers of all. On the "24th 
of January, 1897, Mr. Myers was called upon to 
iiinurn tlie loss of her who had long been to him a 
faithful companion and helpmate. He survived 
for eight years and departed this life September 
8, 1905. The family has long been a prominent 
one in the community, its members respected by 
all who know them. Miss ^fargaret Myers still 
resides upon tlic old homestead. She was educated 
in the common schools and in Dover Academy and 
now personally supervises her farming interests. 
Socially she is a member of Eebekah lodge. No. 
185, of Juanita. 



DENNIS D. DRAPER. 

Dennis D. Draper is one of the most prominent 
stockmen, not only of New Bedford and Bureau 
county, but of this section of Illinois as well, and 
as a breeder of fine horses he has a very wide 
reputation. 

Mr. Draper was born in rrreenville township, 
July 24, 1850. and the old homestead whereon he 
first opened his eyes to the light of day is still 
his place of residence. He comes of Welsh line- 
age. His paternal grandfather, James Draper, 
was a native of Wales and, leaving that little 
rock-ribbed country, crossed the Atlantic to 
America prior to the Rcvolutionarv war. When 
the colonists, unable longer to hear the voke of 
British oppression, resolved to strike a blow for 
liberty, he joined the Continental army and served 
for seven years as a valiant soldier and thus aided 
in winning independence. His son, James M. 
Draper, was born in Shaftsbury, Vermont, De- 
cember 5, 1817, and, having arrived at years of 
maturity, he was married to Miss Catherine 
Morse Upham, who was likewise a native of the 



Green Mountain state, born on the 23d of July, 
1819. They became residents of Bureau county 
about 1848, and for many years made their home 
within its borders, the father following the occu- 
pation of farming and aiding in the early agri- 
cultural development of this part of the state. 
He died January 16, 1906, when almost ninety 
vears of age, while his wife passed awav March 8. 
1898. 

Xo event of special importance occurred to 
vary the routine of farm life for Dennis I). Dra- 
per in the period of his boyhood and youth. He 
worked in the fields during the summer months 
and in the winter seasons attended the public 
schools, thus acquiring a good English education. 
The task of plowing, planting and harvesting early 
became familiar to him and be still lives upon the 
old homestead where he was trained to habits of 
industry and economy. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
he chose Miss Viola F. Wilson, to whom he was 
married November 27, 1873. She was born in 
Putnam county, September 19, 1852, and is a 
daughter of William and Nina J. (Sprague) Wil- 
son. Her fatiier was born in Kentucky, Decem- 
ber 25, 1828, and the mother's birth occurred in 
Bennington, Vermont, November 9, 1834. She 
passed away in 1876, but Mr. Wilson is still liv- 
ing in Princeton. He has served as city clerk for 
twelve years and has been nominated for the fourth 
term by the republican party. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Draper have been born six children : Vera S., 
born Mav 15, 1876; Wilson W., August 12, 1880; 
Glenn, July 25, 1882; Clara E., April 30, 1884; 
Forrest D., December 9, 1886; and Buzz, Decem- 
ber 9, 1891. 

The family home is pleasantly located upon an 
excellent farm of two hundred and fifty acres of 
rich and productive land situated on section 33, 
Greenville township. Although he devotes some 
attention to the tilling of the soil and the raising 
of crops his time is largely given to his stock 
breeding and raising interests and he is the owner 
three of the best bred horses in Illinois. One of 
these. President McKinley, is a young horse, seven 
years old, of good size, color and conformation. 
With limited ojiporf unities on tlu^ turf he secured 
a trotting record of 2 :26i4 as a three year old; as 
a five year old he reduced it to 2 :21i4 ; yet this is 
no measure of his speed. He has a pedigree 
scarcely surpassed. Jlr. Draper also owns Cha- 
randas, equally well bred, inheriting good stout 
racing blood on both sides. Mr. Draper is well 
known as a stockman and his stables are famous 
throughout this section of Illinois. He now has 
upon his place fifty colts bred by the two stallions 
mentioned and no finer stock can be found else- 
where in the state. He also has fine resistered 
cattle and his farm is one of the best equipped for 
carrying on the business. 

In his political views Mr. Draper is a repub- 
lican but without aspiration for office, preferring 




MR. AND MRS. D. D. DRAPER. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



259 



to devote his time and energies to his business af- 
fairs, which are meriting the success that he is now 
enjoying. He has, however, served eleven years 
as tax collector. 



JOHN P. RUNFT. 

John P. Eunft, serving for the third term as 
mayor of Sheffield, has proved a most competent 
and trustworthy official, and his devotion to the 
best interests of the city is manifest in the tangi- 
ble efforts he has put forth for substantial public 
improvement and upbuilding. His record is in- 
deed creditable to himself and satisfactory to his 
constituents and he receives the support and 
endorsement of a large majority of his fellow 
townsmen, who recognize his efficiency and re- 
joice in what he has done for the city. 

Mr. Eunft was born on the boundary line of 
Bureau county, December 25, 1862, a son of 
Jacob and Catherine (Wagner) Eunft, both of 
whom were natives of Germany, the former cross- 
ing the Atlantic in 1852. Mrs. Eunft came to the 
United States when fourteen years of age and 
was a resident of Kewanee, Illinois, up to the 
time of her marriage, when she came with her 
husband to Bureau county. They removed to 
Eileyville, Kansas, in January, 1884, at which 
date Mr. Eunft retired from active business life. 

In the public schools of this county John P. 
Eunft acquired his education and spent his early 
years upon the home farm, early becoming fa- 
miliar with the duties and labors that fall to the 
lot of the agriculturist. In 1892, when thirty years 
of age, he entered the stock-buying business, and 
he also conducted a market and grocery in 1897, 
under the firm name of Eunft & Johnson. 

In his business affairs he was found thoroughly 
reliable and enterprising and the recognition of 
these traits by his fellow townsmen led to his 
selection for political honors. He stands for 
progress and improvement in public life as well 
as in private affairs and whenever he has an- 
nounced his advocacy of any movement or measure 
he has labored earnestly for their adoption. For 
two years he was a member of the city council, 
and for three terms has been mayor of the city, 
his re-elections standing in incontrovertible evi- 
dence of his fidelity to duty and the confidence 
reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. He has 
labored effectively for all that stands for prog- 
ress and improvement. Sidewalks have been built 
and curbs put in under his administration, and 
the city has discharged its financial obligations to 
the sum of ten thousand dollars and is now clear 
of all indebtedness. He has brought to his pub- 
lie duties the same .'Steadfast purpose, enterpris- 
ing spirit and keen discernment that he has dis- 
played in his private business affairs, and he has 
used practical methods in working toward the 



ideal and has thereby secured tangible results. 
He was elected on the republican ticket and is a 
firm supporter of the principles of the party but 
in the discliarge of his duties he places the general 
good before partisanship and the benefit of the 
city before the aggrandizement of self. 

On the 37th of December, 1883, Mr. Eunft 
was united in marriage to Miss Lucy E. Harris, 
a daughter of 0. M. Harris, who came with his 
'amily from Vermont in 1862. He died in 1899, 
at the age of seventy-nine years, while his wife 
passed away in June, 1900. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Eunft have been born four children: Fi-ed, who 
was born January 13, 1885, and has been engaged 
in the hardware business for six years; Edward 
W., who was born October 29, 1888, and is in 
business at Depue Illinois; Catherine M. born 
February 6, 1893, and Burton Harris, born De- 
cember 22, 1900, both attending the Sheffield 
schools. 

Prominent in fraternal as well as political cir- 
cles, Mr. Eunft is a Mason and an Odd Fellow and 
in the latter lodge is a past noble grand. He is 
also adviser of the Modern Woodmen Camp. His 
religious faith is indicated in his membership in 
the Methodist Episcopal church and also in his 
relations with his fellowmen, for he is always just 
and leliable in business transactions and loyal 
and faithful in the discharge of public duties. 
His life record is creditable and worthy of emu- 
lation and his efforts in behalf of Sheffield have 
been far-reaching and beneficial. 



WILLIAM J. BARTH. 

William J. Earth, who is operating a farm of 
one hundred and sixty acres on section 11, Walnut 
township, was born in Woodford county, Illinois, 
May 13, 1874, and is a son of William and Phoebe 
(Knapp) Barth. The father was a native of 
Germany, while the mother's birth occurred in 
Boston, Massachusetts, in October, 1853. They 
came to Illinois at an early day, locating at Min- 
onk, and in their family were five children, of 
whom William J. is the eldest. 

Under the parental roof the subject of this 
review spent the days of his boyhood and youth, 
early becoming familiar with agricultural pur>- 
suits, for he aided in the work of field and meadow. 
On the 27th of February, 1900, he was married to 
Miss Anna Uphoff, who was born March 4, 1876, 
and was fourth in order of birth in a family of ten 
children whose parents were Bartlett and Katie 
(Clodious) Uphoff', who were natives of Germany 
and came to Illinois in 1855, settling in Peoria, 
but now living at Minonk. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Barth have been born four children: Albert R., 
born January 8, 1901; Joseph T.. June 3, 1902; 
Arthur E., September 17, 1904; and Florence, 
October 24, 1905. Both IIt. and .Mrs. Barth hold 



260 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



membershij) in the German Lutheran church and 
are liighly esteemed socially. 

In his political views I\Ir. Barth is a republican 
and keeps well informed on the questions and 
issues of the day but has never sought or desired 
public office. He came to Bureau county from 
Woodford county in 1900 and located on his 
father's farm of one hundred and sixty acres on 
section 11, Walnut township, where he has since 
carried on general agricultural pursuits. He ex- 
pects soon, however, to purchase a home of his 
own. Although he started out in life empty- 
handed he is now in very comfortable circum- 
stances, keeping his money well invested. His 
prosperity is due entirely to his earnest and per- 
sistent labor, for he has had no influential friends 
to assist liim, nor have circumstances been pecu- 
liarly advantageous in his favor. He has been 
watchful of every occasion pointing to success and 
through good management has acquired a large 
amount of personal property, displaying excellent 
ability as a financier in the control of his inter- 
ests. He is yet a young man and the future un- 
doubtedly holds in store for him larger successes. 



WILLIAM J. JIILLEE. 
William J. Miller, who owns and occupies a 
valuable farm property in Neponset township, was 
born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, October 11, 
1848, and comes of Irish lineage. His father, 
James Miller, born on the Emerald Isle, crossed 
the Atlantic to America in 1830 and located in Al- 
bany, New York, while subsequently he removed 
to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He married Miss 
Jane L. Legget, also a native of Ireland, and in 
October, 1837, they removed to Illinois, settling 
in Weathersfic'ld, Henry county. A year later 
they took up their abode in Neponset township, 
Biireau county, where Mr. Miller purchased eighty 
acres of land, to which he added from time to time 
until he had a half section. He was one of the 
worthy pioneer residents of this locality, settling 
here when it was a frontier district. He broke 
the wild prairie and made all of the improvements 
upon his farm and he engaged quite extensively in 
buying, feeding and shipping stock. He aided 
in laying broad and deep the foundation for the 
present development and progress of the county 
and co-operated in many movements for the gen- 
eral good. He served as school director for many 
years, the cause of education finding in him a 
warm and stalwart friend. He was made an 
Odd Fellow in Philadelphia and following his re- 
moval to the west became identified with the 
lodge at Xewanee. His early political allegiance 
was given to the whig party and upon its dissolu- 
tion he joined the ranks of the republican party. 
He died at the age of seventy-two years, and is 
still survived by his widow, who on the 14th 
of July, 1906, celebrated the seventv-ninth anni- 



versary of her birth. In the family of this worthy 
couple were thirteen children, of whom nine are 
now living, William J., Isabella, James T., Emma, 
Adeline, Rosina, Joseph, Edward and Annie. 

William J. Miller was brought to Illinois by his 
parents when nine years of age, and attended the 
public schools, thus becoming well equipped for 
life's practical duties. He lived at home with 
his parents until twenty-five years of age and 
became thoroughly conversant with the best meth- 
ods of carrying on farm work. He afterward 
began farming on his own account on a part of the 
old homestead when twenty-five years of age, and 
there he lived until 1893, when he sold his prop- 
erty and bought the old homestead of two hundred 
acres. Here he carried on general farming and 
also bought and fed stock until January, 1902, 
when he purchased a home in Kewanec, there 
residing until the loth of January, 1900, when 
he returned to the farm where he now resides. 

It was on the 14th of February, 1871, that Mr. 
Miller was united in marriage to Miss Anna Rus- 
sell, a daughter of Hugh and Aurelia Russell, 
who were natives of Indiana. Mrs. ililler was 
born in Knox county, Illinois, .July 2, 18.y.J, and 
died June 4, ISTo, leaving a daughter, Effie ^lav. 
On the nth of August, 1881, Mr. Miller wedded 
Helen Sina Dana, who was born May 10, 1855, 
a daughter of Lyman L. and Rosina (Cole) Dana. 
Her father was born in Peacham. Vermont, and 
was a blacksmith by trade. When thirty-two 
years of age he came westward to Illinois, settling 
in Neponset township. Bureau county, where he 
purchased eighty acres of land. Turning his at- 
tention to farming he accordingly conducted his 
agricultural interests and prospered as the years 
went by, so that he was enabled to extend the 
boundaries of his property until he had three 
hundred and eighty acres of richly productive and 
valuable land. In addition to cultivating the 
fields he engaged in stock-raising, buying and 
feeding stock on quite an extensive scale. His 
political support was given to the republican 
party. He passed away in 1891, at the age of 
seventy-one years. His widow still survives 
and was seventy-four years of age on the 27th 
of July, 190fi. In their family were five sons 
and five daughters, namely: Mrs- ]\Iiller, Addie 
M., William T., Leonard J., Carrie S.. David, 
Laura B.. Lottie, Harry C. and Louis L. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Miller have been born five 
children: William, who was born June 5, 1882, 
and died on the 12th of the same month: Laura 
R., born October 6, 1883; Mabel H., August 15, 
1885; Lyman J., February 16, 1889; and Eliza- 
beth, born November 27, 1890. The parents hold 
member.ship in the Congregational church at 
Kewanee, and Mr. Miller votes with the republican 
party. He has served on the school board for 
fifteen years or more, and the cause of education 
finds in him a stalwart champion, while his co- 
operation is withheld from no movement that is 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAF COUNTY 



■i(il 



designed for the public good. He has led a life 
of business activity and enterprise and in his own 
labors has found the basis for a desirable success, 
making him one of the representative agricultur- 
ists of this part of the state. Furthermore, in all 
of his dealings he is reliable and has thus gained 
an honorable name as well as a gratifying pros- 
perity. 



FREEMAN P. WRIGHT. 

Freeman P. Wright, a farmer residing on sec- 
tion 2.5, Indiantown township, was born in Stark 
county, Illinois, November 2o. 1856. His father, 
Edward P. Wright, also a native of Stark county, 
was a son of the Rev. S. G. Wright, one of the early 
Congregational ministers of Illinois. His birth 
occurred in Hanover, New Hampshire, in 1809, 
and in 1832, accompanied by his wife, he took 
up his abode in Fulton county, Illinois. For some 
time after his arrival in tliis state he engaged in 
farming but afterward attended Lane's seminary 
in 1841 and entered actively upon the work of 
the ministry as a preacher of the Congregational 
church. He devoted many years to that holy call- 
ing and was at different times located at Dover 
and at Neponset in Bureau county. He labored 
zealously and diligently for the advancement of 
the cause which he represented and was a power 
for good in the church and a man of influence in 
the communities where he lived. His son, Ed- 
ward P. Wright, devoted the greater part of his 
life to agricultural pursuits. He followed farm- 
ing in Stark county until 1886, when he removed 
to Kansas, where he resided for seven years and 
then took up his abode in California, where he is 
now residing. He married Miss Alma J. Wright, 
who was reared near Neponset. Bureau county, 
and who died in 1888. In their family were eight 
children, seven of whom reached adult age, name- 
ly: Freeman P.; Elva. now deceased; Hale G., 
living in Iowa : Julia, deceased ; Alden, a physi- 
cian of Thayer, Iowa; Otis, deceased; and Ernest, 
who is living near Tiskilwa. 

Freeman P. Wright was educated in Stark 
county and after reaching man's estate went to 
Kansas in 1886. where he followed farming for 
seven years. He later spent a similar period in 
Nebraska and in February, 1902, came to Bureau 
county, Illinois, where he purchased the farm on 
section 35, Indiantown township, where he still 
carries on general agricultural pursuits. He has 
brought his land under a high state of cultiva- 
tion and has added many modern equipments to 
his property. He has one hundred acres of rich 
and productive land and there are good buildings 
and well kept fences upon the place, while the 
farm in all of its departments is neat and thriftv, 
indicating his careful supervision. 

On the 10th of April, 1884, was celebrated 
the marriage of Freeman P. Wright and Miss 
Hattie J. Dator. who was born in Marshall county, 



Illinois, a daughter of W. P. and Loretta (Sov- 
erhill) Dator, the latter a sister of Samuel G. 
Soverhill, a prominent agriculturist and business 
man of Indiantown township. Mrs. Dator is still 
living but her husband pas.sed away in 1895. In 
their family were five daughters : Anna, the de- 
ceased wife of W. P. Plummer; Elizabeth, the 
wife of L. J. Allen, of Nebraska; Mrs Wright; 
Sadie, the deceased wife of A. J. Green; and 
Jennie, the wife of J. C. Waugh, of Kansas 
City, Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Wright have no 
children of their own but are rearing an adopted 
daughter. Ruby I\IcJIillan, who came to them 
when four years of age and has now attained the 
age of eighteen years. They also have a little boy 
living with them and in fact there has always been 
some child a member of their household, to whom 
they have given kind care and a good home. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Wright hold membership 
in the Congregational church and their Christian 
faith and spirit are manifest in their kindness to 
the little ones and their consideration for all with 
whom they come in contact. Mr. Wright exercises 
his voting powers for the men and measures of 
the republican party, and in the community w-here 
they live he and his wife are held in the highest 
esteem, their many good traits of character hav- 
ing w^on for them the love and confidence of those 
with whom thev have l)een associated. 



MANCIOUS H. APGAR. 

Mancious H. Apgar, owTiing a good farm and 
property in Bureau county, where he has resided 
for almost four decades, having arrived in June, 
1868, is a native of Hunterdon county. New Jersey. 
He was born October 8, 1832, and is a son of C. P. 
Ajjgar, a farmer of that state. He was educated 
in the public schools of New Jersey, was reared to 
agricultural pursuits and devoted his time anfl 
energies to farming in his native state, until his 
removal to the west. Thinking to enjoy better 
business privileges in this section of the country 
he made his way to Illinois in June, 1868, and 
settled in Bureaxi county, where he has since 
resided. 

Mr. Apgar was married to Miss Catherine C. 
Wise, who was born August 31, 1839, in New 
Jersey. They have become the parents of six chil- 
dren : Conrad P., who is a contractor, has car- 
ried on business at Chicago, Niagara Falls and at 
Kansas City but is now at home. Mary S. is the 
second of the family. Cornelia is the wife of 
Howard S. Apgar, a farmer and dairyman of New 
Jersey. Oakley W., living at home, married 
Roxie Apgar, of New Jersey, and they have one 
child, Catherine Lucy, who was born in 1905. 
Edna and Anna Belle are still under the parental 
roof. 

Following his arrival in this country Mr. Apgar 
settled near Princeton but later resided for some 



262 



PAST AXD PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUXTY. 



years at Dover and in 1896 removed to the place 
where he now lives. The farm comprises eighty 
acres of fine land two and a half miles east of 
Princeton on section 14, Princeton township, con- 
stituting a valuable farm property, and here the 
family have an attractive and pleasant home. His 
sons, Conrad and Oakley W., operate the farm, 
carrying on general agricultural pursuits and also 
raising Jersey cattle. Jlr. Apgar is thus relieved 
of the necessity of taking part in the arduous work 
of tilling the fields and caring for the crops and is 
thus enabled to live retired in the enjoyment of a 
well earned rest. He has passed the seventy-third 
milestone on life's journey and well ' merits the 
honorable retirement which is vouchsafed to him. 
His study of political questions and issues has led 
him to give his support to the republican patty 
and in all matters of citizenship lie stands for 
progress, reform and improvement. 



JOHN R. SAPP. 

John R. Sapp, deceased, was one of the most 
prominent farmers and stock-raisers of Bureau 
county, carrying on his business interests on an 
extensive scale. He was also a pioneer resident 
of the county, where he arrived in 1849, settling 
in Wyanet township. His birth occurred in Kent 
county, Delaware, on the 29th of September, 
1829, his parents being William and Margaret E. 
(Reed) Sapp, who were likewise natives of Dela- 
ware, where the father followed the occupation 
of farming throughout his entire life. Both he 
and his wife died in the state of their nativity. 

John If. Sapp was reared upon the homestead 
farm in Delaware, and attended the common 
schools, remaining under the parental roof until 
twenty years of age, when he came to the west, 
accompanied by his cousin, Joshua Reed. They 
arrived in Bureau county in the fall of 1849, and 
Mr. Sapp was variously employed at farm labor 
and in other ways for about a year, but ambitious 
to engage in farming on his own account, his 
father bought a small tract of land near the old 
county farm, and gave it to his son, where he 
engaged in general agricultural pursuits for a few 
years. About five years later Mr. Sapp pur- 
chased a farm in Wyanet township, on the old 
Sheffield road, just two and a half miles from 
the village of Wyanet, and took up his abode 
thereon and began general farming for himself. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. Sapp chose Miss Caroline Mercer, to whom 
he was married in this county in 18.")0. She was 
also a pioneer resident of Bureau county and a 
native of Belmont county^ Ohio. Her parents, 
Edward and Jane (Tweedy) Mercer, were like- 
wise natives of Ohio, and in 18.37 came to Bureau 
county, settling in Wyanet township among its 
first residents. The father purchased a farm and 
carried on the work of tilling the soil there 



throughout his remaining daj's, botli he and his 
wife passing away on the old family homestead. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sapp were born eight chil- 
dren : Emma married James ^IcBride, a resi- 
dent of Princeton, and they had one child who 
died in infancy; Mattie is at home with her 
mother; Eva is the wife of Frank Emers, of 
Wyanet, and they had one child who died in in- 
fancy; Belle is the wife of Thomas Cecil, of 
Princeton, and they have two children, a son and 
daughter; John R., living on the old homestead 
farm, married Margaret White, and has two 
daughters; William E. married Rosamond Mayo, 
of Kansas City; Nellie M. is the wife of R. Y. 
Reed, of Erie, Whiteside county, Illinois, and 
they have one son and three daughters : and Fred 
R., a resident of Wyanet township, married Min- 
nie Johnson, and has one son and two daughters. 

Following his marriage Mr. Sapp engaged in 
general farming and stock-raising and was very 
prosperous in his undertakings. He kept adding 
modern improvements to his farm, and also bought 
more land from time to time in Wyanet township 
until he was one of the large land owners there. 
He also invested in land in Whiteside county, 
Hlinois, where he owned extensive farms, and 
his widow still has property interests in that 
county, consisting of one section. He made 
stock-raising his principal business and in that, 
a<5 in general farming, wa.s very successful, being 
truly a self-made man, who received no assist- 
ance, but accumulated all of his possessions. His 
labors were the foundation upon which he huilded 
the superstructure of his success and his energy 
and indiistry were always recognized as salient 
features in his business career. Nineteen years 
ago he decided to retire from the work of the 
farm, and removed his family to Princeton. He 
afterward sold the old home property to one of 
his sons. He then lived a retired life in the 
county seat, looking after his landed interests in 
Wyanet township and in Whiteside county until 
his detuise. In ^lay, 1901, he went on a visit to 
Deerfield, Kansas, where he died very suddenly a 
few davs after his arrival, his death occurring 
May 14, 1901. 

He was never an office seeker, but always took 
a very active interest in politics and was a stal- 
wart advocate of democracy. He held member- 
ship in the Masonic fraternity, being affiliated 
with the lodge at Wyanet, and at all times his 
life was exemplary of the beneficent spirit of the 
craft, wliiich is based upon the principles of 
mutual helpfulness and brotherly kindness. He 
was watchful of opportunities in the business 
world and his energy and determination enabled 
him to carry forward to successful completion 
whatever lie undertook, while his sound judgment 
enabled him to place his investments judiciously. 
His wife and family are all members of the 
Methodist Episcopal church in Princeton, and 
both the Sapp and Mercer families are old, promi- 





CJ''^/'^-^ 




TAST AXD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COLWTY. 



265 



nent and well-to-do families of this county. Mrs. 
Sapp still owns her interest in farms in Wyanet 
and Concord townships and in Whiteside county, 
and she and her daughter occupy a beautiful home 
in Princeton at No. 446 South First street, which 
was built by Mr. Sapp in 1893. 



MELVIN 0. SCOTT. 

Melvin 0. Scott, who since the spring of 1889 
has resided upon the farm which he now owns 
and occupies — a tract of land of one hundred 
and sixty acres in Neponset township, was born 
in Stark county, Illinois, April 5, 1855. and is 
the eldest of the four children born of the mar- 
riage of Robert Scott and Deborah A. Dunfee. 
The father, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, 
born January 10, 1835, is a resident of Neponset 
and is the only surviving Mexican war veteran 
now living in Bureau county. His wife was born 
at Torch, Athens county, Ohio, March 21, 1835, 
and they were married October 31, 1852. They 
became residents of Illinois in October, 1854, mak- 
ing the journey from Ohio by wagon and settling 
near Kewanee. There Mr. Scott followed farming 
for about three years, after which he removed to 
Neponset township, where he purchased three 
hundred and twenty acres of land, carrying on 
general farming and stock-raising. He continued 
actively in the business until 1880, when he re- 
tired with a handsome competence, gleaned from 
his labors as the years passed by. He has since 
enjoyed a well earned rest at his home in Nepon- 
set, where he is widely and favorably known. His 
political support was given the republican party 
until Grant's term, since which time he has voted 
with the democracy. His life illustrates the fact 
that success may be achieved by determined and 
unfaltering diligence, for in that way Mr. Scott 
overcame all the difficulties and obstacles in his 
path and steadily worked his way upward until 
prosperity rewarded him. The family numbers 
two sons and two daughters : Melvin 0. ; Sidney 
W. ; Laura A., the wife of T. N. Bennett; and 
Josephine R., the wife of Edward F. Norton. 

The public schools afforded Melvin 0. Scott his 
educational privileges and his labors were a factor 
in the work of the farm up to the time of his 
marriage, which was celebrated February 17, 1876, 
Miss Mary A. BatdorfF becoming his wife. She 
was born in Neponset, December 25, 1855, a 
daughter of Michael and Sarah (Norton) Bat- 
dorff. Her father, a native of Pennsylvania, 
came to Illinois in ante-bellum days and on the 
14th of August, 1863, enlisted in Company H, 
Ninety-third Illinois Infantry. He participated 
in the battle of Jackson, May 14, 1863 ; Champion 
Hill, May 16, 1863, and the siege of Vicksburg. 
At the battle of Mission Ridge he was captured 
and was taken to Andersonville prison, where he 
died August 3, 1864, the number of his grave 



being 4618. His children are: Mrs. Scott; Ben- 
jamin F., Joshua and Elizabeth. 

Following his marriage Mr. Scott engaged in 
farming on his own account and after following 
that pursuit for six years he was in the livery 
business in Neponset for a year. He then went 
to Grinnell, Iowa, where he conducted a meat 
market for four years, and where he became well 
acquainted with the brother of the editor of 
this volume, and in 1887 he returned to Neponset 
and conducted a meat market for three years. On 
the 4th of March, 1889, he took up his abode 
upon the farm which has since been his home, 
comprising one hundred and sixty acres of land 
which he has brought under a high state of cul- 
tivation so that the fields annually produce large 
crops, while the farm has become a profitable one. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Scott has been 
blessed with eight children : Ralph ; Carrie, the 
wife of W. K. Fields; Sadie; Deborah, the wife 
of Albert Gould; Walter, Charles, Laura and 
Mabel, all at home. Mr. Scott has been active 
in political circles and gave his support to the re- 
publican party until 1S8S, since which time he has 
voted with the democracy. He served as super- 
visor of his township in 1903 and 1903 and for the 
past fifteen years has been a school director, the 
system of public instruction finding in him a 
warm friend who does all in his power to pro- 
mote the interests of the public schools. Realizing 
that diligence is the basis of all success and that 
"there is no excellence without labor," he has 
worked persistently, utilizing his advantages in the 
best possible manner, and that he is now a sub- 
stantial farmer of Neponset township is due en- 
tirely to his persistency of purpose and careful 
management. 



C. C. BARRETT, M. D. 

Dr. C. C. Barrett, whose practice of medicine 
in harmony with modern scientific investigation 
has given him a leading place among the al.ile and 
representative practitioners of Princeton, was 
born in Manlius, Bureau county, Illinois, August 
9, 1873. His father, Joseph Barrett, was a native 
of Ohio and came to Illinois when a boy with his 
parents. The family located first in La Salle 
county, but shortly afterward came to Bureau 
county. Joseph Barrett was a farmer and mer- 
chant. Dr. Barrett was educated in the schools 
of Bureau county, passing through successive 
grades until he had graduated from the high 
school of Wyanet. He afterward engaged in 
teaching school there for a year and spent six years 
altogether as a teacher in Bureau county, but re- 
garding this as an initial step to other professional 
labor — for it was his desire to become a member 
of the medical fraternity — he niatriciilatfil in h'lish 
Medical College of Chicago in 1898. Pursuing 
the prescribed course there, he won the degree 



266 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



of M. D. upon graduation with the class of June, 
1902. 

Dr. Barrett located for practice in Merrill, Wis- 
consin, as the successor of Dr. L. B. Collier, who 
was then absent in Europe, and following Dr. Col- 
lier's return Dr. Barrett came to Princeton iii 
July. 1902, and entered upon practice in this 
city. He has remained liere continuously since 
and in the four years that have passed has made 
a creditable record, showing thorough familiarity 
with the principles of medical science and con- 
stantly adding to his efficiency by the knowledge 
gained by experience and research. On coming 
to Princeton he entered into partnership with 
Dr. J. A. Yi.xtrum. who died Felu-uary 9, 1905, 
thus terminating the relation between them. Since 
that time Dr. Barrett has been alone in practice. 

On the 11th of :May, 1901, was celebrated his 
marriage to Miss Kate A. Delano, daughter of 
J. H. Delano, who is mentioned elsewhere in this 
work. Dr. and ^Mrs. Barrett are members of the 
Congregational church. He is a rising and popu- 
lar young physician, who has already attained suc- 
cess that many an older practitioner miyiit envv. 
and his conscientious devotion to his choseu work 
combined with a naturally strong mind well quali- 
fies him to cope with the intricate problems wW 
continually confront the physician. 



WILLIE H.VROLD ANTHONY. 

On the list of Bureau county's honored dead 
appears the name of Willie Harold Anthonv, who 
in his life time commanded the respect and good 
will of all with whom he came in contact, so that 
his death was the occasion of uniform regret 
wherever he was known. He was born in Bureau 
county in ^lay, 1,S57, and was a son of Alfred 
.\nthony. whose birth occurred in Portsmouth. 
Rhode Island. October 31, 1815. The paternal 
grandfather, Isaac .\nthony, Jr., was also a native 
of Rhode Island, where his last days were passed. 
He served with the rank of captain in the war of 
1812 and in early manhood he married Nancv 
Fish, who became the mother of nine children that 
reached adult ago. 

Of tliis family .Vlfred Anthony was the young- 
est and in the year 18:?6 he came to Bureau county 
with the colony that laid out the village of Provi- 
dence. He made the journey in company with 
Caleb Cushing, whose daughter he afterward mar- 
ried, and following the establishment of the little 
town of Providence he clerked in a store there 
for Mr. Cusbins. Subsequently when his labors 
had brought to liim sufficient capital to enaiile him 
to make a start U(ion an independent business 
career he bought land, to which he added from 
time to time until he became the owner of four 
hundred acres and he built thereon a home, which 
is now occupied by Jfrs. W. II. .Vnthimy. He was 



a self-made man and as the architect of his own 
fortunes he builded wisely and well, using close 
application, unfaltering industry and perseverance 
as the foundation upon which to rear the super- 
structure of success. In his political views he 
was a republican and at an early day served as 
.sheriff of Bureau county. He was quite promi- 
nent and influential in the county at that time and 
he left the impress of his individuality upon many 
movements tluit have had direct beai'ing upon the 
welfare of this portion of the state. He was mar- 
ried here to Miss Mary A. Cushing, who was born 
May 24, 1819, a daughter of Caleb Cushing. Her 
father's birth occurred at Seekonk, Massachu- 
setts, August 12, 1795, and he died January 12, 
1877, at Providence, Bureau county. Mr. and 
Mrs. Anthony had six children: Edward B.. who 
is living in Imliantown township: Cliarles li.. a 
resident of Lexington, Nebraska ; Emily F., tiie 
wife of Thomas Dexter, of Oberlin, Ohio ; George 
A., who is living in Kewanee, Illinois; Jo.sephine 
R., the wife of Dr. W. C. Griswold, who lives in 
Princeton; and Willie H. Botli tlie parents have 
passed away. 

Mr. Anthony, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, supplemented his early education, acquired 
in the common schools, by study in Wheaton Col- 
lege and began life for himself in Chicago, con- 
ducting a store in connection with his brother. 
After a brief period, however, he returned to Bu- 
reau county and spent his renuiining days on the 
old home farm. He came into possession of a 
(|uarter section of land and for a long period de- 
voted his energies to the cultivation and improve- 
ment of the fields, which returned to him golden 
harvests for the care and labor he bestowed upon 
them. He was thoroughly trustworthy in all of 
his business dealings and his energy was a salient 
feature in his success. 

Mr. Anthony was married in February, 1879, 
to Miss Emma Chase, who was born in Bureau 
county, Illinois, near the birthplace of her hus- 
band. Her natal day was January 27, 1859, and 
she was a daughter of Charles Cha.se, who came 
here from Rhode Island in 1S3G, being one of the 
early and prominent pioneer settlers of the county. 
He was a farmer and assisted in reclaiming the 
wild land for the uses of civilization. In his 
family were two daughters: Mrs. .Vnthonv; and 
Mrs. Theron Griswold, of Princeton. The father 
died July 5, 18G(), while the mother passed away 
in 1895." 

Mr. and i\rrs. Anthony have become the par- 
ents of three children; Charles, who married Car- 
rie I\Iaynard and lives near his mother, for whom 
he operates the home farm ; Nora, twenty-one vears 
of age, living at home; and William Harold, four- 
teen years of age, also at home. 

Mr. Anthony exercised his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the re|iub- 
lican party and he was a loyal and devoted mem- 
ber of the Congregational church, in the faith of 




W. II. ANTHONY 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



2()9 



whioh he passed away in March, 1892. All who 
knew him esteemed him for his genuine wortli and 
his iidelity to honorable, manly principles. Mrs. 
Anthony is also a member of the Congregational 
church. She now owns one hundred and sixty 
acres of good land which is devoted to general 
farming and dairying, and she keeps thirteen 
cows for dairy purposes. They also raise some 
hogs and some fruit and the farm altogether is 
well improved, constituting a model property of 
Indiantown township. 



ELIJAH MOSHER. 

Elijah Mosher is one of the leading agricultur- 
ists of Wyanet township. He has resided upon his 
present farm on section S since coming to the 
county in 1858, and is meeting with deserved suc- 
cess in his chosen calling, being now the owner of 
a well ordered farm, which in its neat and taste- 
ful surroundings denotes the skillful management, 
industry and well directed labors of the owner. 
A native of the Empire state, Mr. Mosher was 
born on the 10th of April, 1844, in Dutchess 
county. New York, where his father's birth had 
occurred December 13, 1813, while his grand- 
father, Hugh Mosher, who was of English descent, 
was born in the same state, March 33, 1785. The 
mother of our subject, who bore the maiden name 
of Charity Eowe, was also a native of Dutchess 
county and a daughter of Elijah Eowe, who is 
supposed to have been born in Germany. Shortly 
after their marriage, which was celebrated in De- 
cember, 1835, the parents removed to Chenango 
county. New York, and in 1858 became residents 
of WyaneJ township, Bureau county, Illinois, 
locating upon the farm which is still occupied by 
their son Elijah, where they spent their remaining 
days, the mother passing away April 14, 1865, and 
the father October 5G, 1S92, in the seventy-niutli 
year of his age. In the family were eight chil- 
dren. 

Elijah Mosher, the fourth in order of birth, 
began his education in the schools of the Empire 
state, being fourteen years of age when he accom- 
panied his parents to Illinois, where he afterward 
attended the district schools for a time. When 
not busy with his tcxt-book.s his time and energies 
were devoted to farm labor and he was thus c^ 
gaged at the time of the outbreak of the Civil 
war. He watched with interest the progress of 
events preceding that momentous period in our 
history and noted the movements of the armies 
in the south. He was only twenty years of age, 
when, on the 10th of September, 1864, he re- 
sponded to the country's call for troops, enlisting 
as a private of Company H. One Hundred and 
Forty-si.xth Illinois Volunteer Infantry. He re- 
mained in the service until the close of the war, 
when ho mustered out July 10, 18G5, and re- 



turned home, having done a soldier's full duty 
in defense of his country. 

On the 10th of June, 1869, Mr. Mosher was 
united in marriage to Miss Ellen Love, who was 
born in Toronto, Canada, April 2, 1849, but when 
only two years of age was taken by her parents, 
Robert and Margaret (Landers) Love, to Kane 
county, Illinois. When about six years of age she 
entered the home of Marcus Lathrop, by whom she 
was reared, remaining there until her marriage. 
For about three years prior to her marriage, how- 
ever, she engaged in teaching school at Sandwich, 
De Kalb county, Illinois. ]\Ir. and Mrs. Mosher 
began their domestic life upon their present farm, 
and five children have been born unto them : Jes- 
sie, now the wife of Dr. Richard Herrick, a prac- 
ticing physician of La Salle, La Salle county, 
Illinois; Edwin B., a farmer of Wyanet town- 
ship; Belle D., the wife of Paul Mercer, of Wy- 
anet townsliip ; Jolm G. and Genevieve, at home. 

The family home is a fine farm of two hundred 
and seventy acres devoted to the raising of grain 
and stock, and in his business affairs Mr. Mosher 
displays keen discernment as well as unfaltering 
energy and as the years have gone by he has made 
an excellent record, winning success and also a 
reputation for reliability. He is an ardent repub- 
lican in politics and his fellow citizens have called 
him to a number of ofEcial positions. He was also 
supervisor in 1886, 1887 and 1888, and again in 
1893 and 1894, the last two times for a two years- 
term, filling the office to the satisfaction of all con-, 
cerned. In 1890 he was census enumerator and 
through a long period of twenty-two years was 
school director, resigning that position when elect- 
ed school trustee eight years ago, so that he has 
been connected with the school board for thirty 
years, the cause of education finding in him a 
stalwart champion. He and his wife are zealous 
and devoted members of tlie Jlethodist Episcopal 
church, in which he is serving as a trustee and 
steward. His interest centers in those lines of 
life which lead to the development of intellectual 
character that is worthy respect and to general 
progress as well. He stands for advancement 
along material, intellectual, political and moral 
progress and has done much for the welfare of the 
eountv. 



GEORGE STEELE. 
George Steele is the owner of one of the finest 
farm properties in this portion of the state, his 
place comprising two hundred and twenty acres 
of very rich and productive land, in the midst of 
which stands a beautiful home and substantial 
farm buildings, which indicate the progressive 
spirit of the owner and the practical methods 
which he follows in the care ond improvement of 
his property. He was born in the village of Dover, 



270 



PAST AND riJESEXT OF BUliEAU COUNTY. 



this county, June 24, 1855, and is a representa- 
tive of one of the old pioneer families, his parents 
being A. L. and Susan (Zearing) Steele. The 
father was born in Lancaster county, New York, 
in 1827 and came to Dover about sixty years ago. 
His wife's birth occurred in Cumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, April 2, 1829. She was one of a 
family of five sons and seven daughters, while 
her husband belonged to a family of two sons and 
one daughter. 

George Steele acquired his education in the 
schools of Dover and the days of his boyhood and 
youth were passed without incident of special 
prominence or importance, the duties of the school- 
room and the pleasures of the playground oc- 
cupying the greater part of his attention during 
his minority. He was married March 1.3, 1879, 
to Miss Eliza E. Hensel, who was born in the 
village of Dover, January 30, 1857, and like her 
husband, acquired a pubPic-school education. They 
have become the parents of four children: Lydia 
L., who was born May 27, 1880; Forest G., April 
2, 1882; Lula L., July 24, 1884; and Andrew 
L., June 11, 1888. All are yet at home. The 
daughter, Lydia, is a graduate of the Princeton 
high school and has been engaged in teaching 
for two 3'ears, while Lula completed the high- 
school course in Princeton bv graduation with 
the class of 1906. 

Mr. Steele and all of his family are members 
of the Congregational church, with which ho 
has been identified for fourteen years. He has 
served as school director for twenty years and 
the cause of education finds in him a warm and 
helpful friend, who does all in his power to se- 
cure competent teachers and advance the interest's 
of the schools in this locality. He votes with the 
republican party and is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen camp. His time and attention since 
attaining his majority have been largely given 
to his farm work and upon his farm he annually 
raises good crops of corn, oats and hay. He also 
raises horses, cattle and sheep, and both branches 
of his business are proving profitable. His life 
has been characterized by honest effort crowned 
with success and his excellent farm propertv is 
one of the attractive features .in tlic landsca|)e in 
Dover township. 



ANDREW MYER. 
Andrew Myer, a grain farmer living in Berlin 
township, is one of the worthy citizens that Ger- 
many has furnislied to Hureaii (ounty, his birth 
having occurred in the fatherland, November 18, 
1833. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Myer, 
were also natives of Germany and in that country 
Andrew Myer was reared, o])taining a good com- 
mon-school education. He retained his rosidenr. 
there until 1854, when, at the age of twenty-one 



years, he determined to try his fortune in America 
and crossed the Atlantic to the United Stat-.s 
For two years after his arrival in tiie new world 
he was a resident of Pennsylvania and came 
Illinois in 185G, since which time he has resid<?t? 
in Bureau county. He has always been an ener- 
getic man and a hard worker, putting aside no duty 
that has devolved upon him and realizing thaf 
labor is the basis of all succes-. That he has pros- 
pered is indicated by the fact that he is now the 
owner of two hundred acres, constituting a valu- 
able farm, which he purchased in 1881) for seventv- 
two dollars per acre and which is today worth one 
hundred and fifty dollars per acre. 

In 1867, in Xorth Princeton, Mr. Myer was 
married to Miss Mary Calinan, who was born 
August 15, 1843, in Ireland and was educated in 
that country. Their four children are: Minnie, 
born Xovember 11, 1869; Frances, October 10, 
1871; Joseph, March 17, 1874; and Harrison, 
April 3, 1876. All are yet under the parental 
roof and the sons are actively assisting their 
father in carrying on the home farm, which is 
devoted to the raising of grain and stock. 

ilr. and Mrs. Myer hold membership in the 
ifethodist Episcopal church and are worthy peo- 
ple, richly meriting the esteem in which they are 
uniformly held. Coming to the United States in 
early manhood, he found here the business oppor- 
tunities he sought. He has never had occasion to 
regret his determination to seek his fortune in 
the new world, for in this land wbere labor is un- 
hampered by caste or class he has made substan- 
tial advancement and is now in comfortable cir- 
cumstances, having a farm which yields to him a 
good living. 



GEORGE W. KIRKPATRICK. 

George W. Kirkpatrick, owner and manager of 
the Tiskilwa gas plant, to which he gives his whole 
attention, having developed this into an extensive 
and profitable business enterprise, was born in 
the town which is still his home, his natal year 
being 1862. He is a son of John Kirkpatrick, 
who came to Bureau county in 1857 from the 
vicinity of Cinciimati, Ohio, and .settled on a farm 
south of Tiskilwa. where he owned three hundred 
acres of choice land, following farming there 
throughout his remaining days. He wedded 
Honor Grubb and they became the parents of eight 
children, but George W. is the only one now in 
Bureau county. The father died in 1889, and 
the mother passed away in 1891. 

George W. Kirkpatrick wa.< educated in the 
district schools and in Tiskilwa and remained 
upon the home place until 1896, when he took 
up his abode in Tiskilwa and was engaged in canal 
work as foreman for several years. He then 
turned his attention to his present industry, with 



PAST AXn PRRSEXT OF BUREAU COUXTY. 



271 



which he has been connected since 1901. He 
completed the plant on the 1st of May of that 
year and it was the first of its kind in the state. 
Gas is manufactured by what is called the cold 
press gasoline gas plant and has a capacity of 
300,000 feet per month. It could supply gas 
for a town of twenty-five lumdred people. The 
product is manufactured by compressed air being 
forced through gasoline in a specially prepared 
tank. He has piping in all of the business houses 
and one half of the residences in Tiskilwa and 
the product gives the best satisfaction to his 
patrons, so that the business is now proving prof- 
itable. 

Mr. Kirkpatrick was marrie<l in February, 
1884, to iliss Bessie Draper, of Bureau county, a 
daughter of Elliott Draper, now deceased. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Kirkpatrick have been born three 
children, Mabel, Harold and Euth. Politically 
Mr. Kirkpatrick is a stanch republican but with- 
out aspiration for office. He belongs to Tiskilwa 
lodge. No. 550. A. F. & A. M., and the Modern 
Woodmen of America, while his wife and elder 
daughter are connected with the Eastern Star 
lodge at Tiskilwa. Theirs is a pretty and at- 
tractive home facing the park, and the residence 
was erected by Mr. Kirkpatrick. who also has a 
good business. The family are prominent socially 
here and the members of the household enjoy the 
warm esteem of all who know them. 



HEXRY CORSS. 

Few of the native sons of Bureau county have 
longer resided within its borders than Henry 
Corss, who was born in the year 1838 in Bureau 
township. He represents one of the old and 
prominent pioneer families and has himself been 
identified with the progress and development of 
the county from an early epoch in its history. In 
his boyhood days many of the homes were log 
cabins and the farm work was carried on along 
very crude lines as compared to the modern 
methods of the present day. The now thriving 
towns and cities were then mere villages or cross- 
roads hamlets and the most far-sighted could 
scarcely have dreamed of the marvelous changes 
which were soon to take place and transform this 
county into one of the populous and prosperous 
districts of the great Mississippi valley. 

The parents of Mr. Corss were Cornelius C and 
Mehitabel (Hill) Corss. both of whom were born 
in the United States. The father in early life was 
a resident of Franklin county, Massachusetts, and 
the mother of New York state. He came to Illi- 
nois in the year 1833 and cast in his lot with the 
pioneer settlers of Bureau county. He was mar- 
ried to Miss Hill in the year 1837. she having come 
to this state with her parents some time previous. 
They began their domestic life in Bureau county 
and were among its early residents. Only the year 



before Mr. Corss' arrival the Black Hawk war had 
been fought. The Indians were still passing 
through the county at the time but most of them 
had been sent to tlieir reservation further west. 
Mr. Corss remembers seeing Indians camped in 
the grove and in the suininer of 1850 saw the last 
of Shabbona's tribe encamped near his home. 
Wild game of various kinds was to be had in 
abundance and the land was largely uncultivated, 
the timber tracts having been uncut, while the 
native grasses still grew upon the prairies that in 
the course of years were to be transformed into 
rich fields bringing forth good harvests of grain. 

Henry Corss completed his education in the 
district schools of Bureau county and was mar- 
ried at the age of twenty-seven years, just after 
the close of the Civil war, to Miss "Mary Ellen 
Hodgekins, with whom he traveled life's journey 
for about a third of a century, when in the month 
of January, 1899, she was called to her final rest. 
They had become the parents of two children: 
Forest B. and E. Geneva, both of whom are now 
married and have children of their own. Conrad 
and Mary Ann (Balla) Hodgekins, the parents 
of Mrs- Corss, came from Pennsylvania to Illi- 
nois and arrived in this state about a year before 
James Buchanan took his seat in the presidential 
chair. Her father was engaged in farming up to 
the time of his death, which occurred in the year 
of Benjamin Harrison's election to the presidency, 
while his wife survived until April. 1900. when 
she, too, passed away. 

Henry Corss has always followed the occupation 
of farming save during the period of his service in 
the Civil war. In response to President Lincoln's 
last call for three hundred thousand troops to aid 
in crushing out the rebellion he offered his ser- 
vices and became a member of Company F. One 
Hundred and Fifty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers, going as far south as Georgia and par- 
ticipating in the active campaigns in that part 
of the country. He was a brave and loyal soldier, 
never faltering in the performance of any duty 
that devolved upon him. and lie now belongs to the 
Grand Army of the Republic. 

He is a supporter of tlie Wesleyan Methodist 
church and is interested in all that pertains to 
the progress and welfare of his community. His 
life has been well spent, winning for him the 
respect and confidence of his fellowmen and his 
labors, honorable and upright, have brought to 
him prosperity. He has always been a bard work- 
ing man and yet is today remarkably well pre- 
served. His attention is yet given to the super- 
vision of his place, the fields, however, being 
rented by his son and son-in-law. He is the 
possessor of two hundred and three acres of fine 
farming land, which is very valuable, and in 
former years he handled some stock, but is now 
out of the business, leaving tlie care of the farm 
to others. His memory forms a coiiiu'cting link 
between the primitive past and the progressive 



272 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



present. He retains many vivid mental pictures 
of conditions tliat existed in Bureau county in 
pioneer times and he can relate many interesting 
incidents of the early days, when the nearest 
neighbors were miles apart, when one could ride 
for miles over the prairie without coming to a 
house or fence to impede his progress and when 
the work of development seemed scarcely begun, 
but the years have wrought many changes and the 
labors of man in the richly tilled fields and thriv- 
ing towns have made this county one of the pro- 
gressive districts of the state. 



EDWARD ROE VIRDEN. 

The pioneers of a country, the founders of a 
business, the originators of any undertaking that 
will promote the material welfare or advance the 
educational, social and moral influence of a com- 
munity deserve the gratitude of humanity. The 
name of Edward Roe Virden, now on the roll of 
Bureau county's honored dead, long figured in 
connection with public interests here and was a 
synonym for business integrity and enterprise. 
He made good use of his opportunities and pros- 
pered from year to year, conducting all business 
matters carefully and successfully, and in all his 
acts displaying an aptitude for successful man- 
agement. He never permitted the accumulation 
of wealth to affect in any way his actions toward 
those less successful than he and always had a 
cheerful word and pleasant smile for those with 
whom he came in contact. He was born in Nor- 
wich, Sluskingum county. Ohio, March S3, 1836, 
and was a son of Jerome and Sarah (Fleming) 
Virden, the father born in Maryland, the mother 
in Ireland. The father was for years engaged in 
the shoo business in his native state, but later 
became a contractor on the Baltimore & Ohio Rail- 
road, doing work along the hills near the Ohio 
river. On the comi)lction of that task he removed 
with his family by team to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, 
where he died in 1867. The mother died at our 
subject's home while visiting here and is buried 
in Oakland cemetery at Princeton. 

Edward Roe Virden spent the days of his boy- 
hood and youth in his Ohio home and in 1854 
accompanied his parents on their removal to 
Mount Pleasant, Iowa, but after a year came to 
I'rinceton on a visit to his uncle, Benjamin Laird, 
a druggist of this place, and was so well pleased 
with the city and its prospects that he decided to 
remain. He therefore sought emoloyment and 
secured a position as clerk in the hardware store 
of A. S. & E. C. Chapman, in whose employ he 
continued for about six years, thoroiiglily master- 
ing the business. lie commenced in a humble 
capacity and worked his way upward until lie held 
the mo.st responsible position in the establishment, 
having for a time the entire charge of the store, 
the only one of the kind in the county and doing 
an extensive business. 



The Civil war being now in progress, Mr. Vir- 
den, whose patriotic spirit was aroused by the 
continued attempt of the south to overthrow the 
Union, offered his services to the government in 
1862 and enlisted for one hundred davs as a mem- 
ber of Company A, Sixty-ninth Regiment of Illi- 
nois Volunteers. He was commissioned lieuten- 
ant and on the completion of his first term he re- 
turned home, but again in 1864 he offered his 
services to the government and raised a company 
at Princeton, which became Company A of the 
One Hundred and Thirty-ninth Regiment of Il- 
linois Volunteers. He was chosen captain and 
with the regiment was mustered into service at 
Peoria in June, 1864. He was afterward engaged 
on active duty in. Missouri and Kentucky, fol- 
lowing General Price, who had been making a raid 
through those states. Captain Virden was usually 
in command of his company and inspired his men 
with much of his own valor, but was detailed to 
carry dispatches from Cairo to New Orleans. 
These dispatches were in cipher from President 
Lincoln to General Canby. Captain Virden went 
down the river, making four or five trips, which 
were extremely hazardous because of the many 
guerrillas who infested the country and who from 
the river banks were watching for favorable oppor- 
tunities of making away with the Yankee. He 
escaped all harm, however, and served out his 
term of enlistment, after which he returned to 
his home, having been mustered out at Peoria in 
November, 1864. 

Previous to entering the service Captain Vir- 
den, in 1862, had engaged in the hardware busi- 
ness in the north end of Princeton and upon his 
return he resumed the conduct of the store, which 
he actively managed until 1876. After six years 
of clerkship, in which he had saved one thousand 
dollars, he invested in the business, which for 
three years thereafter was conducted under the 
firm style of Richardson Brothers & Virden. Dur- 
ing the succeeding three years it was Shugart & 
Virden and Mr. Virden then became sole pro- 
prietor and so continued until he disposed of his 
stock in 1876. His hardware business was a large 
and profitable enterprise. In 1873 his place was 
destroyed by fire, his entire stock being consumed 
with a loss of over ten thousand dollars, on which 
was but little insurance. He was not disheartened, 
however, but resolutely set to woik to retrieve 
his lost possessions, collected outstanding bills and 
soon recovered. During this time he erected the 
large brick building now occupied by the Priestly 
Hardware Company. 

In 1875, associated with Captain Clark Grey, 
Captain Virden purchased the controlling inter- 
est in the Fanners National Bank which had been 
organized a year or two previously. He was elect- 
ed president and Captain Grey cashier. The cap- 
ital stock of file concern, which was then fifty 
thousand dollars, was soon afterward increased to 
seventv-five thousand dollars and later to one hun- 




^- 



^^ 




PAST AND I'EESE^T OF BUEEAU L'OL.NTV. 



277 



dred and ten thousand dollars. The business of 
the bank, unfler the wise and conservative man- 
agement of (,'aptain \'irden, grew steadily until 
the institution had the largest capital, surplus 
and individual denosits of any bank in Bureau or 
adjoining counties. The dividends of the bank 
had almost paid back the original stock when 
Captain Yirden, in 1S94, withdrew from the presi- 
dency, at which time the stock was valued at two 
hundred thousand dollars, while the deposits 
amounted to two hundred and fifty thousand dol- 
lars, with surplus and undivided profits of ninety 
thousand dollars. 

For eighteen years Captain Virden gave his at- 
tention almost wholly to the bank, also, however, 
loaning money on real estate in Kansas and Ne- 
braska and making some investments there from 
time to time. He owned between five and six thou- 
sand acres in those states, together with about 
three hundred acres in Bureau county, and after 
he resigned from the presidency of the bank in 
189-i he devoted his entire attention to looking 
after his real-estate interests until his death. He 
never speculated but confined his attention en- 
tirely to the legitimate channels of commerce and 
of banking. His business enterprise was marked 
and his keen sagacity and foresight were widely 
acknowledged, so that he was seldom at error in 
matters of business Judgment, but on the contrary 
placed his investments judiciously. He made ex- 
tensive improvements in Princeton and erected 
here the finest hall in the city, and the material 
and business development of Princeton was at- 
tributable in no small degree to his efforts. 

In politics Captain Virden was a loyal and un- 
compromising republican throughout his entire 
life, receiving many of his political doctrines un- 
der the teaching of Owen Lovejoy. He lacked a 
few months of Ijeing of legal age when Fremont 
ran for the presidency, as the first candidate of 
the newly organized republican party, and there- 
fore did not have the opportunity of voting for 
the old pathfinder, but at each succeeding presi- 
dential election after that time he voted for the 
men whose names were at the head of the repub- 
lican ticket. His first vote for congressman was 
cast in 1860 for Thomas J. Henderson, who so 
long and ably served this district. From 1860 
until his death Captain Yirden was a delegate to 
nearly every convention of the party, including 
local, state and national. He was supervisor for 
several years and for many years a member of the 
high school board. 

On the 26th of April. 1860. Captain Yirden 
was married to ]\Iiss Anna Thompson, of Cam- 
bridge, Ohio, with whom he had attended school 
in their childhood. The youthful attachment was 
strengthened as the years went by and as soon as 
he had made preparations for having a home of 
his own Captain Yirden returned to Ohio for his 
wife. Immediately following their marriage he 



brought her to the middle west and they afterward 
made their home in Princeton. Unto Captain 
and Mrs. Virden were born five children, four 
daughters and a son, of whom one daughter died 
in infancy, and the son has also passed away. The 
others are: Nellie P., the wife of Charles' Sapp, 
now living in Princeton; and Martha and Mary, 
twins. The former is the wife of Joseph A. Brig- 
ham of Princeton, while Mary is living at home 
with her mother. All of the children were well 
educated in the Princeton high school. 

Fraternally Captain Virden was a Master Ma- 
son, having been initiated into the blue lodge 
when but twenty-one years of age. He was of a 
very quiet, home loving disposition and counted 
no jiersonal sacrifice on his part too great if it 
would enhance the happiness or promote the wel- 
fare of his wife and children. He died July 20, 
1901, and the county mourned the loss of one of 
its most respected and worthy residents. Every- 
where he was known he was honored and his good 
qualities gained for him the respect and confidence 
of all with whom he was associated. Mrs. Yirden 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal ch\irch, to 
the support of which she contributes liberally. 
She has a beautiful home at No. 425 Elm Place, 
Princeton, where she and her daughter Mary re- 
side. It is one of the most beautiful places in 
the city. She visits her old home at Cambridge, 
Ohio, quite often, for she has a sister and a half- 
sister living there, and she also has a half-sister. 
Miss Janie Thompson, who is living in Prince- 
ton. She likewise has a brother, J. W. Thompson, 
in the International Hotel at Laredo, Texas. More 
than a half century has passed since Captain 
Yirden came to Princeton and in his death the 
community lost one of its representative men — a 
man whom to know was to respect and honor. In 
his private and public relations his influence was 
given for social progress and for the elevation and 
welfare of mankind, and he wrought along lines 
which, while contributing to individual success, 
also proved a factor in public prosperity as well. 



MARK A. STIVEK. 
Mark A. Stiver, of Walnut, a leading member 
of the Bureau county Ijar who through an ex- 
tensive clientage has been connected with much 
important litigation tried in the courts of Bureau, 
Lee and Whiteside counties, was born in Goshen, 
Indiana, February 26, 1863. His parents are J. 
Adams and Mary L. (Sherwood) Stiver, the for- 
mer a native of Ohio and the latter of New York. 
Afler some years' residence in Indiana, they came 
to Illinois about thirty-six years ago and the 
father engaged in farming until he retired from 
business life to enjoy a well earned rest in Wal- 
nut, removing to the village about a year ago. 
The old homestead farm which he operated, and 



278 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



still owns comprising two hundred and forty 
acres, is in Fairfield township, Bureau county. 

Mark A. Stiver, brought to Bureau county in 
his early boyhood, began his education in the 
district schpols, later continued his studies in 
Fulton College, Fulton, lUinois, and supple- 
mented his preliminary mental training by a 
course in law in the Michigan University, at Ann 
Arbor, where he won the degree of Master of 
Laws in 1884. The same year he was admitted 
to the Michigan bar and also to the Illinois bar 
and locating in Walnut has since engaged in 
practice, where he has had a constantly growing 
clientage. His knowledge of legal principles is 
broad and accurate and the care with which he 
prepares his cases insures many successes in his 
trial of cases before the courts. His clientage 
comes from Bureau, Lee and Whiteside counties 
and he has won favorable regard from his breth- 
ren of the fraternity by reason of his fairness, 
his courtesy to the court and his conformity 
to a high standard of professional ethics. His 
practice, however, does not represent his entire 
business interests for he is the owner of five hun- 
dred and twenty acres of valuable land, and con- 
siderable real estate in Chicago. 

Mr. Stiver was married, in November, 1887, 
U> Agnes M. Wilson. Her father was a native of 
Scotland and about thirty-five years ago removed 
from Canada to Bureau county, where he died 
during the early girlhood of his daughter. Her 
mother, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Wilson, was born in 
Vermont and is now living in Walnut with her 
children. Mr. and Mrs. Stiver have two sons : 
Arthur A., born August 3, 1890; and Neil W., 
December 27, 1895. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Stiver is a Mason, 
belonging to Walnut lodge. No. 722, A. F. & A. 
M. ; and Princeton chapter, No. 28, E. A. M. 
His name is also on the membership rolls of Wal- 
nut lodge. No. 493, K. P., and in his political 
views he is a republican. He is, however, without 
political aspirations but manifests a public-spirited 
interest in general progress and advancement in 
the town and county in which he resides. His 
practice, precludes tlie possibility of extended 
activity in political work and his legal business 
has been marked by a steady increase which in- 
dicates the growth of public opinion in his favor 
and of recognition of his skill and ability in 
the interpretation and correct application of le- 
gal principles. 



HON. SIMON ELLIOTT. 
Hon. Simon Elliott, who as a representative 
citizen and pioneer settler occupies a high place 
in the estimation of his fcllowmen and who at 
one time was honored by election to the state 
legislature, now resides in Princeton. He was 



born February 10, 1827, in Hamilton county, 
(Jliio, and is therefore in his eightieth year. His 
parents were Simon and Maria (Robinson) El- 
liott, also natives of Ohio. The paternal grand- 
father, John Elliott, was a native of Ireland, born 
in 1702, and was of Scotch-Irish lineage. When 
he was twenty-two years of age his father told 
liim to come to America and spend one year here 
and if he liked the country he was to write back 
liome and tell his father to do something which 
was impossible to do, the interpretation of which 
was that the family should come to America. This 
method of notifying the father of the desirability 
of this country as a place of residence was used 
because of the fact that the sons were subject to 
three years' service in the army and if the gov- 
ernment knew of the intention of the family to 
remove to the new world means would be taken to 
prevent the emigration. John Elliott accordingly 
came to the United States in 1784 on a sailing 
vessel, the Lazy Mary. A year later he wrote 
back to his father that he did not have a very 
good house here and asked his father to send his 
house over to America to him. This was the 
means employed to indicate to the father that the 
family should come to the new world. They were 
quite wealthy people and after receiving a favor- 
able report tiiey started for this country, the party 
consisting of father, two sons and five daughters. 
As they neared the American coast a storm struck 
the ship, Stewart, and wrecked the vessel in Ma- 
hogany bay off the coast of New Jersey, and all 
were drowned except the two sons. When they 
saw that the vessel was going to be wrecked the 
father asked the sons if they could not get ashore 
with the bags of gold they had brought with 
them, but it was impossible for them to do this 
and save their own lives. They had brought with 
them valuable goods and a considerable amount of 
money. The sons managed to reach the shore 
but were robbed by wreckers when the goods were 
washed on shore. These two brothers, William 
and Simon, afterward found their brother John, 
the grandfather of our subject, in Pennsylvania. 
William settled near Steubenville, Ohio, while 
Simon settled on Copperish creek in Fulton 
county, Illinois, where he died. 

John Elliott, the grandfather, was married in 
Pennsylvania, in 1786, to Miss Mary Miller, a 
lady of German descent. They settled at a mill 
site on the Miami river near Cincinnati, Ohio, at 
which time their possessions consisted of a horse, 
a cow, an ax and a few other implements. John 
Elliott worked hard, cleared the land and paid 
for his farm. He also built a dam across the 
river and erected a flourmill, a sawmill and a dis- 
tillery. He likewise built a two story stone house 
which is still standing. The products raised in 
that locality or manufactured in the mill were 
sent down the river to New Orleans and many 
of the dilTiculties and hardships of pioneer life 
were experienced. In the family were three sons 




SIMON EIJ.IOTT 



PAST AXJ) THKSHXT OF BIREM CUUXTV. 



281 



and three daughters. The grandfather died j\Iarch 
20, 1843. 

Simon Elliott, Sr;, the eldest son in the family 
of John Elliott, was born in 1788 on the old 
homestead on the Miami river in Ohio and was 
there reared and spent his entire life. He en- 
gaged in farming and in operating the flourmill. 
sawmill and distillery and was a very industrious, 
energetic man. He married Jliss Maria Stinson 
Eobinson, who was born in 1799, and their union 
was blessed with six children, five sons and a 
daughter, of whom two are living, namely: Si- 
mon, and James F., who reside in Calhoun 
county, Iowa. The father was quite a popular 
gentleman, widely and favorably known, and was 
a Mason in high standing. He faithfully served 
his country during the war of 1812 and was af- 
terward captain of a militia company. He died in 
Ohio of a cancer in 1854 and his wife, long sur- 
viving him, passed away in 1881. They were both 
earnest members of the New Light church. 

Simon Elliott was educated at Parker's acad- 
emy in Ohio, which institution furnished the best 
scholastic opportunities to be enjoyed in those 
days. He remained in the Buckeye state until 
twenty-one years of age, when in company with a 
companion he drove from Cincinnati to Prince- 
ton, Illinois, in 1848. Here he began farming 
and in 1849 entered from the government one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in section 7, 
Dover township. Bureau county. He still owns 
this property and has a land warrant for it from 
the government, which was given him in 1851. 
He broke the prairie and built a home and he 
now has a well improved farm, which he brought 
under a high state of cultivation, successfully 
continuing its improvement for many years. 

On the 23d of April, 1856, Mr. Elliott secured 
a companion and helpmate for life's journey by 
his marriage to Miss Sarah A. McCoy, of Wood- 
ford county, niinois, who came to Princeton in 
1856. She was a daughter of William McCoy, 
who was a strong abolitionist and took an active 
part in conducting the underground railroad. He 
removed with his family from Ripley, Ohio, to 
Illinois in the spring of 1848 and was a promi- 
nent and influential resident of this state at an 
early day. Both he and his wife are now de- 
ceased. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. Elliott 
were six children, four of whom are still living: 
Edwin F., a railroad conductor on the Santa Fe 
Pailroad, now residing at Kansas City; Alfred S., 
Mho was drowned at the age of eight years while 
swimming in the pond on the home farm ; Kate, 
the wife of Harry A. Gibbs, of Princeton; Lil- 
lian, the wife of Burke Y. Benson, of Tampa, 
Florida; Minnie, who is living with her brother 
in Kansas City; and Xora, who died of a cancer 
in the eye when twenty months old. 

Mr. Elliott continued his farming operations 
until 1875 and then, retiring to private life, re- 
moved on the 1st of December of that year to 



Princeton, where he has since lived, enjoying a 
well earned rest, while the comforts of life are 
secured to him through the good income which he 
derives from his farm. Long interested in poli- 
tical questions affecting the welfare of comity, 
state and nation, he was elected to the legislature 
on the greenback ticket by a majority of thirty- 
one hundred and fifty-eight, and served for one 
term. He was one of ten representatives of the 
party in the general assembly of 1879. For four 
years he served as a member of the state board of 
agriculture and for the same length of time was 
vice president of this district. He was also su- 
pervisor for several terms from his old home in 
Dover township, was one of the three building 
commissioners who built the courthouse, and on 
one occasion was candidate for sheriff on the 
democratic ticket. His official service has ever 
been characterized by unfaltering fidelity to duty 
and a ready comprehension of the work that de- 
volves upon him in this connection. He was at 
one time a member of the Grange and of the 
Sons of Temperance. 

He now occupies a comfortable home in the 
northern part of Princeton. He stands well as 
a representative man of the county and worthy 
pioneer, occupying a high place in the regard of 
all who know him. His memory goes l3ack to 
the primitive epoch in the development of this 
part of the state when much of the land was un- 
improved and when agricultural, industrial and 
commercial progress had been carried forward to 
only a slight extent. He has been interested in 
all the changes which time and man have wrought 
for the betterment of the county and is well 
worthy of a place among the leading citizens. 



GEOEGE FREDERICK BOYDEN. 

George Frederick Boyden, a hardware merchant 
of Shcllield and a son of Chai'lcs II. and Cafher- 
ine (Gunkle) Boyden, was born October 11, 1862. 
His father became a resident of Sheffield in 1855 
and first engaged in clerking in a hardware store, 
after which he carried on business on his own ac- 
count in the same line, so continuing until his 
death, which occurred in 1892. His connection 
with the hardware trade of the city therefore 
covered about thirty-seven years and in business 
circles he sustained an unassailable rcnutation. 

Reared in his native town, George F. Boyden 
attended the public schools and the high school 
and later entered the Northern Illinois College 
at Fulton, Illinois. Subsequently he attended Cor- 
nell College at Mount Vernon, Iowa, for a time 
until called home on ai-count of illness of his 
father to take charge of the business in 1886. 
Returning to his home, he was admitted to part- 
nership by his father under the firm style of C. 
H. Boyden & Son, which connection was con- 
tinued until the death of the senior partner. 



282 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



since winch time the store has been conducted 
under the name of G. F. Boydcn. He carries a 
large and carefully selected line of shelf and heavy 
hardware and enjoys a good patronage, which is 
accorded him in recognition of his honorable busi- 
ness methods and the efforts which he puts forth 
to meet the wishes of his patrons in every particu- 
lar. 

On the :th of April, 1886, was celebrated the 
marriage of George F. Boyden and Miss Daisy 
Williams, a daughter of Thomas Williams, of 
Eaton Rapids, llichigan, who is connected with 
the Michigan Central Railroad. Two children 
have graced this marriage : Catherine Esther, who 
was born in 1887 and since graduating from the 
Sheffield high school has been attending college 
in Galesburg, Illinois; and Phillip Williams, born 
in ilay, 1892, and now a student in the home 
schools. 

Mr. Boyden and his family attend the Congre- 
gational church, of which he is a trustee. As coiin- 
cilman he has exercised his official prerogatives in 
support of many measures directly beneficial to 
the city, and whether in office or out of it he is 
known as one whose aid and co-operation may be 
counted upon to further the general good. 



ANDREW GOSSE. 

On the pages of pioneer history in Bureau coun- 
ty appears the name of Andrew Gosse, who came 
to Princeton in 18.39 and for many years was 
closely associated with its business interests as a 
manufacturer of brick. lie was also one of the 
large landowners of Princeton township and his 
business affairs were of a character that contrili- 
uted to general progress and improvement as well 
as to individual success. His life record began in 
Eschweiler, Alsace, France, now a part of Ger- 
many, on the 28th of April, 1812, his parents be- 
ing Franz and Mary A. Gosse, who were like- 
wise natives of Germany. The father died in 
Detroit, Michigan, and the mother died in Lee 
county, Illinois, at the age of ninety-three years. 

In the public schools of his native country An- 
drew Gosse acquired his education and was a 
young man of nineteen years when he accom- 
panied his parents to the United States, landing 
at New York city in 18.31. They went direct to 
Detroit, Michigan, where Mr. Gosse of this re- 
view was employed in various ways until 1839. 
when in company with several other young men 
he made his way to Bureau county, where he be- 
gan to learn the briekniaking trade. When he 
had mastered the business in principle and detail 
he establislied a brick manufactory on his own 
account in the vicinity of Princeton and for a 
long time owned the only brickyard in Bureau 
county. He also owned a brickyard at La Moille 
in this county and many of the wealthy men of 
Princeton and Bureau countv todav have been liis 



employes and made their start with him. As time 
passed his business grew in volume and importance 
and for several years he manufactured over one 
million brick per annum, this enterprise therefore 
becoming one of the important productive indus- 
tries of this section of the state. He had a well 
equipped plant and carried on the manufacture 
along modern lines, producing a quality of brick 
which enabled him to secure a ready sale on the 
market for his product. He also engaged in farm- 
ing and owned one of the largest farms in Prince- 
ton township, his extensive landed interests bring- 
ing him also a gratifying financial return. 

Mr. Gosse was married in Woodford county, 
Illinois, on the 6th of June, 1843, to Miss Eva 
Wilz, a native of Bavaria, Germany, born March 
22, 1823, and a daughter of Peter and Gertrude 
(Huth) Wilz. They came to the United States 
in 1838 and both died in this country. There 
were ten children born unto ^fr. and ^Irs. Gosse 
but only four are now living. Those who have 
passed away are Catherine; Clara who died at the 
age of six months ; Mary ; Andrew ; George, who 
died at the age of twenty-seven years; and Jacob 
P.. who was one of the leading business men of 
Princeton. He acquired a good education in the 
Princeton schools and then began tlie study of 
pharmacy, which he pursued both in Chicago and 
in Philadelphia. He was a graduate of a phar- 
maceutical college and upon his return to Prince- 
ton he became a partner in the firm of Woodruff 
\' Gosse, proprietors of a drug store on North 
^fain street. There he engaged successfully and 
actively in business for several years and won a 
place among the substantial and representative 
merchants of the city. In 1ST8. on account of 
ill health, he made a trip to Europe and wa.s gone 
several months. He then returned with his health 
much improved. In 1883 he sold his interest in 
the drug store anil took up farming, which he 
continued with his brother George until the hit- 
ter's death, which occurred in 1888. Jacob P. 
died February 1(5. 1902. which was the occa- 
sion of deep and widespread regret, for he was a 
young man of many friends, his good qualities of 
heart and mind having endeared him to all with 
whom he came in contact. In early days he was 
n mcndiiT of the Princeton fire dejiartment and 
until his demise was a prominent representative 
of the Kiiisrlits of Pythias fraternity. The four 
living children of the family are Eva M., Sophia 
B., Frank H. and Julia. The first three make 
their home with their mother in Princeton, while 
Julia is the wife of Andrew Wilz and resides in 
Jancsville, Wisconsin. 

'Nfr. Gosse continued successfully in the brick 
miiinifacturing business and in farming in Bureau 
county for many years, always making his home 
in Princeton. Eventually, however, he sold his 
manufacturing plant and retired from active busi- 
ness life, retaining, however, the ownership of hi^ 
fiinn. His lasl ilays were passed in the enjoy- 




^'*icOx^t.-<^ y0- 



&~-^i-£.^^ 




t/^4r ^Ayy^dijuyi^ yj-^^ 



PAST AXD PRESEXT OF Bl'KEAU COUNTY. 



287 



ment of a rest which he had truly earned and 
richly deserved, for through a long period he was 
a most active and enterprising business man and 
so conducted his alTairs as to w'in honorable and 
gratifying prosperity. He was never an office 
seeker but gave stalwart support to the democratic 
party. Both he and his son Jacob were prominent 
in business circles of Princeton, became well-to- 
do and had many friends in commercial and so- 
cial circles. The death of Mr. Gosse occurred 
January 2, 1S90, and Princeton thereby lost one 
of its valuable and representative citizens. Mrs. 
Gosse is a member of the Catholic church. She 
owns a beautiful home at No. 510 West Peru street 
and she also owns two farms in Princeton town- 
ship, which she rents. One of these, comprising 
three hundred acres, is very valuable farming land 
on section 7 and is only two miles northwest of 
Princeton. Through his carefully directed busi- 
ness interests and capable management Mr. Gosse 
was able to leave his family in very comfortable 
circumstances and one of the pleasures of his life 
came to him in thus providing for the welfare 
and happiness of his wife and children. 



GEORGE P. WILLIAMS. 

George P. Williams, actively interested in farm- 
ing operations on sections 33 and 25, Princeton 
township, is numbered among Bureau county's 
native sons, his birth having occurred in La 
Moille township, December 1, 1859. He is a 
son of Solomon and Frances (Prime) Williams 
and in the paternal line he is descended from one 
of the early families of Massachusetts of English 
origin. His father was bom in Amherst, Massa- 
chusetts, May 1, 1809. and was a son of Chester 
and Sarah (Howe) Williams, who were likewise 
natives of the Bav state, the former born Janu- 
ary 27, 1772, and 'the latter on the 13th of Janu- 
ary of the same year. They were married Janu- 
ary 14. 1802. and Chester Williams died at Am- 
herst, Massachusetts, February 6, 1822, while his 
wife long survived, passing away September 5, 
1860. They had five children : Frederick, George, 
Mary, Solomon and Sarah, Init all are now de- 
ceased. 

Solomon Williams of this family was reared to 
the life of the farm and, like nearly all New 
England boys, received the advantage of a good 
education. In 1836 he decided to seek his for- 
tune in the west and with Illinois as his ob- 
jective point, arrived in Chicago after a trip by 
canal and steamer around the great lakes. From 
Chicapo he w-alked to Ottawa and on to Peoria 
and finally made his way to Bureau county in 
search of a good location. He decided tluit Bu- 
reau county afforded better advantages than any 
he had found elsewhere and in the fall of that 
year he made preparation for having a home here 
by entering one hundred and sixty acres of land 



from the government. To this he added from 
time to time as his financial resources increased 
until he was the owner of four hundred and fifty- 
four acres of fine land. He improved it all and 
lived upon that place for forty-nine years, mak- 
ing it one of the valuable farm properties of the 
county and winning for himself a position among 
the substantial farmers and men of afiluence in 
his community. He was unmarried at the time of 
his arrival in the county and lived alone in a 
little log house upon his farm until the following 
year, when he returned to his native state and in 
Platfield, Massachusetts, on the 5th of September, 
1837, was joined in wedlock to Miss Harriet D. 
Smith, who was born in Hampshire county, Mas- 
sachusetts, August 17, 1809. Soon afterward with 
his bride he returned to his farm in Bureau 
county, Illinois, where they began their domestic 
life. They traveled life's journey happily to- 
gether for more than fifteen years and were then 
separated by the death of the wife, who passed 
away February 16, 1853, leaving one son, S. Dwight 
Allen, who married Elizabeth Reed and is now 
engaged in the real-estate business in Kansas. 
Thev have three children: Earl D., Harriet and 
Ada L. On the 24th of May, 1855, Mr. Williams 
was again married, his second union being with 
Frances Prime, who was born November 16, 1837, 
at Ticonderoga, New York, the only daughter of 
George ^\''. and Frances (Brown) Prime, the 
former a native of Vermont and the latter of 
ilassachusetts. Mrs. Frances Williams came from 
the Green Mountain state to Illinois at an early 
period in the development of this part of the 
state. By Mr. Williams' second marriage four 
children were born, three sons and a daughter. 
Maria E., born September 20, 1857, is the wife 
of Albert E. Porter, who was born December 28, 
1844, and for a number of years she has lived in 
California; George P. is the next of the family; 
Frederick F., born October 31, 1864, lives at 
Hoquiam, Washington; and Sumner H., born 
March 22, 1866, is living in Estherville, Iowa. 
The mother died April 28, 1874, and the father 
survived until 1885. 

George P. Williams, who is now the only repre- 
sentative of the family living in Bureau county, 
was educated in the common schools of this state 
and afterward spent two years as a student in 
Pittsfield, Massachusetts. He was reared to the 
occupation of farming and has made it his life 
work, his practical training and experience in 
youth serving him to good purpose when he started 
out in life on his own account. lie purcluased the 
place where he now resides in 1896 and owns two 
hundred and thirty acres of fine land, well im- 
proved. He has always handled stock, both rais- 
ing and feeding, and is a breeder of shorthorn 
cattle and Poland China hogs, in which connection 
he is widely known, having shown ujion his farm 
some of the best stock raised in this part of the 
state. 



288 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



As a companion and helpmate for lil'u"!! journey 
Mr. Williams chose Miss Bertha A. Cook, who 
was born in the house where she is now residing, 
a daughter of llenrv and Orilla S. (Richards) 
Cook. Her lather was born in that part of Gen- 
esee county. New York, which is now Living-ston 
county, April 22. 1832. and was a son of Deacon 
Caleb and Lucy (Clapp) Cook, the former a na- 
tive of Hadley, Massachusetts, and the latter of 
Northampton, ^Massachusetts, her family being 
among the early settlers of New England and of 
English descent. Their marriage was celebrated 
in Northampton. January 30, 1830. Deacon 
Caleb Cook learned the brickmaker"s trade in earlv 
life, but followed farming some years jjrior to his 
removal to the west and never afterward resumed 
his trade. In October, 1834, when this was a wild 
and largely uninhabited district, he arrived in 
Bureau county, accompanied by his wife and two 
children, having driven the entire distance from 
New York. He had when he reached here a few 
household goods, his team and a capital of live 
hundred dollars. He located about four miles 
southeast of Princeton, where he secured four 
hundred and eighty acres of land, but soon sold 
one hundred and sixty acres to his brother-in-law. 
He resolutely undertook the task of reclaiming 
the wild tract for the purposes of civilization in 
subjugating the wilderness and extending the 
frontier. He turned the first furrow upon many 
an acre and improved his half section, becoming a 
successful farmer and stock-raiser, for as the years 
went by his labors brought to him a very gratify- 
ing financial return. He died upon the home 
farm March 28, 1876, at the age of sixty-eight 
years, and his wife passed away April 13, 1883, at 
the age of seventy-six years. In their family were 
eight children. Henry Cook was but two years 
of age when brought by his parents to Bureau 
county, where he spent his entire life, being reared 
amid the wild scenes and environments of the 
frontier. His youth was passed upon his father's 
farm and he remained at home until his marriage, 
which was celebrated November 12. 1855. Miss 
Orilla S. Richards, of Paynesville, Ohio, becoming 
his wife. He then purchased eighty acres of his 
father's farm and began life for himself in earn- 
est, locating near the present home of Mr. Williams, 
whose farm was a part of the Cook place. The 
grandfather of Mrs. Williams was one of the 
founders of the Congregational church here and 
took an active and helpful interest in the early 
moral development of the county. Advocating 
abolition ))rinciples, his home was one of the sta- 
tions on the underground railroad at a time when 
that method was employed to assist fugitive slaves 
on their way to liberty in the north. He owned 
two hundred and twenty acres of land and his 
son, the father of Mrs. Williams, lived where our 
subject now resides and owned one hundred and 
five acres. Unto him and bis wife were born three 
children: Herbert, Bertha .\. and Jessie H. Tlie 



father of this family has passed away, but the 
mother is still living at the age of seventy-six 
years. 

Unto Ml', and .Mrs. Williams have iieen Ixjrn 
two children. Eula and Chester. The family are 
menii)ers of the Congregational church and Mr. 
Williams belongs to the Modern Woodmen camp 
of Princeton, while in politics he is a republican. 
He is a self-made man, owing his prosperity en- 
tirely to his own labors. He has worked per- 
sistently as the years have gone by, making the 
liest use of his opportunities and putting forth an 
unfaltering energv and determination that have 
made him a prosperous resident of Princeton town- 
ship. , 



:\fADlSON J. HENSEL. 

Madison J. Hensel, who for five years has 
owned and occupied his present farm in Walnut 
township, was born near New Philadelphia, Ohio, 
on the 12th of February, 1848, and is a son of 
James and Mary (Frease) Hensel, who are men- 
tioned on another page of this work in connection 
with the sketch of their son, George Hensel. The 
subject of this review was brought to Bureau coun- 
ty, in 1853 by his parents, who settled in Dover 
town.ship. Ho was then a little lad of five years. 
The journey was made by wagon after the primi- 
tive manner of the times and in the district schools 
of Dover township Mr. Hensel acquired his edu- 
cation and was reared to the occupation of farm- 
ing, early becoming familiar with all the duties 
and labors that fall to the lot of the agricul- 
turist. He made his home in Dover township 
until 1882, when he removed to a farm in Walnut 
township which he had previously purchased, mak- 
ing that place his home until locating on his 
present farm in 1902. He has always followed 
farming and is now the owner of two hundred and 
eighty acres of excellent land valued at from one 
hundred and twenty-five to one hundred and fifty 
dollars per acre. There are excellent buildings 
upon the place and all modern equipments and 
the fields return good harvests. He likewise 
raises some stock and everything about the farm 
is kept in excellent condition, showing careful 
supervision and progressive management. 

On the 22d of February. 1882, ]\Ir. Hensel was 
united in marriage to Miss Sarah Taylor, who 
was born April 6, 1857, in Dover township, this 
county, and is a daughter of Mathew and Kather- 
ine (Smith) Taylor, both of whom were natives 
of Ohio, whence they came to Bureau county 
about 1855, settling in Dover township with its 
early residents. The father followed the occu- 
pation of farming and both he and his wife are 
still living on the old homestead in Dover town- 
ship. The marriage of ^Ir. and Mrs. Hensel lias 
been bles.sod with two children: Rolla 'I', and 



PAST AXI> I'lJKSKX' 



OF p.ri;KAr corxTV. 



2!)1 



Claire L., aged respectively twenty-three and 
twenty years. 

Mr. Hensel is an Odd Fellow, belonging to 
Tonluca lodge at Princeton, and in his political 
afHliation he is a democrat. He has never been 
an office seeker, however, preferring to devote his 
time and energies to his business affairs. He 
has served, however, as school director for several 
years and he stands for progress along all those 
lines which lead to general development and im- 
provement. He has a wide acquaintance in the 
county where almost his entire life has been passed 
and has become a representative citizen, while his 
many good qualities have gained for him the 
friendship and regard of those with whom lie 
has been associated. 



JAMES A. GOLBY. 

.lames A. Golby, who is engaged in general 
farming and stock-raising on two hundred and 
forty acres of land in Neponset township, is a 
native of Pennsylvania, the date of his birth being 
September 4, 1863. His parents were William 
and Bridget (McCoy) Aiken, both natives of Ire- 
land. They removed from Pennsylvania to Illi- 
nois, where their last days were passed. In their 
family were seven children, five sons and two 
daughters, of whom six are now living, namely : 
Mary, Sarah, Margaret, Hattie, Bridget, and 
James A. 

James A. Golby whose name introduces this 
review w-as only three years of age when he lost 
his parents and was then adopted by Michael 
Golby and his wife, who had no children of their 
own and who reared him as their son. Mr. Golby 
was horn in Kilkenny. Ireland, and died in 1899, 
at the age of eighty-four years, while his wife 
passed away August 13, 1900, at the age of seventy- 
four. It w^as in the year 1846 that Mr. Golby 
came to America, settling first at Albany, New 
York, W'here he was engaged in farming for ahout 
eight years. In 1854 he came to Illinois, locating 
in Henry county, where he carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits imtil 1802. He then removed to 
Neponset township. Bureau county, locating on 
eighty acres of land, which at that time was wild 
prairie. He at once began its development and 
made all of the improvements upon the ]dace. 
Subsequently he bought an additional tract of 
sixty acres of land and he remained upon the 
home farm until 1882, when he purchased a resi- 
dence in Kewanee and lived retired up to the 
time of his death, enjoying a rest which he had 
truly earned and richly deserved. He held mem- 
bership in the Roman Catholic church, at Kewanee. 
and in politics he was a democrat, but never cared 
for public office. 

James A. Golby, reared by his foster-parents, 
worked upon the home farm and attended school 
in his boyhood days. In 1883 he started out in 



life on bis own account, ami mi the loth of 
August, 1900, he began farming on eighty acres 
of land of his own. Later he purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres, so that he is today the 
owner of a valuable farming property of two 
hundred and forty acres in Xeponset township, 
where he carries on general agricultural pursuits 
and stock-raising. 'I'lic jilace is well improved 
and equipped with modei'ii conveniences and in its 
neat and thrifty appearance indicates his careful 
supervision and practical methods. 

On the 4th of Feiiruary, 1891. Mr. Golby was 
united in marriage to Miss Catherine C. Curley 
wlio was born in Altoona, Illinois, February 3, 
1809, a daughter of I'imothy and Catherine 
(Joyce) Curley, wlio were natives of Galway, Ire- 
land. They were married on the Emerald isle and 
Mr. Curley came to this country in a sailing ves- 
sel in 1848, being six W'ceks upon the water. How- 
ever, he landed safely at New York city and the 
following year he sent for his wife, who joined 
him in the new world. They came to Illinois in 
18G.5, locating at Altoona, where thev lived for 
two years and then removed to Neponset. j\[r. 
Curley spent his remaining days as a railroad man 
and farmer and was a hard working, industrious 
man who labored earnestly and persistently in 
order to provide a good home for his family and 
educate his children. He voted with the democ- 
racy and held membership in the Roman Catholic 
church at Kewanee, dying in that faith on the 3d 
of April, 1901, when seventy-five years of age, 
while his wife passed away, (October 18, 1895, at 
the age of sixty-eight years. In their family were 
nine children, but Mrs. Golby is the only one now 
living. She was reared in Illinois and engaged in 
teaching school prior to her marriage. Unto this 
union have been born seven children, of whom 
four are now living: William J., born ^larcli 5, 
1893; John T., Jime 20. 1893 ; Agnes M. A., Jirly 
5, 1900; and Leo T.. May 18, 1901. One daughter, 
Catherine M. A., born May 30, 1895, died in 
March, 1903. Mr. Golby is largely a self-made 
man and as the years have passed his life lias he- 
come an example of the force and power of in- 
dustrv and enterprise in an active business career. 
All who know him esteem him for his genuine 
worth and what he has acccuiqilisbed and he is now- 
one of the representative farmers of Neponset 
township. 



GUSTAV F. SCHENDEL. 
(xustav F. Schendel, now living a retired life in 
Princeton, has lieen a resident of this city since 
1870 and was an active factor in business life until 
a few years ago, wdien he retired to spend his re- 
maining days in the enjoyment of the fruits of 
his former toil. He is a native of Prussia, Ger- 
many, where he was born May 14, 1846. His 
parents always resided in that country, where 
l)oth passed away. The father was engaged in the 



292 



PAST AXD PEESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



grocery business there in early life and afterward 
devoted his time to the conduct of woolen mills, 
being thus associated with manufacturing inter- 
ests until he retired from active business cares. 
Both he and his wife died in that country. 

Gustav F. Scheudel was educated in the com- 
mon schools of his native country and at the age 
of sixteen years began to learn the trade of a 
coppersmith, at which he worked for three years 
in Germany, thoroughly mastering the business 
and becoming an excellent workman. He was 
nineteen years of age when in connection with 
his brother, Julius J. Scheudel, he bade adieu to 
friends and native land and sailed for America in 
the year 18G5. They landed at New York city, 
where Mr. Schendel of this review worked at his 
trade for a few years. He afterward went to 
Cleveland, Ohio, where he remained for one year 
and on the expiration of that period he went to 
East Saginaw, Michigan, where he learned the 
barber's trade, which he followed for a short time. 
He afterward went to Chicago, where he was em- 
ployed for a brief period and next located in 
Ottawa, Illinois, where he continued work as a 
barber. 

It was during his residence in Ottawa that Mr. 
Schendel was married to Miss Catherine Pepler, 
a daughter of Mrs. Mary Pepler, a widow, now 
residing in Toledo, Ohio. Three children graced 
this marriage, but all died in infancy. The first 
born was unnamed and the others were Julius and 
Carl. Mr. and Mrs. Schendel adopted one child, 
Philip Schendel, who is now married and has 
always made his home in Princeton. 

Following his marriage Gustav F. Schendel 
came to Princeton in 1870, being the first of the 
family to locate here. His brother Julius J. came 
soon afterward and is now residing in this city, 
conducting a barber shop on Main street. When 
Gustav F. Schendel located in Princeton he, too, 
began work at the barber's trade, his shop being 
in the American House, and for fifteen years he 
continued successfully in the business. He then 
sold out the business to his brother and became 
proprietor of a restaurant and cafe on South 
street near the courthouse, conducting a first-class 
establishment of that character, so that a large 
patronage was accorded him and he was very suc- 
cessful. He continued in the same line of trade 
until he retired a short time ago. The years of 
his activity, his well directed labors and his careful 
management brought him a substantial competence 
that now enables him to live retired. 

In early life Mr. Schendel gave his political 
allegiance to the democracy, but is now a stanch 
republican. He is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity of Princeton, with which he has been 
afliliated for thirty-four years, and is an exem- 
plary representative of the craft. He owns a 
beautiful home at 52G West South street, where he 
and his wife reside, and he has made all of the 
improvements here. In connection with this prop- 



erty he also has two and a half acres, all within 
the town limits, and his real estate is the visible 
evidence of intense and w-ell directed activity on 
his part. For many years he was a well known 
and representative business man here and the most 
envious can nut grudge him his success, so worth- 
ily has he won it. 



HARVEY E. HENSEL. 

Harvey E. Hensel, who since 1900 has resided 
on his present farm in Dover township, is one of 
the native sons of this tow-nship, his birth having 
occurred on section 23, February 16, 1855. His 
father, James Hensel, was born in Pennsylvania, 
June 24, 1807, and came to Bureau county in 
1853, reaching his destination on the 2d of Octo- 
ber. He traveled by rail to La Salle county and 
then walked across the country to this county. 
He was married twice, his first wife being Lydia 
Fockler, who was born in 1805. His second wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Mary Frease, was 
born in Pennsylvania, July 11, 1823. By the first 
marriage there were six children : Philip, Simon, 
Henry, Enoch, Sarah and Elias. The seven chil- 
dren born of the second marriage are : John, 
Madison, George, Cyrus, Harvey E., Eliza and 
Elsie. 

Mr. Hensel of this review was reared in Bureau 
county and acquired his education in the district 
schools and in Princeton. He was reared to the 
occupation of farming and has always carried on 
general agricultural pursuits. As a companion 
and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Jane 
E. Hoyt, to whom he was married in this county, 
February 20, 1879. She was born in Dover town- 
ship, October 1, 1860, and, like her husband, was 
educated in the district schools and in Princeton. 
Her father, Jonathan Hoyt, was born in Green- 
field, New York, January 3, 183-1, and was mar- 
ried to Miss Mary Porter, who w^as born in l\[assa- 
chusetts in 1S3G and is a descendant of Jonathan 
Edwards. Mr. and Mrs. Hensel have become the 
parents of ten children: W. LeRoy, born Janu- 
ary 29, 1880; Ralph H., born April 4, 1881; 
Ethel Blanche, who was born Jlay 12, 1883, and is 
now deceased; Hat tie Grace, born September 7, 
1884; Raymond F.. March 29, 1886; Mary Ruth, 
March 22, 1888; Warren Jay, June 25, 1890; 
Nellie, who was born May 12, 1892, and has also 
passed away; Ivan Dewitt, born April 1, 1894; 
and Hallie Valpa. born October 14, 1902. Of 
this family W. LeRoy was married April 18, 1906, 
to Miss Perthenia Booth, a trained nurse by pro- 
fession. She was born in Berlin township, Bu- 
reau county, October 30, 1879, her parents being 
Aaron and Tacy T. (Holt) Booth, natives of 
Ohio, the former born in 1847 and the latter Au- 
gust 21, 1855. Her father came to Illinois in 
1850 and was a resident of Putnam county for 
some years. 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



293 



Harvey E. Hensel is now devoting his time and 
energies to his farm work, having eighty acres of 
land moved to this farm in 1902 and on which he 
is raising corn, oats and hay. He also raises draft 
horses and Poland China hogs and his success may 
be attributed to his close application and unremit- 
ting attention to his business. He has always 
lived in this county and many of his stanchest 
friends are those who have known him from his 
boyhood, a fact which indicates that his life has 
been honorable and upright. 



MARTIN B. TERPENING. 

Martin B. Terpening was born in Macon town- 
ship, this county, on the 4th of April, 1860. His 
parents, Marvin and Mary A. (Carpenter) Ter- 
pening, were natives of Yirgil, Cortland county. 
New York, and were married in the Empire state 
in 1853. In 1856 they became residents of Aurora, 
Illinois, where they resided for four years and in 
1860 removed to Bureau county, settling on sec- 
tion 31, Macon township, where the father secured 
one hundred acres of land. He also purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in Neponset town- 
ship. In 1859 he made the overland trip to Pike's 
Peak, but not meeting with the success he antici- 
pated in the gold fields he returned to Illinois and 
devoted his energies to general agricultural pur- 
suits in Macon township up to the time of his 
death, which occurred in November, 1861, when 
he was but twenty-seven years of age. His widow, 
who was born June 15, 1833, long survived him 
and passed away September 2, 1899. They were 
the parents of two children, the daughter being 
Mary A., the widow of Daniel Harrison, a resident 
of Neponset. The father gave his political alle- 
giance to the republican party upon its organiza- 
tion and voted for Abraham Lincoln in 1860. 

Martin B. Terpening, educated in the public 
schools, devoted his attention to farming when not 
occupied with the duties of the schoolroom and 
remained upon the old homestead until twenty- 
three years of age, when he started out upon an 
independent business career as an agriculturist. 
He had one hundred and thirty acres of land 
which he began to operate. He has erected a fine 
residence upon his farm and everything about his 
place is indicative of the careful supervision of an 
owner who is at once practical and progressive in 
his work. At the present time, however, he has 
his land leased to other parties. 

On the 6th of June, 1883, Mr. Terpening was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Ann Connolly, 
who was born in Savannah, Georgia, October 11, 
1860, a daughter of Peter and Ellen E. (Etching- 
ham) Connolly. Her father was born near Bel- 
fast, Ireland, and came to the United States in 
1851, landing after a voyage of ten weeks spent 
on a sailing vessel. His wife was born in Wex- 
ford, Ireland, and they were married in Savannah, 



Georgia, May 1, 1854. Mr. Connolly became a 
fireman on the Savannah & Macon Railroad, and 
was thus engaged up to the time of the Civil war, 
when he enlisted in artillery service, being in 
Longstreet's brigade. He was in both the first 
and second battles of Bull Run, and in the en- 
gagements at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, Spar- 
tansburg, Petersburg, Cold Harbor and Appomat- 
tox. He was at the last named place under Lee 
when the Confederate commander surrendered and 
there he took the oath of allegiance, after which 
he returned to Savannah, where he resided until 
1868. In that year he came to Illinois, locating 
at Neponset, where he remained until his death, 
which occurred April 17, 1901, when he was 
sixty-three years of age. He held membership 
with the Masonic fraternity and was a democrat 
in his political views. His wife died July 22, 
1888, at the age of fifty-six years. In their family 
were two children: Mrs. Terpening, and Kath- 
leen, the wife of C. W. Kelly, of Galesburg, Illi- 
nois. Their daughter, Mrs. Terpening, was seven- 
teen years of age, when, in 1879, she was gradu- 
ated from the high school at Neponset and she 
has since engaged in teaching in the J. S. Carper 
school in Macon township. Such excellent work 
is done in this school that her pupils are admitted 
to the tenth grade in the Neponset school with- 
out examination. 

Prominent and active in community affairs, Mr. 
Terpening was in 1902 elected assessor of Nepon- 
set township, in which capacity he is now serv- 
ing. In politics he is an earnest republican and 
sociallv he is connected with Neponset lodge. No. 
803, A. F. & A. M. His entire life has been 
passed in this county, so that his history is largely 
an open book to his many friends. The record is 
one worthy of reading and contains many ele- 
ments that might be profitably followed by those 
who desire to win both success and an honored 
name. 



MRS. MARY E. YEATER. 
Mrs. Mary E. Yeater, residing in Bureau town- 
ship, where she owns valuable farming interests, 
was born in New Jersey in May, 1854, a daughter 
of Zeby and Elizabeth (Myers) Hackett, who were 
also natives of New Jersey. Leaving the east 
they came to Bureau county, Illinois, settling at 
Sheffield in the year 1855, and there Mr. Hackett 
worked at the carpenter's trade, in which he was 
engaged during the greater part of his life, becom- 
ing closely associated with the building operations 
in Sheffield and that portion of the county. He 
was one of the early settlers of Bureau county and 
contributed much to its early growth, develop- 
ment and improvement. He died about twenty- 
seven years ago, while his wife had passed away 
soon after their arrival in Bureau county. Both 
were worthy people who enjoyed in large measure 
the friendship and regard of those with whom they 



•29-1 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUHKAI' COUNTY. 



came in coiiliRt. In their I'aniiiv were tsix chil- 
dren, namely: Elizalieth, William, John, Sarah, 
Catherine Ann ami ^[ary E. After losing his first 
wife the father was married again and had five 
children by the second union, as follows: Stella, 
Emma, Rachel, ElTie and Hattie. 

iMrs. ilary E. Yeater was only about six months 
old when Ijroughl to Bureau county and her girl- 
hood days were spent here. In 1877 she gave her 
hand in marriage to Ceorge \V. Fay, who died in 
August, 1886. He was a farmer of Bureau county, 
having been born within its borders in July, 1845. 
His parents were Samuel L. and ^lary (Mercer) 
Fay, the former from Conway, Massachusetts, and 
the latter from the state of Ohio. The marriage 
of Mr. and Mrs. George \V. Fay was celebrated in 
Dover townsliip. Bureau county, in February, ISTT, 
and they began their domestic life in Illinois, 
where she has always lived with the exception of 
a period of five years which she spent in Mitttin- 
town. Juniata county, Pennsylvania. By her first 
marriage she had two children : Nathan, who died 
at the age of three and a half years ; and William 
Leonard Fay, who is still with his mother. In 
January, 1889, two years after the death of her 
first husliand, Mrs. Fav became the wife of Henry 
Yeater and to them were born two children : 
Arthur Marion and Mabel Anna. 

Mrs. Yeater and her family are niendiers of the 
Wesleyan ilethodist church and contribute gener- 
ously to its support. She now owns a valuable 
farm of thirty-one acres of fine land in her own 
name and her son is the owner of one hundred and 
four acres. Nearly all this is under cultivation 
and is highly improved, the place being valued at 
from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dol- 
lars per acre. Mrs. Yeater is now one of the 
pioneer settlers of the county, having arrived here 
more than a half century ago. She is therefore 
largely familiar with its history and has been an 
interested witness of the changes which have oc- 
curred here. She has nuiny friends in Bureau 
county and occupies an envial>le position in social 
circles in which she moves. 



WILLIAJI WILSON ]\IILLER. 
William Wilson Jliller, who carries on general 
farming on section 7, Wyanet township, is a na- 
tive son of Bureau county, having first opened 
his eyes to the light of day in IS.TS upon a farm 
six miles east of Princeton. lie is a son of D. A. 
Miller, a native of Clark county. Ohio, who came 
to this county in 1S.")0. and settled east of Prince- 
ton, where he purchased a farm. His wife, the 
mother of our subject, ilied when her son W^illiam 
was but five weeks old. She bore the maiden 
name of Ovanda Williams, and at her demise 
her remains were interred in the Searles cemetery. 
After losing his first wife !\fr. ^filler married her 
sister, Amanda Williams, and to tleni were born 



six children, four daughters and two sons. The 
father of our subject continued to make his home 
in Illinois until his death, which occurred at Man- 
lius, July 7, l'J04. He owned a farm there, where- 
on he had lived for forty years, and was one of 
the respected and valued agriculturists of the com- 
munity. 

William Wilson ililler was educated in the 
common schools, but his opportunities in that di- 
rection were somewhat limited. Owing to his 
mother's death he was reared by his uncle, Robert 
W. j\Iiller, who resided upon the place now occu- 
pied by the nephew, who has lived here continu- 
ously throughout his boyhood days, having pur- 
chased the place from his uncle. He now owns 
one hundred and sixty acres of fine land in Wy- 
anet township, whereon he makes his home, and in 
addition has five hundred and sixty acres in Kan- 
sas, near Wiiifield, his eldest sou su])erintending 
that place. 

Having arrived at years of mattirity, Mr. Miller 
was married to Miss Izora Martin, who was born 
in Greenville township. Bureau county, and is a 
daughter of Charles ilartin, who is now living re- 
tired in Walnut, Illinois. He is an old settler 
of Bureau county and has reached the age of 
seventy-seven years. His birth occurred in Lee 
township, Oneida county. New York, September 
4, 1827, and his parents, William and Triphena 
(Cogswell) JIartin, were both natives of Massa- 
chusetts. In their family were nine children but 
five of the number died in infancy. Although a 
cripple, William ]\Iartin was accepted for service 
in the war of 1812 and was stationed for duty 
at Sacketfs Harbor. He had two brothers, James 
and Ebenezer Martin, who were oflScers in the 
United States army during the second struggle 
with England, one being a first lieutenant and 
the other a captain. Thcv also participated in the 
battle at Sacketfs Harbor. Their father had 
been a member of the Continental army during 
the Revolutionary war and many times saw Gen- 
eral Washington. William Martin survived to the 
vear 1834 and died in the state of New York. In 
1848 his son, Charles Martin, father of Mrs. Mil- 
ler, came to Bureau county, Illinois, and located 
in Manlius township, which was then a part of 
Greenville township. He followed farming until 
1S.")2, when he removed to the village of New 
Bedford, where he was successfully engaged in 
merchandising for nine 3'ears, and during the 
succeeding four years he followed the same pursuit 
in Wyanet. Later, however, he purchased four 
hundred and forty acres of rich and productive) 
land in Greenville township, whereon he made his 
home for many years, successfully carrying on ag- 
ricultural pursuits. At the present writing, how- 
ever, he is living retired in Walnut, Illinois. He 
was married May 8, 1850, to Miss Victoria Lovier, 
a native of New York, and a datighter of Joseph 
Tjovier, who came to this county from France. 
Five children blessed this union: Joseph L., a 



PAST AND i'KESEXT OF BUHEAU CUINTV. 



295 



])racticing physician ; James F. ; Adelbert L. ; 
Izora, now Mrs. Miller; and Cla^yton J. The 
mother passed away November 28, 1867, and ilr. 
Martin was again married, his second union be- 
ing with Electa Thomas, a daughter of Henry 
Thomas, the first settler of Bureau county, Illinois, 
where he arrived in 1828. He built the first cabin 
and plowed the first furrow in the county. By the 
second marriage five children were born. Mr. 
Martin is a republican in his political views and 
has held various offices of trust in the county, such 
as school director, school trustee, road commis- 
sioner and township collector, and in all these po- 
sitions he has proven a faithful and efficient officer. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Miller has bee- 
blessed with seven children : Howard A., who 
is living on his father's farm in Kansas ; Neva, 0., 
Lessie I)., Alta Maud, Willie L., Alice I. and 
Clayton, all at home. 

Mr. Miller owns one hundred and sixty acres of 
good land in AVyanet township. In 190.1 he suf- 
fered losses, his barn being struck by lightning, but 
he immediately rebuilt and now has fine build- 
ings upon his place and he works his own land, 
carrying on general farming and stock-raising, 
making a specialty of thoroughbred Poland China 
hogs and Shropshire sheep. He now has one hun- 
dred and eighty head of sheep and he also raises 
cattle and hogs upon his farms in Kansas. His 
business interests are well managed and his success 
indicates his alert and enterprising spirit. 

In his political views Mr. Miller is a republi- 
can, but has never cared for nor held office, save 
that of school director. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Modern Woodmen of America, 
the Mystic Workers and the Yeomen of America. 
His family are all members of the Congregational 
church and are held in high esteem in the com- 
munity where they reside. Mr. Miller is recog- 
nized as a reliable and representative agriculturist 
who has been very successful in his life. He 
never had a cent given to him and has made all 
that he now possesses through his own labors and 
his record ])roves what may be accomplished 
through determination and energy, guided by 
sound judgment and supplemented by honorable 
dealing. 



JOSEPH SPEINGER. 



Joseph Springer, who within the past twenty 
years has come into possession of the property 
which he now owns, comprising three hundred and 
five acres of valuable and productive land in 
Bureau county, was born in the town of (jhio. 
Bureau county, on the 11th of October, 18G2. His 
Parents were Joseph and Mattie (Zimmerman) 
Springer. The father was a native of Gernumy 
and afterward lived in France, while the mother 
was from Alsace-Lorraine. When twenty-five 
years of age Joseph Springer, Sr., came from 



the old worlii to tiie Ihiited Sfates and located at 
Peoria, Illinois, where he remained for about five 
years. It was there that he met and married 
Miss Zimmerman, who had come to the new vorld 
with her parents about two years prior to the 
arrival of Mr. Springer. The marriage was cele- 
brated in Peoria in the month of February, 1859, 
and was blessed with three children, Andrew, Jos- 
eph and John, all of whom are living on farms, 
Andrew and Joseph being residents of Bureau 
county, while John makes his home in Nebraska. 

Joseph Springer, whose name introduces this 
record, began his education in the district school.? 
of Bureau county and thereby was well trained for 
life's practical and responsible duties. When not 
busy with his text-books he assisted in the oper- 
ation of the home farm and was early trained to 
habits of industry and economy, which in later 
years have borne rich fruit in a successful business 
record. He has always led an industrious life, dili- 
gence and perseverance being numbered among 
his salient characteristics, and he has now accumu- 
lated a fine property of three hundred and five 
acres of very desirable land. In the '80s he 
worked by the month as a farm hand and, saving 
from his earnings the sum of four hundred dollars, 
he began with this capital in 1886 to farm for 
himself, first renting two hundred and forty acres 
of land. His present valuable possessions show 
the thrift and enterprise which have characterized 
him and indicate his business capacity. He is 
still actively engaged in farming but expects soon 
to remove to the vicinity of Princeton in order to 
give his children the benefit of better educational 
privileges there, while he expects to engage in the 
breeding of Percheron horses and shorthorn cattle. 
He now has a good herd of cattle of that breed and 
also owns a number of valuable horses. 

Mr. Springer has been married twice. ( )n the 
5tli of February, 1895, he wedded ^liss Mary 
Burkey, a native of Indiantown township. Bureau 
county. Her parents were natives of Germany but 
came to Illinois at an early period in the develop- 
ment of Bureau county, where her father has fol- 
lowed farming during the greater j)art of his life. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Springer were born two sons, 
Gilbert and Edwin. The wife and mother died 
on the 5th of May, 1898, her death being the occa- 
sion of deep regret bv many friends as well as her 
immediate family, for she posses.sed many good 
traits of heart and mind. In 1901 Mr. Springer 
was again married, his second union being with 
Lydia Sears, of Indiantown township, with whom 
he had been acquainted from her childhood days. 
There has been one daughter by this marriage, 
Clara ifay, who was born June 12, 1902. 

Mr. Springer belongs to the Mennonite church 
at Tiskilwa and is interested in matters relating 
to public progress and improvement, withholding 
his support from no measure which he deems will 
be of general benefit. His entire life has been 
passed in Bureau county and he has made an 



29G 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



enviable and creditable record as a business man, 
progressing along lines of activity and honesty 
and in harmonv with the highest ethics of business 
life. 



ALFEED E. GEEENWOOD. 

Alfred E. Greenwood, deceased, was one of the 
most prominent attorneys of Bureau county and 
of this part of the state and in addition to his 
large law practice he was interested in the drug 
business, in banking and in mining, and the ex- 
tent and importance of his practice contributed in 
substantial measure to the material growth and 
prosperity of various sections of the county as 
well as to his individual success. He was a man 
who bore an unassailable reputation in business 
circles and who owed his success to the exercise 
of his native and acquired talents. The great 
philosopher, Francis Bacon, has said, "Every man 
owes a debt to his profession," and the debt Mr. 
Greenwood fully discharged, for the business 
which yielded him an income and gave him place 
with the substantial residents of the county found 
in him also an ornament to the profession, his 
entire career reflecting credit and honor upon his 
business associations. 

Mr. Greenwood was a native of Burlington, 
Iowa, born on the (5th of July, 1847. His parents 
were Stott J. and Eliza Greenwood, the former 
a native of England and the latter of the Hawk- 
eye state. In early life Stott J. Greenwood came 
from his native country to America and settled 
in Burlington, Iowa, where he was married and 
began the study of law. Subsequently he entered 
upon the active practice of his profession in Bur- 
lington, where he remained for several years, 
after which he removed with his family to La 
Salle, Illinois, where he established a drug store, 
conducting business there with a fair measure of 
prosperity for several years. Eventually he re- 
tired from connection with commercial interests, 
but he made his home in La Salle for many years, 
later removing to Pecatonica, where his death 
occurred, while his wife died in La Salle. 

Alfred E. Greenwood was but a young lad when 
his parents removed to La Salle after having spent 
his earlier years in St. Louis. He attended the 
public schools of La Salle and at the age of eight- 
een years started in business there on his own 
account, opening a drug store. He had become 
somewhat familiar with the trade in his father's 
store, but the two establishments were entirely 
separate. Alfred E. Greenwood opened a drug 
business and maintained an interest therein 
throughout the remainder of his days. 

Like his father, Mr. Greenwood desired to be- 
come a member of the bar and when a young 
man he entered upon the studv of law in the 
office of Judge Locey, of I>a Salle, who directed 
his reading for a few years, subsequent to which 
time he was admitted to the bar at Chicago in 



18b2. He returned to La Salle, where he began 
practice. Like all young lawyers he had to make 
a start and demonstrate his ability. Advancement 
in the law is proverbially slow but as time passed 
Mr. Greenwood established liis right to rank with 
the able practitioners and in the course of years 
was accorded a liberal patronage. In the early 
days of his connection with the profession, how- 
ever, he was also identified with other business 
concerns. In 1882 a vein of coal was discovered 
at Spring Valley in Hall township. Bureau county, 
and Mr. Greenwood early went to the new city, 
the town site being laid out under his supervision. 
He became much interested in mining operations 
in that locality and did much toward the develop- 
ment of its rich mineral resources, whereby the 
growth and prosperity of the community were 
largely augmented. In 1889 he removed with his 
family to Spring Valley in order to better super- 
intend his legal business there, having already 
invested quite largely in the coal district. He also 
continued in the practice of law and his clientele 
became a very extensive and important one. He 
was particularly well informed concerning corpora- 
tion law and was attorney for the Spring Valley 
Coal Company, the Chicago, Eock Island & Pa- 
cific Eailroad Company, and the Illinois Third 
Vein Coal Company. After three years Mr. Green- 
wood took his family to Princeton and established 
his home there in order that his children might 
enjoy better educational privileges but he con- 
tinued in the active practice of law until his 
demise. He also served as city attorney of Spring 
Valley for two terms. His professional services 
there were in continual demand and his clientage 
became large and of a distinctively representative 
character. 

On the 13th of November, 1878, occurred the 
marriage of Alfred E. Greenwood and iliss Edith 
C. Ward, whom he wedded in La Salle. She was 
a daughter of Thomas and Daphne A. Brown 
(Cole) Ward, the former a native of West Vir- 
ginia and the latter of Vermont. The year 1853 
witnessed the arrival of Mr. Ward in La Salle 
county, where he became one of the largest stock- 
raisers in this part of the state. He purchased a 
farm north of the town of La Salle and there en- 
gaged in general agricultural pursuits and stock- 
raising for many years. During that time he also 
purchased large farms in North Dakota, where he 
also conducted a stock-raising enterprise. He was 
likewise interested in the Union stockyards in 
Chicago and during his later years he would large- 
ly spend his summers in North Dakota and the 
winter months at the stockyards in Chicago. In 
1872 he removed his family to the town of La 
Salle, where he made his home until his death, 
allhough he passed away in Chicago. His wife 
died in La Salle. Mr. Ward became very well- 
to-do in the stock business, the extent of his 
operations making him a successful dealer. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Greenwood were born five 




u^ 



S'n^ra -^ 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUEEAU COUXTY. 



299 



children : Ward A., who married Miss Exia 
Peterson, of Princeton, and now resides in North 
Dakota, where he is engaged in farming and 
stock-raising; Cecelia, who is living with her 
mother in Princeton ; Malcolm and Lillian, both 
deceased; and Mabel, living in Princeton with 
their mother. 

Following his removal to Princeton Mr. Green- 
wood developed a very extensive practice here 
and in the state supreme and United States ap- 
pellate courts. At the same time he maintained a 
law office in Spring Valley and at the bar dis- 
played keen insight into the political problems in- 
troduced, together with a strong, analytical mind 
and logical reasoning. He was so well acquainted 
with the fundamental principles of law that he was 
seldom, if ever, at error in quoting the law applic- 
able to his cause and his capability made him 
widely known throughout this part of the state. 
In 1902, in company with I. H. Norris, he in- 
corporated the Spring Valley City Bank, of which 
he became a large stockholder, and he remained in 
the business up to the time of his death. 

It was owing to the diligence and enterprise 
with which he applied himself to his business in- 
terests that Mr. Greenwood's health became im- 
paired, remaining so for two years prior to his 
death. He spent one summer in Eureka Springs, 
.\rkansas. Four months were passed there, in 
which he seemed greatly benetited. He after- 
ward visited an Indiana health resort and subse- 
quently went to North Dakota, where he spent 
several weeks, but no benefit which he received 
remained permanent and. returning to his home 
in Princeton, he here passed away on the 35th 
of November. 1904. 

In his political views Mr. Greenwood had been 
a stalwart republican and was very much interested 
in the growth and success of his party, which ben- 
efited by his efforts in its behalf. In his business 
affairs he had prospered and he became the owner 
of much valuable property in Spring Valley and 
Princeton, opening the Greenwood addition to 
Spring Valley. Owing to his prosperity he was en- 
abled to leave his family in comfortable circum- 
stances and Mrs. Greenwood now owns a large 
and beautiful residence at No. 12fi East Peru 
street in Princeton, where she and her daughters 
reside. She is prominent in social circles there 
and, like her husband, has many warm friends 
all over the county. 

In his funeral address the Rev. Mr. Slaughter 
said, "We are here today because the life lived 
was dedicated to all that was true and right and 
honorable in every relation with fellowmen. T 
know nothing (except by report) of his spirit, 
temperament, and character. The very high esti- 
mate that has come to me concerning Mr. Green- 
wood is this: He was a good citizen, a biffhly 
esteemed and honored member of the bar, a kind 
and obliging neighbor, a good and thoughtful 
friend, a tender, loving- husband. He was fath- 



erly, brotherly, friendly. This means much. As 
a good citizen, he was a man of splendid habits; 
diligent in his professional obligations; rugged in 
honesty; public spirited; respected and esteemed 
by all the members of the bar; a close student; 
with careful research and thoughtful deliberation 
he generally reached correct conclusions. This 
made him a safe and successful lawyer. As you 
knew him better he grew more and more in your 
respect. He was persistent, a hard worker. With 
his ability as lawyer he had what every lawyer does 
not have, good business judgment, and this gave 
him the business confidence of the citizens of this 
county. And this confidence led to his endorse- 
ment by the county as a man worthy of nomination 
as a member of congress. If this county hail had 
the controlling vote, he would have been nomi- 
nated. As a neighbor, he was greatly beloved; 
loved by the young people; always pleasant to 
everybody; unselfish. A neighbor said to me, 'I 
never knew any one to dislike him." As husband 
and father, his life was dedicated to all that was 
beautiful and lovely in the domestic circle. Mr. 
Greenwood by his strength of mind and heart rose 
to excellence in his chosen profession, and became 
a man of some extended influence. We are not 
gathered here to do honor to his memory be- 
cause he was rich, or had gained any eminence 
among men, but because he lived a good life 
among us. He was a part of the life of the bar; 
of every citizen; of every neighbor: of this com- 
munitv." 



ELMER ELSWORTH BATTEY. 

Elmer Elsworth Battey, who for almost twenty 
years has been engaged in dealing in lumber and 
agricultural implements in Slieffield, where in 
business circles he sustains an unassailable repu- 
tation, while his diligence and enterprise have 
brought to him a large and constantly growing 
trade, was born in Mineral township, June 11, 
1861, and is the youngest child of Major Silas and 
Mercy (Bennett) Battey, who are represented 
elsewhere in this volume. He acquired his edu- 
cation in the Sheffield schools, l)eing graduated 
I'l'oni the high school with the ch'.ss of ISSl. He 
afterward engaged in teaching school and later be- 
came actively interested in farming, which he fol- 
lowed until 1884, when he connected himself with 
a publishing house in Chicago, remaining there un- 
til 1887. 

In that year Mr. Battey returned to Sheffield 
and joined his father in the conduct of an agri- 
cultural implement establishment, under the firm 
style of S. Battey & Son, and in ISSS thev nddod 
a lumber yard. In 1890, j\Iajor Battey's health 
failing, the son purchased the father's interest in 
the business, which he continued alone until 1892, 
when he formed a partnership with H. E. Ab- 
biilt. buying out the business of another implement 
and lumber firm and organizing the firm of Bat- 



300 



PAST AND PKESEXT UF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



tey & Abbott. This relatiou was uiaintained until 
1898, when Jlr. Battcy iiurchased Mr. Abbott's 
interest in the business and has since conducted 
the store under his own name. He carries a 
large and well selected stock and enjoys a good 
trade, while in commercial circles in Sheffield he is 
accounted a worthy and jirominent representative. 
On the 26th of Xovemlier. ISSM;. Mr. Battey was 
united in marriage to Miss Bertha Eeed, a daugh- 
ter of Fitzhugh and Adelphia (Wicks) Keed, 
of Sheffield, and in social circles they occupy an 
enviable position, having many warm friends. In 
addition to his home Mr. Battey owns considerable 
real estate in the town of Sheffield and still lias an 
interest in his father".s estate. In community af- 
fairs he has maintained an active and helpful in- 
terest and his labors for the public good have been 
of direct benefit. He has served as village clerk, 
filled the office of alderman for six years, and for 
two terms was president of the board, exercising 
his official prerogatives in support of many ad- 
vantageous measures for the city. He is a member 
of Sheffield lodge, No. 808, I. 0. 0. F., of which 
he is past noble grand, and he belongs to the 
Unitarian church, so that his interests center along 
those lines which touch the general welfare, and 
his co-operation and support are valuable factor.'; 
in promoting the public good. 



WATTS A. JOHNSON. 

Watts A. Johnson, engaged in the practice of 
law in Princeton, deserves especial credit for his 
success from the fact that without financial as- 
sistance or the aid of influential friends he has 
worked his way upward, winning the somewhat 
hackneved but altogether expressive title of a self- 
made man. The tasks which he has set for himself 
have been resolutely and capably performed and 
he early displayed "the elemental strength of his 
character in his determination to secure an edu- 
cation and by his persistent efforts in this direc- 
tion. His birth occurred at Dillsboro in Dearborn 
county, Indiana, December l(j, 1857, his parents 
being James J. and Minerva (Young) Johnson. 
The father was also a native of Indiana and in 
the vear 1860 he removed with his family from 
that state to Dover townshij). Bureau county, 
Illinois, settling on a farm. 

Watts A. Jolmsiin. then but three years of age, 
passed his boyhood days in the usual manner of 
farm lads and acquired his early education in the 
public schools of Bureau county, with later a 
partial course in the old University of Chicago and 
a law course in Union College of Law in the 
same citv. He taught school for a time in Bureau 
county and in early life he put forth strenuous 
effort in order to gain an education. From the 
time he left the farm he nu-t the expenses of his 
education through his own efforts and scorned no 
honest work that would replenish his exchequer 



and enable him to prosecute his studies. He car- 
ried papers and lighted street lamps in Chicago 
and in the face of difficulties which would have 
utterly deterred and disheartened many a man of 
even considerable resolute spirit he managed to 
acquire a partial university course and make his 
way through law college. He was admitted to the 
bar in 1883 and located for practice in Princeton, 
where he has since conducted liis office. His mind 
is analytical, logical and deductive and his reason- 
ing is strong and forceful. He came to the bar 
well equipped not only by a good collegiate course 
but also with a spirit of determination that fears 
not difficulties and obstacles but puts forth contin- 
ued effort until the goal of success is reached. In 
the trial of cases he makes thorough and careful 
j]i'e]iaration and in liis presentation of his cause 
displays a cogency and clearness of statement that 
never fails to impress his auditors with the cor- 
rectness of his position and his appreciation of 
the justice of the plea that he makes. 

It is men of such strength of character that 
are needed and sought for in political circles and 
it is this that has led to Mr. Johnson's selection 
for various political honors. He is a republican, 
stalwart in his advocacy of the principles of the 
party and for two terms he served as city attorney 
by popular election. In 1893 he was elected prose- 
cuting attorney for the county and filled that posi- 
tion for two terms, when he refused a third nomi- 
nation. He has also been mayor of the city for 
one term and has given a ]nil)lic-spirited and bene- 
ficial administration, characterized by a close study 
of the needs and possibilities of the city and the 
chances for substantial progress. 

In 1884 Mr. Johnson was united in marriage to 
Miss Jennie C. Buckingham, of Somonauk, De 
Kalb county, Illinois, a daughter of Almus B. 
and Berlina (Cheever) Buckingham. Mr. John- 
son is a member of the Baptist church and all 
those matters which pertain to the progress and 
advancement of the race and of the individual, 
of the city and of the nation, are of interest to 
him. The history of Princeton gives many tangi- 
lilo proofs of his devotion to her welfare, wliile her 
citizens recognize in him those qualities of man- 
hdod which awaken respect and confidence in every 
land and clime. 



ABRAHAM L. PIPER. 
Abraham L. Piper, a prominent repn'scntative 
of the agricultural interests of Bureau county, is 
residing in Ohio township. He was born in this 
county, January 6, 1866, and is a son of H. H. 
and Amanda (McWilliams) Piper, mention of 
whom is made on another page of this volume. 
,\braham was the fourth in a family nf nine 
children and was reared in the usual manner of 
farm lads, early becoming familiar with the duties 
anil lalinrs that fall In the lot of the agricidturist. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



301 



for he assisted in the work of plowing, planting 
and harvesting as the years went by. He has al- 
ways carried on farming as a life work and now 
owns one hundred and sixty acres of very arable 
and productive land in Ohio township, which is 
divided into fields of convenient size by well kefit 
fences and thereon are annually gathered good 
crops of corn, oats and hay. He likewise raises 
considerable live stock. He has lived upon this 
place for ten years and is one of the leading agri- 
culturists of tiiis part of the state. He is also one 
of the heirs to the vast estate of liis father, Hiram 
H. Piper, and as such is numbered among the 
wealthier representatives of agricultural interests 
in Bureau county. 

Abraham L. Piper was married July 3, ISS-t, 
but lost his first wife on the 27th of April, 1888. 
He was again married October 3, 1889, to Miss 
Hattie E. Oglesby, who was born in Warren 
county, Ohio, August 26, 1870. They have an at- 
tractive home, equipped with all modern acces- 
sories and conveniences and giving every indica- 
tion of refined and cultured taste. The farm 
is supplied with all modern conveniences and Mr. 
Piper displays in his business affairs keen discern- 
ment and sound judgment, making him a prosper- 
ous and leading agricidturist. He votes with the 
republican party and is thoroughly in sympathy 
with its principles and policy, but has never been 
an office seeker. As a private citizen, however, he 
has done much for the public welfare, giving his 
co-operation to many measures for the public good. 
He is ambitious for general as well as individual 
progress and he always keeps in touch with the 
trend of the times. 



JAMES MASTERS CURTIS. 
James Masters Curtis was for an extended 
period a leading farmer of Concord township and 
died at his home, a mile northeast of Sheffield, 
on the 19th of August, 1901, when in the eightieth 
year of his age. He was born at Schagticoke, 
Rensselaer county. New York, August 2, 1822, 
imd in 1848 became a resident of Illinois, set- 
tling in .Vdams county. The following year, ac- 
com])anied by his brother Mark, he went from 
Quincy to Peoria by steamboat and then walked to 
Bureau county in search of land. They after- 
ward proceeded on foot to Dixon, Illinois, where 
the government land office was located and there 
they made their entries, after which they returned 
in the same manner of travel to Quincy. They 
selected a section of land adjoining the present 
village of Sheffield, James Masters Curtis taking 
the southeast quarter of section 18 and the south- 
west quartei' of section 17, Concord township. He 
and his brother Mark also made a trip into Iowa 
the same year, walking to Nauvoo, Illinois, whence 
they crossed the river and made their way to Mus- 



catine, from which place they returned to Quincy 
by boat. 

James M. Curtis was married December 15, 
1850, to Miss Helen Maria Stevenson, of Adams 
county, who was a native of Carroll county, Mary- 
land, and in her girlhood days had been brought 
to Illinois in 1837. There were six children of 
this marriage: Clifton, now of Davenport, Iowa; 
Harmon Edward, of Tiskilwa; Jessie May, the 
wife of C. C. Pervier, of Sheffield ; Charles Edgar, 
who is mentioned below; Helen Maria, who died 
at the age of nineteen years ; and Carrie Belle, the 
widow of B. R. Battey, of Tiskilwa. The mother 
of these children died November 7, 1871, and Mr. 
Curtis was afterward married, January 9, 1878, 
to Miss Maria C. Rice, of Hannibal, Oswego 
county, New York. Their only child, Robert Rice, 
was graduated at Knox College in Galesburg, Illi- 
nois, in 1901, and lives in Sheffield. 

In the spring following his first marriage James 
M. Curtis settled upon the farm in Concord town- 
ship, whereon he made his home until his death. 
The same year the survey of the Rock Island rail- 
road was made. He built a small house upon his 
farm, sawing most of the lumber himself at Steph- 
ens mill. His original home was afterward re- 
placed with a large and commodious dwelling 
which was erected in 1861. Although he came to 
the county with a cash capital of only two hun- 
dred and fifty dollars his business capacity and 
enterprise enabled him to accumulate extensive 
possessions and he was one of the large land 
owners of the county, having about nine hundred 
acres in Concord township and seven hundred 
and fifty acres in Gold township. 

Mr. Curtis was regarded as a valued and re- 
spected citizen of his community and always took 
an active part in the economic management of 
public affairs, while for nine years he did effective 
service for his town on the board of supervisors. 
He held membership in the Unitarian church of 
Sheffield, which he joined on its organization in 
1869. He was a man of honor, of integrity and 
upright character, and his memory is yet cherished 
by those who knew him as that of one of the most 
prominent and representative agriculturists of the 
county. 

Mark Daniel Curtis, Ijrother of James 51. Cur- 
tis and associated with him in business xindertak- 
ings, was born July 29, 1824, at Cherry Valley, 
Otsego county. New York, his parents being Dan- 
iel and Mehifable (blasters) Curtis. In September, 
1848, he arrived in Adams county, Illinois, in 
company with his brotlior, James il. (^urtis. and 
was there engaged in teaching schools. On the 
8th of April, 1850, he started on the overland 
journey to California, arriving on the middle fork 
of the American river four months later. On the 
return trip he left San Francisco on the 4th of 
.\pril, journeying by way of Panama and arriv- 
ing at Schaghticoke, Rensselaer county, New York, 
on the 20th of April after an expense of one 



302 



PAST AND rilESEXT OF BUliEAU CULMY 



hundred aud seveuty-five dollars for thu passage 
and a cheap suit of clothing. That he met with 
a measure of success during his western sojourn 
was indicated by a letter in which he wrote, "1 
have a little more than nineteen hundred dollars." 
He probably arrived in Bureau county inside of two 
months after his return to Xew York and here he 
entered upon a successful career as an agriculturist 
and stock-raiser, having at the time of his death 
personal property to the amount of eighteen thou- 
sand dollars, consisting of hogs, cattle, horses, 
mules and farming machinery. In addition to 
this he owned twelve hundred and forty acre- 
of land all in one body, beside an interest in some 
swamp land. He was married September 11, 1858, 
in Princeton, to Miranda Sarah Howie, who was 
born September 11, 1835, in Charlotteville, Scho- 
harie countv, Xew York, a daughter of James and 
Eliza (Tabor) Howie. The death of Mark D. 
Curtis occurred January 10, 1872, and his remains 
were laid to rest in the Sheffield cemetery, where 
later the grave of his wife was also made, her 
demise occurring April 8, 1892. 

From the foregoing it will be seen that Charles 
Edgar Curtis is a representative of one of the 
most prominent families in Bureau county, his 
father and uncle having both become extensive 
land owners and wealthy farmers. He pursued his 
education in the schools of Sheffield until he was 
graduated on the completion of the high school 
course in 1879, after which he returned to the 
home farm, where he remained until 1883. He 
then went to Van Horn, Iowa, where he entered 
mercantile business with his brother, Clifton, own- 
ing a general store there under the firm style of 
Curtis Brothers until January, 1888. The broth- 
ers then removed to Afton, Iowa, where they built 
the Afton Creamery, which they conducted to- 
gether until 1890, when Charles E. Curtis pur- 
chased his brother's interest. Later he again pur- 
chased the store at Van Horn, Iowa, after selling 
the creamery, but in 1894 he disposed of his in- 
tere.«ts west of the Mississippi and returned to Siief- 
field, where his time and energies have since been 
devoted to the conduct of his farming and stock- 
raising interests. He has extensive holdings here 
and his careful supervision annually ])romotes the 
value of his property and its productiveness. 

On the 5th of May, 1886, Charles E. Curtis 
was married to Miss Louise R. Ix)tts, of Indepen- 
dence, Iowa, a daughter of William and Sophia 
Lotts. Her father, a farmer by occupation, died 
in 1892, but her mother is still living. They have 
two children : Bessie Belle, who is a graduate 
of the high school of Sheffield of the class of 
190() : and Cheryl Maria, a student in the high 
school. Mr. Curtis is president of the board of 
education of Sheffield and is a well known cham- 
pion of progress in this direction, believing in the 
maintenance of good schools and the employment 
of competent teachers. He is a member of the 
Antlers Club of Sheffield and in a wide acquaint- 



ance he has gained many warm friends, being 
a popular citizen as well as a successful and 
capable business man. 



AXDKEW SWAXZY. 

Andrew Swanzy, now living retired in Prince- 
ton, his native city, was born February 3, 1838, a 
son of Dt. James Swanzy, who was a graduate of 
a prominent medical college of London, England, 
and at one time was a leading physician and sur- 
geon of Princeton, with large and important prac- 
tice. He was very prominent here, both by rea- 
son of his professional skill and his personal 
worth, and both he and his wife died in Bureau 
county. 

Andrew Swanzy was educated in the country 
schools of Bureau county and in early manhood 
went to Xew York, where he spent the greater 
part of his business career. He was a dry-goods 
salesman for a Xew York firm for forty years. 
He would visit merchants in different parts of the 
country and send them to the house which he 
represented to buy goods, and he maintained a 
splendid reputation as an able salesman, who was 
always popular with his patrons and who had the 
full confidence of the house which he represented. 
When his labors had brought to him a handsome 
competence and he desired to put aside further 
liusiness cares he determined to return to the 
home of his youth and is now living in Princeton. 
He has traveled extensively all over this country 
and made one trip to Europe, and, possessing an 
observing eye and retentive memorv, has a broad 
knowledge of the countries and peoples he iias 
visited, gaining thereby the culture and experience 
which only travel can bring. 

Mr. Swanzy was married in 18(>2 to Miss Watie 
Walker, who was horn in T)e Kalb, Illinois, a 
daughter of the Rev. 0. A. Walker, who canu^ to 
Princeton in 1847 and with the exception of six 
years spent the remainder of his life here. He 
was a very prominent citizen and wielded a wide 
influence. At one time he held the office of county 
treasurer and for some years was presiding elder 
in his district. His labors in behalf of the church 
were not denied the full harvest nor the after- 
math, and his efforts and influcme nroveil a po- 
tent element in the moral development of this 
part of the state. 

Mr. and Mrs. Swanzy now occupy a fine large 
residence at 208 South Fourth street, Princeton, 
it being one of the old and beautiful homes of the 
town. Botlt are members of the Methodist church 
and are held in tbe highest esteem by all who 
know them. In his {)olitical views Mr. Swanzy 
is a democrat with prohibition proclivities. He is 
much interested in politics and has attended 
twelve national conventions of the two parties. 
His business career was marked bv consecutive 
advancement and in all life's relations he has 




DR. JAMES SWANZY 



PAST AJvD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



305 



stood for progress and improveincnt, bcmg espe- 
cially helnfiil in his support of those measures 
which have had for their object the material, in- 
tellectual and moral upbuilding of the conimuni- 
tios with which he has been connected. 



NORMAN F. MORRIS. 

Norman F. Morris, who devotes his time and en- 
ergies to general agricultural pursuits in Indian- 
town townshi]). is a native of Montgomery county. 
New York, wdiere he was born March 4, 1849. His 
parents. Hart N. and Susan (]\Iills) ;\Ioi-ris, were 
likewise natives of the Empire state. The father 
came to Bureau county, Illinois, in September, 
1850, and went by canal to Buifalo, by the lakes 
to Chicago, and by the Illinois and ilichigan canal 
to La Salle, this state, whence they drove across 
the country to their destination, settling east 
of the present farm of our subject, where Hart N. 
Morris purchased two hundred and forty acres of 
land. He also liought and sold other land at dif- 
ferent times. When he located here there was 
a log house on the place and he afterward erected 
more modern buildings. He placed his fields un- 
der a high state of cultivation and the land, for 
which he paid about seven dollars per acre, became 
vei-y valuable. He was a successful agriculturist 
who carried on general farming and later engaged 
more extensively in dairying. He lived for twen- 
ty years in Princeton, but the last four years of 
his life were spent upon his farm and he passed 
away in October, 1900, in his ninetieth year. His 
wife died in 1898, wdien about eighty-six years 
of age. Mr. ilorris was one of the first members 
of the Congregational church, in the work of which 
both he and his wife took an active and helpful 
part. He traveled life's journey for nine decades 
and his was a most useful, active and honorable 
as well as extended career. 

Noriuan F. ^lorris, after attending tbe district 
schools, spent one term as a student in Princeton 
and two terms in the Tiskilwa schools. Subse- 
quently he began farming near the old home place 
and later he piirchased a tract of land adjoining 
his father's farm in 1878. He has since extended 
its boundaries until he now owns two hundred and 
forty acres of rich and productive land, well im- 
proved. He has been practical as well as pro- 
gressive in his business methods and in addition to 
the tilling of the soil he is now engaged in the 
dairy business, keeping twenty cows. Ilis home is 
pleasantly located about four miles from Tiskilwa 
and the farm in its well kept appearance indicates 
his careful supervision. 

In 1875 Mr. ilorris was united in marriage to 
Mi.ss Elizalx'th Stuchel. of Princeton, a daughter 
of John Stuchel, who came to this county at an 
early day. ^Fr. and Afrs. Jlorris have become the 
parents of five children: Lulu, a graduate of 
the Tiskilwa biirli school and for one vear a stu- 



dent m Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois, has 
for six years engaged in teaching. Howard is 
living near the old home place. Mabel was gradu- 
ated from the high school in Tiskilwa in 1902. 
Elmer completed a similar course in 190G. He 
and Ruth are living at home. 

ilr. Jlorris is an active and influential member 
of the Congregational clnirch of Providence, in 
which he is serving as deacon. He votes with the 
republican party and for many years has oeen a 
member of the school board, the cause of education 
finding in him a warm and helpful friend. In 
fact he is deeply interested in all that pertains 
to the material, intellectual and moral progress 
of his community and his influence has ever been 
exerted on the side of right, justice and truth. 



DANIEL GINGERY. 

Daniel Gingery, who for many years was iden- 
tified with farming interests in Indiantown tow^n- 
ship but is now deceased, was born in Germany, 
February 2, 1824, and was a son of Jolin and 
]\Iagdalena (Eekhart) Gingery, who were likewise 
natives of the fatherland, whence they came to the 
United States in 1825, settling in Pennsylvania. 
In 1831 they removed to Tazewell county, Illinois, 
wdicre the father died the same year. His widow 
survived him until the fall of 1852 and passed 
away at the home of Joseph Albrecht, one of the 
German pioneer residents of this county. She was 
the mother of eight children, namely: Catherine, 
Peter, Barbara, Joseph, Phebe, Louise, Christian 
and Daniel. 

The last named was reared in Tazewell county, 
Illinois, having been brought to America by his 
parents when a year old and a part of his early 
life was also spent in Bureau county. He obtained 
his education in the public schools and learned and 
followed the carpenter's trade in Woodford county. 
Sulisequent to his marriage he removed to Taze- 
well county, where he lived for seven years, and 
in the spring of 1865 he again came to Bureau 
county, locating in Arispie township, where he re- 
sided until 1881. He then took up his abode in 
Indiantown township, where he owned one hundred 
and sixty acres of valuable land, his remaining 
days being devoted (o farming pursuits upon this 
pro|ierty. 

On the 3d of April, 1857, Mr. Gingery was 
married to iliss Calbarine Gassier, wliose birth 
occurred in Baden, Germany, June 9, 1835, her 
parents being Ileni-y and Elizabeth (Esterly) 
Gassier, of Germany. They became the parents 
of nine children: .John, now living at Independ- 
ence. Iowa; llciii-y. living iirar the home farm; 
Edwin, yet with his mother: Anna, who became 
the wife of Thomas Stevens and died in February, 
190(;, leaving three children: Bertha, the wife of 
Peter Gingerich, who lives near Bradford, Illi- 
nois: Ijouise. at lionie; 'Mary, residing at Seattle, 



306 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BDEEAU COUNTY. 



Washington; Willie, a farmer residing in Indian- 
town township, who married Anna Kehn; and 
Josephine, the wife of William S. Reed, of Joliet, 
Illinois. 

Mr. Gingery held membership in the ilennonite 
church, to which his wife yet belongs, and his 
political support was given to the republican party. 
He traveled extensively in the west but never 
saw any country that pleased him as well as Bu- 
reau county and he had a warm attachment for this 
section of the state. In his business affairs he was 
found reliable as well as active and whatever suc- 
cess he enjoyed was attributable to his own labors, 
lie passed away November (J, 1891), respected by all 
who knew him, and his widow now resides on the 
old homestead farm on sections 11 and 1-1, Indian- 
town township, where she has a nice home. 



WILLIAM E. SAPP. 

William E Sapp, well known in financial circles 
as president of the Wyanet Bank, was born June 
13, 1859, in the city which is still his home, and 
is a son of Andrew Sapp, who was born in Kent 
county, Delaware, November 11, 1834. The 
father became a resident of Bureau county in 18-12, 
when he came to the middle west with his parents, 
who settled in Wyanet township. The grand- 
father, Hezekiah Sapp, secured a farm upon which 
he resided until 1874, when he removed to Iowa, 
where he spent the residue of his days. He long 
survived his wife, who bore the maiden name of 
Mary Jane Bosket, who passed away in this 
county in 1846. In their family were six chil- 
dren, Andrew, Elizabeth, Major, Unity, Lusina 
and Mary Jane. 

Andrew Sapp was reared in this county from 
the age of eight years, and when a j-oung man 
of twenty years began working for himself. He 
had previously had but meager educational privi- 
leges, and, ambitious for further mental devel- 
opment, he attended school after starting out in 
life on his own account. For many years he fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming, and his career 
was an almost phenomenally successful one, for, 
without special advantages at the outset, he 
worked his way steadily upward, becoming a capi- 
talist and extensive real-estate owner. He fol- 
lowed farming for a number of years and then 
removed to Wyanet, where he spent his remain- 
ing days. After taking up his abode in the vil- 
lage he was engaged in buying grain and stock, 
and at the same time supervised his farming in- 
terests. He possessed keen business sagacity that 
left him rarely if ever at fault in a business 
transaction, so that he was very successful, and 
liis judicious iuvostinents in real estate made him 
the owner of twelve hundred and seventeen acres 
of land in Wyanet and Bureau townships. He 
was a firm believer in the principles of the demo- 



cratic party and was a man whose position upon 
any question of moment was never an equivocal 
one, for he was firm in honest support of his con- 
victions and never wavered in his allegiance in a 
course which he believed to be right. 

Andrew Sapp was married in Wyanet township, 
April 6, 18.58, to Miss Ann Eliza Ziegler, who 
was born in Pennsylvania in 1833, a daughter 
of Joseph Ziegler, and came to Wyanet township, 
this county, in 1855. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sapp 
are now deceased. Two sons survive : William E., 
of this review; and Elmer, who was born June 15, 
186G, and is now cashier in the Wyanet BanK. 

Upon the home farm in Wyanet township 
William E. Sapp was reared and the public schools 
of that locality afforded him his educational privi- 
leges, with the exception of one year in a com- 
mercial college in Davenport, Iowa. He early de- 
veloped those strong traits of character which 
have distingiiished him as a man, and he was 
soon entrusted by his father with the supervision 
of large business interests, becoming familiar with 
business methods, and having decided talent for 
conducting large enterprises, for co-ordinating 
forces and producing the best results obtainable 
he naturally managed with ability and success 
the important interests given over to his care. 
His work, too, has been of a nature which has 
proven of the utmost value to the city. He is 
the owner of the fine brick business block occu- 
pied by H. W. Cate & Company, and is a member 
of the firm, this being probably the finest struc- 
ture of the kind in the county. He is also the 
president of the Wyanet Bank, a private institu- 
tion and one of the most sound and reliable 
financial concerns of this part of the state. He 
likewise owns an elegant residence north of the 
depot and other houses whicli he has erected, so 
that he has valuable real-estate interests here. 
With abundant means placing him far beyond the 
necessity of any exertion for a livelihood, he yet 
engages actively in business and other enterprises 
which are of direct benefit to his town in its 
commercial and material progress. He co-operates 
in every movement for the general good, and has 
done much to beautify and improve Wyanet. He 
regards the accumulation of wealth not as the 
end of life but as a means to an end, and realizes 
that the most enjoyment from this possession 
comes from placing it in circulation, where it 
can prove of assistance to his fellowmen as well 
as a source of continued income to himself. He 
is generous in spirit, kindly in disposition, and 
not slow to assist others less fortunate than him- 
self. 

In his early manhood Mr. Sapp was married to 
Miss Cora Sparks, of Wyanet, and unto them 
has been born a son, Ray, who is being educated 
at Knox College, in Galesburg, Illinois. The 
family home is one of warm-hearted, gracious and 
liberal hospitality, which is greatly enjoyed bv 




Cv^-7cyOxJia/- '^^i// 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



;iuu 



their many friends. The residence is a beautiful 
dwelling, supplied with all the furnishings that 
wealth can secure and relined taste suggest. Mr. 
Sapp and his wife have traveled extensively, not 
only in their native country, but in foreign lands, 
gaining that experience and culture which only 
travel can bring. After a trip abroad he com- 
plied with an urgent request to address an audi- 
ence at the Methodist Episcopal church of the 
city on his travels in Europe and his visit to 
Rome and the Eternal City. He delivered a most 
entertaining address, relating particularly to his 
visit to Pope Leo, who granted him an audience 
during the last days of his papal rule when he was 
in his ninetieth year, and so enfeebled by age 
that he had to be carried about the place in a 
chair. 

In manner Mr. Sapp is quiet and unassuming, 
yet possessing that genuine worth of character 
which gains recognition in every land and clime. 
He stands for all that is progressive in citizenship 
and in private life and supports every measure 
and movement which has for its object local ad- 
vancement or national development. Honored 
and respected by all, there is not a man who 
occupies a more enviable position in business and 
financial circles in Bureau county than William 
E. Sapp, which fact is due not alone to his ex- 
tensive business interests and valuable landhold- 
ings, but to the straightforward methods he has 
ever followed. It is true that he came into pos- 
session of a large estate from his father, but he 
has extended the scope of his business interests 
through his own activity, energy and keen fore- 
sight and his life record proves that success is 
not a matter of genius as held by many, but is 
the outcome of clear judgment, experience and 
wise investments. 



ELMER SAPP. 



Among the native sons of B\ireau county who 
have made creditable records as repre.sentatives 
of commercial and financial interests is numbered 
Elmer Sapp. of Wyanet. Valued and respected 
by all, his position is attributable not to the fact 
that his father before him was a successful busi- 
ness man and capitalist, but arises from his own 
enterprise, his spirit of progress and the capability 
with which he directs the interests which come 
under his control. He has wrought along new 
lines in keeping with modern ideas of business 
development and progress, and is particularly well 
known as cashier of the Wyanet Bank. 

Mr. Sapp was born in Wyanet, June 15, 1860, 
and is a son of Andrew Sapp, whose birth occurred 
in Kent county, Delaware, November 11, 1834. 
He was a youth of about eight years, when, in 
1842, he came to Bureau county, Illinois, with 
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Heze'kiah Sapp, who 



settled in Wyanet township. Here the mother, 
who bore the maiden name of Mary Jane Bosket, 
died in 1846, and Hezekiah Sapp retained his 
residence in this county until 1875, when he re- 
moved to Iowa, wliere he spent the remainder 
of his life. In the family were six children, in- 
cluding Andrew Sapp, who was largely reared 
in this county, and at the age of twenty years 
began working for himself. Although subsequent 
to that time he attended school, but he was de- 
sirous of acquiring a more advanced education, 
as he realizecl its value in the ]>ractical affairs of 
life. He followed the occupation of farming 
until 1865, when he removed to Wyanet, where 
for a number of years he was engaged in the grain 
and live-stock business, at the same time superin- 
tending his farming interests. He met with 
splendid success, becoming the owner of twelve 
hundred and seventeen acres of land in W^vanet 
and Bureau townships, and for a long period he 
was accounted one of the foremost business men 
and prominent citizens of the county. He de- 
served distinction by reason of the fact that his 
labors were the reward of his own perseverance 
and well directed energy. He was married in 
Wyanet township, April 6, 1858, to Miss Ann 
Eliza Ziegler, who was born in Pennsylvania in 
18.33, a daughter of Joseph Ziegler. By this mar- 
riage there were born two sons, William and 
Elmer, who now constitute the banking firm in 
charge of the Wyanet bank. The father was a 
democrat in his political allegiance. He remained 
a prominent and representative resident of Wvanet 
until his death, which occurred in 1893, while his 
wife survived until IfDl. 

After mastering the branches of learning taught 
in the public schools of Wvanet, Elmer Sapp de- 
voted a year to studv in Knox college, at Gales- 
burg, and one year to the mastery of a business 
course in the Davenjiort Business College, at 
Davenport, Iowa. For three vears he was con- 
nected with the grain trade before turning his 
attention to the banking business, with which he 
has been identified as cashier of the Wyanet Bank 
since 1893. The bank was organized in 1877 
bv L. F. Houghton, and was then purchased by 
Isaac Phillips, who sold out to William and 
Elmer Sapp in 1893. The elder brother acts 
as president and the younger as cashier of the 
bank and they conduct a general banking and loan 
business. They now own and control a private 
l)ank. which is considered one of the safest finan- 
cial institutions of the county because of the 
large amount of real estate of the very choicest 
kind which forms its security. There is prob- 
iiblv no institution of the kind in northern Illi- 
nois that stands any higher in the confidence 
of the people than the Wyanet private bank. 
From the beginning Elmer Sapp has acted as 
cashier, and is a popular and accommodating offi- 
cial, of good business ability and keen sagacity. 
In the year 1900 they took up their abode in 



310 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUEEAU COIXTY. 



their present quarters, liaviug a well equipped 
bank building, which tliey erected of brick, and 
stands ou the corner of Main and First streets. 
It contains an absolutely burglar and fireproof 
safe and is complete in all of its furnishings. 
While giving much of his time to the daily work 
of the bank, Mr. Sapp also has other interests, 
owning two tine farms in Wyanet and Bureau 
townships, while he is also a partner in the 
ownership of the largest and finest store in Bureau 
county — that of H. W. Gate & Company. 

In 1891 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Sapp and Miss Edna Olds, a lady of culture and 
refinement, well known in Wyanet as a leader in 
social circles. She is a daughter of John H. Olds, 
deceased, who was born in Princeton, ilay 21, 
1S47, a son of Justin H. Olds, whose birth oc- 
curred in Massachusetts, September 6, 1806. 
The latter was there reared, becoming a resi- 
dent of Bureau county in 1834. He was here 
married to iliss Louisa ('. Bryant, a daughter of 
Peter Bryant, and their marriage ceremonv wa? 
the first performed after the organization of the 
county, her brother, John H. Bryant, officiating. 
Mr. Olds died at the ripe old age of seventy-two 
years, and his wife was sixty-two years of ago 
when called from this life. The father of Mrs. 
Sapp remained a resident of Princeton to the age 
of fifteen years, when, in company with the family, 
he reiuovcd to Peoria, the father having been 
a|)i>oint('d t'nited States inspector of distilleries 
there. When eighteen years of age he was gradu- 
ated from the public schools of Peoria, and later 
he pursued a business course in Bryant & Strat- 
ton Business College of that city. Taking up 
his abode in Wyanet. he spent his remaining days 
in tins place, and on the 15th of April, ISTfl, 
was married to Miss Annabel Kimmel, a native 
of Pennsylvania, who when a child came in ISofi 
to Bureau county with her father, Samuel Kim- 
mel. ^[t. and Mrs. Olds had eight children. His 
death occurred July S, 1001, while his widow 
still resides in Wyanet. Mr. and Mrs. Sapp have 
one daughter, Gladys, now twelve vears of age. 

Tn his political views 'Mr. Sapp is an indepen- 
dent democrat. Tie has attained high rank in 
Masonry, belonging to the lodge, chapter and 
commaiidery. and to the My.stic Shrine in Chi- 
cago. Both he and his wife are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal church and they own and 
occupy a beautiful home on ^fain strecl in Wva- 
net, which was formevlv the residence of his 
father, and whicli i.s noted for its gracious and 
warm-hearted bospitalitv. Ix-ing greatly enjoved 
bv tlioir manv friends. Pnhjic-spirited, ^[r. Sapp 
stands for all tliat is )irogre.s>ive in relation to 
the u])building and improvement of the town and 
withholds liis aid from no movement thai is cal- 
culated to promote the general welfare. He is 
alsf^ generous in bis contributions to tlie needv and 
is ever willing to assist any business enterprise 
thai jiromiscs for the benefit of the comiiimiitv. 



He is a worthy type of the enterprising American 
citizen of the present day, who carries forward to 
successful completion what he undertakes and yet 
finds at the same time the opportunity for prac- 
tical assistance in those lines of activity which are 
of benefit to the communitv at large. 



AARON W. FETROW, 

Aaron W. Fetrow, who is engaged in general 
agricultural pursuits in Berlin township, having 
one of the fine farms of the county, is a native 
son of Princeton, born January 18, 1858. Ilis 
parents were Joseph and Mary A. (Stoner) Fet- 
row, natives of Pennsylvania, who in 1857 came 
to Illinois. They were married in the Keystone 
state in 1855 and two years later started for the 
west, hoping to enjoy better business opportunities 
in this section of the country. Accordingly they 
located in Princeton and as the years went by the 
home was blessed with a family of six children, of 
whom Aaron W. Fetrow is the eldest. 

Carefully reared by his parents, Aaron W. Fet- 
row obtained his education in the Princeton schools 
and was trained to habits of industry, persever- 
ance and economy by his father and was stimu- 
lated to put forth his best efforts in a liusiness 
way that success might cro^vn his lal)ors and make 
him one of the substantial residents of his com- 
munity. He has led a life of diligence and enter- 
prise, which has resulted in the acquirement of 
valuable property interests. He owns eighty acres 
of very arable and productive land and his farm 
is a splendidly improved property. There are 
fine buildings standing on a rise of ground, so 
that the home commands a splendid view of the 
surrounding country. His residence is built in 
modern style of architecture and the well kept 
appearance of the house and outbuildings, all 
of which are well painted, form an attractive feat- 
ure in the landscape worthy an artisf s brush. The 
farm is carefully cultivated and the fields bring 
forth rich harvests. He raises diversified crops, 
corn, oals and hay being his principal products. 

On the 2-id of February, 1883, was celebrated the 
marriage of ^fr. Fetrow and iliss Mary Jury, who 
was born in Bureau county, December 22, 1859. 
She is a daughter of George and Katharine (Null) 
Jury, who were natives of Pennsylvania and came 
to Bureau county in 185T. In tlieir family were 
six children. Mrs. Fetrow being the third in order 
of liirth. By lier marriage .she has become the 
moljier of one daushter, Bessie JI,, born June 23, 
ISSl. 

,A[r. Fetrow in his political views is an earnest 
republican, always voting with that party since 
he cast his first presidential ballot for Benjamin 
Harrison in 1880. The iionors and emoluments 
of office, iiowever, have no attraction for him, as 
he prefers to do his public service as a private 
citizen I'atlier tlian an incnndient in office. Ifnw- 



PAST AXD PBESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



>11 



ever, he does what he can to aid in the material, 
intellectual, political and moral progress of the 
community. Whatever he has achieved in a busi- 
ne.-;s way is the result of his own perseverance and 
labors and, working persistently and energetically 
as the years have gone by, he has accumulated 
a property which classes him with the foremost 
farmers of the county. 



JOSHUA W. MAPKEE. 

Joshua W. Markee. who is now farming two 
hundred and eighty acres of the old ilarkee home- 
stead, was born upon this farm in Neponset town- 
ship, January 3, 1S66. a son of Joseph and Jane 
(Waite) llarkee, of whom mention is made on an- 
other page of this work. He is indebted to the 
public school system of Bureau county for the edu- 
cational privileges which he enjoyed in his youth 
and which prepared him for life's practical and 
responsible duties. His training at farm labor was 
not meager, for from an early age he assisted in 
the active work of the fields. AVhen twenty-five 
years of age, he began farming on his own account 
and in 1902 he purchased one hundred and sixty 
acres of land in northwestern Missouri. After 
selling that property he bought one hundred and 
si.xty acres in Linn county, Missouri, which he at 
present owns. He is now farming two hundred 
and eighty acres of the old homestead in Neponset 
township and in addition to the raising of cereals 
best adapted to soil and climate he is also engaged 
in stock-raising and keeps good grades of cattle, 
horses and hogs upon his place. His indefatiga- 
ble energy and perseverance combined with his 
laudable ambition are manifest in the well kept 
appearance of his farm, which is indicative of the 
care and supervision which he bestows upon it. 

On the 14th of February, 1899, Mr. Markee 
was united in marriage to Miss Josephine G. Eld- 
ridge, who was born in Neponset township, March 
26, 1871, a daughter of Joseph G. and Mary 
(Bowen) Eldridge. Her father was born in Ca- 
naan, Somerset county, Maine, June 21, 1833, and 
died July 26, 1898. His wife, who was born in 
Derbyshire, England, October 19, 1848, is now 
living in Neponset. Mr. Eldridge arrived in Hli- 
nois in 1855, locating on a farm southwest of 
Neponset. Subsequently he purchased one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of wild prairie land, which 
he converted into rich fields and which he im- 
proved by erecting thereon a comfortable resi- 
dence in 1861. He married and later on pur- 
chased more land, adding to his property as his 
financial resources increased until he was the 
owner of three hundred and twenty acres of valua- 
ble farm land in this county together with one 
hundred and sixty acres in Towa. In 1889 he 
purchased a residence in Neponset and there lived 
a retired life up to the time of his death. He 
was an exemplary member of Neponset lodge, No. 



803, A. F. & A. M., and belonged to Kewanee 
chapter. No. 47, R. A. M., and Princeton com- 
mandery, K. T. His early political allegiance was 
given to the republican party and later he en- 
dorsed the principles of democracy. It was in 
1859 that he married Miss Mary Bowen, and unto 
them were born seven cliildren, of whom six are 
now living: George; Sarah, the wife of E. Rob- 
erts ; Harriett ; Josephine, now Mrs. Markee ; Mary 
E., the wife of S. S. Lewis; and Trew W. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Markee has been 
biassed with a daughter and son: Lois Edna, 
born December 11, 1899; and Joseph Eldridge, 
born May 22, 1903. The parents are members 
of the Congregational church at Neponset, taking 
an active interest in its work and progress. Mr. 
Markee has served for twelve years on the school 
board, and the cause of education has been pro- 
moted through his active co-operation for advance- 
ment along that line. In politics he is a re- 
publican. Almost his entire life has been passed 
in the township, which is still his home and his 
life record is therefore known to many of his 
friends who recognize his sterling traits of char- 
acter and gave him their kindly regard and good 
will. 



JOSEPH K. SCHWARZENTRAUB. 

Joseph K. Schwarzentraub, who is engaged in 
general farming and in the breeding of pure 
blooded shorthorn cattle and Poland China hogs, 
making him one of the leading stock-raisers of this 
community, resides in Bureau township. His birth 
occurred upon the old homestead farm in Concord 
township on the 2d of October, 1860, and he is 
a representative of one of the old German families 
of Bureau county. His parents were John and 
Barbara (Kiefer) Schwarzentraub. The father 
was born in Germany, December 27, 1820. and 
the mother's birth occurred in France in 1828. 
She was brought to the LTnited States by her par- 
ents when but two years of age and Mr. Scharwzen- 
traub crossed the Atlantic to the new world when 
a youth of fifteen years, locating in Warren county, 
Ohio, where he lived to the age of thirty-one 
years, when he became a resident of Concord town- 
ship. Bureau county, Illinois. There he reared 
his family of seven children, four of whom are 
still living. 

Joseph K. Schwarzentraub su])ploiiiented his 
early education, acquired in the district schools, 
bv studv in Princeton high school and later in the 
National Normal University at Lebanon, Ohio. 
He was thus well equipped by liberal mental train- 
ing for the solution of the difficult problems which 
come in a business life. L;iying aside his text- 
books, he took up the active work of tlie farm on 
the old homestead which his father had located in 
the year 1861, just prior to the Civil war. Since 
that time he has been engaged in farming here 



312 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



and he purcliased the old liomestead in l'J04. He 
now has one hundred and sixtj- acres of land which 
is highly improved and owing to the care and 
labor which he has bestowed upon the place it has 
greatly increased in vahie. being now worth from 
one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per 
acre. His crops are mostly corn and oats and the 
fields are well tilled. He i,* also a breeder of 
pure blooded shorthorn cattle and Poland China 
hogs and his stock-raising interests are an im- 
portant branch of his busines.~. 

On the 28th of February. 1906. Mr. Schwarzen- 
traub was married to Miss .\nna Hinze, who was 
born in Wyanet township in June. 1875. She is 
a daughter of Charles and Catherine (Roggy) 
Hinze. the former a native of Germany and the 
latter of France. They came to the United States 
in childhood days and were married in Bureaii 
township, Bureau county, Illinois. Thev are now. 
however, residents of Germany, where the fathei' 
is living retired from business cares. .A[r. Schwarz- 
entraub is a supporter of tl.e Christian diurc-h. 
of which his wife is a member, and he is inter- 
ested in matters relating to i)ublic improvement 
and progress. He has demonstrated his worth 
as a business man by the success which has fol- 
lowed his eilorts and l)y the honorable, straight- 
forward metliods he has ever followed. He has 
worked persistently and energeticallv as the years 
have gone by and his labors have brought to him 
the reward which always follows earnest and con- 
scientious work. 



HENRY C. SMITH. 

Henry C. Smith, a farmer and stock-shipper 
residing north of Princeton on section 4, Prince- 
ton township, was born in Bureau county, Sep- 
tember 18. 1846, and represents an old New Eng- 
land family. His paternal grand fatlier was Ches- 
ter Smith, who was born JEarch 2, 1771. He was 
married December l.i. 1796, and in his familv 
were nine children, nanielv: Fannie, Noadiah. 
Clarinda, Allan. Eli. Elijah, Melinda, Louisa and 
.\nn. Of this number Eli Smith, father of our 
subject, was born in Deerficld, Massachusetts, in 
1804, and in his native state was reared. When 
he had arrived at years of maturity he married 
Miss Clarissa Childs, who was also born in Deer- 
field, Ma.ssachusetts. in 1804 and was a daughter 
of David W. Childs. Her father was born No- 
vember 17, 1778. anil was married September 7, 
1802, to Eunice C. Clapp, who was born in May, 
1777. They had five children: Herrick, Cla- 
ris.sa. Sylvia, Eunice and David. 

The wedding trip of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith 
consisted of their journey to Illinois by way of 
the lakes to Chicago and thence by o.\ team to 
Bureau county, riding the o.ven part of the way. 
Wit!) them came Mr. Smitii's brother and thev 
located upon the present farm of their son Henry, 



comprising one hundred and thirty acres. The 
year of their arrival was 1831, at which time the 
father entered the land from the government, and 
it has since remained in possession of the family, 
Henry C. Smitli now holding the original patent. 
After reaching Bureau county Eli Smith and his 
wife stop])ed for the first night at the cabin of 
P^lijah Eperson, of Princeton township. Their 
first home was built of logs and ^Ir. Smith, who 
was a carpenter by trade, erected the first frame 
house in Princeton. He had never engaged in 
farming before, so that his first experience at 
farm labor was upon his wild prairie land, which 
he broke, plowed and planted, giving to it his en- 
tire attention. As the years passed and he brought 
his fields under cultivation he was rewarded with 
good harvests. He also made the first coffin in 
the county and his mechanical skill and ingenuity 
enabled him to turn his hand to many kinds of 
work. He was numbered among the prominent 
pioneers of this region and aided in subjugating 
the wilderness and extending the frontier. The 
ditticultics. dangers and hardships of frontier life 
were all familiar experiences to the family and 
twice they were driven from the farm during the 
Black Hawk war in order tQ save their lives. Not- 
withstanding all these disadvantages and the pri- 
vations incident to frontier life Eli Smith con- 
tinued to work at farming and stock-raising and 
as the years went by he prospered. He took an 
active part in conducting the underground rail- 
road through this .section, owning an old sorrel 
horse named John, which was often used in carry- 
ing negroes on their way to freedom. His first 
experience as a conductor on the underground 
railroad took place at the home of his brother, 
Elijah Smith, whose cabin stood just across the 
township line in Dover township. In the summer 
of 1835 two colored girls belonging to Major 
Dougherty of St. Louis made their escape and 
found refuge at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Some 
months later a professional slave catcher named 
Harris learned of their whereabouts and captured 
theiTi and was on his way back to St. Louis with 
them, where ho expected to receive a larce reward 
offered for their return. He traveled on horse- 
iiack, leading another horse on which the two girls 
were riding. One cold December night with his 
two captives, whose feet were badly frozen, he ar- 
rived at the home of Elijah Smith and asked for 
entertainment. Eli Smith and his wife with an- 
other neiglibor were there spending the evening 
and on hearing the sad story of the girls they be- 
came interested in their behalf and a plan was 
adopted for their rescue. Eli Smith hitched up 
his hor.se and brought the two girls to his farm, 
where he hid them in the hay mow until he could 
take them north to the next station on the under- 
ground road. 

The family of Mr. and Mrs. Eli Smith number- 
ed eight children, five of whom are now living, al- 
thnush Hi'iirv C. Smith is the onlv one in this 




H. C. SMITH 



PAST AND I'BESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



315 



county. Botli the father and mother liave de- 
parted this life, the former having passed away 
August 30, ISTl, and the latter on the 17th of 
January, 1892. They were members of the old 
Hampshire Colony, in which Mr. Smith took an 
active and leading part. In politics he was first 
an abolitionist because of his pronounced views in 
regard to slavery and later he became a stalwart 
republican. He was known as a most highly re- 
spected and valued citizen, whose influence and 
labors aided in shaping the destiny and molding 
the policy of the county during its formative 
period and in its later-day development. In 184(5 
he built the brick residence upon the farm where 
the subject of this review now resides. 

Henry C. Smith was born in the house which 
is still his home and under its sheltering roof 
grew to manhood, acquiring his early education 
in the common scho<ils, while he completed his 
studies in Dover Academy at Dover, this county. 
He has always lived upon the home farm, residing 
with his parents until they passed away, and he 
is now the owner of the old home property. He 
has erected all of the buildings upon the farm ex- 
cept the residence and has made all of the modern 
and substantial improvements which today char- 
acterize the place and render it one of the fine 
farms of the county. He owns here eighty acres 
of valuable land on section 4, Princeton town- 
ship, and carries on general farming and stock- 
raising. In connection with J. B. McBride he 
also Ijuys and ships cattle, hogs, horses and sheep 
and ho is regarded as one of the most wide-awake, 
alert and enterprising farmers of Princeton town- 
ship. 

On the 19th of December, 1867, Mr. Smith was 
nuirried to Miss Annie M. Cusic, who was born 
in Dover township, August 4, 1849, and is a 
daughter of Dennis A. and Betsy (Cox) Cusic, 
who came to this county from Ohio in 1840, set- 
tling in Dover township, where they made their 
permanent home, the father devoting his entire 
life to agricultural pursuits. He died August 15, 
187G, while his wife survived until September 6, 
1894. She was a member of the Methodist Pro- 
testant church. In their family were twelve chil- 
dren. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born 
three children : Cora A., a resident of Colorado ; 
Virgil H., deceased ; and Marshall H., who is liv- 
ing at home. 

Mr. Smith is a stalwart republican, active in the 
work of the party and recognized as one of its 
local leaders. The probabilities are good for his 
election as the next county treasurer of Bureau 
county. He has been a member of the Bureau 
County Agricultural Board for twenty-five years, 
has acted as its president and has been ticket su- 
perintendent for many years, serving in that ca- 
pacity at the present time. He was a member of 
the board of highway commissioners when grav- 
eled roads were first introduced and for eigh- 
teen vears filled that office. He has alwavs fought 



for good roads and has done much for the im- 
provement of the public higiiways. In fact his 
influence has always been given for substantial 
progress and he has stood for the material, intel- 
lectual and moral development of the county. He 
belongs to the Masonic fraternity and to the Mys- 
tic Workers. His life has l)een in harmony with 
the record of a worthy and honored pioneer fam- 
ily and his own memory goes back to the time of 
primitive development here and compasses the 
jieriod of later-day progress and improvement, in 
tlie work of which he has been keenly interested 
to the extent of giving active eo-operation thereto. 



FEED S. WESTOYER. 

Fred S. Westover, who is identified with the 
farming interests of Bureau county, his home be- 
ing in Berlin township, was born in Eden, La 
Moille county, Vermont, August 8, 1861, and is 
a son of Charles and Julia A. (Parker) West- 
over. The father was born in St. Armand, Can- 
ada, October 6, 182.5, died on the 30tli of Sep- 
tember, 1901, but the mother, whose birth oc- 
curred in Fairfax, Vermont, February .5, 1826, is 
still living. In their family were five children, 
namely: Madison J., Nellie, Fred S., Edson C. 
and Ella. The last named is deceased. 

Fred S. Westover's educational privileges were 
aft'orded by the country schools of his native state, 
wherein he pursued his studies to the age of eigh- 
teen years, when ho put aside his text-books and 
made his way to the middle west, thinking to enjoy 
better business opportunities in this part of the 
country. He arrived in Bureau county in the 
year 1883 and has since been connected with its 
farming interests. For sixteen years he has been 
engaged in farming on his own account and is 
today the owner of one hundred and fifty acres 
of land. His farm is well improved, the fields 
being under a high state of cultivation, while the 
place bears every eviilenco of careful, jtractical and 
progressive supervision. 

On the 30th of September, 1893, at Dover, Mr. 
Westover was united in marriage to Miss Margaret 
B. Mcintosh, who was born July 23, 1866, in 
Bureau county, her parents being John C. and 
Lydia Ann (Hoyt) Mcintosh, both natives _of 
New York. Her father was born August 13, 
1813, and died September 24. 1881, while her 
mother was born March 28, 1828, and died on the 
9th of March, 1901. They had eight children: 
P. H.. a dentist of Bloomington, Illinois; Mar- 
garet B., wife of our subject; and Increase, Eliza- 
beth, Albert E., Eliza A., George, and James P., 
all deceased. Mrs. Westover was reared and edu- 
cated in Bureau county and by lier marriage has 
become the mother of three children, one having 
died in infancy; Lydia A., now ten years of age; 
and Charles P., aged five years. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COIXTY. 



.Mr. and Mrs. Westover are faithful members 
of the Congregational church, with which he has 
been identified for eighteen years and his wife 
for twentv-four years. They take an active in- 
terest in its work, contribute generously to its sup- 
port and do all in their power to promote its 
growth and progress. Mr. Westover is also deeply 
interested in the cause of education and serves on 
the board of directors of the public schools of 
Dover. In politics he is a stanch republican, un- 
faltering in his advocacy of the party since casting 
his first presidential vote tor James G. Blaine, but 
he has neither sought nor held elective office, pre- 
ferring to give his undivided attention to his 
business affairs, and although he started out in life 
empty-handed, coming to Illinois with very lim- 
ited capital, he is now one of the substantial farm- 
ers of Berlin township. Moreover, he is a man 
of many excellent personal traits, which have 
made him popular, gaining for him the warm re- 
gard of those with whom he has been associated. 



MRS. CARRIE E. CATER. 

Carrie E. (Fish) Cater is the widow of Henry 
Milton Cater, and resides upon a farm whicii 
she owns, of two hundred and seventy-three acres, 
situated a half mile east of the village of Dover. 
She was born in Princeton, October '>, 18G6. 
Her parents were both from N"ew York state, 
whore her father, Lucien Fish, was born October 
9, 1834, and her mother, Lucv E. Dc Wolf, in 
18;56. 

Carrie E. Fish was one of a family of seven 
children, and on the 17th of December, 1889, she 
gave her hand in marriage to Henry Milton Cater. 
The latter was born in Bureau county, Illinois. 
April 26, 1863, his parents, James and Susan 
Cater, having come from the state of Ohio to 
this county at an early day. He acquired his pre- 
liminary education in the public schools of Dover, 
and afterward was a student in the academy at 
that place. He became a successful farmer, care- 
fully cultivating and improving his fields, so that 
as the years went by his farm became one of the 
valuable properties of the community. He was 
also wid(dy recognized as a man of good charactei' 
and attainments. In politics he was allied with 
the republican party, giving earnest support to 
the principles which he believed were most con- 
ducive to good government. In religious belief 
he was a Methodist, holding membership in the 
church at Maiden. His death was occasioned by 
pneumonia, which followed an attack of grip, and 
throughout the community where be was widelv 
known his demise was the occasion of deep and 
widespread regret. All who knew him entertained 
for him the warmest regard, for he was progres- 
sive and loyal in citizenship, faithful in friendship 
and devoted to the welfare of his wife and chil- 
dren. 



Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cater were born six chil- 
dren : Dexter L., born October 6, 1890 ; Edith L., 
October 3, 1S'J2 ; John Perry, July 1, 1894; Lida 
B., April 8, 1896; James M., July 18, 1898; and 
Adna F., July 4, 1900. The children have all 
attended the public schools of Dover, and Dexter 
and Edith are now students in the high school 
at Princeton, while they and their brother Perry 
are members of the Congregational church at 
Dover. The family occupy a very enviable posi- 
tion in the social circles in which they move and 
have a large number of warm friends in this part 
of Bureau county. 



JOSEPH B. ALLEN. 
Joseph B. Allen, of Dover township, lias a beau- 
tiful home in the midst of a fine farm equipped 
with all modern conveniences and accessories. The 
place comprises one hundred and fifty-five acres 
pleasantly and conveniently located about four and 
a half miles from the courthouse in Princeton and 
his attention is devoted to general farming and 
stock-raising with the result that his enterprise 
and business cai)acity have made him one of the 
prosperous and prominent agriculturists of his 
conmiunity. 

He was born in Princeton September 2, 1848. 
His father, Charles S. Allen, was a native of Ber- 
nardston, Massacliusetts, born Feliruary 3, 1801, 
and represented an old New England family. He 
came from New York to Illinois in 18.18. arriving 
in the month of June and, being pleased with the 
country and its prospects, he returned in the fall 
of the same year and brought his family. In his 
l)oyliood days he had gone from Massachusetts to 
the Empire state, where he was reared to man- 
liood and married Emily D. Smith. On arriv- 
ing in this state he settled in Princeton, where 
he followed the blacksmith's trade until 1853. 
when he purchased tiie farm upon wliich his son 
Joseph now resides, spending his remaining days 
there, his death occurring on the 19th of May, 
1867. while his wife survived until August R, 
1875. He was the father of ten children, two 
of whom are now living: Joseph B. ; and Marcia 
M., who makes her home with her brother. Mr. 
.Mien was an abolitionist in early days and his 
home was a station on the famous underground 
railroad, whereby many a fugitive slave was as- 
sisted on his way northward to freedom. Later 
he became a republican when the party was formed 
to ])revent the further extension of slavery and in 
Bureau county in pioneer times was known as an 
influential and representative citizen. 

J(>se])h B. Allen, reared under the {)arental roof, 
continued his education, begun in the common 
schools, as a student in Dover Academy. He has 
always followed farming and from his boyhood 
days has resided on the old homestead which he 
now owns. He has here one hundred and fifty- 




HENRY M. CATER 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF RUREAT' COr X'I'Y 



319 



five acres of land that is rich and productive and 
he carries on general farming and stock-raising. 
His home is pleasantly situated about four and a 
half miles from the courthouse in Princeton, so 
that the advantages of city life are easily obtain- 
able and at the same time the family enjoy those 
of a rural existence. The residence is a beauti- 
ful one, commodious and attractive in its style of 
architecture, and there are very fine buildings upon 
the place. In fact this farm is one of the most 
attractive features of the landscape with its excel- 
lent improvements and richly cultivated fields, all 
indicating the care and supervision of a progres- 
sive owner. There is a natural gas well which has 
been sunk to a depth of one hundred and fifty 
feet and which furnishes light and heat for his 
home. He also owns six hundred and forty acres 
of land in western Nebraska and has been very 
successful in his business interests. 

Air. Allen was married to Miss Florence K. 
Nichols, of Dover township, a daughter of Deacon 
T. \V. Nichols, of the Ci)ngr(^gational church at 
Dover, who came to Bureau county in 1838 from 
Vermont, where he was recognized as a prominent 
representative of his church and an influential 
citizen. He lived in the village of Dover, was a 
mason by trade, and also owned a farm which he 
cultivated for a number of years. He died in the 
year 1887. while his wife, who bore the maiden 
name of Abigail A. Kidder, is now living in Dover, 
having attained the age of ninety years on the 
2.5th of May, 1906. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Allen 
was born a son. Parish C. who died when nineteen 
and a half years of age. He had attended the 
Moody school in Massachuetts for three years, also 
spent one year as a student at Oberlin. Ohio, and 
was just ready to enter upon a collegiate course 
when he was called from this life in 189fi. 

Jlr. Allen is an ardent advocate of the repub- 
lican party but without aspiration for office. Both 
he and his wife are members of the Congregational 
church, in the work of which they take a very act- 
ive and helpful part, doing all in their power to 
l)romote its growth and extend its influence. Their 
upright lives have won for them the esteem of all 
with whom they have been associated. They are 
numbered among the valued and representative 
citizens of Bureau county, where Mr. Allen lias 
spent his entire life and where he has so directed 
his labors as to gain a position among its most 
substantial residents. 



CHISTOPHER C. STUDLEY. 
Christopher C. Studley is living practically re- 
tired in Neiionset, but is still the owner of four hun- 
dred and ninety-five acres of very valuable farm- 
ing land, from which he derives a good income. 
He was born in that part of Morgan county which 
is now included in Scott county, Illinois, his natal 
day being June 30, 1835. TTo'is a son of William 



and Ann (Chapman) Studley and his father was 
the first settler of Neponset township and one of 
the first residents of Morgan county, Illinois, where 
ho located in 1833. Four years later he came to 
Bureau county, taking up his abode in Neponset 
township and he aide([ in subduing the wilderness 
and extending the frontier. He figured promi- 
nently in early days in connection with events 
which are now matters of historic importance, and 
he is mentioned at length on another page of this 
work. He first took up one hundred and twenty 
acres of wild prairie and timber land, upon whicli 
he built a log house. In later years he n\ade addi- 
tions to this house and throughout his remaining 
days it was his place of residence. He held mem- 
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church and 
in his political views was a democrat. In the fjtni- 
ily were twelve children, of whom four are now 
living: Mrs. Ann Norton; Thomas; Christopher 
C, and Elizabeth, the wife of J. P. Bumphery. 

Few residents of Bureau county have longer re- 
mained within its borders than has Christopher 
C. Studley, the family being the first to settle in 
Neponset township. He was brought here when 
only two years of age, so that for almost seventy 
years he has lived in this locality — an interested' 
witness of the changes which have occurred and 
the transformation that has been v/'rought. He 
.shared with the family in all of the hardships 
and privations of jjioneer life, and also aided in 
the arduous task of transforming wild prairie and 
timber land into richly productive fields. His edu- 
cational privileges were afforded by the public 
schools of this county and when not busy with his 
text-books he was engaged with the duties of the 
farm, there being few idle hours in his boyhood 
days. 

On the 14th of October, 1856, he was united 
in marriage to Miss Abbie N. Heath, and tlioy 
traveled life's journey happily together for about 
twenty-two years, when, in September, 1878, the 
wife was called io her final rest. Of their five 
children three are now living: Edwin C. ; Wilbur 
D. ; and Grace E.. the wife of J. F. Stevenson. 
On the 6th of April. 1880, Mr. Studley was again 
married, his second union being with Olive R. 
Thompson, who was born in Industry, Franklin 
county, Maine, March 2, 1845, a daughter of Rob- 
ert and Emma (Russell) Thompson. Her fatlier 
was also born in Industry in 1795, and died at 
tliat place in 1854, while licr mother was born in 
Madison, Maine, in 1808, and died in 1873. 

When twenty-one years of age i\Ir. Studley 
started out in life on his own account as a farmer 
of Neponset township, and afterward removed to 
Mineral township, locating on eighty acres of land 
to which he added from time to until he was the 
owner of about six hundred acres. His holdings 
at the present writing, in l!t(i(l. com|H-ise about 
four hundred and ninety-five acres, making him 
one of the substantial residents of the community. 
He has always bred a good grade of stock and at 



320 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



one time was engaged in the breeding of draft 
horses. He also bought, fed and sold stock to 
some extent, and in addition he has carried on 
the active work of the fields, transforming his land 
into a very valuable and richly prodiictive farm 
property. In 1888, however, he retired from the 
farm and took iip his abode in Neponset. and since 
1896, he has practically left the work of the farm 
to others. His life has been one of industry and 
well directed labor, resulting in the acquirement 
of a handsome competence, and he is now one of 
the substantial citizens of his community, having 
a capital sufficient to supply him with all of the 
comforts and many of the luxuries of life. 

He belongs to iSTeponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. 
& A. M., and to the Modern Woodmen camp, and 
his attitude upon the political issues and questions 
of the day is indicated by the support which he 
gives to the democratic party at elections. His 
memory compasses the period of early development 
here and forms a connecting link between the 
primitive past and the progressive present. He 
can remember when the great majority of homes 
were log cabins, when much of the land was still 
unclaimed and uncultivated and when there were 
numerous wild animals to dispute with man the 
dominion to the territory. He has watched with 
interest the changes that have occurred and the 
improvements tliat have been wrought and he has 
ever stood for practical progress. 



WILLIAM C. BLOOM. 
William C. Bloom, a farmer residing on sec- 
tion 10, IndiantoWn township, who in his business 
affairs displays keen discrimination and execnitive 
force as well as industry anl enterprise, was born 
where he now lives in the year 1860. His par- 
ents were William 11. and Eliza M. (Hester) 
Bloom. The father was born in Eaton, near 
Wilmington, Clinton county, Ohio, October 10, 
1833, and was a son of Peter Bloom, and a grand- 
son of William Bloom, who came from Germany 
to America about 1800. He first settled in New 
Jersey but later removed to Ohio, where his last 
days were spent. He was a farmer and weaver 
by occupation and reared a family of six sons and 
daughters, including Peter Bloom, a native of New 
Jersey, who canu' to Bureau county with his fam- 
ily about 1842, settling on section 12, Indiantown 
township, where he cleared a tract of land and 
developed a good farm, upon which he made many 
modern improvements. He drove across the coun- 
try from Ohio to Illinois with his family and 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land 
which he transformed from a wild, uncultivated 
tract into a |>lace of rich fei'tility. His death oc- 
curred near Tiskilwa, May 16. 1867. He married 
Miss Jane Hankins, who was born amid the Blue 
Ridge mountains in Virginia, a daughter of Thom- 
as and Anna Hankins, who were likcwi.<e natives of 



the Old Dominiun. ilrs. Hankins" mother was 
one of the many children who were captured in 
Ireland at an early day and sent to this country, 
ilrs. Jane (Hankins) Bloom died in Bureau 
county, December 12, 1870. She was the mother 
of nine children: Eliza A., Mary, Catharine, 
Elizabeth. Sarah, William H., Martha J., James 
and Francis. 

William H. Bloom, father of our subject, spent 
his early years upon the home farm in Ohio and 
came to Bureau county with his parents when a 
youth of nine. He was educated in the common 
schools and has followed farming during the 
greater part of his life, but for a time was a 
grain dealer and lumber merchant at Buda, Illi- 
nois, and subsequently was a contractor on the 
Southwestern Railroad in Iowa for one year. In 
18.55 he returned to Tiskilwa, where he engaged 
in merchandising for a year, and then followed 
farming, owning five hundred acres of vahuible 
land in Indiantown township. He also owned a 
part interest in a large ranch in Nebraska, and in 
1890 he went to Omaha, that state, where he now 
resides, owning city property there. He was 
nuirried December 16, 1856, in Clinton county, 
Ohio, to Eliza M. Hester, who was born Dcccnmer 
16, 1834, and was a daughter of David and !Mary 
(Vanderwort) Hester, both of whom were natives 
of the Buckeye state and were of (lerman descent. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bloom became the parents of seven 
children, of whom one died in infancy. The oth- 
ers are: Emory C, who is in the telephone busi- 
ness at Cahoky, Missouri; David H., who is a giad- 
uate of the Northwestern University at Evanston, 
Illinois, and is now a practicing lawyer of Chatta- 
nooga, Tennessee; Jennie, the deceased wife of II. 
L. Whiting; William C. ; Cora, who nuirried 
.1 esse Pope and lives in Joliet, Illinois, where lie is 
engaged in the drj'-goods business; and Ii!a, the 
wife of John Menary, living in Trenton, jVIissmiri. 
The parents were both members of the Metlodist 
Episcopal clmrcli. In politics Jfr. Bloom is inde- 
pendent and fraternally he is connected with the 
JIasons and the Odd Fellows. He still lives in 
Omaha, Nebraska, Init his wife passed awav in 
1899. 

William C. Bloom was educated in the common 
schools and at Tiskilwa under Professor George 
P>. Harrington. His youth was spent in the vicin- 
ity of his home and he has always followed farm- 
ing, lie now owns one hundred and fifteen acres 
of line land on section 10, Indiantown township, 
which is well improved. There are substantial 
liuildings upon the place together with modern 
machinery and the fields are annually produc- 
ing good erops of the cereals best adapted to soil 
and climate, while in the pastures arc found good 
grades of stock. He carries on general farming 
aiul dairying and both branches of bis business 
are proving profitable. 

In 1882 Mr. Bloom was united in marriage to 
Miss Isahelle Maud Kitterman. who was born in 



PAST AND PEESENT OP BUEEAU COUNTY. 



321 



1861, a daughter of Henry Kitterman. Her fa- 
ther's birth occurred June 19, 1S34, in Arispie 
townsliip, Bureau county, and her grandfather 
was Michael Kitterman, who was born in 1800 
and died in 1885. His wife, Lydia (Clark) Kit- 
terman, was born in 1810 and passed away in 
1891. Henry Kitterman was reared in Bureau 
county and was never outside its borders until 
he reached the age of thirty years. He acquired 
his education principally in the old log schoolhouse 
of the early day, some of the schools being con- 
ducted on the subscription plan. Through his 
business career he has followed farming and the 
raising of fine horses and he owns a valuable tract 
of land of three hundred acres. He was married 
May 13, 1857, to Virginia Elizabeth Lockwood, 
who was born in 1838 in Olean, New York, and 
died in 1881 in Tiskilwa. She was the mother of 
five children, namely: Frederick L., who was 
born in 1858 and died in 1862 ; Michael D., born 
in 1859; Isabelle, now Mrs. Bloom; Irving L. 
born in 1863 ; and Merton W., who was born in 
1865 and died in 1892. After losing his first wife 
Mr. Kitterman was married in 1882 to Estella 
Howard, who was born in 1866, and thev have one 
child. Edna M., born in 1887. Politically Mr. 
Kitterman was formerly identified with the green- 
back party and for eighteen years served as school 
director. He now resides in Tiskilwa and is a rep- 
resentative citizen, who enjoys in large measure the 
confidence and good will of his fellow townsmen. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bloom have been born three 
children, but Mark Otto, born in 1883, died in 
1884. Mildred Virginia, born in 1886, and Eay- 
mond Jlerton. born in 1889, are both at home. 

Mr. Bloom exercises his right of franchise in 
supjiort of the men and measures of the republican 
party and he belongs to Tiskilwa lodge. No. 137, 
I. 0. 0. P. His father was one of the charter 
member of Snatchwine lodge of Tiskilwa and was 
prdininent in the early church work of the town, 
hauling the stone to Iniild the foundation for the 
Methodist Episcopal church in 1855. Of this 
church both Mr. and Mrs. William C. Bloom are 
now members and in its work they are deeply in- 
terested. They liave spent their entire lives in this 
county and both are representatives of worthy 
pioneer families. In his business career Mr. Bloom 
lias made a creditable record and in social circles 
he nnd his wiie occupy an enviable position. 



JOHN W. MOUNT. 
John W. Mount, a retired farmer residing in 
Wyanet, is a native of Ohio, born near George- 
town, Brown county. His father. William K. 
Mount, is now living at the venerable age of eighty- 
five years. His birth occurred in Armstrong coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, August 2. 1821. and he became 
a resident of Bureau county in 1855, at which 
time he settled in Wyanot township, where he 



farmed for others for four or fi.ve years before 
buying land for himself. He then invested in 
eighty acres of land, for which he paid thirteen 
dolhu's per acre, and subsequently lie purchased one 
hundred acres, for which he paid fifty dollars per 
acre. With characteristic energy he began the de- 
velopment and improvement of his place and added 
to it many modern equipments, bringing the fields 
under a high state of cultivation and in the course 
of years making his farm a very valuable one. He 
retired from active life in 1875, and removed to 
Wyanet. where he has since resided. When he 
was a boy lie attended school with U. S. Grant 
and was well acquainted with the General's par- 
ents. He is now eighty-five years of age and ])os- 
sesses his mental and physical faculties largely un- 
impaired, being clear in mind and active in body. 
He married Lydia Wright, who died in 1900, at 
the advanced age of eighty years. 

Their son, John W. Mount, was educated in the 
common schools and began life as a farmer. Hav- 
ing been reared to that occupation, he assisted in 
the labors of the fields upon the old home place, 
and in 1873 he made his first purchase of land, 
comprising forty acres. He was actively and suc- 
cessfully engaged in farming thereafter until 1908, 
when he removed to Wyanet, where he purchased 
a beautiful home in the west part of the town. He 
owns four hundred and fifty-two acres of fine land 
in Wyanet township, which he rents. He has 
added lo his original holdings from time to time 
as his financial resources increased, making ju- 
dicious investments in property until his farms are 
now very valuable and laring to him a good income. 

In 1872 Jlr. Mount was maiTied to Miss Anna 
Golding. a daughter of Edward anil Sarah (!\log('l- 
ton) Golding. She was born October 1, 1851, in 
Cambridgeshire, England, and was brought to 
America by her parents in 1854, when two years 
of age. Her father is still living on a farm near 
Wyanet at the age of eighty-one years but is 
now quite feeble. In the family were seven chil- 
dren, six of whom are yet living, namely: Mrs. 
Benjamin Shawger, who resides southeast of Wy- 
anet; Mrs. Mount; Mrs. Edward Golding, of Glid- 
den, Iowa; Mrs. Newton Manrose, who died at 
Watertown, Iowa; William L. Golding, of Wyanet ; 
Mrs. John Anthony, whose home is south of Wy- 
anet; and Mrs. Albert Fletcher, of Perry, Iowa. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Mount have been born four 
children, two sons and two daughters, Blanche. 
Frank, Earl and Nellie. The elder son married 
Nellie Eoach, who died leaving one child, William 
Edward, since which time he has married again, 
his second union being with Edith Hageman. 
They reside upon his father's farm. Earl, living 
at home, operates the elevator in Wyanet. The 
parents, their two daughters and their son Earl 
are all members of the Congregational church 
and are earnest Christian people. 

In his political views Mr. Mount is independent 
and is a worthy citizen, interested in public prog- 



322 



PAST AXD PRESENT ()E TIFKEAU COUNTY. 



ress to the extent of giving active co-operation to 
many movements for the general good. In Ins 
business life he has been very successful and now 
owns the farm wheio "old Bulbona" (Bourbou- 
nais), the swarthy halfbreed and his Indian wife 
and their halfbreed children lived, old Bulbona 
trading with the Indians in the early days. ^Ir^. 
Mount now has in her possession an interesting 
relic, which is a piece of silver about the si-/,e of 
a half dollar. It is a Spanish coin, bearing date 
1786, and was probably lost by old Bulbona or the 
Indians. She found it while working among some 
plants on the place. A glance at the fine farm witli 
its modern improvements gives one no indication 
that this was once the abiding place of the red 
race, for it is now splendidly cultivated and 
equipped with all modern accessories. 



GEORGE R. PHELPS. 
George R. Phelps is a retired farmer whose 
many years of activity and enterprise have re- 
sulted in supplying liini a competence that en- 
ables him to enjoy life's comforts and many of 
its luxuries in a pleasant home in Princeton. A 
native of Massachusetts, he was born February 20, 
1837, his parents being Charles and Mary 
(Strong) Phelps, who were likewise natives of 
Massachusetts. The father was born in North- 
ampton, October 24, 1802, and on the 10th of 
June, 1824, wedded Mary Strong, who.se birth 
occurred December 24, 1801. They became resi- 
dents of Bureau county, Illinois. June 29, 18.36. 
and located in Princeton townphin after residing 
for a brief period in Putnam county, Illinois. 
The iourney westward was made bv wagon to 
.\lban}', Xew York, by canal to Buffalo, thence 
across Lake Erie to Detroit and from that point 
they drove across the country to this state. 
Charles Phelps was a farmer by occupation, and 
for many years was identified with agricultural 
interests in Bureau county. He first came here 
in 1835 and spent one summer, after which ho 
returned for his family, and, as stated, brought 
them to the middle west. He was quite successful 
in his farming operations, and as the years passed 
by became the possessor of a very desirable com- 
petence. He died in Princeton, July 2, 1874, 
and his wife survived him until the 2d of De- 
cember, 1877, when she, too, -was called to her 
final rest. In their family were six children, of 
whom four are now living: George R., of this 
review ; E. S., who is engased in the furniture 
business in Princeton: Charles P., who was born 
in this county and is a farmer living at Prince- 
ton ; and Lucy, who married Gilbert Spalding 
and resides in Nebraska. Harriet, the second 
child, became the wife of William Lloyd, and 
both are now deceased. Elizabeth, the fourth in 
order of birth, married William Green, and they, 
inn. have passed away. 



George R. Phelps was only nine years of a^-' 
when his parents left New England and came to 
Bureau county, Illinois. He was educated here 
and followed farming throughout his entire busi- 
ness career with the exception of two years spent 
in tlie furniture business in connection with hi? 
brother. He always carried on general agricul- 
tural pursuits in Princeton township and accu- 
mulated some property. As the years passed he 
brought his land under a high state of cultivation 
and continued active in the work of the fields^ 
until 1900, when he retired to Princeton and is 
now occupying the second floor of a busincs- 
block which he owns. 

On the 17th of May, 1871, occurred the mar- 
riage of Mr. Phelps and Julia R. Phelps, who 
was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, Novem- 
ber 19, 1828, and is a daughter of Lewis and 
Aseneth Phelps. They have one child, Grace M., 
the wife of Thomas Sisler, who resides near Ster- 
ling. Illinois, and by whom she has two children. 
Mrs. Sisler was educated in the high school of 
Princeton and in the State Normal. Both Mr. 
and ^frs. Phelps hold membership in the Con- 
gi-egational church, and he is identified with the 
Masonic fraternity and the Temple of Honor. 
His first presidential vote was cast for Martin 
Van Buren in 1848, and since the organization 
of the republican party he has been one of its 
stalwart champions. He has served as assistant 
supervisor, as school trustee and director, and in 
all local matters has taken a deep and helpful 
interest, withholding his support from no plan 
for general advancement and substantial growth 
in the county. lie is now almost eighty years of 
age, and through a long, useful and active career 
lias won the respect and good will of his fellow- 
men, having many warm friends in his adopted 
county. 



GILBERT G. WELLER. 
Gill)ort G. Woller, whose eighty-acre farm is all 
under cultivation and yields to him good crops, 
while in the fields are found good grades of cattle 
and horses, is one of the native sons of Bureau 
town.ship, born on the 26th of September. 1868. 
His ])ai-ents were J. W. and Lucrctia E. Smdy- 
vin) Weller, the former a native of Indiana and 
the latter of this county. The father came to 
Bureau county in the early '40s when twenty year^ 
of age and turned his attention t"" farming in 
Dover township. He is now living retired at the 
age of seventv years, making his home in Prince- 
ton. For a long period he was clo-ely associ4e^ 
with farming interests and thereby gained the sub- 
stantial competence that now enables him to rest 
from the arduous labors connected with agricul- 
tural ])rogross. In 1002 he was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 20th of 
June of that vear. 




ME. AND MBS. G. E. PHELPS. 




ME. AND MRS. CHARLES PHELPS. 



-f 



^ 



%» 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



325 



At the usual age Gilbert 6. Weller entered 
tile pulilie sehools, mastering the various branches 
JpS learning until in later years he became a student 
in a business college in Burlington, Iowa, thus 
preparing for the responsible duties of a business 
eai4ei-. In early manhood he engaged in teaching 
in^the country schools of Bureau county and was 
a f apable educator, imparting with clearness and 
conciseness to others the knowledge that he had 
acquired. 

On the 5th of November 1891, Mr. Weller mar- 
^ ried Miss Clara E. Fay, a daughter of D. P. and 
fp Sylvia (Smith) Fay, both of Bureau county, Illi- 
nois. The father is still actively engaged in farm- 
ing in ]>ureau t<nvnshi|i and lioth are worthy peo- 
ple, enjoying tlie friendship and good will of those 
with whom they have come in contact. Their 
daughter, Mrs. Weller, was born December 23, 
1870, and by her marriage has become the mother 
of three children: Vivian H., Gladys M., ami 
Lillian F. 

The parents hold membership in the Wesleyan 
Methodist church of West Bureau township and 
their interest in its work is indicated by their 
co-operation in its various activities and their 
generous contributions for its support. Mr. Weller 
exercises his right of franchise for the men and 
measures of the republican party and keeps well 
informed on the issues of the day. His liome is 
situated in the midst of an excellent farm of eighty 
acres, all of which is under cultivation and is 
valued at one hundred and fifty dollars or more 
per acre. The fields give promise of rich harvests 
and in the pastures are good grades of stock, 
which find a ready sale when annually placed upon 
* the market. No event of special importance has 
occurred to vary the routine of farm life for ilr. 
Weller and yet his record is worthy of a place 
among the representative men of the county, for 
lie lias always been reliable and active in business, 
trustworthy in friendship and loyal in citizenship 
and these qualities are such as command respect 
and confidence in everv land and clime. 



JOHN WESLEY PETTIT. 

.lohii Wesley Pcttit, who is engaged extensively 
in breeding shorthorn Durham cattle, Poland 
China hogs and Shropshire sheep, in addition to 
carrying on general agricultural pursuits in Ne- 
poiiset t( luiship. ,is one of Illinois' native sons, 
his iiirth ' i,\ing occurred in Peoria county, on the 
SOtli of J, ,'■('. 1856. He was educated in the pub- 
lic schools. V. hile spending his boyhood days in the 
Ipome of hi.- parents, John B. and Delana (Wau- 
sion) Pettit, both of whom were natives of Oswego 
county. New York. The father was a son of 
Robin and Margaret Pettit, and was born Febru- 
ary 20, 1825, his death occurring in Chevenne 
c'oinity, Kansas. June 15. lOOH. when he Jiad 



readied the advanced age of eighty-one years, 
three months and twenty-one days. He was the 
eldest in a family of eleven children, three sons 
and eight daughters, of whom seven are still liv- 
ing: Drastus and Esther, in New York; Mary, 
Sarah, Jennie and Ellen, in Illinois; and Anna, 
in Cheyenne county, Kansas. Two sisters and a 
brother, Harriet, Madge and Peter, have passed 
away. 

On the 20th of February, 1849, in the Empire 
state John B. Pettit wedded Delana Wauson, and 
after several years they removed to Illinois, set- 
tling in Peoria county. At the call of President 
Lincoln for troops to defend the honor of the 
nation, Mr. Pettit responded and became a cor- 
poral of Company E, One Hundred and Twelfth 
Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, on the 12th of 
August, 1863. On the 1st of April of the follow- 
ing year he was promoted to the rank of sergeant 
and was honorably discharged at Springtield, Hli- 
nois, February 17, 1865, after two and a half years' 
active military duty, in which he proved a loyal 
and valorous soldier. At the close of the war he 
returned to his home and al:)out two years later 
was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who 
died on the 25th of October, 1867. They were 
the parents of seven children, of whom five are 
now living, while James and Maggie have departed 
this life. The others are : Henry, of Cheyenne 
county, Kansas; John Wesley, of this review ; Will- 
iam J., Henry county, Illinois ; Frank and Ernest, 
who are residents of Cheyenne county, Kansas; 
and S3'lvester, who is living in Kennai'd, Nebraska. 
While residing in Wyoming, Illinois, Mr. Pettit 
became a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
church and lived a consistent Christian life. In 
1880 he removed to Blair, Nebraska, and in 1895, 
became a resident of Cheyenne county, Kansas, 
where he made his home until his death. His re- 
mains were brought liack to Illinois for interment. 
He was a man of genuine personal worth, honored 
and respected by all who knew him. 

John Wesley Pettit, whose name introduces this 
record, removed to Stark county with his parents 
in his boyhood days and there resided until sixteen 
years of age, when lie became a resident of Nc- 
ponset township. Bureau county. Starting nut on 
his own account, he followed the occupation to 
which he was reared and his first farm was a tract , 
of eighty acres of land. In 1902 he purchased two 
hundred and twenty-two acres of rich and pro- 
ductive land in Neponset and Mineral townships, 
and is now carrying on general farming and stock- 
raising being recognized as one of the leading 
agricidturists of this part of the county. His 
fields annually return him golden harvests as a 
rewaril for the care and labor he bestows upon 
them and he is also engaged in the breeding of 
shorthorn Durham cattle, having at the present 
time about fifty head upon his place. For 
twenty-five years he has engaged in the breeding 
of Poland Cliina hogs, and Slu'opsliii-o slieep for 



326 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUEEAU COUXTY. 



fifteen years, and now has about seventy-five head 
of sheep on his place. 

On the 10th of March, 18S0, Mr. Pettit was 
united in marriage to Miss Eose Ann Lawless, 
who was born in Bloomington, Illinois, January 
29, 1SG2, a daughter of James and Eose Ann 
(McCabe) Lawless, wlio were natives of Ireland, 
the former born in Dublin, September 15, 1835. 
and the latter in County Down, January 20, 1832. 
They are now residents of Neponset, and Mr. Law- 
less has throughout his entire life followed the 
mason's trade. He came to this country in 1856, 
and after residing in Bloomington, Illinois, for a 
number of years removed to Xeponset, where he 
now makes his home. In politics he is a demo- 
crat and he and his wife are communicants of the 
Eoman Catholic church, in which they reared their 
family of seven children, of whom four are now 
living, namely: Mary Jane, of Princeton; Mrs. 
Pettit; Elizabeth, of Kewanee; and Theresa. The 
home of Mr. and Jlrs. Pettit has been blessed with 
seven children : Eosa D., who was born December 
14, 1880, and is now the wife of A. H. Custer, of 
Xeponset ; Walter Y., born August 6, 1883 ; Ethel- 
bert G., who was born September 20, 1889, and 
died in infancy ; Elizabeth, born December 28, 
1890; Marian E., September 30, 1895; Paul L., 
August 11, 1900; and Ida J., December 30, 1905. 

Mr. Pettit has never cared to hold public office 
although he has served as school director for about 
twelve years and has done ell'ective work in behalf 
of the cause of public education. He always exer- 
cises his right of franchise in support of the men 
and measures of the republican party and is in 
hearty sympathy with its principles. He belongs 
to Modern Woodmen camp. No. 1427, at Neponset, 
and he has a wide and favorable acquaintance in 
the community where much of his life has been 
passed, having been brought to Bureau county in 
ids boyhood days. His life record is as an open 
book which all may read and investigation into his 
life history will show that his advancement and 
success has come through his close application and 
unfaltering diligence. 



JOSEPH IHA CAlil'KNTEE. 
Joseph Ira Carpenter, deceased, who for many 
years was identified with farming interests in Bu- 
reau county and was a citizen of genuine per- 
sonal worth, who left behind him an lionorable 
name, was born in Bennington, Yermont, Febru- 
ary 25, 1821, his parents being Eeynolds and Mary 
(Niles) Carpenter. The ancestry of the Car- 
penter family can be traced back to 1303 and a 
complete record thereof is found in English his- 
tory, where representatives of tlie name figured 
prominently in public affairs. .V copy of this 
history is in possession of the family. The pro- 
genitors of the family in America came from 
England over a century ago and located in New 



England. The father and two brothers of our 
subject were at one time members of the Vermont 
legislature and two sisters are still living m th; 
state. 

In the Green Mountain state Joseph li.i 0^- 
pentcr was born and reared and on the iilif-of 
Marcii, 1852, he married Miss Augusta E. (i 
ner at Pownal, Vermont. Of this union onp 
was born, Joseph D. Carpenter, who is mairied 
and lives in Malcolm, Iowa. The wife and mother 
died May 20, 1853, and soon afterward Mr. Car- 
penter left \'ermont and settled at Harpersfield, 
Ohio. After a residence there of several years he 
married Miss Flora H. Bartholomew, the wedding 
being celebrated May 18, 1857. One son was born 
to them in Harpersfield in 1859 — Eeynolds Priest- 
ley Carpenter, who resides in Council Grove, 
Kansas. In the same year the parents, leaving 
( )hio, came to this state, settling at Cherry Valley, 
where Mr. Carpenter engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness with e.\cellent success. In early years he had 
acquired a good common-school education which 
served him to marked advantage in this portion 
of the country in the conduct of his business in- 
terests. He found that in the course of his busi- 
ness alfairs it was necessary for him to visit 
many parts of this state and in this way he chanced 
to come to Princeton. Sometime later there oc- 
curred an opportunity to dispose of his commer- 
cial connection in Cherry Yalley and he accord- 
ingly removed from that place to Princeton in the 
early '60s. His first home was a brick dwelling 
just north of the Apollo Opera House, now owned 
liy ^liss Emma Lou Cunningham. In this resi- 
dence was born a son, Fred Bcecher Carpenter, 



who is now married and resides at Council Grove. 



Kansas. 

Following liis removal to Princeton i\Ir. Car- 
penter again engaged in the lumber business, in 
which he continued until after the Chicago fire. 
In the meantime he purchased a tract of land 
southeast of Princeton on section 22. Princeton 
township, and, determining to devote his time and 
energies to general farming and stock-raising, he 
removed to this place, where he spent the re- 
mainder of his life. Upon this farm three chil- 
dren were born, two sons and a daughter : Lyman 
Wade, in 1865; Flora Augusta, in 18G9 ;' and 
diaries Howell, in 1870. The first two still remain 
upon the farm, while Charles resides at Necedah. 
Wisconsin. .\11 of the sons and the daughter of 
the family arc still living, but in 1871 Ut. Car- 
penter lost his second wife, who pa.?se»i away on 
the 5th of January of that year. 

In his farming and stock-raising in'orests Mr. 
Carpenter prospered, being especiallv successful 
as a raiser of hogs, and he it was who introduced 
the Poland C!bina breed into this locality. He wa* 
the owner of about two thousand acres of l.ind 
in the Green river country in Greenville township, 
which he divided into farms and pasture lands 
and made productive and profitable property. Tit 



^•^ 



• 



.■•! 



I 



^>^ 1^ 





PAST AND PEESENT OF BL'KEAU COUNTY. 



331 



the effort to bring about the movement for the 
drainage of the swamp lands there was perhaps 
no man in Bureau county worked harder or ex- 
erted greater influence and as the result of his 
hibors many thousands of acres were reclaimed 
and put under cultivation. He owned in his home 
place ninety-one and a half acres of rich land, 
which he improved with good buildings for tlie 
shelter of grain and stock, and these, togetlier witli 
the richly tilled fields, indicated the careful super- 
vision of the owner and the prosperity which at- 
tended his efforts. His career was not altogether 
without its trying circumstances and hardships 
incident to settlement in a new and largely un- 
developed region. While he was engaged in the 
lumber trade in the early days it was necessary 
to visit the lumber regions of Wisconsin to select 
stock and occasionally he rafted his lumber down 
to Chicago, whence it was shipped by rail to this 
county. He was an active, energetic man, who 
made good use of his opportunities and worked 
not only for prosperity in business but also for 
progress in citizenship, laboring effectively and 
earnestly for the welfare of his community in 
many ways. He died September 27, 1903, and 
the funeral service was held at his home three 
days later bv the Eev. J. H. McLaren, his re- 
mains being laid to rest in Oakland cemetery of 
Princeton by the side of his wife. He had largely 
exemplified in his career the ancestral motto of 
the Carpenter family. Speed, Courage and Fidel- 
ity, and he left to his family not only a handsome 
competence but also the priceless heritage of an 
untarnished name. 



CAPTAIN ROBEET BRUTON. 

.\niong the citizens of foreign birth now living 
in Bureau county is numbered Captain Robert 
Bruton, but no native son is more loyal to America 
and her institutions or more anxious for her 
prosress and improvement. He was born near 
Dublin, Ireland, on the 26th of April, 1838, his 
parents being Michael and Margaret (Mahon) 
Bruton, of Ireland. He spent the first eleven 
years of his life in his native country and then 
accompanied his parents on their emigration to 
the United States in 1849. They landed at New 
York city an.d made their way to the vicinity of 
Rochester, New York, where Robert Bruton re- 
sided until the spring of 18.57. Having heard 
favorable reports concerning the business oppor- 
tunities of the middle west and especially of Illi- 
nois, he determined to try his fortune here, hop- 
ing that the change would prove beneficial to him 
financially. 

Accordingly he came to this state in 1857 and 
soon afterward secured employment upon a farm 
in Ohio township, Bureau county, where he worked 
by the month, receiving at first fifteen dollars per 
month while in the employ of William Ross. He 



continued to work by the mouth until the year 
18G0, when he began operating a farm on shares 
and was so employed until July, 1861. He then 
left his crops, which had already been planted, and 
responded to President Lincoln's second call for 
three hundred thousand men, which was issued 
just after the first battle of Bull Run. He had 
watched with interest the progress of events in 
the south, had noted the threatening attitude of 
the slaveholding states and his spirit of patriotism 
and loyalty to the government was aroused. Fol- 
lowing the battle of Bull Run, which was the first 
disastrous engagement of the Union troops, he 
oft'ered his services, enlisting at Princeton and 
went to the front under Captain Frank P. Farris, 
who commanded Company I of the Twelfth Illi- 
nois Volunteer Infantry. He followed the for- 
tunes of that company throughout the war and 
during his service was promoted from the ranks 
to corporal, later to duty sergeant, orderly ser- 
geant and second lieutenant. Subsequently he 
was conmiissioned captain of the same company, 
his promotions coming to him in recognition of 
his fidelity and meritm-ious service on the field of 
battle. He was wounded at the battle of Altoona 
Mountains in the right shoulder and has always 
suffered more or less from his injuries since that 
time. He considers himself very fortunate, how- 
ever, in having passed through so many battles 
with so few injuries. He relates many interesting 
incidents of his army experiences and with his 
regiment he participated in many of the hotly 
contested engagements of the war, including the 
battles of Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh, the 
siege of Corinth, the battle of Corinth, Eome 
Crossroads and Lee's Ferry, the last two being 
fought on the same day. He was also in the en- 
gagement at Dallas and at New Hope church, 
Kenesaw Mountain and Nickajack Creek. On the 
22d of July, 1864, he participated in the engage- 
ment east of Atlanta, the battle in which General 
McPherson was killed, and Mr. Bruton remembers 
the circumstances well. On the 28th of July oc- 
curred the engagement at Ezra Church, followed 
by the battle of Jonesboro, August 3 1st, and Love- 
joy Station. He was also in the last battle of the 
war at Beutonville, North Carolina, on the Nueces 
river, and when the war was over and the country 
no longer needed his aid he received an honorable 
discharge, returning to his home with a most 
creditable military record. 

Captain Bruton was married just before the 
close of the war, on the 15th of August, 1864, 
to Miss Martha Matson, who was born in Septem- 
ber, 1842, and is a daughter of Peter and Jane 
(Dawson) Matson, both of the state of Ohio. 
They came to Illinois in the early forties, estab- 
lishing their home in Bureau county, where Mr. 
^latson engaged in farming for a number of years 
as one of the pioneer agriculturists of this portion 
of the state. Both he and his wife, however, arc 
now deceased, his death havinir occurreil in 1854, 



332 



PAST AXD PKESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



while Mrs. Matson survived until January, 1877. 
Unto Captain and Mrs. Bruton liave been born 
five children, but they lost their second cliild, 
Maggie L. Those who still survive are Enuna J., 
Joseph Verner, Leslie Vansellar and Vida C'rvs- 
tal. 

Captain Bruton, after his return from the war, 
gave his attention to farming and has always been 
a hard-working man. whose diligence and perse- 
verance are numbeied among his salient character- 
istics. He is today the owner of two hundred and 
thirty-four acres of land which has come to him 
as the reward of his own labor. When he came 
to this county in early manhood he had but two 
dollars in his pocket, but he possessed resolution 
and energy and with these qualities to serve as a 
foundation he has builded thereon his subsequent 
success. His land today is now valued at from one 
liuudred and fifty to two hundred dollars per 
acre, so that his property is an excellent one. The 
farm is now under the management of his two 
sons, who rent the land, while Captain Bruton 
expects soon to retire to enjoy a rest which he has 
truly earned and richly deserves. He is a Master 
Masiui, formerly a member of lodge Xo. 772, at 
Walnut, Hlinois. He is a supporter of the 
Protestant Jlethodist church and he votes with 
the republican party, whicli was the defense of the 
Union in the dark days of the Civil war and 
whicli has always been the party of reform and 
improvement. His interest in matters relating to 
the welfare of his community is deep and sincere 
and has been manifest in active co-operation in 
many movements for the general good. His name 
is an honored one in the community and as a 
representative citizen and as a veteran of the Civil 
war he well deserves mention in this volume. 



HEXRY S. SWARTS. 

Hcni-y S. Swarts, whose success may be attrib- 
uted to honesty, industry and economy, is now 
tlie owner of two hundred and thirty acres of val- 
uable land in Dover township, whereon he is 
engaged in general farming and in the raising of 
high-grade stock. He was born in Bucks county, 
Penn.sylvania, August 27, 1844, and is of German 
descent in the nuiternal and of Welsh ancestry in 
tlie ]iaternal line. His grandfather. Philip Brunei', 
came from (iennany and settled in Pennsylvania 
sodu after till' riosc of the Revolutionary war, 
while his grandfather Swarts came from Wales 
at about the same time and also established his 
home in the Keystone state. It was there that 
Owen Swarts and T^ydia Bruner were married. In 
the Swarts family is an old jiarchment deed which 
helongcil to the grandfathei' and which bears date 
1777, conveying a grant of land from King 
George. 

Henry S. Swarts was only thirteen years of age 
when his parents came from the east to Bureau 



county and his education was acquired in Prince- 
ton. He comi)leted his course in the Princeton 
Academy under the direction of Jacob Miller, G. 
W. Wagner and Jacob Ernest, and in 1864, when 
a young man of twenty years, he crossed the plains 
to California and returned in 1866 by water by 
the way of isthmus of Panama, since which time 
he has followed farming. He was employed as a 
farm hand for two years and then purchased eighty 
acres of land which he continued to cultivate and 
improve until 1879, when he sold that tract for 
forty dollars per acre, which was an increase of 
ten dollars over the purchase jjrice. He then pur- 
chased his present farm at forty dollars per acre. 
It comprises two hundred and thirty acres, now 
worth about two hundred dollars per acre. He 
has brought the land under a high state of culti- 
vation, the fields annually producing good crops, 
and in addition he raises Xorman horses, Durliam 
cattle and Poland China hogs, his live-stock inter- 
ests proving an important branch of his business. 

Mr. Swarts was married, July 13, 1870, to Miss 
Mary A. Cusic, whose father, Dennis A. Cusic, 
with his wife, who bore the maiden name of Betsy 
Cox, settled in early days upon the farm now 
owned and occu])ied by Mr. Swarts. In the Cusic 
family were eight sons and three daughters and 
three sons were Sdldiers of the Civil war, one of 
them, Frank Cusic, being held a prisoner at An- 
dersonville for thirteen months. He is now a 
resident of Chicago. 

In his political views Mr. Swarts is a stalwart 
republican and has been honored with various local 
olHces. He has been township clerk for one year; 
collector six years; assessor four years; supervisor 
for four years; highway commissioner three years; 
and a member of the school hoard twenty-seven 
years, and the fact that he lias been called by 
popular suffrage to these various offices is proof 
that his duties have been discharged promptly and 
efficiently else public opinion would speak loud to 
the contrary and he would no longer be elected. 
Fratcrnallv he is a Mason and belongs to Prince- 
ton lodge,' A. F. & A. M. ; the Knights of the 
Globe; Jlodcrn Woodmen of America and the 
Hankers' Union of Des Moines, Iowa. He luis 
also lieen a member of the Baptist church since 
1 867 and his life has been characterized by honest 
purpose, by strong determination and by unfalter- 
ing' enter]iriso. His integrity stands as an un- 
questionable fact in his career, both public and 
private, and lie commands the eonlidenee of all 
with whom he comes in contact. 



D.AXIEL .\. HOLKOYD. 
Daniel A. llolroyd, a fanner residing on section 
7, Wyanct township, is a native of Chenango 
conntv. Xew York, and was born Ot-tober 31. 1817, 
his parents being william and Amelia ( Knicker- 
bocker) Holrovd. The father was born near Win- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



333 



gate, Wadsworth, Yorkshire, England, April 10, 
1812, and remained a resident of that country to 
the age of eighteen years, when he bade farewell 
to friends and native land and sailed for America 
in 1830. He located first in New York, where he 
worked at the shoemaker's trade and also engaged 
in preaching, being a member of the Baptist 
church. In 1853 he came to Illinois, locating in 
Bureau county upon the farm which is now the 
home of his son Daniel. He bought this land, a 
tract of eighty acres, from Solomon Sapp, father 
of Henry Sapp, a retired farmer residing in 
Princeton, and taking up his abode upon his 
newly acquired property, he spent his remaining 
days there, improving the land and carrying on 
general farming. He came to Illinois because of 
poor health, hoping that a change of climate would 
prove beneficial and there he resided for many 
years, passing away August 17, 1874. He was an 
upright, honorable man, held in uniform esteem 
by all who knew him. Prior to the Civil war he 
was a stanch abolitionist, strongly opposing the 
system of slavery as practiced in the south. His 
wife, who was born in New York state, was of 
Holland descent and died in 1900. at the advanced 
age of eighty-two years. In their family were 
seven children, four daughters and three sons: 
Mrs. Amelia Jackson, of Nebraska; Mrs. Cordelia 
Root, of Albion, New York; Mrs. Mary Barber, 
of North Dakota ; Louisa, deceased ; William H.. 
of Iowa ; Daniel A., and Zira F., who is now living 
with Daniel. He married Mary C. Ditrow and 
after her death wedded ^[ary White, of AVyanet. 
They have one child, Anna Teresa. Zira Ilolroyd 
owns a farm in Kansas. 

Daniel A. Holroyd was only four years of age 
when brousht to this county by his parents and 
was here reared and educated in much the usual 
manner of farmer boys, attending the district 
schools in the winter and assisting in the farm 
labor during the summer months. He now owns 
eiglity acres of fine land on section 7, Wyanet 
township, which is devoted to general farming and 
he also keeps some stock on the place. In politics 
he is a republican. He performs successfully the 
duties devolving upon him as a good citizen, but 
has never desired to hold office, serving only as 
school director. His business interests absorb his 
attention, and although he now rents part of his 
land he still lives upon the farm, which is a valu- 
able property and which returns to him n verv 
desirable income. 



EDWARD 0. MATHIS. 
Edward O. Mathis, a practitioner at the Bureau 
county bnr living in Walnut, was born in Henry 
county, Illinois,' October 1. 18-55. He is a son of 
Philip and Elizabeth (Laufenburger) Mathis. 
The father, a native of .Alsace, France, came to 
America in 1848, locating in Lake countv. Illi- 



nois, whence he removed to Henry county in 1855. 
He was a farmer by occupation and thus provided 
for the support of his family, which numbered 
seven children, Edward 0. being the fifth in order 
of birth. 

In the common schools of Henry county Edward 
0. ^[athis began his education, which he contin- 
ued in Northwestern College at Naperville, Illi- 
nois, and when his more specifically literary course 
was completed he entered upon the study of law 
and is a graduate of the Illinois College of Law 
in Chicago. In the meantime, however, he was 
interested in various other business pursuits. 
After leaving college he engaged in teaching 
school for thirteen years and then turned his at- 
tention to farming, which he followed for eight 
years with good success. He also spent a similar 
period as a furniture dealer and then, determining 
to enter professional life, he withdrew from trade 
circles and in 1901 was admitted to the bar. He 
has since followed his profession and has won a 
notable place as a practitioner. In his boyhood 
days he had a hard struggle to secure an educa- 
tion, earning the money that enabled him to pay 
his tutition. It was thus through sacrifice and 
earnest labor that he prepared himself for a life 
of usefulness. As a farmer he met with success 
and as a merchant he gained a host of warm 
friends, becoming w^idely known through the 
county, while, as a lawyer he has made advance- 
ment in excess of all of his former occupations. 
He is an able practitioner with a good clientage 
and a well equipped office. He prepares his cases 
with great thoroughness and care and his knowl- 
edge of legal principles is broad and accurate. 

On the 18th of December, 1879, Mr. Mathis was 
united in marriage to Miss Emma Meihsner, who 
was born in Bureau county, August 17, 1860, a 
daughter of Carl and Elizabeth "Meihsner, who 
were natives of Germany and came to the United 
States in ISSfi, settling in Bureau county. There 
were six children in their family, of whom ^Irs. 
Mathis was the third, and in the public schools of 
this county she obtained her education. By her 
marriage she has become the mother of four chil- 
dren : Edna, born in August. 1882; Audrev, in 
Februarv, 1884: Grace, October 19, 1888:' and 
Edith, December IS, 1897. 

The mother and children arc members of the 
^[ethodist Episcopal church and Mr. Mathis is 
orthodox in his belief, although not a church mem- 
ber. He belongs to Walnut lodge. No. 722, A. F. 
& A. M., and to the Modern Woodmen of America, 
while his political allegiance is given to the re- 
publican party. He now owns a good home in 
Walnut and has an excellent family, who are 
numbered among Bureau county's best citizens. 
Mr. Mathis early displayed the elemental strength 
of his character through his laudable ambition and 
his determination to secure an education and pre- 
pare for those walks of life demanding intellec- 
tuality as well as perseverance and industry. He 



334 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



has called forth his latent jjowers and has made 
steady advancement. Each cliange that he has 
made has been for the better and every step has 
been a forward one and now as the result of his 
careful preparation and his devotion to his clients' 
interests he has won, and by public opinion is 
accorded, a most creditable position among the 
leaders of the Bureaxi county bar. 



ADAMS J. WIGGIM. 

Adams J. Wiggim, deceased, was born in Ohio, 
December 10, 1842, a son of Andrew and Amy 
Jane Wiggim, both natives of Ohio, where they 
spent most of their lives. The father was a 
farmer by occupation and engaged in that pursuit 
throughout his entire business career, but in his 
later years removed to Princeton, where he lived 
retired until his death. 

Adams J. Wiggim, reared to farm life, was 
educated in the common schools near his fathers 
farm in Ohio. Hoping to enjoy better opportu- 
nities in the new west, he came to Bureau county, 
residing in Princeton for a short time. He then 
secured work with Elijah Dee, being employed 
at farm labor, and he remained with him for some 
time. He was industrious and economical, and, 
saving his earnings, he was in the course of time 
enabled to start in business on his own account. 
He first rented land, known as the old Virden 
farm, where he lived for a few years, and subse- 
quently he purchased a quarter section of land 
near Walnut, where he lived some time. On sell- 
ing that property he bought a farm on section 
35, Dover township, which is now operated by his 
son. Here he engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising, being a raiser and breeder of all 
kinds of fine stock. Year by year his financial 
resources increased, and he became one of the most 
prominent farmers and stock-raisers of his town- 
.ship. 

Soon after coming to this state Mr. Wiggim 
was married in Princeton to Miss Mary Harpin, 
a native of England, and a daughter of Joseplr 
and Anna Harpin, who were also natives of that 
country. Her father was a blue dyer, and both 
he and his wife spent their entire lives in Eng- 
land, both being now deceased. When Mrs. 
Wiggim was twenty-one years of age she accom- 
panied her brother, Henry Harpin, to America. 
They made their way direct to Princeton, where 
Henry Harpin began work as a clerk in Delano'.^ 
grocery store, where he was employed for a few 
years, but later engaged in the grocery business 
on his own account for several years. He then 
sold his business in Princeton and removed to 
Michigan, where his death occurred. His re- 
mains, however, were brought back tn Princeton 
and interred in the cemetery at this place. 

TTnto Mr. and Ifrs. Wiggim were Lorn eight 
children, of whom six still siirvive. The record 



is as follows : Tobey and Kickey, deceased ; 
Joseph, who married Ada McCall and now re- 
sides on the old Wiggim farm north of Princeton; 
Amy, the wife of John Dreman, a farmer residing 
at Kasbeer, Bureau county; Edward R., a farmer 
residing in North Dakota; John, a farmer of 
Bureau county; and ilary and Minnie, both with 
their mother in Princeton. After the death ot 
-Vdanis J. Wiggim, which occurred December 29, 
18!)ti, when he was fifty-four years of age, his 
widow continued to reside on the home farm in 
Dover township until 1905, when her son Joseph 
took charge of the property and she and her 
daughters removed to Princeton, purchasing a 
residence at No. 502 Lincoln street, where she 
now makes her home, but she still owns the farm 
of one hundred and fifty acres in Dover town- 
shi]). She is a member of the Presbyterian church 
in Princeton. 

Mr. Wiggim was a democrat in politics, but 
was never an office seeker, and although urged to 
do so by his friends, who recognized his ability 
to fill offices of public trust, he always declined 
these honors, preferring to give his entire time to 
liis business interests. He was a member of the 
ilasonic order, belonging to the lodge at Prince- 
ton. Mr. Wiggim was a self-made man, for, 
though he had no capital when he arrived in this 
county, by hard work and the careful supervision 
of his business interests he added to his property, 
until at the time of his death he was one of the 
most jirominent farmers and stock-raisers in Dover 
township. He was well known in Princeton and 
tlirougliout Bureau county, and his many friends, 
as well as his immediate family, felt the deepest 
regret when he was called from this life. 



JOSEPH L. GUTSHALL. 

Joseph L. Gutsiiall, of Slieffield. son of George 
;xa(i Rachel (Anderson) Gutshall, was born in 
Perry county, Pennsylvania. October 31, 1855, 
and was reared in the east, acquiring his educa- 
tion in the country schools of his home neighbor- 
hood. .\ttracted by the opportunities of the 
middle west, he came to Illinois in 1876 and set- 
tled at Buda. securing employment in that local- 
ity at farm labor. .\ml)itious to engage in farm- 
ing on his own account, he eagerly availed him- 
self of opportunities for business advancement and 
at length rented a farm, thus cultivating leased 
land until his earnings were sufficient to justify 
his purchase of a farm. He has made good use 
of his opportunities and as the years have passed 
by has prospered in lus undertakings. He now 
owns a good farm of two hiindred and thirty-two 
acres which is stocked with .some of the finest 
horses, cattle and hogs in Bureau county. All 
of his stock is standard bred and registered and 
he makes a specialtv of Norman horses. 

On the nth of Deeomher, ISTS. ^Mr. Gutshall 







A. J. WKUini 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



33; 



was married to Miss Maranda A. Newbaker, a 
daughter of Amos Newbaker, of Concord town- 
ship, who came to Illinois from Pennsylvania in 
1853 and spent the remainder of his life in farm- 
ing here, his death occurring on the 19th of 
April, 1S9.J- In earl)' manhood he had married 
Eliza Jlelvin, who was a native of Toronto, Can- 
ada, where her family had large timber interests. 
She became a resident of Illinois when only 
twelve years of age and on the 16th of October, 
1857, she gave her hand in marriage to Amos 
Newbaker. They traveled life's journey together 
for about thirty-eight years, Mrs. Newbaker sur- 
viving her husband until September 10, 1901, 
when she, too, passed away. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Giitshall have been born four children who are 
yet living, and they lost their only da\ighter in 
childhood. Their sons are: Roy Wilbur, born 
November 12, 1879; Robert Clyde," July 26, 1881; 
Raymond Glenn. April 15, 1883; and Merrill, 
Jlarch 1, 1896. The daughter, Ora Madge, was 
born Februarv 9, 1889, and died Januarv 23, 
1895. 

Mr. Gutshall has been road commissioner for 
six years, his long continiiance in the office being 
proof of his able service. He is a believer in good 
highways and has put forth effective effort in 
this direction. Coming to Illinois in limited 
financial circumstances and owing his success en- 
tirely to his own efforts, he has justly won the 
|)roud American title of a self-made man. Not 
all days of his business career have been equally 
liright, but w-ith unfaltering perseverance he 
has continued his work and his energy has been 
the lending resultant factor in the attainment of 
his prosperity. 



AUGUSTUS MYERS. 
The farming interests of Concord township are 
well i-epresented by Augustus Myers, who in a 
life of intense and well directed activity has so 
developed his farm that it is today one of the val- 
uable properties of his part of the county. A 
native of New Jersey, his birth occurred in Hun- 
terdon county, September 21, 1833, and he is a 
representative of one of the early families of that 
state. His grandfather, Andrew^ M3'ers, there spent 
his entire life and Samuel Myers, the father of 
our subject, was also born in Hunterdon county 
and attained his majority there. After reaching 
man's estate he wedded Catherine Smith, wiio was 
born in the same county. In order to provide for 
his support in early manhood he followed the trade 
of a carpenter and joiner, being thus connected 
with building operations until coming lo Bureau 
county in IS,",!, when ho purchased a farm in 
Mineral townshiji. He placed (he land under the 
])low, so that in the course of years his labors 
brought him a good return. He was thus identi- 



iied with farming interests until his last daj's, 
which were spent in retirement in the village of 
Sheffield, where he passed away in 1890, at the 
venerable age of eighty-five years. His wife sur- 
vived him about two years and at her death in 
1892 her grave was made by his side in Sheffield 
cemetery. They were people of genuine personal 
worth and their circle of friends was almost co- 
e.xtensive with the circle of their acquaintance. 
Their family numbered nine cliildrcLi, eight sons 
and a daughter, all of whom reached adult age. 

At the usual age Augustus Myers entered the 
public schools of New Jersey and his literary 
course was completed in Geneseo Seminary. The 
winter sea.'^ons tor a number of wears were after- 
ward devoted to teaching and in the summer sea- 
sons he gave his time and energies to farm labor. 
He accompanied his parents an their emigration 
to Illinois and in Bureau county made prepara- 
tions for having a home of his own by his marriage 
on the 7th of October, 1858, to Miss Eliza Ann 
Neff, who was born in Ohio, but afterward lived 
in Indiana. She became a resident of Bureau 
county, Illinois, in 1854, at which time her father 
took up his abode on a farm in Manlius township, 
which he cultivated until some time prior to his 
death. Four children were born of this union : 
Wellman Lincoln, who became a resident of Spirit 
Lake, Iowa, where he was maried and died in 
1887; Charles Lovejoy, who is engaged in business 
in Denver, Colorado; Frank Grant, who received 
an excellent education in the schools of Sheffield 
and for several years has successfully engaged in 
teaching; and Arthur Augustus, at home, operat- 
ing his father's farm. 

In order to make a start in life Mr. Myers of 
this review operated rented land for several years 
and then when his labors had brought him suffi- 
cient cajjital he made jiurcbase of a tract of forty 
acres in Concord township, to which he has added 
from time to time as his means would permit until 
he is today the owner of two hundred and eighty- 
one and a half acres of rich and fertile land, which 
he has placed under a high state of cultivation. 
The buildings thereon are neat and substantial and 
include an attractive dwelling and good barns 
and sheds. Besides this property he has two hun- 
dred and forty acres of improved land in Missouri, 
opposite Quincy, Illinois. 

When age conferred upon 'Sir. ^^fyers the right 
of fi-ancliise he cast his first presidential ballot for 
.Vbrahani Lincoln in 1860 and as the years have 
passed he has been recognized as a local leader in 
the ranks of his party. He has also been chosen 
to various official positions by his fellow towns- 
men, whii I'ccoguize his worth and ability. He has 
served as a delegate to county and congressional 
conventions, has for seven years acted as super- 
visor from his township and fur one year was 
chairman of the county board. He also served 
most acceptably as commissioner of highways and 
school director for twenty years. No trust reposed 



338 



I'AST A.\D PKJ'^SKXT UF liL'IiKAU fOUXTY. 



in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest de- 
gree and whatever Jie has undertaken he has ac- 
complished if it eouhl be done througli determined 
and honorable eilort. The same loyal spirit has 
been manifest in his ofhcial service as in his pri- 
vate business interests. All who know him give 
him a large measure of esteem and good will and 
those familiar with his history admire him for 
what he has accomplislied, for his present pros- 
perity is attributalilc entirely to his enterprise, 
capable managenicnt and unflagging diligence. 



WILLIAJI HENRY NEILL. 

William Henry N'eill, who was one of tliu most 
extensive landowners and prominent business men 
of Bureau county, was born March 12, 1626, and 
died March 18, 1902. The success which he 
achieved, the methods which he followed and his 
devotion to the general welfare combined to ren- 
der him a representative and valued resident of 
the community, so that his death was the occasion 
of deep and wide-spread regret. He was born in 
Ireland, March 12, 1826, and his parents spent 
their entire lives in that country. William Henry 
Neill was educated in the public schools there and 
when a young man of twenty-one years bade adieu 
to friends and family preparatory to coming to 
America. He had heai'd favorable reports con- 
cerning the new world and its opportunities and 
resolved to benefit thereby. Accordingly he crossed 
the briny deep in 1847 and became a resident of 
Peru, Illinois, remaining in La Salle county for 
a considerable period. In 1870 he came to Bureau 
county, settling in Westfield township, where he 
purchased what is still known as the homestead 
farm, spending liis remaining days tliereon. He 
was a grain merchant in Peru, carrying on the 
business successfully until liis warehouse was de- 
stroj'ed by fire. He then came to Westfield town- 
ship, where he engaged in farming until hi>; 
death. 

As a companion and helpmate ffir life's jour- 
ney Mr. Neill chose Jliss 'Margaret Coakley, to 
whom lie was married on the 20th of November. 
1860. She was born in Peru, (his state. Octolier 
3. 1841, a daughter of Cornelius and Mary Ann 
(Hogan) Coakley, both of whom were natives of 
Ireland. They became early residents of Peru. 
Illinois. Wlicn they came from the Emerald Isle 
to the new worlil they established their home in 
Pennsylvania and Jlr. Coakley drove from Phila- 
delphia to Peru on three different occasions, act- 
ing as teamster for Colonel I\ennev. He was well 
acquainted with Daniel Webster, who was enter- 
tained at the Kenncy home on the occasion of 
several of his visits to the west. Mrs. N'eill. spend- 
ing her girlhood davs under the parental roof, 
acquired her education in the public schools of 
Bureau county. Twelve children were born of 
this marriage, of whom John died Alarch 21, 



18()4, at the age of four years. Eleven of the 
family are still living, namely : David C ; Eliza- 
beth, now Mrs. McKee, of Seatonville, Illinois; 
Mrs. Jennie Holler, of Westfield township; Wil- 
liam Henry, also a resident of Westfield township ; 
Mrs. Dolly McCreedy, of Tampico, Illinois; 
Xellie, at home; Mrs. Margaret Henry, of Leb- 
anon, Pennsylvania; Susan B. and John S., both 
at home; Jennetta R., who is engaged in teaching 
school and is to be the first teacher of the town 
of Cherry ; and Theresa V., at home. 

Prospering in his business affairs, making judi- 
cious investments in property and carefully di- 
recting his trade interests, Mr. Neill became the 
owner of eight hundred acres of valuable land 
in Westfield township, which since his death has 
been divided among his children. The old home- 
stead property comprises two hundred and eighty 
acres of rich and arable land, upon which his wid- 
ow now resides. She superintends the work of the 
farm, assisted by her youngest son, and displays 
excellent business ability and executive force. 
Mr. Neill was always an industrious, hard-work- 
ing man and lived a life of usefulness and activ- 
ity. He ]K)ssessed excellent power as a financier 
and so directed his labors tliat success resulted. 
His first purchase of land was in La Salle 
county and he paid ten dollars per acre. The land 
which he purchased in Bureaai county varied ac- 
cording to location and time of purchase from 
ten to seventy-five dollars per acre and as the re- 
stilt of the care and improvement he placed upon 
it it became much more valuable. He always liad 
the respect of his neighbors and friends, being 
held in the highest esteem by those with whom he 
came in contact. He held membership in the 
Episcopal church of Peru and the family are now 
members of the Presbyterian church at .\rlington. 
He left behind liim the priceless heritage of an 
untarnished name as well as a coiufortablc com- 
petence and those who knew William Henry Neill 
in life vet cherish his memorv. 



.lolIN W. roDDINCTOX. 
.John W. Coddington. who for many years was 
identified with general fanning interests in Bu- 
reau township, departed this life JIarch 22, 1901. 
and the community thereby lost a valued and 
representative citizen. He was born in ^larylaml 
on the 21st of April, ISlfi, a son of Jonatlian and 
Rebecca (Frantz) Coddington. the former a na- 
tive of Allegany county, ^laryland. wliile the 
latter was born in Pennsylvania. John W. Cod- 
dington spent the first seven years of his life in 
his native state and was then brought bv his 
parents to Bureau county. Illinois, the family 
home being near Dover for four years. The 
fatlier then secured a tract of land in Bureau 
township and carried on farming, transforminir it 
into richly cultivated fields. During this period 




f 



\y\:.^y/. 



% 



I'AST AM) I'KESEXT UL- HL liEAL" COL-\TY. 



341 



John W. Coildiiigton had oportuiiity to secure a 
good education in the West bureau district schools 
aud when not husy with his text-books lie engaged 
in farming, so that he early became familiar with 
the best processes of plowing, planting and har- 
vesting and was well trained in farm work when 
he began business on his own account. 

Mr. Coddington secured a companion and help- 
mate for life's journey by his marriage on Christ- 
mas day of 1866 to Miss Sarah Kebeeea Hins- 
dale, who was born July 9, 18-18, upon a farm on 
section 33, Bureau township, her jiarents being 
George C. and Elizabeth (Baggs) Hinsdale, the 
former a native of Greenfield, Massachusetts, and 
the latter of Urbana, Ohio. Mrs. Hinsdale be- 
came a resident of West Bureau township in 1828, 
making her home on a farm with her uncle. The 
year 1831 witnessed the arival of Mr. Hinsdale in 
Princeton. He made the journey westward with 
friends who were prominent in the settlement of 
Princeton and organized the first Congregational 
Church in that place. Thus the parents of Mrs. 
Coddington were both pioneer settlers of this por- 
tion of the state, living here when it was largely 
a wild unimproved district situated upon the ex- 
treme western frontier. Indians still visited the 
neighborhood and deer and other wild game were 
frequently seen. The land was largely in its prim- 
itive condition, the furrows having been turned in 
but comparatively few fields. Only here and there 
had a settler established his home and undertook 
the task of transforming hitherto wild land into 
productive fields. They were married on the 18th 
of May, 1834, near Princeton, theirs being one of 
the first wedding ceremonies celebrated in the 
county. Mrs. Hinsdale was the first girl who came 
to Bureau county, her uncle, Henry Thomas, being 
really the first settler. No history therefore of 
this part of the state would be complete without 
mention of her and in the years which followed 
her arrival here she did the part of a pioneer 
woman in planting the seeds of civilization in a 
new district. 

Mr. and Mrs. Coddington became the parents of 
three children, two sons and a daughter : William 
Nathan, Nellie Ann and Frank Hinsdale Cod- 
dington. At the time of their marriage the par- 
ents settled on section 35 in the spring of 1867 
and there Mr. Coddington followed farming in a 
capable and successful manner until the year 1902. 
In December he removed with his family to what 
is now known as the Coddington estate, where he 
lived until his demise, which occurred on the 22d 
of March, 1904. His widow still resides upon 
that farm. Viewed in a personal light he was a 
stroiiu man, strong in his success and in his honor 

fiTgnod name. He deserved great credit for what 
piccomplished, as he started out in life emjity- 
nded, having no influential friends or financial 
aid to assist him. In the course of years he pros- 
pered and became the owner of two hundred and 
fiftv-five acres of fine farm land and investigation 



into his business history shows that the methods 
which he followed were ever strictly fair and hon- 
orable and would bear tlie closest investigation and 
scrutiny. In politics he was a republican and he 
was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
of which he was a devoted follower, though he 
attended the Wesley an Methodist church. In his 
death the community lost a representative man, 
his neighbors a faithful friend and his family a 
devoted husband and father. Mrs. Coddington 
still resides on the farm which her sons are op- 
erating and the place is now a well improved 
property. 



TIMOTHY N. BENNETT. 

Timothy N. Bennett, who is engaged in general 
farming and in breeding, raising and feeding 
stock, lives in Neponset township, having in 1893 
purchased the old J. T. Currier place, comprising 
two hundred and sixty acres of rich farming land. 
His life record began in Indiana on the 24th of 
March, 1854, and he is the youngest in a family of 
twelve children whose parents were Timothy and 
Elizabeth (Russell) Bennett, who were married 
in Hebron, Ohio, August 10, 1831. The father 
was born in that state, April 15, 1813, and the 
mother's birth occurred May 9, 1812. It was in 
the early thirties that Timothy Bennett, Sr., re- 
moved to Indiana, where he purchased a tract of 
land and engaged in farming, in addition to which 
lie conducted a brickyard. He lived a life of 
activity and enterprise aud passed away January 
6, 1871, being long survived by his wife, who died 
on the 7th of November, 1893. They were the 
parents of twelve children : Nancy, who was born 
October 17, 1832; Marie, who was born June 29, 
1834, and died September 9, 1837 ; Sarah E., who 
was born January 11, 1836, and died October 17, 
1838; William, who was born September 25, 1838, 
and died September 7, 1840; Mary Jane, born 
September 10, 1840; Margaret Ann, (♦ctober 29, 
1843; George, August 19,' 1845; Gerelta B., Au- 
gust 11, 1847; Samuel H., November 25, 1849; 
Phebe Alice, October 28, 1851; Timothy N.; and 
Laura, horn in 1856. 

Timothy N. Bennett was only three years of age 
when his parents removed from Indiana to Illinois. 
When a youth of seventeen years he lost his father, 
after which he continued to work on the old home- 
stead, comprising eighty acres of land, to which, 
however, he afterward added by additional pur- 
chase. In 1893 he purchased a farm of two hun- 
dred and sixty acres known as the old J. T. Cur- 
rier place and upon this has since resided. He is 
an enterprising agriculturist and knows what hard 
labor means. He has woi'ked persistently and en- 
ergetically as the years have gone by and in con- 
nection with the cultivation and development of 
the fields he has also bred standard grade stock 
and has also fed and shipp^d stock in addition 
to that which he has raised. Both branches of his 



342 



PAS'l- AXl) PHESKXT OF BlHKAr (orXTV 



liiisilius!? Iiavu ])rovt\l prolitable auil he lias al- 
lowed no obstacle to brook his path, or check his 
ctl'orts to secure a competence and thus j^rovide a 
comfortable home for his family. 

On the 8th of August, 1879,' Mr. Bennett was 
nuirried to Miss Laura .\. Scott, who was born 
March 14, ISCil, a daughter of l{ol)ert and Deborah 
Scott, mention of whom is made on another paj^e 
of this work in connection with the history of 
JI. 0. Scott. The iiome of Mr. and ilrs. Bennett 
has been blessed with nine children: Grace. Imrn 
September 12, 1880; Elsie, March !), 1882; one 
who wi-s born January 22, 1884, and died on the 
28th of tlie same month ; Scott M., born August 
;^0, 1880; Lawrence. July 24. 1889; Hazen. ^Lireh 
12. 1892; Josie, November 2, 1894; Lloyd, Janu- 
ary 10, 1897; and Darleue. born January 7, 19(iu. 

Mr. Bennett has been a school director for eight 
or nine years and has done much to advance the 
cause of public instruction in his locality. He 
has also been road commissioner and a member of 
the school board of Xeponsef. anil in politics he 
is an earnest republican. Almost his entire life 
has lieen jiassed in this county and through aliout 
a luilf century he has witnessed its develo]iment 
and growth as pioneer conditions have given ])lace 
to the changes and improvenumts wrought by mod- 
ern civilization. In his business life he has been 
persistent, persevering and honorable, and he has 
thereby won not only success, but also the good 
will and trust of his fellownien. 



LOUIS F. ZEAKIXG. 

Louis F. Zearing is a native of Dover township, 
where his birth occurred September 27. 18.54. 
He is therefore a representative of one of the pio- 
neer families of the co\inty and has for more than 
half a century been an interested witness of tlie 
changes which have occurred here and the events 
which have marked the county's progress and up- 
building. His fatlier, Hon. Louis Zearing. was 
born in Cumberland county, Pt'unsylvania, Sep- 
tember 10, 1827, and is a son of Martin Zearing, 
who was born in T^ancaster couiiry, Pennsylvania, 
July 4, 1794. The great-grandfather, Henry 
Zearing, was also a native of Lancaster county and 
at the age of sixteen years espoused the cause of 
the colonists and joined the American army for 
service in the Kevohitionary war. He continued 
with the troops throughout the ])eriod of hostilities 
tliat resulted in the establishment of .\nuM-iean in- 
deijendence and was ever a brave and loyal soldier. 
The family is of German lineage and was founded 
in America about 1725, the ancestors of our sub- 
ject becoming residents of the Keystone state at 
a very early period in its development. 

Martin Zearing, grandfather of Louis F. Zear- 
ing, was reared to manhood in Cumberland coun- 
tv, Pennsvlvania, to which locality he removed 
at an earlv age. There be was nuirrieil to Marv 



Shaell'er, whose family was also of German line- 
age and was founded in Pennsylvania in 1751. 
By trade Martin Zeaiing was a mechanic and en- 
gaged in contracting and building in Cumberland 
county until coming to the west in 1835, at which 
time he selected a location in Bureau county. 
The following year he brougiit his family to 
Princeton. Soon afterward, however, they re- 
moved to a farm in Berlin township, being among 
the first to locate within its borders, their home 
being near the present village of Dover. To the 
work of plowing and planting Mr. Zearing gave 
his time and energies year after year until he 
had develofied an excellenr farm projjerty, carry- 
ing on the work of the lields until his labors were 
ended in deatli July 24. 1855. He took a promi- 
nent and influential part in the early alfaus of 
the county and was called uj^in to till several 
official positions, being the hrst justice of the 
peace of Berlin township, while in other offices 
lie displayed his loyalty and progressive public 
spirit. While a resident of his native state he 
also acted as justice of the peace. His wife, who 
survived him for several years, died Xoveml)er 29, 
1869, at the ripe old age of seventy-three years, 
her remains being interred by the side of her 
iuisband in Dover cemetery, where a substantial 
monument marks their last resting place. 

Hon. Lou's Zearing, father of our subject, was 
the fifth in order of birth in a family of five sons 
and seven daughters and was a youth of eight 
years when the family removed from the east to 
Bureau county. The district schools afforded him 
his early educational privileges and his course in 
Dover was supplemented by study in the high 
school at Princeton. He remained upon the home 
farm until reaching his majority, but in 1850 
left the parental roof, attracted by the discovery 
of gold in CalifiH-nia. With an ox team he pro- 
ceeded across the country, walking the entire dis- 
tance over the hot stretches of sand and through 
the mountain fastnesses. It required one hundred 
and eighty days to make the trip and many niglits 
he stood guard, arriving at his destination Sep- 
temVier 30. 1850. ilr. Zi'aring devoted three years 
to mining and met with a goodly measure of suc- 
cess in his undertakings, lie then returned by 
way of the Nicaraugua route and New York city, 
reaching Bureau county on the 1st of January, 
1854. 

On Christmas day of 1853. in New York city. 
'Sir. Zearing was united in marriage to Miss Jean 
Cochran, a native of Ayrshire, Scotland, who was 
reared and educated, however, in the .\merican 
metropolis. She died November 10, 1868. For 
a year after his return Mr. Zearing engaged in 
the dry-goods business in Dover, but on the let 
of April, 1856, purchased two hundred and forh' 
acres of raw prairie land, on which not a furrow 
had been turned or an improvement made, lie 
at once began to break the sod, liowever, to fence 
the fields and add modern equipments, and today 



PAST AM) I'RESKXT OF BUKEAr C'UrXTV. 



343 



tlic place is a fine and highly cultivated farm, 
showing the careful supervision and practical 
business methods of Mr. Zearing in its splendidly 
improved condition. He was again married at 
Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Miss Helen M. 
Whistler becoming his wife. She was born in the 
same village in Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, 
as Mr. Zearing, and was there reared and edu- 
cated, after which she engaged successfully in 
teaching for several years. Three children had 
been born of Mr. Zearing's first marriage : Louis 
F. ; Jessie, the wife of L. C. McKee, of Gales- 
burg, Illinois; and Martin, cashier of the Ladd 
Bank. Of the second marriage there is one child, 
S. Francis, who is a graduate of the Oberlin Col- 
lege at Oberlin, Ohio. Two children of the family 
passed away : Margaret, who died in 1864, at 
the age of three and a half years; and John D., 
who died in 1870, when three years of age. In 
politics Hon. Louis Zearing was a republican from 
the organization of the party. His first presiden- 
tial ballot was cast for Winfield Scott in 1852 
while residing in California. He was a charter 
member of Crystal Fount lodge. No. 178, I. 0. 
0. F. at Dover, and was a member of the Bap- 
tist church, while his wife held membership in the 
Lutheran church. Both were earnest Christian 
people of the highest respectability and worth. 

Louis F. Zearing, whose name introduces this 
review, is indebted to the public schools of Dover 
for his early educational privileges and to the 
Princeton high school for later mental discipline, 
spending six months in that institution. He 
started upon his business career at the age of 
eighteen yeaft:, when he left home and secured 
emplovment in the freight department on the rail- 
road, his time being thus passed for eight years. 
He afterward learned the broom corn business, 
which he followed for twenty years, and through 
the succeeding eight years he was in New York. 
Later he was a buyer and salesman in Chicago 
for the Broom Corn Company, which he repre- 
sented for twelve years. He has always been 
watchful of opportunities pointing to success and 
has utilized those advantages which have prom- 
ised a broader business outlook, so that in his busi- 
ness life he has made substantial progress. 

On the 10th of June, 1886, Mr. Zearing was 
united in marriage to Miss Emily T. Hazen, who 
was born in Stark county, Illinois, May 30, 1856, 
and is a daughter of Joseph K. and Marilda A. 
(Trimmer) Hazen. Her father was born Jiily 5, 
1830, in Warren county, New Jersey, and is a 
son of David W. Hazen, who was born in Morris 
county. New Jersey, in 18(11. while his parents 
were Ziba and Katrina Hazen, also natives of New 
Jersey. The ancestry of the family is traced back 
to Edward Hazen, who came from England about 
two hundred years ago and settled in Connecticut. 
David W. Hazen was reared upon a farm and 
educated in the common schools. He leai'ned the 
wheelwright's trade in early life but afterward 



engaged in general agricultural pursuits. His 
wife, who bore the maiden name of Sarah Ann 
Taylor, was born in Hunterdon county. New Jer- 
sey, in 1802, a daughter of Abel and Rachel 
(Everett) Taylor. In 1857 David W. Hazen came 
10 Illinois and settled in Selby township. Bureau 
county, upon a tract of wild prairie land, which he 
converted into a good farm during the nine years 
of his residence there. He then removed to Mai- 
den, where both he and his wife died in 1882. 
In their family were five children. 

Joseph K. Hazen, father of Mrs. Zearing, was 
of this family and was educated in the common 
schools of Hackettstown, New Jersey, remaining 
at home until twenty-five years of age. In 1855 
he married ilarilda A. Trimmer, who was born 
in Morris county, New Jersey, in 1835, and is a 
daughter of Andrew and Marilda Trimmer, na- 
tives of that state and of German descent. In 
1856 Mr. Hazen came to Illinois and after living 
for a year in Stark county established his home 
in Bureau county, where he has since resided. 
He is a faithful member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church and politically is a democrat. 

Mrs. Zearing, who is one of three children, was 
lirought by her parents to Illinois when quite 
young and was educated in the schools of Bureau 
county. She has become the mother of three chil- 
dren. Joseph H., born July 29, 1887, in Brook- 
lyn, New York, attended Princeton high school 
and is now a student in the university of Cham- 
])aign, Illinois. Louis A., born in Brooklvn, New 
York, October 13, 1888, is a graduate of the high 
school of the class of 1906. Marilda, born in Chi- 
cago, Illinois, November 20, 1891, is now a high 
school student in Princeton. 

Louis F. Zearing of this review came to Bureau 
county in 1901 and settled near Piinceton, where 
he is now living. He exercises his right of fran- 
chise in support of the men and measures of the 
republican party and his family are members of 
the Methodist church, while in the community 
where they reside they are widely recognized as 
people of genuine personal worth, of upright char- 
acter and of high ideals, making them well worthy 
of the esteem which is uniformly tendered them. 



ANSEL D. riPER. 
Ansel D. Piper, living in Berlin township, where 
he follows the occupation of farming, is one of 
the younger and more enterprising representatives 
of agricultural life here. He was horn in this 
township. December 23, 1871, his parents being 
Hiram H. and Amanda (^IcWilliams) Piper, who 
came to Bureau county in 1836 and cast in their 
lot with the pioneer settlers. The work of im- 
provement and progress had scarcely been begun. 
Only a few years before had the Indians been 
bnnight into subjection in the Black Hawk war 
and there were many traces of their recent habi- 



344 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



tation in this part of the state. Much of the land 
■was still uncultivated, but here and there a fron- 
tier settler of brave and determined spirit had es- 
tablished his home and was reclaiming the land 
for the uses of civilization. The Piper family 
shared in the usual hardships and trials incident 
to pioneer life and as the years passed nine chil- 
dren were added to the household, of whom Ansel 
was the seventh in order of birth. 

Reared in the usual manner of farmer lads, An- 
sel D. Piper early became familiar with the work 
of plowing, planting and harvesting, to which his 
summer months were largely devoted. During the 
remainder of the year he was a student in the 
district schools and thus acquired the education 
which prepared him for the transaction of business 
in later life. 

On the 22d of September, 1896, Mr. Piper was 
joined in wedlock to Miss Maggie Vickory, who 
was born in this county, June 1, 1876, and is a 
daughter of St. Clair and Susanna Vickory, who 
were natives of Ohio and at an early date became 
residents of Bureau county. In their family were 
four children, of wliom Mrs. Piper was the third 
in order of birth. She, too, was educated in the 
public schools. Mr. and Mrs. Piper began their 
domestic life upon a farm and he has since given 
his undivided attention to the work of the fields, 
his business interests being attended with a grati- 
fying measure of success, which is the direct re- 
ward of his labors and well directed energy. He 
now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine 
land and to see the nice buildings which adorn 
the place and which are well located one does not 
wonder that this property cannot be purchased 
for two hundred dollars per acre. He raises ex- 
cellent crops, owing to the care and labor which 
he bestows upon the fields and the modem meth- 
ods which he follows in his farm work. He has 
kept in touch with the trend of progress, which 
has been as evident in agricultural lines as in 
other departments of business life. 

Mr. Piper is a republican in politics but with- 
out aspiration for olfice. He belongs to no secret 
societies but prefers to concentrate his energies 
upon his business affairs. He holds membership 
in no church but has always been governed by the 
golden rule and a desire to do good to all and in 
his life he exemplifies a spirit of justice, truth 
and consideration for his followmen that is most 
comendable. Both he and his wife are most 
highly esteemed in the community. They have a 
happy home and delight in dispensing its hos- 
pitality to their many friends. 



NATHAN A. HARRINGTON. 

Nathan A. Harrington, at one time closely 

identified with farming interests in Bureau 

county, but now living retired from farming in 

Wyanet, where he is conducting a large tileyard. 



has long been recognized as an influential, active 
and valued factor in public life and business 
circles in this part of the state. He was for 
twenty-four years treasurer of Bureau County and 
Wyanet Mutual Insurance Company (fire and 
lighting), which was organized in 1875. He is 
also a charter member of the Bureau County and 
Wyanet Mutual Windstorm Company, which 
was organized in 1896, and is a director and 
treasurer of the Fire & Lighting Company, while 
his activity in public life extends to the discharge 
of the duties of the oflSces of justice of the peace 
and notary public. 

Born in Delaw^aie, on the 19th of October 
1831, he is a native of Farmington, Kent county, 
and a sou of Jonathan and Lydia (Anderson) 
Harrington, both of whom were natives of that 
county, and there spent their entire lives. The 
father was born in November, 1794, while his 
wife's birth occurred in November, 1807. They 
became the parents of four sons and four daugh- 
ters. Mr. Harrington followed farming through- 
out his entire life in order to provide for his 
family, thus following in the business footsteps 
of his ancestry, who through many generations 
were connected with agricultural interests in 
Delaware. 

Nathan A. Harrington was therefore reared to 
the occupation of farming and has been identified 
with agricultural interests through much of his 
life, although at the present time he has retired 
from the active work of the fields. Hopins to 
enjoy better business opportunities in the middle 
west, he came to Bureau county in 1855, and 
accepted a position to work by the month on a 
farm, being thus employed until the winter sea- 
son. He then engaged in teaching school through 
several winter terms and in the summer months 
continued at farm labor. In the fall of ISfiO 
he purchased eighty acres of land in Bureau 
township, to which he has added, until he now 
owns eight hundred and fifty-three acres, making 
him one of the extensive property holders of his 
community. He rents his land and derives there- 
from an excellent annual income. He also owns 
a beautiful home on Main street in Wyanet, which 
he has remodeled since removing to the city in 
1894. While residing upon his farm he devoted 
his time and energies to the cultivation of the 
cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and also 
to the raising and feeding of stock, and this 
proved a profitable source of income. Since 
taking up his abode in Wyanet he has been con- 
nected with the various enterprises which contrib- 
ute to the general prosperity as well as to individ- 
ual success. He now has a large tileyard, where 
he sells tile manufactured in different parts of 
the country, handling all kinds and sizes. He 
was also connected with the grain trade for several 
years and his wise counsel and keen discrimination 
are and have been important factors in the suc- 
cessful control of manv business concerns. 




NATHAN A. HARKINGTON 



PAST A.\]» l^EESEXT OF I!L1!EAL' L'UL'.XTY. 



347 



lu hid political views Mr. liiiniiigton is a stal- 
wart republieau and lias held nearly all of the 
township offices. He served as supervisor of his 
township for three years, was township clerk, 
assessor and road commissioner and was also jus- 
tice of the peace. He fills the last mentioned 
office at the present time and is likewise notary 
public, and in the discharge of the various duties 
which have devolved upon him he has ever been 
found prompt and reliable as w.ell as capable. 

On the 32d of November, 1857, in Bureau 
county, Mr. Harrington was married to Miss 
Margaret E. Sapp, a daughter of Hezekiah and 
Mary Jane (Bosket) Sapp, who were early settlers 
from Delaware. Mrs. Harrington was born in 
that state June 8, 1837, and by her marriage be- 
came the mother of si.x children, of whom five 
are now living. Clement, who was born Sep- 
tember 8, 1S.")S, married Hattie M. Lysinger and 
is living a retired life in Princeton, occupying ;i 
pleasant home near the Methodist Episcopal 
ch>n-cli there. Ora, born October 37, 18G0, died 
September 17, 1863. Adelbert F. was born July 
30, 1864, and resides in Valparaiso, Indiana. 
Luella, born April 3, 1867, is the wife of Albert 
Wilson, of Bureau townshiiJ. Lvdia M., liorn 
September 26, 1869. is the wife of Willard Har- 
rington, of Wvanet township. Ada. born August 
28, 1872, is 'the wife of Frank Tonkinson, of 
Bureau township. The mother of these children 
died July 23, 1892. 

On the 6th of January, 1895, Mr. Harrington 
wedded Mrs. Susan Carter, of Harrington, Dela- 
ware. She is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church at Wyanct, and Mr. Harrington is 
serving as a member of the board of trustees. 
He is a man thoroughly reliable and straightfor- 
ward in all of his business dealings, is warm- 
hearted and generous, and no appeal has ever 
been made to him in vain in time of need or dis- 
tress. His standing in the community is most 
excellent. He is admired for his business capacity 
and success, respected for his genuine worth, and 
held in friendly regard liy all who come within 
the more intimate circle of his social acquaint- 
ance. 



JOHN JTTDSON" SHUCtAKT. 

A representative of a pioneer family of Bureau 
county, John Judson Shugart was born in Dover 
township, January 30, ISIU, and now owns and 
occupies a valuable farm of two hundred and sev- 
enty acres of choice land in the same townshi|). 
His father purchased one hundred and thirty-fo\ir 
acres of the property at ten dollars per acre in 
1857. but it is now worth two hundred dollars 
per acre, owing to the excellent improvements 
which have l)een made thereon and the rise in 
land values occasioned by the settlement of the 
county. 

Phillip Reed Shugart, the father, was born in 



Bedford county, Pennsylvania, February 15, 1820, 
learned the mason's trade and followed it until 
he came to Illinois in 1852, when he located on a 
farm in Dover township and devoted the remain- 
der of his life to agricultural pursuits. He mar- 
ried Rebecca Cox, who was born May 25, 1825, 
at Hayesville, Ashland county, Ohio, where the 
marriage was celebrated April 22, 1847. Unto 
them were born two sons and five daughters. 

Reared on the old homestead farm, John J. 
Shugart began his education in the district schools 
of Dover township aiid completed his studies in 
tlie Princeton high school. After putting aside 
liis text-books he remained at home, working on 
the farm, and by honesty and faithfulness he has 
always succeeded in life. He still remains on the 
old home farm, of which he is now the owner, hav- 
ing purchased the place at seventy-five dollars per 
acre in 1899, while to-day it is worth about two 
hundred dollars per acre. It is well improved 
with good buildings, modern machinery and other 
equipments of the model farm and in his work 
he is both practical and progressive so that the 
best results are attained. 

Mr. Shugart votes with the republican party and 
takes an active interest in its work, while his fel- 
low townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability 
and his devotion to the general welfare, have elect- 
ed him to various public offices. He has served 
as school trustee for six years; collector one year 
and is now assessor, while for eight years he was 
school director, in which office he put forth ef- 
fective service on behalf of the public schools. His 
religious faith is indicated by his mendjership in 
the Congregational church. 

On the 1st of September, 1887, in Dover towm- 
ship, Mr. Shugart was united in marriage to Miss 
Cora B. Matson, who was born in that townsliip 
in 1866, a daughter of E. M. and Helen (West- 
brook) Matson, in whose family were five sons 
and three daughters, all born in Dover township. 
Mr. and ilrs. Shugart have three children: Ina 
May, Grace Margaret and Helen Rebecca. 

Mr. Shugart has provided a pleasant home for 
his family and in addition to keeping horses and 
carriages he is the owner of a fine automobile, in 
which he can make the run of three and a half 
miles to Princeton in eight minutes. He is a 
thoroughly up-to-date farmer in every respect and 
a most capalde business man. He has in his jios- 
scssion an old leather roll in which is kept old 
papers, including canceled notes given by his 
father for land a half century ago; also a contract 
for building a schoolhouse, bearing date May 31, 
1855, and signed by Philip Lafevrc, contractor, 
and D. A. Cusic and P. R. Shugart, of the school- 
board. Mr. Shugart also has an old stone ham- 
mer, two hundred and twenty-five years old, which 
belonged to liis grandfather and which is still in 
a good state of preservation. His entire life has 
been passed in this couiiiy and as a representative 



348 



PAST AND PRESENT OF lUHKAU COUNTY. 



of a pioneer family and by virtue of his own 
worth as a citizen, he well deserves mention in 
this volume. 



MATTHEW H. BLACKBURN, M. D. 

History and biography for the most part record 
the lives of those only who have attained military, 
political or literary distinction or who in any other 
career have passed through extraordinary vicissi- 
tudes of fortune. The unostentatious routine of 
private life, although in the aggregate more im- 
portant to the welfare of the eoinniunity, cannot, 
from its nature, figure in the pulilic annals, but 
there is in the story of a laborious and conscien- 
tious effort to achieve success something that can- 
not fail to awaken the admiration and may often 
serve as a source of encouragement to those who 
have regard for life in its practical relations and 
a desire to achieve the best results obtainable. 
There is perhaps no calling which demands more 
genuine self-saeriiiee on the part of the individual 
than the profession of medicine and surgery, and 
other concomitants of success are broad knowledge 
and ready adaptability. Lacking in none of these 
requisites, Dr. Blackburn has made for himself an 
enviable place in the ranks of the medical fra- 
ternity in Princeton, where a large and liberal 
patronage is proof of public trust. 

A native of Jacksonville, Dlinois, Dr. Black- 
burn was born on the 3d of March, 1861. His 
father, Edmund Blackburn, was a native of Eng- 
land, and in 18-13 came to Illinois with his fam- 
ily, settling in Jacksonville. He followed the oc- 
cupation of farming for many years, and he still 
makes his home in Jacksonville, where he is a 
widely known and a prominent citizen. His wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Sarah Chevens, was 
a native of Missouri, and died in the year 1876. 

Dr. Blackburn acquired his more specifically lit- 
erary education in Jacksonville College and train- 
ing school, and prepared for his chosen profession 
as a student in the medical department of the 
State University of Iowa, from which he was 
graduated in the class of 1889. He then practiced 
in Nebraska for a few years, and for two years 
was located in Ogden, Utah, where he had charge 
of the city hospital. He was also city physician, 
and in 189-1 he removed to Bureau county, his resi- 
dence in Princeton dating from 1901. He sought 
here a broader field of labor, and his skill and abil- 
ity have found acknowledgment in the large 
patronage which is now accorded him. While en- 
gaged in the general practice of medicine the Doc- 
tor has during the past few years devoted much 
the greater part of his time to surgery and surgical 
diseases. He has pursued several post-graduate 
courses in Chicago and has had considerable ex- 
perience in hospital work there. In 1905 he pur- 
chased a half interest in the Princeton hospital. 
and has since that time conducted that institution 



with marked success. Dr. Blackimrn has been a 
deep and earnest student, who reads broadly and 
thinks deeply. Moreover, he maintains a high 
standard of professional ethics, and, with a sense 
of conscientious obligation for the duties and re- 
sponsibilities which devolve upon him, he is con- 
tinually promoting his knowledge and efficiency 
through study, research and investigation, keeping 
in touch witli the most modern ideas advanced by 
the leaders of the medical profession throughout 
the entire country. He was one of the organizers 
of the Bureau County Independent Telephone 
Company, of which he was president for several 
years, and is still one of the directors. He was 
also one of the incorporators of the State Bank, 
of which he has been a director for several years. 

Dr. Blackburn was married in 1887 to Miss 
Anna M. Faulder, a daughter of David S. Faulder, 
of Nebraska. The}' have two children, Harry E. 
and May Lucile. Dr. Blackburn is a member of 
the Masonic lodge of Princeton and of Temple 
Commandery, K. T. He also belongs to the 
( 'hristian church, and his life has been permeated 
with liigh ideals and manly principles. 



ELISHA J. MOUNT. 

Elisha J. ]y[ount, who is following farming on 
section 29, Wyanet township, and is now living in 
the southern part of the village of Wyanet, is a 
native of Brown county, Ohio, born in the year 
1850. His parents were William K. and Lydia 
( Wright) Mount. The father, a native of Arm- 
strong county, Pennsylvania, was horn August 2, 
1821, and the year 1855 witnessed his arrival in 
Bureau county, Illinois, at which time he took up 
his abode in Wyanet township, where he lived for 
four or five years before buying land. He then 
purchased eighty acres at thirteen dollars per 
acre, and afterward paid fifty dollars per acre for 
a tract of one hundred acres. He improved the 
place, adding many modern equipments and con- 
\eniences and was actively engaged in general 
farming until 1875, when he retired from business 
and removed to Wyanet, where he has since made 
his home. He now makes his home with his son 
John W. Mount and has attained the very vener- 
able age of eighty-five years. His wife passed 
away in 1900, when eighty years of age. In his 
lioyliood days William Mount attended school 
with General Grant and was well acquainted with 
the Grant family. He is still very active for a 
Mian of his years and retains his mental faculties 
unimpaired. He is today one of the most vener- 
able and respected citizens of Wyanet. 

The educational privileges which Elisha J. 
Mount received were somewhat limited, but he 
made good use of his opportunities and through 
reading, experience and observation has largely 
added to his knowledge, becoming a well informed 
mail with good business ability. In 1S7(> he pur- 






./^:^^u/y^ X^O^^ 




PEINCETON HOSPITAL. 




PTJTVATE ROOM. 



PAST AXI) riiESEXT OF JU IJEAU COr.NTY. 



353 



chased tiie farm which ho still owns and upon 
which he resided continuously until 1903, wiieu 
he removed to Wvanet, where he has since made 
his home. He carried on general agricultural pur- 
suits and stock-raising, making a specialty of cat- 
tle and hogs, raising the latter on an extensive 
scale. His business interests were carefully con- 
ducted and his watchfulness of opportunity com- 
bined witli his unfaltering diligence constituted 
the basis of his advancement along financial lines. 

Mr. Jlount was married to Jliss Eva Hills, who 
was born in Berlin township, Bureau county, and 
is a daughter of Daniel Hills, who died of cholera 
in the early days of settlement here, having been 
one of the pioneer residents of this county. Mr. 
and Mrs. Mount have two daughters and a son : 
Mary, the wife of Charles J. Germain, who resides 
near Wvanet ; Maud, the wife of James Fletcher, 
living in Wvanet i and Clark, who married Pearl 
Stevens and lives upon the home place. 

Politically Mr. jMount is a democrat, and has 
served as commissioner of highways for twelve 
years. He has also acted as school director and is 
now a member of the town board of Wyanet, his 
official duties being discharged with credit to him- 
self and satisfaction to his constituents. He has 
been a member of the Masonic fraternitv since 
the age of twenty-one years and both he and his 
\i-ife affiliate with the order of the Eastern Star, 
while Mrs. Mount is also a member of the Con- 
gregational church. They are both highly es- 
teemed people, possessing sterling traits of char- 
acter which have been manifest throughout their 
entire lives and which have gained for them the 
confidence and good will of all with whom they 
are associated. The rest which has been vouch- 
safed to him is well deserved as it has come as the 
direct result of earnest and persistent labor in 
former years. He is now living in honorable re- 
tirement from business with a competence suffi- 
cient to su))ply him with the necessities and many 
of the luxuries of life. 



CHARLES W. KEEL. 

Among Bureau county's native sons who are 
winning success as representatives of agricultural 
life is numbered Charles AV. Keel, who was born 
near Arlington, September 22, 1864, and now re- 
sides in Berlin township. He is a son of Nathan 
J. and Angeline (Wells) Keel, the former born 
February 4, 1836, in Ohio and the latter in New 
Jersey in 1837. The mother died about fourteen 
years ago. In the family were four children, of 
whom Charles was the third in order of birth. 

Educated in the schools of iMalden, Charles W. 
Keel devoted his energies to farm work when not 
occupied with the duties of the schoolroom and 
has always follow-ed the occupation to wdiich he 
was reared. He is now operating one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, which is a well kept farm. 



He has not always carried on agricultural pur- 
suits but the well tilled fields and the crops which 
lie raises indicate his capability in this line of 
work. His attention is given to the cultivation 
of corn, oats and hay and he raises abundant 
crops, especially of corn. He also has fine Nor- 
man hor.ses upon his place as well as Durham and 
Hereford cattle, his stock being all of good grade. 

On the .5th of November, 1886, Mr. Keel was 
married to j\Iiss Edith Tompkins, one of the 
native daughters of Bureau county- She was born 
December 10, 1867, and died February 11. 1903, 
esteemed by all who knew her. She left two chil- 
dren, Grace and Guy, aged respectively seventeen 
and thirteen years. 

Mr. Keel belongs to Dauntless lodge, No. 1.50, 
K. P., and he votes with the republican party, be- 
lieving that its principles are most conducive to 
good government. He kee]5s w^ell informed on the 
questions and issues of the day, as every true 
American citizen should do, and is public spirited 
in his devotion to the general welfare. He is a 
self-made man, now located on a beautiful farm 
in which he is interested, and the success which 
he has already achieved in agricultural lines 
promises well for the future. 



JOHN ADAMS VAUGHN. 

John Adams Vaughn, conducting a successful 
business as a farmer and breeder of Percheron 
and Clyde horses, has a good tract of land of one 
hundred and twenty acres, constituting a desirable 
in rin in Bureau township. It was in this town- 
ship, on the 23d of October, 18.59, that his life 
record began, his parents being Thomas E. and 
Lydia ( Hollingshead) Vaughn, the former a na- 
tive of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio. Thev 
came to Bureau county in the early '30s and were 
among the pioneer settlers who aided in reclaim- 
inij the district for the uses of the white race. 
The father engaged in teaming before the railroad 
was built in this part of the county. He after- 
ward located on a farm on section 33, Bureau 
township, and turned his attention to agricultural 
]>ursuits, clearing and cultivating the fields until 
lie had his farm imder a high state of cultivation. 
He there made his home until his death, which 
occurred in December, 1898, and his widow still 
resides upon the old homestead place. Through 
his industry and diligence he contributed in sub- 
stantial measure to the early progress and growth 
of the county and may well be classed among its 
honored pioneer residents. 

John A. Vaughn, who in his early youth at- 
tended the district scliools, completed his educa- 
tion in the Wyanet school and was reared to the 
occtipation of farming, early becoming familiar 
with the duties and labors consetiuent upon the 
work of the fields and the care of the stock. Hav- 
ing arrived at years of maturity he determined to 



354 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



make the occupation to which he was reared liis 
life work and lias always been an industrious, dili- 
gent man, whose perseverance and labors have re- 
sulted in making him the owner of a valuable 
farm property comprising one hundred and twenty 
acres. It is valued at as high a price as almost 
any of the farms in the county. The fields are 
very productive and good crops are annually gar- 
nered. Mr. Vaughn keeps some stock of mixed 
blood, having good cattle and hogs upon his place, 
and he is also engaged in the breeding of horses, 
having two registered Percheron mares and one 
Clyde. He is thus making a start as a breeder 
and expects to give considerable of his time and 
attention to that department of agricultural life. 
In February, 1888, Mr. Vaughn was united in 
marriage to Miss Jennie Smith, who was born in 
Bureau township, March 26, 1860, a daughter of 
Nicholas and Julia (Frankenburger) Smith, the 
former of Kentucky and the latter of Ohio. Her 
parents were also pioneer residents of Bureau 
county, having cast in their lot with the first set- 
rlers here in the early '30s. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. 
Vaughn have been born two children, William 
Lewis and Lysle Smith Vaughn. The patents are 
members of the Wesleyan Methodist church and 
in his political views Mr. Vaughn is a prohibi- 
tionist with somewhat independent tendencies, 
voting as he thinks will best conserve the inter- 
ests of the community and the country at large. 
He is himself a stanch advocate and practitioner 
of temperance principles and is a man of genuine 
personal worth, straightforward and honorable in 
his relations with his fellowmen and recognizing 
the fact that character is more to be desired than 
wealth, fame or position. 



JOHN B. GOULD. 
John B. Gould was born in Neponset township, 
February 24, 1854. and was educated in the pub- 
lic schools. His parents were Al)raham and Han- 
nah (Bowen) Gould, extended mention of wliom 
is made on another page of this work in connec- 
tion with the sketch of W. H. Gould, a brotlier 
of our subject. John B. Gould spent his boyhood 
days uneventfully, nothing of special importance 
occurring to vary the routine of farm life for 
him in his youtli. At the age of twenty-six years 
he started in l>usincss for himself, choosing farm- 
ing as a lilV work. He located on a tract of land 
of one hundred and sixty aci'es on section 28, Ne- 
ponset township, and there he resided continuously 
until 1895, when he removed to section 11 of the 
same township, having purchased the old Steven- 
son place upon which he now resides. He is farm- 
ing two hundred and forty acres of land and he 
has five eighty-acre tracts rented out. The tields 
are richly tilled and return liim golden liarvests. 
Ho has also been l)reeding Poland China and 
Jersev red hogs for tiic past twenty years and 



Percheron horses for the last ten years. He like- 
wise breeds shorthorn Durham cattle and his stock- 
raising interests are an important source of reve- 
nue to him. He thoroughly understands the care 
of stock and gives his farm animals the best at- 
tention. 

On the 1st of February, 1881, Mr. Gould was 
united in marriage to Miss Hannah Stabler, who 
was born in Neponset township, November 28, 
1861, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Knee- 
shaw) Stabler. Her father, born in England, 
March 9. 1830, is now Iving in Neponset, while 
his wife's birth occured in that country, April 
12, 1831. They were married in England, and, 
crossing the Atlantic to America, became early 
residents of Neponset township, whore Mr. Stabler 
has been engaged in farming and stock-raising. 
He has prospered as the years have gone by and 
is now one of the extensive landowners of his 
communit}', having made judicious investments in 
real estate so that he now derives a handsome in- 
come from his property. He has also figured prom- 
inently in community affairs, serving as super- 
visor for two or three terms, while his political 
allegiance is given to the republican party. Mr. 
and Mrs. Stabler became the parents of seven 
children, and of the five now living Mrs. Gould is 
the youngest. The others are: William A., a resi- 
dent farmer of Neponset township ; Jane, the wife 
of Thomas Mocroft, who is living in Waverly, Ne- 
braska ; Charles, of Neponset township ; and Caro- 
line, the wife of William J. Otley, of Waverly, 
Nebraska. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Gould has been 
blessed with six children: Albert, who married 
Deliorah Scott; Bertha, the wife of John Gun- 
ning; Ethel E.. the wife of Ralph Scott; Carrie: 
Ellen; and Ada. The family are well known in 
this part of the state and Mr. and Mrs. Gould 
have a circle of friends almost co-oxtcnsive with the 
circle of their acquaintance. Mr. Gould exercises 
bis right of franchise in support of the men and 
measures of the repuljlican ]iarty and for seven 
or eight years has served as a member of the school 
board, but he does not seek political honors nor 
emoluments, preferring to give his undivided at- 
tention to his business affairs. The occujiation to 
which he was reared he has made his life work 
and ho is not only conversant with the best meth- 
ods of farming but also puts into practice those 
metbdds which lead to ]iracticMl and desirable re- 



PIIILIP WOLFEKSHLHGER. 
Philip Wolfcrsliergi'r, who has had charge of a 
sul)-postal station at Princeton since 1901, was 
born in Lebanun county, Penn.'jylvania, on the 
28th of March, 1S2G, and has therefore reached 
the eightieth milestone on life's journey. The 
principles which have guided his conduct have 
ninilc bini a man of upright character, wnrlhv of 




PHILIP WOLFKKSBEKGER 



PAST AND PKESK.NT OF P.rREAU COrXTV. 



357 



the esteem of his fellow citizens and as one of the 
respected residents of Bureau count}' we present 
the record of his life to our readers. His father, 
John Wolfersberger, was a native of Pennsylvania, 
as was the mother, who bore the maiden name of 
Elizabeth Carper. John Wolfersberger was a mer- 
ciiaut throughout his active business career and 
(lied in the year 18G.'5 at the age of seventy-three 
years, while his wife passed away in 1851. 

Philip Wolfersberger was educated in the 
schools of his native county and after jnitting 
aside his text-books acted as a clerk in his father's 
store for two years. On the e.xpiration of that 
period he learned and followed the carpenter's 
tradi', devoting his energies to building operations 
until after the inauguration of the Civil war, 
when his patriotic spirit was arpused by the at- 
tempt of the south to overthrow the Union. He 
had come to Illinois in 1854 and at the outbreak 
of hostilities between the two sections of the 
country he enlisted with the Fourth Illinois Cav- 
alry as a member of Company D. He joined the 
army as a private, but in two years was promoted 
to the rank of first lieutenant, and was commis- 
sary of the Third United States Colored Cavalrv 
for two years and six months. He was for six 
months in the freedmen's bureau and on being 
mustered out returned to Princeton with a cred- 
itable military record, having ever been faithful 
to each duty that devolved upon him in connec- 
tion with his service as a member of the Union 
army. He took part in thirteen battles and acted 
as orderly under General Grant when a member 
of the Fourth Illinois Cavalry. He w-as present 
at the engagements of Fort Donelson, Pittsi>urg 
Landing, Shiloh, Holly Springs, Jackson, Missis- 
sippi, and the siege of Vicksburg and thus took 
part in many of the most hotly contested engage- 
ments of the entire war. 

When the country no longer needed his service 
Mr. Wolfersberger returned to Illinois and estab- 
lished a planingmill, which he conducted for six 
years. He then sold out and resumed work at the 
carpenter's trade. For twelve years he had charge 
of a private postoffice in the north end of Prince- 
ton and when it was made a government office in 
1901 he was appointed postmaster and has since 
remained in that position, giving a public-spirited 
and prompt and faithful administration. 

In the year 1837 Mr. Wolfersberger was mar- 
ried to Miss Magdalen Miller, who died in 185G, 
and in 1857 he married her sister, Elizabeth Mil- 
ler. There are six children, three daughters hav- 
ing been born of the first marriage and three sons 
of the second marriage, all of whom are living 
with the exception of the eldest son, Frank. The 
others are Clara, the wife of John Holman, of 
Princeton ; Enmia, the wife of Ira J. Caw, of Ne- 
braska : William H., a resident of Denver, Colo- 
rado ; Charles, of Chicago; and Leah, the wife of 
George Walters, of Princeton. In 1902 Mr. Wolf- 
ersberger was called upon to mourn the loss of 



his second wife, who died in the month of .hine 
of that year. She was a most estimable lady and 
her death was deeply ileplored by many friends. 
Mr. Wolfersberger is a member of the Grand 
Army of the Republic and thus maintains pleas- 
ant relations with his old army comrades. His 
political allegiance is given to the republican party 
and he has served as alderman of the fourth ward. 
He has ever stood for progressive citizenship, be- 
ing as loyal to his country in days of peace as 
when he followed the old flag on southern battle- 
fields, and he regards a public otKee as a public 
trust, so that as postmaster of the sub-station of 
Princeton he is giving commendable and capable 
service. 



ELIJAH P08S. 



Elijah Poss, a capitalist, who has placed his 
money in the safest of all investments — real es- 
tate, — his landed possessions being now very ex- 
tensive, and who has also been connected for 
thirty years with the financial interests of the 
county as a director of the Farmers Bank of 
Princeton, was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, 
June 23, 1832. His father, James Eoss, was a 
native of Pennsylvania, but at an early age re- 
moved with his parents to Ohio, where he was 
reared, educated and married, and in the year 
1851 arrived in Bureau county, where he began 
farming, securing seven hundred acres of land. 
He married iliss ^fargaret Butt, who was born 
in Pennsylvania and was of German extraction. 
His death occurred in 1895, when he was in his 
eighty-eighth year, and his wife passed aw"ay in 
1888, when in her seventy-sixth year. 

Elijah Eoss, the eldest of a family of thirteen 
children, was educated in the public schools of 
Ohio and of Bureau county, Illinois, and when his 
text-books were put aside he turned his attention 
to the carpenter's trade, which he followed for 
ten years. As he accumulated money he bought 
land from time to time and at the end of a decade 
his real-estate interests compelled him to give up 
his building operations and concentrate his ener- 
gies upon the supervision of his farms- He began 
with one hundred and twenty acres of land, but 
his interests have grown through judicious invest- 
ment and the natural appreciation in land values, 
the record of his prosperity and success being un- 
broken as the years have gone by. He has given 
to each of his sons and his daughter a piece of 
land and the sons have also been successful in 
business. He has also sold several eighty-acre 
tracts to them and he still is owner of one thou- 
sand acres, which represents a large investment 
owing to the value of real estate in Illinois. He 
has been a director of the Farmers Bank for about 
thirty years and in addition to his farming lands 
he owns considerable other jiroperty in various 
])arts of the county. 



358 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



On the -i-id of Jiiiiu. 18-J7. Mr. Ross was united 
in nian-iage to Jliss Mary A. Miller, a daughter 
of David Miller, of Bureau county. They became 
the parents of two sons and two daughters, but 
the elder daughter is deceased. The younger, 
Laura, is now the wife of W. 0. Conover, who 
follows farming at Center Prairie. The elder 
son, D. E. Ross, is farming in Walnut township, 
and his brother, C. C. Ross, operates an adjoining 
farm. 

Mr- Ross of this review is a member of the Ma- 
sonic lodge at Princeton and of Temple cpmman- 
dery, K. T., and his religious faith is indicated 
by his connection with the Protestant Methodist 
church. Among the names of the prominent busi- 
ness men of Bureau county who have been closely 
identified with its interests and while assisting 
in its marvelous growth have founded for them- 
selves reputations more enduring than iron and 
stone, will stand that of Elijah Ross, who by force 
of his native ability and unfaltering perseverance 
has raised himself to a position of wealth and 
honor. His life history illustrates in a marked de- 
gree what may be accomplished by well directed 
efforts and a strict adherence to correct business 
principles. 



GEORGE B. HARRINGTON, A. M. 

George R. Plarrington, a member of the state 
board of education and trustee of the state normal 
school at Normal, Illinois, has contributed in 
large measure to the substantial advancement of 
the cause of public education in Illinois, and the 
schools of Bureau county are largely a monument 
to his zeal and efforts in this direction, for during 
nearly twenty years he served as county superin- 
tendent of its schools. The history of the family 
gives the record of a Scotch ancestry and the es- 
tablishment of the family in America during the 
cnldnial epoch in the history of the country. Rep- 
resentatives of the name liecame residents of Mas- 
sachusetts prior to the war of the Revolution, and 
Daniel Harrington removed from Williamstown. 
that state, to Williamstown, Vermont, prior to 
1794, in which year he purchased a farm that has 
since been in possession of the family and which 
was the birthplace of Daniel M. Harrington, father 
of Professor Harrington of this I'cview, and also 
of his entire family. The natal day of Daniel M. 
Harrington was December 12, 1799, and having 
arrived at years of maturity he was married in 
Williamstown, Vermont, to Miss Esther Allen, 
whose birth occurred in Brookfield, Vermont, in 
1800. Their remaining days were spent in Wil- 
liamstown, where Mr. Harrington followed the 
occupation of farming up to the tinu' of his death, 
which occurred in 1878. His wife had passed 
away in 187o. In their family were twelve chil- 
dren, of whom two are yet living, namelv: Asa, 
of Barre, A'ermont; and George B. 

On the old homestead in the Green Mountain 



state, whicii was the properly of his grandfather 
and the birthplace of his father, George B. Har- 
rington was horn January 31, 1844. His youth 
was not unlike that of other farm boys of the 
period and locality. lie displayed special aptitude 
in his studies and his preliminary school work was 
supplemented liy an academic course in liandolph, 
^'ermont, where he also pursued a normal course 
prior to entering actively upon his life work as a 
teacher. His salary for the first term of school 
was eleven dollars per month, and he continued to 
engage in teaching in his native state until Sep- 
•tember, 1807, when, attracted by the broader op- 
portunities of the growing west, he came to Bureau 
county. He soon gained a most favorable reputa- 
tion as a public school teacher, and in 18G9 was 
elected principal of the schools of Annawan, Henry 
county, where he remained for five years. He then 
accepted the priucipalship of the schools of Tis- 
kilwa. Bureau county, but was forced to resign on 
account of ill health two years later. The suc- 
ceeding year, 1877, witnessed his first election to 
the otfice of county superintendent of schools, in 
which capacity he served for five years. He 
systematized the work and utilized practical meth- 
ods in working toward high ideals. During that 
period he published a system for teaching civil 
government in the common schools, whicli was re- 
published by the New York Tribune and New 
York Independent, and also by various educational 
journals throughout the country, and which was 
favorably received wherever introduced. During 
this time he also published in book form "A Helper 
for the Teachers of Bureau County," which proved 
highly beneficial to the public schools, its sugges- 
tions being very generally adopted by teachers. 

After an intermission of four years he in 1SS6 
was again elected county superintendent of schools, 
re-elected in 1890 and again in 1894, his incum- 
bency in that office covering seventeen years, in 
which time he gained a reputation excelled by no 
county superintendent in the state. Personally 
deeply interested in the work, he brought to bear 
all of his native powers and acquired ability, and 
his special adaptation for the duties which de- 
volved upon him was shown in the excellent results 
which attended his ell'orts. In 1873 he passed an 
examination and was granted a certificate as a 
teacher from the state superintendent of public 
instruction. Lombard University at Galesburg, 
Illinois, conferred upon him a well merited honor 
in the bestowal of the degree of Master of Arts 
in 1890. He is a deep thinker, his reasoning is 
clear and logical and in his expression he is con- 
cise and apt. 

Mr. Harrington was married in Bureau county. 
July 27, 18C9, to Emma V. Carpenter, who was 
horn in Orange county, Vermont, a daughter of 
Marshall D. and Dorcas (Conner) Carpenter, also 
natives of that state, who settled in Bureau county 
in 18.52 and later removed to Humboldt county, 
Iowa. Mr. and Mrs. Harrington became the par- 




:m 



^, 




# 




PAST AND I'KESEXT OF lU'REAU COUNTY. 



361 



ents of three children, but lost their only son, L. 
A\ard, at the age of four years, and their younger 
daughter in" infancy. Their daughter Grace V. 
has been carefully educated in both music and 
painting. Jlrs. Harrington is a lady of broad 
literary attainments and has been an able assist- 
ant to her husband in his official duties as county 
superintendent of schools. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are members of the 
Congregational church of Princeton. Mr. Har- 
rington is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, 
in which he has attained the Knight Templar de- 
gree. The only official positions whicli he has ever 
filled or desired have been in the direct line of his 
profession. He has served for si.xteen years as a 
member of the state board of education, being first 
appointed by Governor Oglesby, and he was chosen 
president of the Xorthern Illinois Teachers' As- 
sociation in 1895. His political allegiance has al- 
ways been given to the republican party, but his 
political views have proven no bar to the growth 
of his circle of friends nor to the educational hon- 
ors which have been conferred upon him. 



PIERSON YOUNG. 

Among the farmers whose success in former 
vears entitles them to put aside the more arduoiis 
duties of the field at the present time is numbered 
Pier.son Y^oimg. who resides on section 29, Wyanet 
township, and who for a considerable period was 
closely associated with the development and im- 
provement of the farm lands of Burean county 
bait he is now leaving the more strenuous work of 
the field to others. His life record began in 
Muskingum county, Ohio, on the 3d of January, 
1838, his parents being William and Sarah (Ma- 
son) Y'^oung. The father came to Illinois in 1839 
and bought eighty acres of land from a Mr. White. 
He settled with his family in Wyanet township, 
where he shared in the usual hardships and pri- 
vations incident to a frontier existence. With 
characteristic energy he began reclaiming the land 
for the purposes of civilization and worked his 
farm diligently and persistently year after year 
until it became a valuable property. He resided 
thereon until his death, which occurred November 
19. 187fi, while his wife passed away August 17, 
1877- In their family were eight children, six 
sons and two daughters, of whom four sons are 
now living, namely : Pierson ; Henry, who is lo- 
cated near Sheffield, Illinois; David James, living 
at Fort Smith, Arkansas ; and Mascm, of Wyanet. 

Pierson Y'oung attended the common schooL^j 
but his educational privileges were somewhat 
meager as it was necessary for him to put aside 
his text-books and begin work wl'cn quite young. 
He turned his attention to farming on his own 
account in 18(54, when he purchased forty acres of 
land, whereon he has since resided, it being lo- 
cated (,n section 29. Wyanet township. He has 



since extended the boundaries of the farm, liow- 
ever from time to time until it now comprises 
two hundred and ten acres of fine land. He has 
erected every building upon the place and it is 
splendidly equipped with a comfortable, modern 
residence and sidjstanlial barn and outbuildings. 
The farm is now very well improved and the place 
is pleasantly located within two miles of Wyanet. 
U'he land is devoted to general farming and stock- 
raising, making a specialty of Hereford cattle and 
high grade hogs. He also has a fine apiary upon 
his place. His children now rent the fields, while 
he is living retired, the rental of his place being 
sufficient to supply him with all of the comforts 
and some of the luxuries of life. 

Mr. Y''oung was united in marriage to Miss Sarah 
Stinson, who was born in Pennslyvania and came 
west with her parents in 1857. She is the daugh- 
ter of William Stinson, who settled in Wyanet 
township but he and his wife are both now de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Young are the parents of 
three sons and two daughters : George A., who is 
lising near his father; Emma, the wife of Fred 
Kinneman, living with her father upon the home 
farm; Ella, at home; William, who married Ada 
Underwood and lives upon his father's place; and 
Edward Pay, also at home. 

Politically Mr. Y'oung is a staunch republican 
and has served on the school board and also as 
pathmaster. He has his children all with him 
and has a fine residence, which is a comfortable 
home, attractively and tastefully furnished. Here 
he is spending the evening of his life in the en- 
jovment of the fruits of his former toil, sur- 
rounded by friends and acquaintances who enter- 
tain for him a warm regard and who accord him 
prominence as one of the substantial agriculturists 
and leading citizens of the communitv. 



BARNEY' A. BLAZEY^ 

Barney A. Blazey, a highly respected and en- 
terprising farmer and stock-raiser living on sec- 
tion 10, Indiantown township, was born near 
Wheaton in Bates county, Illinois, November 22, 
]Sf;3. His father, Charles Blazey, was a native 
of Germany and became a resident of this state 
in 1859, when he settled at Wheaton. He after- 
ward removed to Iroquois county, locating near 
Watseka, where he spent his remaining days, his 
death occurring in 1903. He left a farm there 
which he had transformed from wild land into a 
valuable property. His widow survived until 
1904 and nine of their eleven chihlrcu are yet 
living. 

Barney A. Blazey was educated at WlicatdU and 
in Iroquois county and started mit in life on his 
own acount at the age of eightctm years, working 
by the month as a farm hand in lin(|uois county 
for some time, after whicli lie caiiii' to Bureau 
ciiunly and for about one year was in tli(> om]iloy 



■Mi-i 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



of Albert Adler iu the stock business. He after- 
ward spent four years as an employe of Samuel 
G. Soverhill. on the expiration of which period 
he began farming on his own account, operating 
rented land until 1S!IS. wlien his labors and econ- 
omy had brought him sutEcient capital to justify 
his purchase of a farm and he invested in two 
hundred and twenty-si.\ acres of finely located 
land near Tiskilwa. Every building upon the 
place has been erected by him and everything 
is in excellent shape. His home is pleasantly 
located within two miles of the village and in its 
modern equipments and accessories the farm is 
a model property. He keeps from twenty-iive to 
thirty head of cows, raises all calves and sends 
milk to the dairy. He has fed stock for fifteen 
years save for a brief interval of two years and 
he now has about one hundred head of hogs upon 
his place and also breeds some Norman horses. 
He is a practical, enterprising farmer, whose la- 
bors result in success because they are con,«ecu- 
tive and are guided by sound business judgment. 
'Mr. Blazey was married, Februray 14, 1893, to 
Jliss Mary Cramer, who was reared near Putnam, 
Illinois, and they have three children: Royal, 
Grace and Frank- They have also reared a boy. 
Will Cramer, who came to them when seven years 
of age and on the 27th of July, 1906, attained his 
majority. In his social relations Mr. Blazey is 
connected with Tiskilwa camp, No. 103, M. W. A., 
and he and his wife are members of the Catholic 
church. Dependent upon his own resources from 
an early age, his life record proves what may 
be accomplished when one has the will to dare 
:niil til do. 



DANIEL HAWKINS. DEAN. 

Daniel Hawkins Dean, one of the most promi- 
nent Masons of Princeton and widely known in 
the state as a rcpres(>ntative of the craft, was born 
on the 3d of January. 1834. in Kcene, Chester 
eotmty. New Hnm[)shire. He comes of English 
ancestry, the family having been founded in 
America at a very early period in the settlement 
of Taunton, Massachusetts, by William Dean. 
The noted Silas Dean, of Revolutionary fame, was 
also a member of the family. The great-grand- 
father of our subject nuirried a ^liss Hawkins, a 
daughter of Colonel Hawkins, who also aided the 
colonies in their struggle for independence. Taun- 
ton, ^fassai liiisetts, continued to be the home of 
the family for a long period and it was there that 
George Crossman Dean, father of our subject, was 
born and reared. He spent his entire life in the 
Bay state and in New Hampshire and carried 
on business as a merchant tailor. Having arrived 
at years of maturity he married Miss Dollv Ben- 
nett, a daughter of Thomas Bennett, of Massa- 
chusetts, and at his death, which occurred at the 
comparatively early age of thirty-five years, he 



left a widow and eiglit children, five sons and 
three daughters, of whom only four sons are yet 
living. The mother, who was a Unitarian in re- 
ligious belief, departed this life in July, 1856, at 
the age of fifty-nine years. 

Daniel Hawkins Dean, the youngest of the fam- 
ily, was but an infant at the time of his father's 
demise. His educational privileges were limited 
and at the age of eigliteen years he began learn- 
ing the printer's trade, which has been his life oc- 
cupation. The printing oflice has been aptly termed 
the poor man's college, and to Mr. Dean it has 
proved a training school in which he has gained 
wide knowledge as well as valuable business experi- 
ence. He has, moreover, because of his mental 
alertness, kept in touch through reading and ob- 
servation with the trend of modern thought and 
progress and is today a well informed man. In 
September, 1856. he came to Princeton and for 
two years thereafter was foreman of the job room 
of the Princeton Post, while from July, 1861, to 
September, 1863, he was sole business manager 
and editor of the Bureau County RepubJican. ex- 
cept editing the political department. From that 
time until October, 1870, he leased the job rooms 
of the Republican and conducted the business 
on his own account. He next carried on the busi- 
ness of job printing in the rooms over the Farm- 
ers' National Bank near the depot, but since Octo- 
ber, 1883. he has been ht his present location; 
from 1883 until 1903 he was interested in the 
Tribune job department with E. K. Mercer. In 
the line of his chosen occupation he has con- 
ducted a large and profitable business, having a 
well equipped job printing establishment, in which 
he is accorded a liberal patronage by reason of 
the excellence of his work and his reliability in 
all business transactions. 

While successfully carrying on his business in- 
terests. Mr. Dean at the same time has become 
recognized as one of the prominent representatives 
of ^Masonry in this part of the state, being one of 
the oldest and most highly respected members of 
the fraternity in Princeton. On the 9th of March, 
1858, he was made a Master Mason in Bureau 
lodge. No. 112, A. F. & A. M., and at once en- 
tered upon the active work of the order, serving as 
secretary from February of that year until the 
clo.se of 1861 and again in 1863. He was dimitted 
from Bureau lodge to assist in the organization of 
Princeton lodge, No. 587, of which ho became a 
charter jnember and one of its most efficient and 
useful workers. He has served in all of its offices 
save those of secretarv and treasurer and was mas- 
ter during the years 1893 and 1894. On the 23d 
of March, 1859, he attained the Royal Arch de- 
gree in Princeton chapter. No. 28, and the same 
vear was created a Select Afnson in Orion coimcil. 
No. 8, R. & S. M. In the chnplcr he has held most 
of the oflices and in 1895 and 1896 was excellent 
high priest, while in the council he was captain 




D. H. DEAN 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



365 



of the guard for ten years, master two years and 
recorder for seven years. He was admitted to the 
order of the Scottish rite in Princeton Valley 
consistory in 1867 and in August, 1903, took the 
degrees in the Templar commandery. He has 
taken all the degrees up to and including the 
thirty-second and throughout his connection with 
Masonry has exemplified in his life the beneficent 
spirit of the craft, which is based upon mutual 
helpfulness and brotherly kindness. Furthermore, 
he has mastered most of the work of the order in 
several of the bodies. He is also connected with 
the Knights and Ladies of Honor, to which his 
wife likewise belongs. 

It was in November, 1855, that Mr. Dean was 
married to Miss Mary Elizabeth Anderson, by 
whom he had five children, but only one reached 
years of maturity, Elizabeth, now the wife of 
George D. Foster, of Preston, Jackson county, 
Iowa, by whom she has two sons, one of whom has 
graduated from the Wisconsin University and is 
now occupying a responsible position on the fac- 
ulty of that institution. Mrs. Dean passed away 
in 1876 in her thirty-ninth year. Mr. Dean is 
now living with his second wife, who was Miss 
Elva Ann Masters, a native of Dover, Illinois. 
They became the parents of five children, of whom 
three are living: Winona Eliza, Dolly Isabelle 
and Henry Richard. Tlie family occupy one of 
the pleasant residences in Princeton and their 
home is the center of a leading social circle. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Dean hold membership in 
the Methodist Protestant church, in the work of 
which they take an active and helpful part and 
since the organization of the republican party Mr. 
Dean has been one of its stalwart champions. His 
position on matters political and otherwise is never 
an equivocal one. On the contrary he is a man 
of firm convictions, giving unfaltering support 
to whatever he believes to be right and his life 
at all times has been actuated by humanitarian 
principles that are manifest in business, fraternal 
and home relations. 



EUGENE E. OAKPORD. 
Eugene E. Oakford, who owns and operates a 
farm of eighty acres on section 22, Walnut town- 
ship, has for a half century made his home in this 
county. He was only about a year old when 
brought here by his parents, his birth having 
occurred in Bucks countv, Pennsylvania, April 
16, 1855. His father, Samuel M. Oakford, was 
a native of New Britain, that county, born June 
1, 1837, and his parents were Isaac and Elizabeth 
(Mason) Oakford, the former a native of Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania, and the latter of New 
Jersey. Cominf; to Bureau county in 185-1, tliev 
settled near Princeton at a place now called 
Heaton's Point- Isaac Oakford was a carpenter 



by trade but had followed farming in Pennsyl- 
vania for a number of years before coming to the 
west. He retired from active business life in 
this state and died in Bureau county in January, 
1873, his wife surviving until April, 1877. 

Samuel M. Oakford comi)lcted his education in 
the public schools of Pennsylvania and in 1856 
came to Illinois, following farming in this county 
until 1886, when he removed to the village of 
Walnut and accepted the appointment of postmas- 
ter there, serving during President Cleveland's 
first administration. He has since been engaged 
in the fire insurance business. In 1890 he was 
elected supervisor of Walnut township on the 
union ticket and after serving for a year was 
succeeded by a republican, Mr. Oakford being a 
democrat. Before leaving Pennsylvania he was 
married to Elizabeth Evans, who was born in that 
state, April 13, 1839, a daughter of Ezra and 
Elizal)etli (Swarts) Evans, who were likewise 
natives of Pennsylvania and always remained in 
the east, the former dying during the early child- 
hood of Mrs. Oakford and the later in 1860. The 
death of Mrs. Samuel Oakford occurred April 7, 
1903, while Mr. Oakford still resides in the village 
of Walnut, where he owns a comfortable home. 
He sold his farm to his sons. He was made a 
Mason in Princeton lodge in 1858 and has since 
transferred his membership to Walnut lodge, No. 
733, of which he is now the oldest member. For 
five years he served as its secretary- He is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist church of Walnut and is re- 
spected by all who know him. He has intimate 
knowledge of the early history of the county and 
well remembers the speech made by Abraham 
Lincoln at Princeton, July 4, 1856, and recalls 
his splendid personality and stirring words. The 
sons of the family are Eugene E.; B. P., cashier 
of the Citizens Bank of Walnut; and Howard 
M., proprietor of a grocery store of Walnut. 

Eugene E. Oakford was only a year and a half 
old when his parents removed to this county and 
after acquiring his education in the district 
schools he began farming on his own account. He 
has since engaged in the tilling of the soil and 
now owns eighty acres of land on section 32, 
Walnut township, divided into fields of convenient 
size which are well kept and bring forth good 
crops. He is now engaged in the breeding of 
Hereford cattle and Duroc Jersey hogs. 

On the 23d of December, 1875. Mr. Oakford 
was married to IMiss Augusta E. Bearss, who was 
born in the state of Ohio, April 3, 1855, a daugh- 
ter of Orson L. and Martha (Pickard) Bearss, 
natives of Connecticut and Ohio respectively. 
They came to Bureau county in 1856 and for 
many years the father engaged in farming. He 
died August 4, 1903, at the age of seventy-six 
years, while his wife is now living in the village 
of Ohio at the age of seventy-five- Mr. and Mrs. 
Oakford have three children: Edna Alma, twenty- 
three years of age, completed her education in the 



366 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUREAU COUNTY. 



Walnut high school and for the past six years has 
been teaching in the district schools of Walnut 
township near her father's home, while in 1905-() 
she was a teacher in the village schools. Harold 
Mason, aged thirteen, and Leon Bearss, eleven 
years of age, are still attending the district 
school. 

The cause of education has ever found in Mr. 
Oakford a stalwart friend and he has done effect- 
ive service in behalf of the schools during twenty- 
one years' incumbency as school director. He is a 
member of Walnut camp. No. 15, M. W. A., and 
belongs to the Baptist church, of which his wife 
and daughter are also members. During a residence 
of a half century in this county he has so lived 
as to gain a place among the most respected 
citizens of his township and he has, moreover, 
become o-«Tier of a good farm and attractive home 
as the result of his unabating diligence and busi- 
ness resourcefulness. 



STEPHEN G. PADDOCK. 
Stephen G. Paddock was born in Hudson, 
Columbia county. New York, April 22, 1828. His 
father, George Hussey Paddock, and motlier, 
Maria (Bolles) Paddock, were also born and 
reared in the same place. His grandfather was 
one of the founders of this town. His father 
died in Peoria, Hlinois, in 1S.52 and the mother 
in Princeton, Illinois, in 1863. Mr. Pa<ldoik 
first came to Princeton in 1846 and took his first 
meal in Bureau county on the corner where the 
Eoss restaurant is now located ;, Captain Warren 
kept the place. Mr. Paddock was educated in 
New York City, his fatber having moved there 
when ho was seven years of age. We sliould have 
said be went to school in New York City, instead 
of saying that he was educated there, for he has 
been a student during all of his long life and 
very few have stored away so much useful knowl- 
edge as S. G. Paddock and very few can use their 
Icnowledge as readily. In 1847 he returned to 
New York and remained there until 18.53. when 
he came west again, as he thought, for n few 
months, but it proved to be for tlie reiuaindcr (if 
his life. He first started in farmiiiL'. but in 18.")4 
he was elected sheriff of the county, and in 18.57 
he was elected county clerk and was re-elected in 
1861, serving until 1865. By this it will lie seen 
that Mr. Paddock was county clerk during the 
trying days of the Civil war and bis position 
brought him in close toucli with all the trials and 
experiences of tlio.se ])erilo\is times. He served for 
several years as a member of the board of su])er- 
visors and also was chairman of the same. 'Mr. 
Paddock wa.s assistant postmaster under DeGra.ss 
Salisbury. In 1877 he was again elected county 
clerk and served till 1800. He was elected as a 
member of the high school board in 186!) and 
served continuonslv until ISHO. lie timk :i livcl\- 



interest in all of the improvements of the town 
and county during the many years of his activity, 
lie was a charter member of Princeton lodge of 
Masons. Mr. Paddock was married November 6, 
1855, to Margarette Seaman, who was born and 
educated in Hudson, New York. Three children 
were born to Mr. and Mrs. Paddock: Seaman, 
Riiiiard Bolles. and ]»Iargaret. Seaman was a 
graduate of West Point and served in the army 
for some years and was severely woimded in the 
Wliite river tight with the Ute Indians in 1879. 
Richard Bolles was born in Princeton, December 
2, 1859, the day John Brown was hung. He 
graduated from the Princeton High School in the 
class of 1876. In 1877 he went into the county 
clerk's office to assist his father ami remained 
tliere until in 1883, when he successfully passed 
the rigid examination which is given a civilian 
l)efore they can receive a commission in the reg- 
ular army and was assigned to the Thirteenth 
Infantry as second lieutenant. He sjtent two 
years in New Mexico at the Mascalero Indian 
agency, having been transferred to the Sixth 
Cavalry. Later he spent some time in the Cav- 
alry and Infantry School of Application at Fort 
Leavenworth. In 1890 he was in the Sioux cam- 
paign. In 1891 he was appointed first lieutenant. 
From that time on till the breaking out of the 
Spanish war he was doing ordinary military duty 
at dilTerent jtosts. 

In 1898 ho went with his command to Cuba 
and was engaged in the decisive battle of Santi- 
ago. In 1899 he was promoted to captain. In 
1900 he was ordered to the Orient and took part 
in the Boxer campaign. He was at Peking and 
rendered valuable service, where he was stricken 
with fever and died on ^larch 9, 1901. His rc- 
nuiins were brought to Princeton for interment. 
So went out one of the brightest and most genial 
lives that Princeton has ever known. 

^Ir. and Mrs. Paddock are spending their de- 
clining years quietly and cheerily with their 
daughter. Mrs. Dr. McKoe. 



M. I), n. C.VRPENTER. 

Marshall I). D. Cariicnter was born in Ran- 
dolph, N'ermont, December (i, 1821. He was the 
son of Marshall D. and Lucy Martin Carpenter 
and great-grandson of Jonathan Carpenter, who 
was taken prisoner in the Revolutionary war and 
laid in Enfrlish prisons seventeen mnutbs and three 
days. 

Jonathan Carpenter ke])t a diary during his 
ju'ison life, which has been largely fjuoted from to 
furnish data for historical works. 

Marshall D. D. Carpenter was married to Dorcas 
Conner in Williamstown. Vermont. June 11, 1843. 
Dorcas Conner Carpenter was liorn in Burlington. 
Vermont. June 11, 1825, and was the daughter of 
(iideon and Betsev Townsend Conner. Mr. and 



PAST AXD rilESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



3G7 



Mrs. Carpenter lived in Vermont until Oetobcr, 
18.53, when thov came to Bureau county. The 
journey was made by rail, by boat and b}- stage, 
'i'liey reached Chicago Noyember 3, and the day 
loUowing was the national election which placed 
Franklin Pierce in the presidential chair. At 
Chicago they took a boat on the Hemiepin canal, 
came to Peru, and from there to Princeton by 
wagon. At Princeton they stayed through the 
winter, and in the spring located on a farm in 
Manlius, where they remained until 1883, when 
they took one nu)re step westward and moyed to 
Iowa. 

Mr. Carpenter was first supervisor of Manlius 
township, and held all of the township offices, even 
to the justice of the peace. A little incident here 
will show the crudities of those early days. On one 
Sunday morning there was brought to the office 
of Mr. Carpenter a man, by name of Marshall 
Fisk, for an alleged crime. It was necessary to 
hold the prisoner until Monday for trial, with no 
more secure place than a small bedroom opening 
out of the sitting room, with one window, over 
which grew the queen of the prairie rose bush, so 
thick tluit it seemed quite impossible for any one 
to penetrate it, liut about 4 o'clock in the morn- 
ing, at a moment when the two sturdy constables 
who had been detailed to guard the prisoner lost 
themselves in sleep, Mr. Fisk leaped through the 
window, smashing window panes, tearing through 
the rose bush, cutting and piercing his flesh in a 
horrible manner, but it was a rush for his liberty 
and he heeded not his bleeding wounds, but ran, 
barefooted, with only his underclothing to protect 
him. imtil he reached Bureau timber, and there 
he hid himself until nightfall, when he secured 
some clothes from a farmer and proceeded to his 
father's house, near Princeton. However, the 
watch was on his trail, and he was again caught 
and returned to M. D. D. Carpenter, liad his pre- 
liminary trial and was bound over, the constable 
taking liim in charge to deliver at Princeton. But 
woe to the man who putteth the glass to his own 
lips. At Wyanet, it is said, he got some courage 
and started for Princeton, but alas ! when they 
reached East Bureau Mr. Constable was knocked 
out of his buggy, robbed of his keys and tied to a 
ti'ce. Then the prisoner took horse and buggy 
and made his escape, afterward writing to the 
constalile. tolling him where he could find his 
|ii-opei'ty. About a year after this Mr. Fisk was 
located, brought to trial and sentenced to state's 
l)rison, but again he evaded his guard, this time 
by taking poison and ending his worse than worth- 
less life. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Carpenter were born six chil- 
dren, five girls and one lioy, all of whom are living 
except the third daughter, Bessie M., wife of J. 
W. Boyd. The eldest, Lucy E. (Mrs. J. G.) 
Briggs. is living in Versailles, Mo. ; Frank E. is 
located at Perry, Oklahoma; Emma V. (Mrs. 
G. B.) Harrington in Princeton, Illinois; May 



M. (Mrs. E. A.) Heath in Henry county, ten 
miles north of Kewanee, Illinois, and Ida M. 
(Mrs. J. \V.) Boyd lives in Kansas City, Missouri. 
Mrs. Carpenter died at the home of her son, 
in Livermore, Iowa, in February, 1901. Mr. Car- 
penter is still living, at the ripe age of eighty-five 
years, in good mental and physical vigor. 



CAPTAIN EDWIN MALANEY. 

Captain Edwin Malaney, who owns an oper- 
ates a valuable farm of one hundred and eighty 
acres of well improved land on section 2, Ne- 
ponset township, is a veteran of the Civil war, and 
in days of peace as well as strife has manifested 
his loyalty to his country by the active co-opera- 
tion he has given to many movements for the gen- 
eral good. He was born in Trenton, Oneida 
county, New York, October 3, 1836, his par- 
ents being James and Mary (Kernin) Malaney. 
The father was a native of Ireland, and, having 
crossed the Atlantic to the new world, followed 
the occupation of farming in Oneida county, New 
York. His death occurred in that state when he 
had reached the advanced age of seventy-eight 
years. His wife, who was born in Scotland and 
whom he married in New York, passed away in 
the Empire state in 1840. His political support 
was given to the democracy. 

Captain Malaney whose name introduces this 
record, went to live with Ephraim Stoorse in 
Trenton, New York, at the time of his mother's 
death, being then but four years of age. He re- 
mained upon the farm with Mr. Stoorse until six- 
teen years of age, when he began work as a 
farm hand in the locality, his time being thus 
passed until 18.56. As opportunity offered he 
attended the district schools through the winter 
mouths and later he became a student in the 
Fairfield Seminary of New York, earning the 
money with which to pay his tuition. He 
entered the school which was then under the 
superintendency of J. B. Van Patten, an uncle of 
the lady whom he afterward married. Eealizing 
the value of education as a preparation for life's 
practical duties he eargerly availed himself of the 
opportunity to promote his knowledge and after 
his academic work he engaged in teaching school 
in the winter of 1858-9 at Trivoli. Peoria county. 
Illinois. In the spring of the latter year he re- 
turned to the Empire state and again spent a year 
in the seminary at Fairfield. In the spring of 
1861 he entered Union College, at Schenectady, 
New York, successfully passing the examination 
which secured his admission to the institution. 
His collegiate work, however, was interrupted by 
his service in the Civil war. Responding to his 
country's call he enlisted on the 21st of Septem- 
ber, 1861, as a member of Company C, Eighty- 
first New York Volunteer Infantry. He was at 
Fortress Monroe and Yorktow-n and participated 



3(>8 



PAST AND PRESI-:XT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



ill tlR' battlu of Fair (Jaks ami the seven days 
battle in Chickalioniiny Swamps. He was wound- 
ed at Malvern Hill and was mustered out at North- 
west Landing with the rank of sergeant, but not 
wishing to leave the army he went before an 
examining board of which General Casey was 
president, and was ordered back to his regiment. 
He was then mustered out for promotion, and 
on the 15th of February, 1864, he received his 
commission as captain in the Thirtieth Regiment 
of United States Colored Troops, being assigned 
to the command of Company I by order of Presi- 
dent Lincoln to serve during the pleasure of the 
chief executive. He was thus mustered in March 
9, 1864, at Baltimore, Maryland, under Colonel 
S. M. Bowman and wa.'; mustered out December 
20, 1865, at Eoanoke Island, North Carolina. He 
took part in the battle of the Wilderness, North 
Anna and the "battle of the Crater" in front of 
Pittsburg. Pie participated in the siege in the 
summer of 1864 and afterward proceeded to Fort 
Fisher, Wilmington and Goldsboro — names that 
are familiar to all students of the history of the 
Civil war as places where important engagments 
occurred. He afterward proceeded to Raleigh 
in pursuit of Johnston and was discharged at 
Roanoke Island, where he was mustered out at 
the close of a Ion?, arduous and valorous mili- 
tary experience. 

Captain ^lalaney at once returned to Fairfield, 
HerkJTner county. New York, and in the fall of 
1868 came to Illinois, since which time he has 
made his home in Bureau county. He purchased 
one hundred and forty acres of land on section 
2, Neponset township, and subsequently bought 
more land until at the present time he owns one 
hundred and eighty acres, constituting a well 
improved farm. He has erected here a fine resi- 
dence, which was built in 1885, and all of the 
accessories and conveniences of a model farm are 
found upon his place. He carries on general 
agricultural pursuits and stock-raising. 

On the 1st of October, 1868, Captain :Malaney 
was married to Miss Lydia if. Stevenson, who 
was born at Hannibal, New York, February 26, 
1846. Her parents were William and Ellen E. 
(Van Patten) Stevenson. The father was born 
at Hannibal, New York, July 28, 1817, and the 
mother on the loth of October, 1815. A farmer 
by occupation, he followed that pursuit in the 
east until 1864, when he came to Illinois, set- 
tling in Nepon.set. In 1881 he was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his first wife, who died on the 
18th of .\pril of that year, since which time Mr. 
Stevenson has married again. 

In bis political views Captain Malancy is a 
stalwart re])ublican, standing stanchly by the 
party which upheld the Union in the Civil war 
and which has ever been the champion of progress, 
reform and improv(>ment. He is a prominent 
member of the Grand .\rmy post and takes great 
delight in meeting with his comrades of the Civil 



war, in relating events which occurred upon the 
tented fields, and in renewing the acquaintances 
of those with whom he followed the old Hag in 
years gone by. He attended two national encamp- 
ments at Boston, also the encampments at Phila- 
delphia, Washington, Denver and Minneapolis. 
His membership is in W. A. Bryan post. No. 284, 
G. A. R., at Neponset, and he also belongs to Ne- 
ponset lodge. No. 803, A. P. & A. M. He holds 
membership in the Congregational church and 
he is a warm friend of the cause of education, 
doing effective service in behalf of the public 
schools during eight years' connection with the 
board of school trustees. He is at pre.sent one 
of the township school trustees and has also been 
road commissioner, and the duties which devolve 
upon him in these connections have been faith- 
fully, promptly and capably performed. National 
progress and local advancement are causes both 
dear to his heart and throughout the years of his 
manhood he has stood loyally in support of all 
interests which tend to promote the welfare of 
his locality and his country. He well deserves 
mention as a representative citizen of Bureau 
county and as one who fought for the stars and 
stripes in the darkest hour of the nation's his- 
tory for four years and three months. 



MRS. ELIZABETH McMANIS. 

Mrs. Elizabeth McManis, living in La Moille 
township, was born in Bureau county, July 15, 
1846. Her parents, James and Bridget Hedge, 
were natives of Ireland, in which country they 
were reared and married. On leaving the Em- 
erald isle they crossed the Atlantic to America 
in 1835 and became residents of Bureau county 
in 1844. Two of their children are now living. 

ilrs. McManis, the elder, has spent her entire 
life in Bureau county, her girlhood days being 
passed in her parents' home, while in the public 
schools of the neighborhood she acquired her 
education. In early womanhood she gave her 
hand in marriage to Hugh ilcManis, who was 
born in the town of Kentville. Canada. February 
20, 1845. His parents were John and Catherine 
ilcManis. also natives of Ireland. His father 
died in Canada and the mother came to Illinois in 
1850, afterward taking up her abode in Bureau 
county. 

.\t the time of the Civil war Hugh McManis 
res]i(mde(l to the country's call for troops and 
spent four years in active service as a defender 
of the Union cause, becoming a member of Com- 
I)any B, Fifty-second Illinois Infantry. He was 
a faithful soldier, always found at his post of 
duty, although it led him into the thickest of the 
fight or stationed him on the lonely picket line. 
He continued with his command until the close 
of the war, when he received an honoralde dis- 
charge. Returning to Bureau county, he resumed 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUHEAU COrXTY. 



371 



farming, which ho made his life work, and his 
energy and diligence proved capable factors in 
winning success. He continued an active and 
reliable business man of La Moiile township until 
his death, which occurred May 9, 1906, and was 
deeply regretted by all who knew him. 

In "the family of Mr. and ^Irs. Mcilauis were 
ten children: Mary, Margaret, John, Nellie, 
Frank, James, Elizabeth, Lucille, Leo and Cath- 
erine. All are still living with the exception of 
the son Leo. Two of the family are now mar- 
ried but the others are all yet at home. 

Mrs. McManus is the owner of a valuable farm- 
ing property of one hundred and twenty acres 
which she personally manages. In the fields are 
raised good crops of corn, oats and hay and some 
stock is also raised upon the farm. Everything 
about the place is kept in excellent condition, 
an air of neatness and thrift pervading the farm, 
which is now a well developed property, the fields 
yielding good returns in abundant harvests. 

Mrs. McManis and her family are all communi- 
cants of the Roman Catholic church and the sons 
follow in the political footsteps of their father, giv- 
ing stahvart support to the republican party. The 
long residence of the family in La Moiile town- 
ship indicates their worth and wherever they are 
known they are held in high esteem, the different 
members of the household occupying an enviable 
position in the social circles in which they move. 



GEORGE CULVER WILSON. 

In no profession or line of business does ad- 
vancement depend more largely upon individual 
merit and ea])ability than in the practice ot law 
and that George Culver Wilson has won a repu- 
tation which many an older man might well envy 
is due to the fact that he has obtained a thorough 
mastery of many of the principles of jurispru- 
dence. One of Bureau county's native sons, he was 
born in Sheffield, September 12, 1878, his par- 
ents being William and Lydia I. (Culver) Wilson 
the former a native of Kentucky and the latter of 
New York. In the year 1854 the father came to 
Illinois, settling in Putnam county, where he was 
engaged in mercantile pursuits for many years. 
He is now county clerk of Bureau county, which 
position he has filled continuously since 1891:, 
a fact which is indicative of hi.s faithfulness and 
capability, as his incumbency in the office now 
covers twelve vears. 

George Culver Wilson is indebted to the ]iublic- 
school system of Sheffield for the early educational 
privileges he enjoyed and his more advanced 
course was ]Hirsued in the University of Michi- 
gan, from which he was graduated on the com- 
pletion of the law course in the class of 1899. 
Ho was then admitted to practice before the 
'Michigan supreme court on the '26th of June. 
1899, and, returning to Princeton, was licensed 



as a legal practitioner at the bar of Illinois on 
the 18th of April, 1900. He commenced practice 
here at that time and has since devoted his at- 
tention to his profession. He does not seek nor 
desire political office but prefers to concentrate 
his energies upon the law and the building up of 
a good clientage, in which he has already been 
quite successful. 

On the 14th of October, 1902, Mr. Wilson was 
married to Miss Bernice R. Whitney, a daughter 
of Joseph B. Whitney, of Brooklyn, Michigan, 
and the young couple are well known in leading 
social circles of Princeton. He is a popular 
young man of wide and warm friendship and his 
friends predict for him a successful future in his 
chosen profession of the law. 



HENRY SARGENT HOWARD. 

Henry Sargent Howard is now living retired in 
Sheffield, giving his supervision to his invested 
interests. His parents, Bela Monroe and Orrel 
F. (Comings) Howard, came to this county at 
an early day. The mother was a representative 
of an old Vermont family. The ancestry in the 
paternal line can be traced back to John Howard, 
an Englishman, who came to America and settled 
in Duxbury, Massachusetts, in 1643. He took 
the oath of fidelity in 1657 and became one of 
the first military officers of his town. He figured 
prominently in the public life of that early day, 
was made ensign in 1664 and promoted to the 
rank of lieutenant in 1689. He was chosen a 
selectman of Bridgewater, Massachusetts, in 1678 
and was deputy to the general court from 1678 
until 1683. He remained a prominent resident 
of the Massachusetts colonv until his death in 
1700. 

Bela il. Howard removed from Milton, Massa- 
chusetts, to Buda, Illinois, in 1855. He was 
born September 17, 1818, and spent the period 
of his youth and early manhood in New England. 
He was a merchant and contractor in the east 
and following his removal to the middle west 
engaged in farming for a short time. Subse- 
quently he took up his abode in Sheffield, where 
he turned his attention to general merchandising, 
while later he resumed the management of the 
Sheffield House, which he successfully conducted. 
He afterward, however, again took up farm work, 
having purchased one hundred and sixty acres of 
land, which he converted into a valuable prop- 
erty. He formed a partnership wifli his son, 
Henry S., in a mercantile enter|)rise in 1868 un- 
der the firm style of B. M. Howard & Son and this 
relation was maintained until 1879, when they 
sold out. The father then practically retired 
from the life of business activity, only giving at- 
tention to his farming interests, for in the moan- 
time he had made extensive and judicious iiivost- 
nients in land and had a farm of live hundred and 



372 



PAST AXD PRESEM' UF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



sixty acres, the income therefrom bringing to him 
the comforts and man}- of the luxuries of life. He 
prospered during his residence iu the middle 
west, steadily working his way upward to the 
plane of afiluence, and his business record was 
such as would bear close investigation and scrut- 
iny. He died June 23, 1892, and his wife, sur- 
viving him for about five years, passed away 
August 5, 1897. 

Henry Sargent Howard was born in Springfield, 
MassacluLsetts, on the 6th of May, 1849, and was 
therefore a little lad of six summers when he 
accompanied his parents on their removal to Illi- 
nois. His education was acquired in the Sheffield 
schools and after completing his studies he joined 
his father in merchandising, as before stated, con- 
tinuing in tliat line of trade from 1868 until 
1879, during which time they secured a liberal 
patronage. After selling out the son devoted his 
attention to looking after farming interests and 
buying and dealing in stock, making his home in 
Sheffield since that time. 

On the 23d of November, 1877, Mr. Howard 
was married to !Miss Alice Carrie Lawton, a daugh- 
ter of Watson F. Lawton, who was a prominent 
man of this county, of whom mention is made 
on another page of this volume. They have be- 
come the parents of a son and daughter. Wal- 
lace Lawton Howard, born December 15, 1879, 
was educated in Champaign, Illinois, and is now 
engaged in the lumber business in Glendora, Cali- 
fornia. Orrel Comings Howard, born October 
23, 1884, attended Knox College at Galesburg, 
Illinois, and the Northwestern University at Ev- 
anston, Illinois, and is now at home. 

Mr. Howard is a member Ames lodge, No. 142, 
A. F. & A. M., of Sheffield, Princeton chapter, 
No. 28, R. A. M., and Princeton commandery. 
No. 20, K. T., and is deeply interested in the 
craft, its principles and its purposes. He is a 
trustee of the Unitarian church of Sheffield, 
and is one in whom learning and culture have vied 
in nuiking an interesting and entertaining gentle- 
man. His social qualities render him popular, 
wliile his business interests and investments make 
him a representative resident of Slieffield. 



COLLIN N. BOOTH. 
Collin N. Booth, who resides upon his farm near 
Providence in Indiantown township, was born in 
England, October 11, 1841, his parents being 
Joseph and Hannali (Cooper) Booth. The pa- 
rents were born, reared and married in England 
and in 1842 the father came to .Vmerica, where 
he was joined by the family the following year, 
after he had prepared a home for them. They 
came by way of New Orleans, where they landed 
in December, 1844, being there met by the hus- 
band and father who brought them to Bureau 
county. He had located in Providence, having 



purchased land for which he paid from two to 
Kve dollars per acre. This he cleared, cultivated 
and improved, making it an excellent farm. He 
built his home in Providence, where he resided 
throughout his remaining days. At one time he 
owned two hundred and thirty acres of land near 
that village. He had nine children, of whom seven 
are living. The father died May 6, 1883, his 
wife surviving until 1893. 

Collin N. Booth attended school in Providence, 
although his educational privileges were some- 
what limited. His training in the work of the 
fields, however, was not meager, and he has always 
followed farming, purchasing his first land, where 
he now lives, in the fall of 1874. The following 
spring he moved onto this place and has resided 
here continuously since. He has eighty acres in 
this farm and before purchasing this property he 
was the owner of a home in Providence. The farm 
is a well developed property, supplied with sub- 
stantial buildings, improved with fine trees and 
c(iui|ipcd with all the modern accessories and con- 
veniences of a model farm of the twentieth cen- 
tury. When Mr. Booth resided in Providence it 
contained three stores, three wheelwright and 
three blacksmith shops and was a flourishing vil- 
lage, and in 1874 there were one hundred and 
sixty pupils enrolled in its schools. 

On the 15th of December, 1868, Mr. Booth was 
married to Mrs. Henrietta (Tyler) Rhodes, the 
marriage ceremony being performed by Judge Star 
Smith, December 15, 1868. Mrs. Booth is a 
daughter of George G. Tyler, a native of Connecti- 
cut, in which state she was also born. The family 
is an old one of New England, having been estab- 
lished in America prior to the Revolutionary war. 
Her father was born in Connecticut in 1817 and 
her mother in 1818. He came to Bureau county 
in 18.")."). settling in Milo township, where he pur- 
chased eighty acres of land which he improved, 
making his home thereon throughout the remain- 
der of his days. He died May 11, 1890, and his 
wife's death occurred April i8, 1897. In their 
family were three children, of whom two arc liv- 
ing: Mrs. Booth and Mrs. Julia .\nn Booth, of 
Oberlin. Ohio. Henrietta Tyler was first married 
to Albert E. Rhodes and they had one son, Wil- 
liam .\lbert Rhode.*, who was born May 9, 1863, 
and married Julia Rhodes. They live in Milo 
townsliip and have three children, one son and 
two daughters. On the 30th of March, 1864, 
wliile serving as a member of Company H, Fiftv- 
scventh Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, .\lbert E. 
Rluidcs died and his widow afterward became the 
wife of Collin N. Booth. They have one son, 
Milton Tyler Booth, who was born October 27, 
1869, married Hulda Nelson and now resides in 
.Vtkiuson, Illinois, where he is now engaged in 
the hardware business. They have four children, 
all living. Mrs. Booth owns eighty acres of land 
in ^filo township. 







- A- 

m v.; 


%2 1 








^^^^S^'HSnt^^^B^^B 



MR. AND MRS. C. N. BOOTH 



PAST AND I'l.'KSKNT OF BriJEAU COrNTV. 



375 



Politically a republican, Mr. Booth is one of 
the active men in the party and for nearly twenty 
years served as road commissioner, while for nearly 
fifteen years he was a school director. His long 
continuance in these oHices indicates how well and 
faithfully his duties were discharged. lie is a 
member of tlie Congregational church of Provi- 
dence, of which he was trustee for twelve years, 
and his wife is a member of the Episcopal church. 
Laboring for the good of the community as well 
as for individual interests, he has ever shown him- 
self worthy of the regard which is uniformly given 
him bv all who know him. 



STEVEN S. RUSSELL. 

Steven S. Russell owns a valuable farm of two 
hundred and si.xty acres of rich and productive 
land in Neponset township, in the midst of which 
stands a fine country residence and substantial 
outbuildings. The farm is thoroughly equipped 
with all modern accessories and conveniences and 
the latest improved machinery facilitates the work 
of the fields. Mr. Russell is progressive in all 
his business interests and is meeting with well 
merited success. He displays the enterprising 
spirit so typical of the middle west. His farm re- 
mains as the visible evidence of his life of energy 
and thrift, but he is now practically living retired, 
making his home in Neponset, while his son car- 
ries on the work of the farm. 

His birth occurred in Plymouth, Marshall coun- 
ty, Indiana, April 28, 1850, and in his boyhood 
days he was brought to Bureau county by his par- 
ents, James and TTarriet (Pittenger) Rus.=ell. 
The father, a native of Ohio, was born in 1806, 
while the mother's birth occurred in Pennsylvania 
in 1812. They removed from Indiana to Illinois 
in 1856, settling in Neponset township, where 
Mr. Russell purchased a farm and spent liis re- 
maining days in the tilling of the soil and the rais- 
ing of stock. He served as .school director for 
twenty years or more and the cause of education 
found in him a warm and helpful friend. He 
was also a devoted and faithful member of the 
Methodist Episcopal church and died in that 
faith in 1862. His wife, long surviving him, 
passing away in 1886. In their family were ten 
children, five sons and five dauffhters but only 
three are now living: Elnathan C, of Neponset; 
Steven S., of this review; and Sarah A., the wife 
of Riley Van Vector, of ^Marshall coiinty, In- 
diana. 

Steven S. Russell was a little lad of six summers 
when brought to Illinois by his parents, his youth 
being passed in Bureau county, where in the dis- 
trict schools he acquired his education. During 
the periods of vaeat'on he worked upon the liome 
farm, early becoming familiar with the labors of 
field and meadow. At the age of twentv-two 
years he started out in life on his own account, 



farming one hundred and si.xty acres of land. He 
has since given his attention to agricultural pur- 
suits and is now numbered among the representa- 
tive farmers of the community although at the 
present time he is practically living retired. He 
built a fine home upon his farm and added to his 
land until he now has two hundred and sixty acres, 
constituting a valuable and well improved prop- 
erty. He has always raised a good grade of stock 
and has kept everything about his place in ex- 
cellent condition. In March, 1905, he purchased 
a home in Neponset, where he has taken up his 
abode and is now practically living retired, while 
his son performs the active woork of the farm. 

On the 3d of January, 1876, Mr. Russell was 
united in marriage to Miss Eliza E. Gould, the 
weilding being celebrated in Neponset, her native 
village. She was born July 8, 1856, and is a 
sister of W. H. Gould, who is represented on 
another page of this work in which connection ex- 
tensive mention is made of her parents. Mr. and 
Mrs. Russell have but one child. Ward, who was 
born September 30, 1879. He was married No- 
vember 1, 1904, to Miss Amy A. Webb, a native 
of Buda, and a daughter of F. D. Webb. Mr. and 
Mrs. Ward Russell have one child, Helen Webb 
Russell, born Septemebr 12, 1905. 

For a half century Steven S. Russell has been 
a resident of Bureau county and has watched with 
interest the progress of events that have trans- 
formed this from a frontier district into one 
of the leading counties of this great common- 
wealth. He has done his full share in the work 
of public progress, being especially active along 
the line of agricultural development and while 
promoting his individual interests he has also 
advanced the general good. He holds member- 
ship in the Methodist Episcopal church and is 
accounted one of the worthy and highly esteemed 
residents of this section of the state. 



MARIAN MATSON. 

From an early period in the development of 
Bureau county the name of Matson has been a 
familiar one here and has always stood for good 
citizenship and for progress in material, intel- 
lectual and moral lines. Marian ^latson of this 
review was bom August 30, 1861, in Dover town- 
ship, where he still makes his home, his parents 
being E. M. and Helen (Westbrook) Matson, who 
on coming to this county in pioneer times set- 
tled on section 8, Dover township, where they 
remained until called from this life. Tlieir son 
^larian at the usual age entered the public 
schools and thus pursued his studies until his 
services were needed on the home farm, whereon 
he worked continuously and efTectivoly until 
twenty years of age. His father then gave him 
a team of horses and wagon and he started out in 
life for himself. He has always carried on general 



376 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUREAU COUNTY. 



agricultural pursuits and is the owner of one 
hundred and sixty acres of tine land, which he 
purchased with the capital secured as the accumu- 
lations of his industry and frugality. He became 
owner of this farm in ISIHI and now has a beau- 
tiful home with fine surroundings, his residence 
standing in the midst of well tilled fields, while 
substantial buildings afford ample shelter for 
grain and stock. He is practical in all of his 
methods, acconipli.^hing what he undertakes, and 
he conducts his farming interests in accordance 
with the most advanced ideas of agriculture. 

On the 11th of December, 1890, in Dover town- 
ship, Mr. Matson was united in marriage to Miss 
Louisa I. Shafer. who was born in Princeton in 
1870. She was one of a family of seven children, 
her brothers and sisters being as follows : Mrs. 
Christina Granger; Mrs. Hannah Stiles; Amelia; 
George A.; Mary H. Shafer; and Catharine 
W. Shafer, who died at the age of thirty-one 
years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Matson 
has been blessed with four children : Minnie K., 
born August 3, 1892 ; Carl E., August 31, 1896 ; 
Milton H., December 3. 1900 ; and George A., May 
7, 190,). 

Mr. Matson exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the republican 
party and labors earnestly to secure the adop- 
tion of its principles. He has served as school 
director and is still filling that position. Other- 
wise he has never held otfice, preferring to con- 
centrate his time and energies upon his business 
affairs, which, capably conducted, are bringing to 
him a gratifying measure of success. He is well 
known in the county where his entire life has been 
passed and is a popular resident of Dover town- 
ship, where he is also known as a reliable busi- 
ness man and progressive citizen. 



CHAKI.ES WYATT BOYDEX. 
Charles Wyatt Boyden, one of the representa- 
tive young business men of Bureau county, is 
identified with banking interests in Sheffield, his 
native city. He was born July 31. 1872, a son of 
Albert W. and Ellen E. Boyden, of whom mention 
is made on another page of this volume. His 
preliminary education was supplemented by study 
in Knox College at Galesburg and his collegiate 
course was pursued in Harvard University. He 
then returned to Sheffield and entered his father's 
bank as clerk, acting in that capacity until the 
1st of January, 1900, when, having thoroughly 
mastered the banking business in principle and 
detail, he was admitted to a partnership under the 
firm style of A. W. Boyden & Son, bankers. He 
is active in the nuinagement of this institution, 
which is regarded as one of the safe, reliable 
moneyed concerns of the county because of the im- 
portant property and real-estate interests back 
of it and also by reason of the safe, conservative 



business policy which is manifest in its control. 

Mr. Boyden is deeply interested in community 
affairs and manifests a public-spirited devotion 
to the general good, his aid being a feature in the 
support of many movements which are directly 
beneficial to the county. He is now active as a 
member of the town board. 

Mr. Boyden was married on the 28th of Sep- 
tember, 1897, to Miss Sarah Boyden, a daughter 
of Charles H. Boyden, a hardware merchant who 
came to Sheffield in 18.56 and after many years 
connected with its business history passed away 
in 1890. Both Mr. and Mrs. Boyden hold mem- 
bership in the Congregational church and he is 
a charter member of the Antlers Club, a leading 
social organization of Sheffield. 



JOHN L. VEOOM. 

John Ij. Vroom, who for fourteen years has 
resided upon his present farm in Dover township, 
where he is making a specialty of the raising of 
Durham cattle, is a native of Warren county, 
New Jersey, born October 19, 1846. He comes 
of German ancestry, his great-grandparents hav- 
ing emigrated from the fatherland to the new 
world at an early period in the settlement of 
this country. His father, George L. Vroom, was 
born in New Jersey, December 7, 1819, came to 
Hlinois in IVIay, 1854, and throughout his entire 
life followed the occupation of farming. He mar- 
ried Rebecca A. Lance, who was born in New 
Jersey, March 10, 1822. 

Their son, John L. Vroom, acquired a public- 
school education, which he completed in Dover 
Aademy at the age of twenty years. Through 
the periods of vacation he assisted his father in 
farm labor and on putting aside his text-books 
remained on the home farm with his father for 
some time. His entire life has been devoted to 
general agricultural pursuits and he is now the 
owner of one hundred and forty-five acres of 
choice prairie land, upon which are good build- 
ings, including a modern residence and sub- 
stantial hams and sheds. His wife owns eighty- 
seven acres of land on section 36, Dover township. 
He purchased his ])resent farm fourteen years 
ago when land was worth seventy-five dollars per 
acre. Today it is valued at two hundred dollars 
jier acre. In addition to raising the cereals best 
adajited to soil and climate he also raises horses 
and Durham cattle and has good stock upon his 
place. 

(»n llio nth of Febrnaiy. 1S74, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. \'rooni and Afiss Anna C. 
^IcKinstry, who was Ijorn in Pennsylvania, No- 
vember 23, 1850, and came to Illinois in 1856 
with her parents. This marriage has been blessed 
with five children: George H., who was born \n- 
gust 24, 1876, and is now deceased; Rachel Maud, 
who was born August 29, 1878, and was married, 



PAST A.XD I'iiESE-NT UF iSLKKAL COUNTY. 



377 



April 6, 1905, to Oscar Bohman, tlieir home be- 
ing on a farm in Dover township ; James C, who 
was born December 24, 1880; Cliarles C, who was 
born September 29, 1883, and was married No- 
vember 20, 1904, in Bureau county, to Miss Elhi 
Styles; and Clyde F., who was born August 24, 
1886. 

In former years Mr. Vroom gave his political 
allegiance to the democracy but now casts an in- 
dependent ballot. For thirty-five years he has 
been a devoted and loyal member of the Pres- 
byterian church, of which his wife is also a mem- 
ber and his life has been in harmony with his pro- 
fessions. He has never been known to take ad- 
vantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in any 
trade transaction and at all times has been honor- 
able and straightforward, endeavoring to follow 
the Golden Kule. He has worked persistently 
and energetically in his business interests and his 
unfaltering diligence, supplemented by his econ- 
omy and straightforward dealings, has led to the 
prosperity which he now enjoys. 



sought office, as his time is fully occupied with 
business cares and interests. He has worked dili- 
gently, persistently and energetically and what- 
ever success he has achieved is due entirely to his 
own efforts, so that he has justly won the proud 
American title of a self-made man. 



FRANK PIERSON. 

Frank Pierson is among the native sons of 
Sweden who have become residents of Bureau 
county and who have found in the new world good 
business opportunities which they have improved 
to the benefit of their financial conditions. Mr. 
Pierson was born in Sweden on the 27th of Sep- 
tember. 1868. His parents were also natives of 
the same country, the father born in 1819 and 
the mother in 1824. Mr. Pierson of this review 
was reared and educated in his native country and 
came to Hlinois about seventeen years ago, at- 
tracted by the broader business opportunities and 
advantages offered in the new world. He ha.s 
never had occasion to regret his determination to 
cross the Atlantic, for here he has made sub- 
stantial advancement. For ten years he has been 
in the employ of S. P. Clark. His time and 
attention are now given to general farming in- 
terests and in addition to the cultivation of crops 
best adapted to soil and climate he is engaged in 
the raising of cattle and draft horses and Poland 
China hogs, which branch of liis business is 
proving a good source of income. 

Mr. Pierson was united in marriage lo Miss 
Josephine Jolinson, who was born in Princeton, 
December 11, 1872, but is of Swedish descent, 
her parents having been born in Sweden. Two 
children grace this marriage: Alvin G., born 
August 15, 1903; and Ralph A., born November 
9, 1904. The parents attend the Lutheran church, 
of which Mrs. Pierson is a member. Mr. Pierson 
belongs to Modern Woodmen camp. No. 208, of 
Princeton, and his political allegiance is given to 
the republican party, but while he keeps well 
informed on questions and issues of the day as 
every true American should do he has never 



GEORGE R. ROSS. 

George E. Ross is extensively and successfully 
engaged in general farming and stock-raising and 
his home place comprises three hundred acres sit- 
uated on section 9, Walnut township. This laud, 
which he bought about five years ago for sixty- 
seven and a half dollars per acre, is today worth 
from one hundred and twenty-five to one hundred 
and fifty dollars per acre, owing to the natural ap- 
preciation of land values and to the improve- 
ments which he has placed upon it. His birth oc- 
curred in Ohio township, this county, on the 23d 
of August, 1847, his parents being Andrew and 
Hannah (Randall) Ross. His education was be- 
gun in the district schools and he afterward be- 
came a student in Abingdon College at Abingdon, 
Illinois, where he pursued a classical course. He 
has been identified with several business interests 
and was for a time a lumber merchant at Ohio. 
He afterward conducted a dry-goods store at that 
place for about twelve years, meeting with a fair 
measure of success in that undertaking, but event- 
ually he traded his stock for a farm and has since 
been engaged largely in general agricultural pur- 
suits, carrying forward his interests with a de- 
termined spirit and unfaltering industry, result- 
ing in the acquirement of gratifying success. 

On the 5th of November, 1872, Mr. Ross was 
married to Miss Sarah Ross, a cousin, who was 
born in Ohio township, June 22, 1848, her par- 
ents being Joseph and Jane (Fisher) Ross, the 
former a native of the state of Ohio and the latter 
of the east. They became residents of Walnut 
township. Bureau county, Hlinois, at an early 
day, settling here prior to the Civil war and be- 
fore the railroads were built through. They were 
thus connected with the pioneer interests of the 
county and Mr. Ross fallowed the occujiation of 
farming as a life work. Both he and his wife arc 
now deceased. The marriage of our subject and 
his wife has been blessed with si.x children: Har- 
vey W., Benjamin A., Howard J., Nellie May, 
Debbie and Frank F. Of this family the second 
son is now married. 

As before stated, the home farm is a valuable 
property and comprises three hundred acres of 
rich and productive land, mostly <levoted to tlie 
raising of corn and oats. Mr. Ross feeds all of 
his corn and also buys some, for he is quite ex- 
tensively engaged in the raising of stock. He 
likewise buys and feeds hogs and cattle and he 
owns some good registered stock, including a draft 
stallion and a road stallion, together with some 



378 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



registered Galloway cattle. He is unremitting in 
his attention to his business, keeps informed con- 
cerning every detail of the work and carefully 
manages his interests, using the latest improved 
machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. 

George R. Ross is one who has truly earned 
his success, which has come to liim through cap- 
able management and indefatigable diligence and 
in all of his business dealings he has borne an 
unassailable reputation for integrity and justice. 
His life has been characterized by honorable prin- 
ciples at all times and he has stood as a stalwart 
defender of the cause of temperance and of Chris- 
tianity. He holds membersbip in the Church 
of Christ in Walnut township and gives his po- 
litical allegiance to the prohibitiiui party. 



DANIEL H. SMITH. 

The financial interests of Bureau county find 
one of their most prominent representatives in 
Daniel H. Smith, president of the First National 
Bank of Princeton. His business enterprise has 
long been demonstrated and the value of his 
experience and wisdom proven in the successful 
conduct of the institution of which he is now the 
head and which is regarded as one of the most 
sound and reliable moneyed concerns in this part 
of the state. 

A native of Vermont, jMr. Sniitii was born in 
Orwell on the 2d of December, 1835. His parents 
were Joab and Mary (Horton) Smith, also na- 
tives of the Green Mountain state. Reared upon 
a farm. Daniel H. Smith acquired his elementary 
education in the common schools and afterward 
attended the academies of Poultney and .Johnson, 
A'ermont. Completing his education ho became 
a clerk, at the age of seventeen years, in a store 
at Sheldon, Vermont. It was through the ad- 
vice of relatives living in Bureau county, Illi- 
nois, that he came to Princeton in September, 
1855, and at once secured a clerkship in the 
general store of A. & M. Carse. On the ex- 
piration of a period of two years he removed to 
Fort Dodge. Iowa, where for a year and a half 
he w'as engaged in the real-estate business. He 
accuTuulated some money there and, returning to 
Princeton, engaged in business on his own account 
as a grain merchant. In December, 1859, he re- 
turned to Vermont that he might be near his par- 
ents in their old age and locating at Sheldon was 
engaged in manufacturing interests and in gen- 
eral merchandising, continuing an active factor 
in business life and prosperity of that town for 
some years. 

In 186G Mr. Smith again arrived in Princeton, 
poor in purse but richer in experience and since 
that time has had no wish to chansie his place of 
residence, but has sought and found in the busi- 
ness conditions of this city opportunity for ad- 
vancement tliat has led him to the substantial po- 



sition which he now occupies as a representative 
business man of the county seat. In 1876 he was 
elected circuit clerk and served for two terms, hav- 
ing been a deputy in that office for ten years pre- 
vious to his election, and he proved an official 
whose service was entirely satisfactory to the gen- 
eral public. Following his retirement from the 
office he was elected in 1882 president of the First 
National Bank, of which he has been a director 
since 1875. He entered upon the new duties with 
the same spirit of enterprise, determination and 
broad outlook that have always characterized every- 
thing that he has undertaken and under his skill- 
ful management the First National has become one 
of the strong financial institutions of Princeton 
and Bureau county. The bank was established 
in 18G5 by Benjamin S., H. H. and W. W. Ferris. 
A safe, conservative policy was inaugurated that 
has always been maintained, and from the begin- 
ning the institution has been a paying one. enjoy- 
ing a healthful growth, resulting in continually 
increasing assets. The history of this institution 
is too well known to need further mention here 
and suffice it to say that it is the visible exempli- 
fication of the ability and executive force of him 
who stands at its head. 

On the 27th of May, 1862, Daniel H. Smith 
was married to Miss Jane M. Hubbell. a daughter 
of Homer E. and ilaria (Gove) Hubbell. A son, 
the only child of this marriage, Dr. Louis J. 
Smith, is now engaged in practice of dentistry in 
South Bend, Indiana. 

Mr. Smith has long been a valued memlier of 
the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges and has 
been representative to the grand lodges of both or- 
ganizations. He is not active in political circles, 
but as a matter of principle votes with the re- 
puljlican party and his religious faith is indicated 
by his attendance at the Jlethodist church. Mrs. 
Smith is a member of the Episcopal church and 
is a charter member of the Daughters of the Amer- 
ican Revolution. No citizen of Princeton is more 
thoroughly representative or more devoted to the 
promotion of her welfare than Daniel II. Sniith, 
who though he has never sought to figure in public 
life has nevertheless taken a prctminciit |iart in lo- 
cal affairs as one whose means and inlluenoe have 
been used unsparingly in advancing enterprise 
in this city, now one of the most flourishing 
towns of northern Illinois. 



EDWARD B. ANTHONY. 
Edward B. Anthony, who, having acquired a 
handsome com])etence through the years of his 
active connection with horticultural pursuits, is 
now enabled to live retired upon his farm on sec- 
tion? 17, 18 and 20, Indiantown township, was 
born in this county August 9, 1841, his jiarents 
being .Vlfred and Mary (Cusliing) .\nthony. The 
father wa.s a native of Providence, Rhode Island, 




ATC/^'^ 



PAST AND l'lii:si-:.\T OK I'.ri.'KAl col X'lV 



383 



and lirsl opuuud his eyes to tlic light, ui' (hiy Octo- 
ber 31, 1815. He was a grandson of Isaac An- 
thony, also a native of Rhode Island, in which 
state he spent his entire life. His son, Isaac An- 
thony, Jr.. was likewise horn and died there and 
at the time of the war of 1812 he esuoused the 
American cause and fought with tlio rank of cap- 
tain. He married Miss Nancy Fish and they be- 
came the parents of nine children who reached 
adult age. 

Of these Alfred Anthony was the youngest and 
in 183G he came to Bureau county, Illinois, be- 
ing one of the colony that laid out the town of 
Providence. He came here with Caleb Cushing 
and clerked for him in his store at Providence for 
some time. Later he bought land and added to it 
as opportunity offered until his holdiass em- 
braced four hundred acres. There he carried on 
general farming along modern lines of progress 
and imjirovcincnt and he erected there the home 
which is now occupied by Mrs. Emma Anthony. 
A self-matle man, his life record proved what may 
be accomplished through determination and ener- 
gy and at all times his purposes were straight- 
forward and his business methods reliable. In 
politics he was a republican, who e.xerted consid- 
erable influence in the councils of his party in 
early days and in the primitive period of the 
county's development he served as sheriff. He 
wedded Mary Cushing, with whose father, Caleb 
Cushing, he had come to Illinois. She was born 
May 24, 1819, and her father was born August 
12, 1795, in Seekonk, Massachusetts, while his 
death occurred in Providence, Bureau county, 
January 12, 1877. They became the parents of 
seven children, four sons and three daughters, 
namely: Edward B. ; Charles P., who is living in 
Lexington, Nebraska : Emily, the wife of Thomas 
De.xter, of Oberlin, Ohio; ilahala, who died at the 
age of si.x years; George A., a resident of Ive- 
wanee, Illinois; Jo.sephine E., the wife of Dr. W. 
C. Griswdld, a practicing physician of Princeton; 
and A\'illi(' H., deceased, who is mentioned on 
another page of this work. 

Mr. .\nthony of this review was educated in 
the common schools and in Dover Academy and 
engaged in teaching school for three winters. He 
afterward followed farming for two years and in 
the spring of 1868 he went to Chicago, where for 
about seven years he was em])loyed as a salesman 
in a wholesale millinery house. He next went to 
l^ooria. Illinois, where he acted as salesman in a 
wholesale notion store and also went upon the 
road as a commercial traveler. Later he was em- 
ployed in a notion and fancy-goods store in Chi- 
cago and from that city brought a stock of goods 
to Providence, where he conducted a general store 
for several years. He afterward resumed the oc- 
cupation of farming, to which he had been reared, 
and in 1882 purchased his present farm, upon 
which he has since resided. He now ow^ns about 
one hundred and tbirlv acres of land. 



On the loth of October, 18G.J, Mr. .\nthony 
was united in marriage to iliss Anna Patterson, 
who was born .Vpril 13, 1814, in South Bend, 
Indiana, and was a daughter of William H. and 
Mary A. (Deuguid) Patterson. The parents were 
both natives of Virginia and the mother died 
when Mrs. Anthony was only a year old. When 
slic was a maiden of eight summers her father 
brought the family to this state, locating at La- 
con, whence he afterward removed to Black Wal- 
nut Grove in Bureau county. He was a farmer 
liy occupation and thus provided for his family. 
-Vfter losing his first wife he wedded .Mary Mc- 
Murry, who is now living at Douglas Place in 
Chicago and is eighty-nine years of age. ]\Irs. An- 
thony was the only child of the first marriage and 
there was one daughter by the second marriage — 
Mrs. Florence Ellis, residing with her mother in 
Chicago. 

Mr. and Mrs. .\nthony had one son, William 
.Mfrcd, who died at the age of six years. A re- 
publican in his political views Jlr. Anthony has 
been assessor of Indiantown township for six 
years and was recently a delegate to the congres- 
sional convention which met at Peoria, August 16, 
1906. He and his wife hobl membership in the 
Baptist church of Tiskilwa, of which he is a 
trustee and deacon. They are very jileasant peo- 
ple, genial and kiiully, and tiieir deference for the 
o]iinions of others have made them popular. Both 
represent old families of this part of the state and 
Mr. Anthony has made a creditable business rec- 
ord, wherehy he has gained a verv gratifying com- 
petence. 



CIl.M.'I.HS STAP,LEK. 
Charles Stabler, an enterprising and prosperous 
representative of the farming interests of Bureau 
county, living in Neponset township, was born 
within its borders, April 1, 18.'iS, a son of Will- 
iam and Elizalieth (Kneesbaw) Slaiiler. His 
father, born in England, .March 9, 1830, is now 
living in Neponset, wliile his mother's birth oc- 
curred in the same country, April 12, 1831. They 
were married in England, and, crossing the At- 
lantic to America, became early residents of Ne- 
ponset township, where Mr. Stabler engaged in 
farming and stock-raising. He has prospered as 
the years have gone by and is now one of the ex- 
tensive landowners of the community, having nuide 
judicious investments in real estate so that he 
now derives a handsome income from his property. 
He has also figured prominently in community 
affairs, serving as supervisor two or three terms, 
while his ))olitical allegiance is given the repub- 
lican party. Mr. and Mrs. Stabler became the 
jiarents of seven children, of whom five are now 
lixiiig: William A., a resident of Neponset town- 
sbiii; Jane, the wife of Thomas Mocroft, of Wa- 
verly. Nebraska: Charles, of Ibis review; Caroline, 



384 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



the wife ol' William J. Utli;y. of Waverly, Ne- 
braska; and Hannah, wife of John B. Gould, of 
Neponset township. 

Charles Stabler acquired a public-school educa- 
tion and was reared to farm work in all its de- 
partments. Since attaining his majority his at- 
tention has been given to general agricultural 
pursuits, with good results. On the 3d of Marcii, 
188G, he wedded iliss Mary Wilson Gerrond, who 
was born in Macon township, February 6, 18.58, 
and presides with gracious hospitality over their 
attractive home. She is a daughter of James and 
Margaret (Ferguson) Gerrond, natives of Kirk- 
cudbrightshire, Scotland, the former born Decem- 
ber 4. 1826. and the latter April 2ti, 18-26. Mr. 
Gerrond acquired his education in the schools of 
his native land and that he was an apt pupil is 
indicated by the fact that when he was fourteen 
years of age he won two books, one as a prize for 
superior scholarship in mathematics and the otlier 
in history. He was ever a well read man, keep- 
ing in touch with the world's progress and the 
events of general interest. He spent seven years 
as an apprentice to the blacksmith's trade in Scot- 
land and became an expert worker in steel and 
iron. In 1848, when twenty-two years of age, he 
crossed the Atlantic to America and w^as married 
in Carbondale, Pennsylvania, to Margaret Fergu- 
son. In 1855 they removed to Sheflield, Illinois, 
where Mr. Gerrond followed blacksmithing For 
some time and then purchased a farm at Walnut 
(irove, where he carried on general agricultural 
pursuits and blacksmithing for about four or five 
years. On the expiration of that period he re- 
moved to Neponset, where he conducted a smithy 
until 1865, when he purchased a place a mile 
south of the town upon which he spent his re- 
maining days. He was well known throughout 
the county as a fine workman, a reliable business 
in;) II and a citizen of worth, who justly merited 
the higli esteem which was uniformly tendered 
liim. He filled all the township offices and was 
serving as supervisor at the time of his death, 
having been the incumbent in that office for six 
or eight years. He was a rcpulilican in politics 
and was a member of Neponset lodge. No. 803, 
A. F. & A. M. He passed away February 8, 1885, 
while the mother of Mrs. Stabler died July 20, 
1867. They were the parents of six children, of 
whom five are now living: Agnes F., the wife of 
James W. Wing; Mrs. Stabler; James C, who 
married Hottic Reynolds; j\[argaret F., the wife 
of (ieorge K. Craig; and Jessie D., the wife of 
James H. Tilibetts. The fourth member of fhe 
family was Edwin .\., wlio died in infancy, .\ftcr 
losing his first wife ^Tr. Gerrond married Mrs. 
Sarah Batdorff, in September, 1873, and they 
became the parents of three children: Nellie, now 
Mrs. C. K. Stuart, of Neponset; George, of Ne- 
ponset; and John, of Los .Angeles, California. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Stabler have been born four 
sons: James W., born May 25, 1888; Charles G.. 



May 18, ]8il0; Jesse L., .Vugust 16, ISHl; and 
Ellis Ward, who was born July 10, 1893, and died 
August 19. 18II5. The family residence is a fine 
home with modern improvements, lacking in none 
of the equipments known to the best city homes 
and the line baby grand piano and other rich and 
tasteful furnishings indicate the culture and re- 
fined taste of the owners. Mr. Stabler is a re- 
publican and has held some local offices. The 
family are prominent socially and the hospitality 
of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many 
friends. 



MICHAEL HOOVER. 



iliehael Hoover, whose success is largely due 
to his own labors, so that he may well be classed 
with the self-made men of Bureau county, is now 
carrying on farm work in Bureau township, and 
his place of two hundred and thirty-two acres is 
the visible evidence of his life of thrift and 
energy. He was born in Pennsylvania on the 
29tli of September, 1849, and is a son of William 
and Elizabeth Jane (Shettle) Hoover, who in the 
year 1862 left the Keystone state and came to 
the middle west, reaching Princeton on the 4th 
of June of that year. They settled a half mile 
north of the city, living on a farm there for 
two years, and subsequently they removed to a 
farm a mile further north, where they made their 
home for a similar period. They afterward took 
up their abode in Bureau township. 

Michael Hoover was a youth of twelve years 
when the family came to Illinois, and his educa- 
tion, which was begun in the public schools of 
Pennsylvania, was continued in Bureau county. 
After putting aside his text-books he worked with 
his father on the home farm, early assisting in 
the task of plowing, planting and harvesting, so 
that as the years went by he gained practical 
knowledge of the best methods of carrying on farm 
work. As his financial resources increased he 
made judicious investments in )iroperty and his 
holdings now comprise two huiulred and thirty- 
two acres of rich and valuable land. Hi? crops 
are largely corn and oats, but he also raises con- 
siderable stock of mixed varieties. 

On the 29tli of June, 1875, occurred the mar- 
riage of Michael Hoover and Miss Hattie E. 
Brigham. who was born June 39, 1851, a daughter 
of Joseph II. and Jane E. (Mercer) l^righam, 
tlie f(U'mer a native of Massachusetts and fhe lat- 
ter of Ohio. The year of their arrival in Illinois 
was in the early '30s and they were among the 
honored pioneer settlers of Bureau county. Many 
Indians of Shabbona's tribe were still living in 
this part of the state when they arrived. Wild 
game of various kinds was to be had in abundance 
and the j)rairies were largely uncultivated, while 
the timber that bordered the streams was uncut. 
Few im])rovements bad lieon made to indicate 




Micii.\i:i. ii()()\'i;i; 



PAST AND I'K'KSKNT OF illKKAl' COIX'I'V 



387 



that the seeds of civilizalion had been planted by 
the early settlers, and Mr. Hrigham east in his 
lot with the pioneers, shared in the hardships and 
trials of frontier life and liore liis full siuire in 
the work of early developnieiil and improvement. 
.\t tiie time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Hoover located upon a farm and as the years have 
gone by their union has been blessed with ten ehil- 
dren, of whom Antiiony Franklin and L'iiarles 
Michael, the second and third in order of birth re- 
spectively, are now deceased. Those who still sur- 
vive are Joseph William, Elma Jane. .Mary Hliza, 
Joiin Frederick, ilartha ilay, Fannie Magdalena, 
Vernon Koderick and Eva (Jladys. The family 
are all members of the English Lutheran church 
of I'rineetou. They are people of the highest re- 
spectability, esteemed in the eommunity where 
they have resiiled for a long period. ^Ir. Hoover's 
life record should serve as a source of inspiration 
and encouragement to others, for most of his 
property has been accumulated by liis own labors 
and shows what can be aeeomplished tlirougli dili- 
gence and pcrseverence. 



RFRH :\ITTrTlELL. 

P)Uir Milchell. of Dover townshiii, has for sev- 
enteen years resided upon his present farm, which 
comprises one hundred and sixty acres of rich 
and productive land. It is supplied with good 
huildings and all modern equipments and in its 
neat and thrifty appearance indicates the careful 
su])ervision of the owner. Mr. Mitchell is a na- 
tive of Chemung county, New York, the date of 
his birth being April 27, 1852. His father, Will- 
iam Mittbell, was horn in the same county in 
]S(l!i ami was married there to Miss Elizabeth 
Purdy, wliose birth oceured in 181. i. Throughout 
his entire life he followed the occupation of farm- 
ing and tlius provided for his family of ten chil- 
dren, lunnbering six sons and four daughters. One 
son. rJeorge ^fitehell, enlisted in response to the 
president's first call for troops to aid in the pres- 
ervation of the Union and after serving for nine- 
ty days re-enlisted, continuing at the front 
throughout tiie remainder of the war. He was 
four times wounded. Another son. Jacob Mitch- 
ell, who enlisted in 1862, was killed at the battle 
of .Vntietam. .fames P. Mitchell, eidisting when 
the war had been in progress for two years, served 
for two years and was then honorablv discharged. 
John C. Mitchell joined the army in 18()2 and 
was a soldier tbrougluiut the remainder of the 
period of hostilities. 

Burr Jfitchell acquired his education in the 
public schools of his native state, putting asiile 
his text-books at the age of fifteen years to be- 
come an active factor in the business world, l-'or 
several years he was employed in a sash, door and 
blind factory and, thinking to enjoy still better 
business o])porl unities in the middle west, he 



came to Illinois in 1874 and here turned his at- 
tention to farming, which he has since followed. 
For seventeen years he has resided upon his pres- 
ent farm in Dover township and has a ((Uarler .sec- 
tion of land which is very aiable and returns large 
crops as a reward for the care and labor he be- 
stows upon the fields. There are good buildings 
for the shelter of grain and stock and a commo- 
dious home, which is justly celebrated for its 
warm-hearted hospitality. The fields are well 
tilled and in the ]iastures is found high grade 
stock, including Clyde horses, Durham cattle and 
Hed Jersey hogs. 

On the 4th of July, 1878, Mr. .Mitchell was 
united in marriage, in Princeton, Illinois, t(j Miss 
Mary E. York, who was born in Bureau county, 
Illinois, February S, 18(>2, and was educated in 
the pul)lic schools of this locality. Her father, 
.lohn W. York, was born in Illinois, August 10, 
ISo,"), while her mother was born near Columbus, 
Ohio, May ;J. 1837. He was a merchant who 
carried on business in Depue. Illinois, for several 
years or until his daughter, Mrs. Jlitchell, was 
three years of age, when he removed to a farm in 
Selhy county and later took U]) his abode upon 
the farm in Selby townshij). Later he removed 
to the farm where our subject now resides and 
after residing there for seven years he went to 
Princeton, where he died March 1, 1906. For a 
number of years he carried on agricultural jnir- 
suits but spent the last seventeen years of his 
life as a retired farmer in Princeton. Unto Mr. 
and Mrs. ilitchcll have lieeii born i'we children: 
Bertha :\r.. born June Ki, 187!); George W., .No- 
vember 2, 1880; William 0.. Septemlier 3. 1882; 
.Tolm, January 20, 188.5; and Laura, .hinuarv 6, 
1892. 

In his fraternal relations .Mr. Miteliell is an 
Odd Fellow, with which society he has alliliated 
for twenty-nine years. In ])olitics he was for 
many years a republican l>ut now ca.sts an inde- 
pi'udent ballot. He belongs to the "l'resl)vterian 
church, with which his entire fanuly are identi- 
fied, and his life has been in luirmonv with his 
professions, being characterized by liledity to 
every duty and actuated by high and b'lnorable 
motives. 



WILLIAM II. w \i;m:i;. 

Williani 11. Warner owns ami occupies an ex- 
cellent farm in Berlin township, liaving eighty- 
one acres on section 18. together with a tract of 
land of one hundred and twenty acres on sections 
7 and 18. Berlin township. .V native of Pennsyl- 
vania, he was born in the city of Lebanon in 
Lebanon county, March 21. 18(iO. His father, Cy- 
rus J. Warner, was also a native of that place and 
the date of his hirtli was December Ki. 183.5. He 
married F'lani-es Knoll, who was born in Leiianon 
county, October 21, 1832. ami their onlv ehild is 



388 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



William II. Warner oi' this review. The father 
was a miller bv trade ami followed that pursuit in 
the east, but "thinking to provide a better living 
for his family in the middle west he came to Il- 
linois about 186-i and settled in Bureau county. 

William H. Warner, then a lad of four years, 
was therefore reared in Bureau county and at 
the usual age entered the public schools, wherein 
he mastered the common branches of learning. 
During the periods of vacation he assisted in the 
work of the home farm and thus gained practical 
experience in the occupation which he has made 
his life work. He has always carried on general 
farming and as the years have gone by has pros- 
pered, for he has managed his business interests 
with great care and discrimination and has been 
energetic and diligent in all that lie has under- 
taken. He raises both grain and stock and his 
farm is a well developed and improved property. 

On the 25th of November, 1880, Mr. Warner 
was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Gray, also 
a native of Lel)anon, Pennsylvania, born Septem- 
ber 10, 18G3. Three children grace this marriage: 
Cora May, who was born July 2, 1882, and is now 
the wife of Theodore A. DaJdgren, of Princeton ; 
Anna L., w'ho was born September 24, 188-1, and 
is the wife of Eevalo A. Pireson, of Shelby town- 
ship; and Hazel E. B., born October 3, 1901. The 
parents are Congregationalists in religious views 
and Mr. Warner is connected with Dauntless 
lodge, No. 150, K. P., at Maiden. His political 
belief harmonizes with the principles of the re- 
publican party, which he has stancbly sujiported 
since casting his first presidential liallot for 
James G. Blaine. Almost his entire life has been 
spent in this county, so that his history is largely 
familiar to his fellow townsmen and his record 
is characterized by many sterling traits, including 
reliability ami activity in business, loyalty and 
fidelty in citizcnshi)). 



WILLIAM SUTTON. 

William Sutton, deceased, was for more than 
a half century a respected and prominent resi- 
dent of Bureau county, where he controlled exten- 
sive and important business interests, largely in 
connection with agricultural life. His activity, 
his enterprise and his thorough reliability all com- 
bined to make him one of the most prosperous and 
respected residents of this part of the state and 
his death was therefore the occasion of deep 
and widespread regret. 

A native of (Jhio, Mr. Sutton was born in St. 
Clairsville, that state, on the 12th of June, 1828, 
and was reared amid the refining influences of a 
good home, his parents being connected with the 
Society of Friends or Quakers and exemplifying 
in their life the peaceful traits, kindly consider- 
ation and unfaltering integrity characteristic of 
that sect. The son spent the days of his boyhood 



and youth in the state of his nativity, acquired his 
education in the common schools and was reared 
to habits of industry, economy anl honesty — rules 
of conduct which ever afterward governed his 
life. An unfortunate impediment in his speech pre- 
vented him from attending school but he acquired 
a good education becoming especially proficient in 
mathematics. When he was six years old the family 
became scattered and he went to live with an uncle, 
Whalon Frasier, where he remained until he was 
thirteen. He then resided with a sister until he 
concluded to learn the carpenter's trade, and after 
mastering the business worked as a journeyman. 
He soon decided that this was too slow a mode to 
make money but as he said "when lie stopped 
pushing the plane the money stopped coming in.'"' 
Thinking that he might enjoy better Inisiness op- 
jiortunitics in the newer but rapidly developing 
middle west he came to this state in the spring 
of 1852 with his mother, sister and brother, and 
located at Peoria, where he remained until the fall 
of the same year. He then came to Bureau county, 
settling first in Dover, but soon afterward took 
U]i his abode in Berlin township, where he made 
his home for a considerable period. He became 
the owner of land, devoted his attention to general 
agricultural pursuits and placed his fields imder 
a high state of cultivation, so that he annually 
harvested good crops which brought liim a gratify- 
ing income. As his financial resources increased 
be invested more and more largely in land until 
he had extensive and ])r(ifitable holdings, owning 
over five hundred acres of good land. For several 
vears he devoted considerable attention to the grain 
business. Ho was ever watchful of business oppor- 
tunities and quickly improved all of the advantages 
which came to him for advancement in business 
life. He was never idle a single day and indo- 
lence was utterly foreign to his nature. He worked 
pers'stently and his industry was supplemented 
by sound l)usiness judgment and keen discrituina- 
tion, so that he made continuous progress toward 
the goal of success. He held a number of local 
offices, such as school dinvtor. road commissioner 
and town councilman. 

On the 2d of March, 1870, in Maiden. Ur. Sut- 
ton was united in marriage to Miss Caroline A. 
Green, whose birth occurred in East Haddam, 
Connecticut, on the 8th of November, 18-1(;. Th's 
union was bles.sed with two children but one 
died at the age of six wi>eks. The surviving son 
is Lewis Sutton, whose sketch is given below. At 
the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sutton 
established their home in Maiden in the residence 
which is yet occupied by the widow and in which 
Mr. Sutton passed away on the 3d of May. 1905. 
Having made extensive and judicious investments 
in real estate, he was enabled to leave to his wife 
and son a goodly competence, supplying them with 
all the comforts and many of the luxuries of life. 

Afr. Sutton was a member of the Society of 
Frieiuls, while his wife holds mend)ership in the 





/>^ 




M. 



U^ 



PAST AND lM?KSi;X'r OF 



UltKAl corxTV. 



aoi 



Congregational eliureh. lie was iJentitii'd with 
the society for nearly a halt' century and was one 
of its devoted and loyal adherents, doing all in 
his power to promote its growth and extend its in- 
fluence. Moreover his daily life and eonduct 
exemplified his religious faith. He lived at peace 
with his fellowmen, was just in his business deal- 
ings, considerate of the feelings of others at all 
times and adhered closely to a high standard of 
moral conduct. Men who met him in a business 
wav respected and honored him and those who 
knew him socially felt proud of his friendship 
and took great delight in his genial companion- 
ship. To his family he was a devoted husband 
and father, counting no personal sacrifice or effort 
on his part too great if it would promote the 
welfare and happiness of his wife and children. 

Lewis Sutton was born in Berlin township, Bu- 
reau county, September 1.5, 187'2. At the usual 
age he began his education as a public-school 
student in Maiden and after putting aside his 
text-books he engaged in the hardware business 
for three years. He then turned his attention 
to farming and stock-raising and has since de- 
voted his energies to agricultural pursuits. The 
years have witnessed remarkable success in his 
btisiness operations and dealings. He now owns 
five hundred and thirty-seven acres of valuable 
land in Berlin township, having made extensive 
and judicious investments in real estate. His 
land is nicely located and is worth today two 
hundred dollars per acre. He has resided at his 
present home for four years, having a large resi- 
dence near the corporation limits of Maiden. 
There is also an extensive barn and other out- 
buildings upon the place and all are well painted 
anil kept in excellent state of re]iair. The home 
is surrounded by fine shade trees and in fact this 
is an ideal country residence, in which all the 
comforts of genuine home life may be enjoyed. 

In ISn.T Mr. Sutton was married to Miss Min- 
nie B. Scott, who was born July 26, 1S71, and 
bv this marriage there is now one son, Lawrence 
W.. who was born November 14, 189(1, nnd is now 
at home with his parents. Mrs. Sutton acquired 
her education in the schools of Maiden, which she 
attended to the age of eighteen years, and she 
is a lady of natural culture, who presides with 
gracious hospitality over her beautiful and at- 
tractive home. She holds membership in the 
Methodist Episcopal church, of ]\[a]den, to the 
support of which Mr. Sutton contributes gener- 
ously and he is equally helpful with other move- 
ments and measures which have for their object 
the welfare of the community and its advance- 
ment along material, intellectual and moral lines. 
His political support is given to the democracy 
hut he is without aspiration for jiublie office, pre- 
ferring to give the greater part of Ins time and 
attention to the care and supervision of his valu- 
able farming interests. Through his honesty, push 
and energy he is yearly adding to his already large 



holdings in real estate and [jcrsoual property and 
few men of his age have attained the measure of 
success which has crowned his efforts. He is 
widely recognized as one of the foremost land 
owners and farmers of his township and as such is 
worthy of prominent mention in this volume. 



WILLIAM lloL.MAN -loll N.StJ.\. 

William Holmaii Johnson has extensive hiiidcii 
possessions, owning aliout fnur hundred and 
eighty-two acres of fine hind in Bureau township, 
lie is there engaged in the raising of Poland 
China hogs and Galloway cattle and the well 
tilled fields show his thorough familiarity with 
the best methods of plowing, planting, and har- 
vesting, lie was born August 23, 1855, in Indi- 
ana, a son of James J. and Minerva (Young) 
Johnson, the former a native of Ohio and the 
latter of Pennsylvania. Tiiey were residents for 
some years of Indiana, whence they removed to 
Illinois in 1858. After a few days spent at Prince- 
ton they settled north of the city in Dover town- 
ship upon a farm wdnch the father cultivated for 
a number of years, becoming one of the enter- 
jirising and prosperous ajriculturists of his com- 
munity. He carried on the work of the fields un- 
til his labors had brought to him a very desirable 
competence and now he lives a retired life in 
Princeton. His wife, however, has passed away. 
Mr. Johnson was one of the early settlers of the 
county, having for almost a half century resided 
within its borders and is therefore familiar with 
mucli of its history and the important events 
which have shaped its annals. 

William II. Johnson comideted his educatinn in 
Princeton high school, having in his early boy- 
hood been a student in the district school near 
the home farm. In early manhood he engaged in 
teaching in different parts oj. the county and later 
he concentrated his energies entirely upon farm 
work and as the years have gone by lie has gained 
a place among the substantial i-esidents of Bu- 
reau township, where he owns about four hundred 
and eighty-two acres of very fine land. He an- 
nually harvests large crops of corn and oats and 
raises considerable stock, mostly Poland China 
hogs and Galloway cattle. He is a man of un- 
faltering determination and carries forward to 
successful completion whatever he undertakes, 
brooking no obstacles that can be overcome by 
consecutive and honest effort. 

On the 4th of March, 1878, Mr. Johnson was 
married to Miss Mary Boweu, a daughter of 
Thomas and Elvira (Thomas) Bowen, both of 
whom were natives of England. They became 
residents of Princeton at an early |)eriod in its 
settlement and in fact were married in that city 
shortly after their arrival in this cnuntrv from 
England. Mr. and Mrs. Jolmsun have become 
the parents of eleven children, eigid sons and three 



392 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



daughters: Harry; Clay and Gray, twins; Frank; 
Homer; Elvira; Kuth; Benjamin; Alice; and 
Frederick and Calvin, deceased. Tlie family are 
members of the Ba]:)tist church of Princeton and 
Mr. Johnson gives his political allegiance to the 
republican party but has no aspiration for office, 
preferring to concentrate his energies upon his 
business interests, in which he has met with signal 
success. It is the men of strong and honorable 
purpose who command the esteem of those with 
whom they are associated and that he is such a 
man is indicated by the hiah regard which is uni- 
forndv trivcn him. 



THOMAS C. VATtiHN. 

Thomas C. Vaughn, among the native sons of 
Bureau county whose continued residence here is 
indicative of the attractiveness of this section of 
the state and of the opportunities afforded its 
citizens, was born on the 4th of November, 1868. 
His paternal grandfather, Stillman Vaughn, was 
born July "20, 1800, while his wife, ilrs. Lucinda 
Vauglm, was liorn Septendjer 16, 1804. They 
Ijecame the parents of two sons, one of whom, 
Thomas E. Vaughn, was born in Massachusetts, 
July 20, 1830. Having arrived at years of ma- 
turity he was married on the 9th of November, 
18.55, to Miss Lydia Hollingshead. wliose birth oc- 
curred in the old Bay state May 12, 1839. They 
became the parents of twelve children, namelv : 
Louis H., John A., Nathan F., Julia A., Lillie M., 
Thomas C, Emma J., Eliznlirth, Maggie, Earle 
v., A'erne A', and Nellie. 

The subject of this review was reared under 
the parental roof, early becoming familiar with 
the duties and labois that fall to the lot of the 
agriculturist. He worked in the fields through 
the summer months and in the winter seasons ac'- 
quired his education through attendance at the 
public schools, completing his course in Princeton 
high school. The cause of education has always 
found in him a warm and helpful friend and he 
has done effective service in behalf of public in- 
struction wliile acting as school director. His at- 
t(!ntion throughout bis business career has been 
given to general fanning and he is now the owner 
of eighty acres of fine land, the place being splen- 
didly improved with good buildings. He pur- 
chased his farm six years ago and raises the cer- 
eals best adapted to soil and climate, annually 
harvesting good crops, for the land is very pro- 
ductive. In 190.5 he raised thirty-five hundred 
liushels of corn on fifty-one acres — the largest 
yield in Bureau county for that year. Mr. Vaughn 
also owns a Percheron mare weighing twenty- 
three hundred pounds with a colt by her side two 
months old, weighing five hundred jiounds. Mr. 
Vaughn has refused five hundred dollars for the 
mare and can sjct (iiie hundred and fifty dollars 
for the colt. lie also raises Diirhaiii cattle and 



Jersey hogs. In the cultivation of his fields he 
follows the most advanced methods and the suc- 
cess of his crops is undoubtedly largely due to the 
fact that he enriches the soil by plowing under 
clover. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. A'aughn chose Miss Ida M. Matson, who was 
bom in Dover township, October 2, 1874. Their 
wedding was celebrated March 13, 189.5, and they 
have become the parents of two daughters: Eve- 
lyn E., born Octoljcr 13, 1896: and Lvdia IL, ijoru 
July 14, 1900. :\Irs. Vaughn's father, Enus M. 
Matson, was a native of Ohio, born October 28, 
1822. His last years were spent as a retired 
farmer in Princeton, Illinois, where he died June 
24, 1899. He was one of the pioneer settlers of 
this county, having arrived here in 1845. His 
wife, who bore tlie maiden name of Helen M. 
Westljrook, was born in Tioga county, Pennsyl- 
vania, June 2, 1835, and died in Dover township, 
April IT, 1891, at the age of fifty-five years, ten 
months and fifteen days. 

Mv. Vaughn is a rejiublican but without asjiira- 
tion for oltiie. He has been a member of the 
Wesleyan ]\Iethodist church for about three years, 
but since the age of eleven years has contributed 
to the church expenses and is now serving as one 
of its trustees. His family are also identified 
with the same church and in the community 
where they reside they occupy an enviable position 
in social circles, while the hospitality of their 
own home is greatly enjoyed by their many friends, 
ilr. Vaughn is yet a young man, widely recognized 
for his excellent Inisiness qualities, and he justly 
merits the success which has rewarded his labors. 



HENRY C. REED. 

Henry C. Reed, of Princeton, who for the jiast 
twenty years has lived a retired life, is numbered 
among the pioneer settlers of Bureau county. He 
was engaged in the banking business in this city 
and has also operated in real estate in both Prince- 
ton and Chicago. He was born in Hartford, Con- 
necticut, in January, 1840, a son of Alexander and 
Harriett (i. ( Kclsie) Reed. The Kelsies as well 
as the Reeds were a |)ionecr faniilv of Princeton. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Alexander Reed were natives 
of Hartford, Connecticut, where the father re- 
sided until 1849, when lie became one of the ar- 
gonauts who went to California in search of the 
golden fleece. Making his way to the far Pacific 
coast, he was there engaged in different kinds of 
business and became wealthy and upon his return 
to the middle west lie settled at Hillsdale, Michi- 
gan, where he invested largely in fruit farms. His 
supervision was given to his property without 
active participation in farm work, tor he prac- 
tically lived retired, making his home in Hills- 
dale until his death. His wife also passed away 
in that citv. 



PAST AND PKESE.NT OF BUKEAU LUL-NTV. 



393 



Henry C. Reed acquireJ a good education in the 
schools of Hillsdale and is a graduate of the col- 
lege there. In early life he came to rnncetdn to 
make his home with his uncle, Mr. Kelsie, who 
wa^; en^'ajred in tlie baiikini; i)u^ine.•^s here, and 
later Mr. Reed began teaching sciiool at Green 
River, this county, which profession he followed 
for a few years. Carefully husbanding his earn- 
ings, he made investments of his capital in land in 
the vicinity of Green River and found that his 
real estate operations were proving very profitable, 
so that he purchased more farming land in the 
county. He thus gradually worked into the real- 
estate business in Princeton, buying and selling 
town property, and his judicious investments and 
well managed sales brought to him an excellent 
financial return. He also invested in real estate 
in Chicago and in farm land near that city, and 
he was seldom, if ever, at error in his business 
judgment, regarding the value of property and 
its possible appreciation. He became one of the 
stockholders of the Dime Savings Bank in Prince- 
ton and was afterward chosen its president. 

Mr. Reed was married in the house which is still 
his home, the lady of his choice being Miss Louise 
Marie White, also a representative of a pioneer 
family of this city. She was born in Chicopee, 
Massachusetts, a daughter of Captain Ebenezer 
and Louise Marie (Wright) White, who were na- 
tives of Ludlow, Massachusetts, whence Captain 
White removed to New York city, where he was 
engaged in contracting. He afterward built mills 
all through the east and south and in 1856 he be- 
came a resident of Princeton, where he began con- 
tracting, erecting many of the early buildings of 
this city, including the American House, Presby- 
terian church, the old courthouse and other im- 
portant structures. He was elected the first mayor 
of Princeton, the office being then called presi- 
dent of the town board, and he gave to the city a 
public spirited and progressive administration, 
characterized liy an understanding of the needs 
and possibilities of the city and the opportunities 
for practical reform and improvement. He finally 
retired from active business life and invested hi-; 
money in real estate, spending his remaining days 
in the enjoyment of well earned rest from further 
labor. In 1867 he was in a run-away accident 
and was injured, which left him in an invalid con- 
dition for three years or up to the time of his 
death in 1870. His first wife died in the cast 
during the infancy of IMrs. Reed and Captain 
White afterward married Miss Emily Crouch, who 
died in ISflG at the home of her daughter in Min- 
neapolis, Minnesota. 

Jlr. and I^Irs. Reed became the parents of seven 
children: tWilJiam W'liito, who married Agjios 
Mnr|)hy of Dixon, Illinois, now resides in Peoria, 
where he is engaged in the retail trunk business. 
Arargaret Elizabeth is a teacher in the public 
schools of Bureau county and resides at home. 
r.ouise Victoria is the wife of Charles Butter- 



worth of Columbus, Ohio. Mae Lsabella is a prac- 
ticing attorney of Columlnis, Ohio. Grace Helen 
is the wife of Theodore Tindale, who resides in 
^[e^rill, Wisconsin. Catherine Blanche is at 
home. Walter Henry is bookkeejoer for the Sun 
Manufacturing Company at Columbus, Ohio. 

Mr. Reed continued in the banking business in 
Princeton for many years and also in real estate 
operations, owning valuable property in the city 
and also fine farming land in Bureau county. He 
likewise owned much valuable real estate in the 
business district of Chicago and bought and ex- 
changed much property, his operations being quite 
extensive there. About 1887, however, he disposed 
of much of his real estate and has since lived a 
retired life. He has never been an ollicc seeker 
but lias always been a stanch republican in his 
political affiliations. He belongs to the ilasonic 
fraternity of Princeton and attained the Ivnight 
Templar degree in the craft. He was formerly a 
prominent member of various literary clubs here, 
taking great interest therein, and was a prolific 
and able writer. He wrote much poetry in an 
earlier day and all through an active and busy life 
devoted much time to reading and literary re- 
search. He made a splendid record as a success- 
ful business man and became well known all over 
the county and through the able control of his 
banking interests and real-estate investments was 
enabled to provide his family with all of the com- 
forts and many of the luxuries of life. Mrs. Reed 
and her daughters are members of the Congrega- 
tional church in Princeton. The family reside 
at Xo. 20 East Peru street, where they own a 
nice home, which was erected by Captain White, 
who at one time owned the entire block upon which 
this residence stands. 



JOHN W. PIERSOX. 

John W. Pierson, a farmer owning land on sec- 
tions 25, 36 and 36, Wyanet township, was born 
in southern Sweden in 1857 and is a son of P. W. 
Pienson, a retired farmer residing on North street 
in Princeton, Illinois. He carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits west of the city upon the ])ie.s- 
ent site of the cemetery in early years and through 
his farming operations acquired a measure of 
prosperity that now enables him to live comfort- 
ably without recourse to further labor. Having 
lost his first wife, he married again and by that 
union had two children, while of tlie first marriage 
there were born four children. 

.Tohn W. Pier.-ion was educated in the common 
schoii's of Sweden and throughout his entire life 
has followed farming. He came to America in 
1881 and has since lived in Bureau countv. Ilis 
first purchase of land made him owner of one hun- 
dred and twenty-six acres in Leepertown township, 
which he afterward sold, while subsequently lie 



394 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



purchased the farm upon which he now resides, 
becoming owner of two hundred and eighty acres 
of fine land on sections 25, 26 and 36, Wyanet 
township, in 1901. The following year he removed 
to this farm and has since made it his home. The 
place is conveniently and pleasantly located within 
four and a half miles of Princeton and thus the 
advantages of the city are easily obtainable. This 
is a fine farm, well improved, in the midst of 
which stands a large and attractive modern resi- 
dence and good outbuildings for the shelter of 
grain and stock. Mr. Pierson carries on general 
agricultural pursuits and stock-raising, making a 
specialty of horses, cattle and hogs. He raises 
Hereford cattle, having five head of registered 
stock. He also raises heavy working horses, fine 
driving horses and Poland China hogs, and his 
opinions are largely regarded as authority on mat- 
ters relating to stock-raising interests. 

Mr. Pierson was united in marriage to Miss 
Hannah Eckerson, who came to Illinois from Swe- 
den in 1882. By this marriage there have been 
born nine children, six of whom are now living: 
Harry, twenty-three years of age; August and 
Anna, both deceased; Selma and August, aged 
eighteen and sixteen years; Oscar, thirteen years 
of age; Wilbert, eleven years of age; one who died 
in infancy; and Elida, now aged six years. 

Mr. Pierson votes with the prohibition party 
because it embodies his views upon the temper- 
ance question, and he has served on the school 
board and as commissioner of highways. His re- 
ligious faith is indicated by his membership in 
the Swedish Lutheran church. He has been very 
successful and is a line man of many excellent 
traits of character, whose devotion to the public 
welfare as well as his activity and trustworthiness 
in his private business interests have made him 
one of the most respected residents of this part of 
tlio county. 



JOSEPH K. HAZEN. 

Jo.seph K. Hazen, to whom has been vouch- 
safed an honorable retirement from labor, was 
in former years actively and successfully engaged 
in general agricultural pursuits but is now enjoy- 
ing a well earned rest in the fruits of his former 
toil. He resides on section 10, Princeton township, 
his place adjoining the corporation limits of 
Princeton. He has one of the most beautiful 
farms of Bureau county with a fine two story 
residence standing in the midst of a well kept 
lawn, while in the rear are good barns and other 
outbuildings for the shelter of grain and stock 
and in fact none of the equipments of a model 
farm are lacking. 

Mr. Hazen was born in Warren county. New 
Jersey, July 5, 18.S0. He is a son of David W. 
Hazen, who was born in Morris county, New Jer- 
sey, in 1801, his parents being Ziba and Katherino 



Hazen, also natives of the same state. The an- 
cestry of the family can be traced back to Edward 
Hazen, who came from England about two hun- 
dred years ago and settled in Connecticut. Daviil 
W. Hazen was reared upon a farm in the state of 
his nativity and acquired his education in tin- 
common schools. During his early life he learned 
the wheelwright's trade but later he resumed agri- 
cultural pursuits. He was married in the east 
to Miss Sarah Ann Taylor, who was born in 1802 
in Hunterdon county. New Jersey, a daughter 
of Abel and Rachel (Everett) Taylor. Her pater- 
nal grandfather, Elijah Taylor, was a native of 
England and served in the English army during 
the Revolutionary war, but later became a resident 
of New Jersey. In the year 1857 David W. Hazen 
with his family removed westward to Illinois, 
locating upon wild prairie land in Selby town- 
ship. Bureau county, where he lived for nine years, 
during which period he transformed his place into 
productive fields, the whole constituting a well 
kept property. He afterward removed to Maiden, 
where both he and his wife died in 1882, Mr. 
Hazen having reached the age of eighty-two years 
at the time of his demise. Both were prominent, 
active and influential members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, their lives being in consistent 
harmony with their professions. In their family 
were five children, as follows: Elijah E. T.. a 
resident of Holyoke, Colorado ; Joseph K. ; Ziba 
H., who is living in Texas; Catherine E., the wife 
of Edson A. Wood, of Chicago; and Ann E., who 
is the widow of Simon Moon. 

Joseph K. Hazen was reared in the state of his 
nativitv and secured his education in the schools 
of Ilackettstown, New Jersey. He remained at 
home until twenty-five years of age and in 185ri 
was married in the east to Miss Marilda Ann 
Trimmer, who was born in Morris county, New 
Jersey, in 1S,S5 and is a daughter of Andrew and 
Marilda Trimmer, natives of that state and of 
German descent. In 1856 Mr. Hazen and his 
young wife came to Illinois and for a year made 
their home in Stark county but since that tinm 
have been residents of Bureau county. His first 
farm consisted of eighty acres of prairie land in 
Selby township and after living for a year in a 
log cabin, sixteen by twenty feet, containing only 
one room and no attic or cellar, it was replaced 
by a little board house, which continued to be 
the family homo until 1861, when a more sub- 
stantial structure was erected. Mr. Hazen re- 
mained upon that farm until 1884. during which 
time it was placed under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. He then disposed of his first farm and 
settled on a tract of land of one hundred and ten 
acres on section 10, Princeton township, which 
he purchased from Judge Skinner and which has 
since been his home. He placed new improve- 
ments upon the farm and carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits and stock-raising. His entire 
life has been devoted to this occupation. He 




I. K. IIAZEN 



PAST A\n I'KKSKX'r OF i;ri;i;\|- (orxTV. 



397 



faniiod I'or twenty-l'oiir years in Selliv t()\viishi|) 
aud twuiity-two years in I'riiicetoii township. He 
now rents his land but personally attends to his 
stock and makes a specialty of raising tiiorough- 
bred Poland China hogs. In this business he is 
very successful, liis annual sales rraehinir a large 
figure. 

Unto Jlr. and ^Irs. Jlazen have been born three 
children, two of whom are now living: Emily T., 
who married Louis F. Zearing and resides near her 
father: Sarah JL, deceased: and Elizabeth D., 
at home. In his religious faith ^Ir. Ilazen is con- 
nected with the Methodist Episcopal church and 
his political supjiort is given to the democrat ii' 
party. lie has served as road comuiissioner nf 
Selby tow-nship and is a public-spirited citizen, 
whose fidelity to the general good as well as his 
integrity and uprightness in all life's relations 
has won for him the confidence and esteem of his 
neighl)ors and classed him with the most respected 
and worthy residents of Bnreau connty. He has 
lived here for a half a century and has therefore 
been a witness of much of its growth and devclop- 
uient from pioneer times down to the jiresent. 



WINElELi) SLOTa' UDELL. 

Winfield Scott Odell, who was a veteran of the 
Civil war and a prominent and honored citizen 
of the village of Walnut, passed away March 12, 
litOL leaving a valuable estate as represented by 
iarse landed interests. He was born in Cass 
countv, Michigan, ()ctoi)er 21, 1847, and departed 
this life in the village of Walnut. March 12, 1901. 
His parents were Simon and Elizabeth (Piatt) 
Odell, who were likewi.se natives of Michigan, 
whence they came to Bureau county at an early 
day, taking up their aliode here ]>rior to the time 
of the Civil war. The father engaged in farming 
as a source of livelihood and both he and his wife 
have now [)assed away, his death occurring in 1873, 
while Mrs. Odell died during the early childhood 
of her son Winfield. 

When si.\ years of age W'iulicid S. Odell came 
to Bureau county with bis parents, the family 
home being established in Greenville township in 
18.54. He acquired his education in the district 
schools and through the ])eriods of vacation aided 
in the work of the home farm. He was only si.x- 
teen years of age when in response to the coun- 
try's call for aid he offered his services tn thi' 
government and enlisted as a mcmi)er of (Company 
E. One Hundred and I'orty-eighth Regiment of 
Illinois X'olunteers, under command of ('a|ilain 
Stublis. He served with the regiment for about a 
year, or until the close of the war, and displayed 
valor and loyalty eipial to that of manv a veteran 
of twice his years. 

Following his return home Mr. Odell was con- 
nected with farming interests in this countv. He 



chose as a eoinjianiiui and brl|iiiiate for life's 
journey Mi.>s ^Maria Kelli'V, to whom he w::s mar- 
ried on the 22d of August. ISds. She was born 
in Walnut townsiiij). Jiureau county, Januarv 29, 
]S.'>.'), a daughter i>[ Eleazer and Hannah (Cbap- 
nuui) Kelley. both of whom were mitives of iMaine. 
.Mr. and .Mrs. Odell became the parents of three 
children, who are yet living: .Anna, now the wife 
of Ceorge Gerbitz: Kelley; and Luther B. There 
were also three children in the family who died in 
infancy. The living children are married with the 
exception of Benjamin, who remains at home with 
his mother. 

In his business interests ^Ir. Odell prospered. 
The lirst piece of land he ever owned was in 
Greenville township and he purchased this with 
the bounty money which he received from the war. 
As the years passed he made extensive and judi- 
cious investments in |)roperty and at the time of 
his demise owned seven hundred and twenty acres 
of land in Lee, Whiteside and Bureau counties, 
re|ireseiiting a life of industry, enterprise and 
careful management. Since his demise his widow 
has sold two hundred acres of land, leaving five 
hundred and twenty acres, includino one hundred 
and sixty acres in Greenville township, one hun- 
dred and twenty acres in Walnut township, one 
hundred and twenty acres in Manliiis township, 
and one hundred and twenty acres in Palestine 
Grove, Ijce county. Isaac Kelley, a half-brother 
of Mrs. Odell, is living with her. 

jMr. Odell was a valued mi'inber of Brewci- post. 
G. A. E., of Walnut, and greatly enjoyed its 
camp fires and the meeting w-ith the old army 
comrades. He served as police magistrate in the 
village of Walnut I'or some time and resided there 
prior to his death, occupying a pleasant cottage 
which he left to his widow in addition to his ex- 
tensive farming interests. Mr. Odell passed away 
when in the prime of life, being only fifty-three 
years of age. -Mmost his entire life was spent in 
tills county and those who knew him from his boy- 
hood were numbered among his stanchest friends, 
a fact which indicates that his career was ever up- 
right and honorable. He was reliable in all of 
his business transactions and so conducted his 
interests that success resulted. 



.lollN W. UAXIKl.S. 
The crops raisi'd upon his farm, covering two 
hundrcil broad acres, indicates that .John W. Dan- 
iels is one of the enter])rising agriculturists of 
Bureau county, thoroughly conversant with his 
business in principle and detail. He lives in 
Dover township and in the management of his 
larni displays ability ami enterprise wliicb lia\c 
gained for him a gratifying measure of ])ros|)erity. 
A nati\(' of Ohio, his l)irtli occurred upon a farm 
in Clinton county. .Tunc is. \HU\ his jiarents 
being William and Delilah (Co\) Daniels, who 



308 



PAST AND ri!ESE.\T OF BUliEAT" COUNTY. 



were married December 'i'A. 1840. The father vas 
born in >i'ew Jersey, April 1, 181.5. and died in 
Bureau county August 1!>, 18T9. The mother, 
who was born in Ohio. January 7, 1818, is also 
deceased. 

John W. Daniels came to Bureau county in 
18oo and having arrived at years of maturity he 
was married September 7. 1869, in Dover town- 
ship, upon the old homestead of his wife's par- 
ents. The lady of his choice was Elizabeth .V. 
Carr, who was born in Jlorris county, Xew Jer- 
sey, July 23, 1849. and was brought to Illinois 
in 1S52 when in her fourth year- Four children 
have graced this marriage: Harriet B., born 
June 3, 1871. is now the wife of Parker Jv'oble 
and has one son. Reuben P., born September 12. 
1891. Eliza May, born December 15, 1873, is the 
wife of Walter Young and has three children : 
Frances, born Xovember 12. 1897; Eoland, March 
8, 1900: and Mildred, Xovember 24, 1901.' Harry 
E., born January 8, 1878, and Mary E., born 
June 24, 1881, complete the Daniels family. 

Throughout his entire business career Mr. Dan- 
iels has carried on general agricultural pursuits 
and in addition to cultivating his fields he raises 
horses. Durham cattle and Oxford sheep. He 
is also a breeder of fine poultry, making a spe- 
cialty of White Plymouth Rocks and Black Lang- 
shans. His farm is well equipped for the various 
purposes for which it is used and altogether is a 
model property, indicating in its neat and at- 
tractive appearance the careful supervision of one 
to whom diligence and perseverance are familiar 
• lualities. being exemplified in his daily life. In 
politics he is an independent democrat, and he 
and his wife are members of the English Lutheran 
church, with which they have been identified for 
thirty-six years. They "have reared their children 
in that faith and they. too. are now associated with 
the church in membership relations. Froiu his 
youth Mr. Daniels has made his home in this 
county, so that his life n^cord is largely familiar 
to his friends and neighbors, who entertain for 
him warm regard becau.se at all times he has been 
faithful to principles and lines of condmt that 
neither seek nor require disguise. 



KiJJS BROOKS WOtJl). 

Ellis Brooks Wood, who for many years was 
identified with the live-stock business in Bureau 
county, and who departed this life Xovember 13. 
1899, was born near Rochester. Xew York, on IIk; 
22d of September. 1830. His father. John Wood. 
was a farmer by occupation, and. having arrived 
at years of maturity, wedded ^liss Marv Brooks. 
a daughter of (icncral Hrooks. 

Their son. Elli.s Brooks Wood, was educated in 
the schools of Rochester, enjoying good privileges 
in that direction. He came to Illinois in 1854. 
when a young man of twenty-four years, and 



turned his attention to farming. In 185() he 
further completed his arrangements for having a 
home of his own by his marriage, and he brought 
his bride to his farm, after which with renewed 
energy he continued the work of tilling the soil. 
In 1864 he began buying live stock, and continued 
in that business until about 1878, finding it a 
source of gratifying profit. In the latter year 
he retired from active work, aiul his remaining 
days were passed in the enjoyment of a rest uhich 
he truly earned and ricldy deserved. 

It was on the 22d of September. 1856, that ilr. 
Wood was united in marriage to Miss Amanda 
Martin, who was born September 20, 1838, near 
La Moille, Illinois, in which locality she was 
reared. Her father was William Martin, who 
came to Illinois in the spring of 1838 and en- 
gaged in farming until his death, which occurred 
on the 6th of December, 1877. 

^Ir. Wood in his political views was a stalwart 
republican, never faltering in his allegiance to 
the party, for he believed that its principles were 
most conducive to good government. He was a 
member of the Masonic fraternity of I^a Moille 
and enjoyed in large measure the esteem of his 
brethren of the fraternity, because in his life 
he exempli fi(>d the spirit oJE the craft. He passer! 
away Xovember 13, 1899, at the age of sixty-nim 
years, one month and twenty-one days. Th' 
greater part of the period of his manhood wa- 
jiassed in Bureau county, and his friends were 
drawn from that class who recognize and appre- 
ciate sterling worth and who stand for honor 
and honestv in all life's relations. 



MRS. AFCtUSTA E. (WOOD) ABFLL. 

Mrs. Augusta E. (Wood) Abell. living upon a 
farm in La Moille. her native township, was 
boi-n on the 25th (d' .\ugust. 1858. iier ]iarents 
l)eiug Ellis B. and Amanda (Martin) Wood. Her 
father was born in the state of Xew York, Sep- 
tember 22, 1830, and came to Illinois in 1854. 
locating in Bureau count}'. He was married in 
1856 to Miss Amanda Martin and they became the 
jiarents of two children, of whom i\rrs. .\bell is 
the elder. The mother is still living but the 
father died in 1899. at the age of sixty-nine years. 

Augusta E. Wood spent her girlhood days in 
her parents' home and attended the public schools 
of the neighborhood. In early w-omanhood she 
gave her hand in marriage to Lorenzo Abell. who 
was born in Lee county. Illinois. December 23. 
1858. Attracted by the discovery of gold in 
.Maska and the business opjiortunities thereby 
promoted he went to the Klondike, where hi? 
di'ath ocfurred. Four children were left to .share 
with the wife in her loss, these being Ellis C. 
horn Xovemlier 2. 1881 ; Scott E., born August 3, 
1884: Xellie A., December 17, 1885; and Edna F.. 
Mav 22, 1887. 





o-tttK^ 




o^ll I c^ ^Jo^ //Ji ^(rif-il 



i'A.S'l AMI i'i;E8K.\'r LiF I'.ll.'KAl ( oi NTV. 



lo:! 



Mrs. AIk'H is a itR'iiil)or of tho Eastern Star 
lodge at La Moillc and sin- ami two of lu>r chil- 
dren hold mi'inhcrship in the I'nited Brctiircn 
church. Slip is now the owner of an ex<elient t'ann 
of one hundred and sixty acres of choice land, tn 
the supervision and improvement of which she 
devotes her time and energies. She has lived upon 
this farm for three years and is active in its 
nianagtMiicnt. .\!1 of the liay and grain raised aic 
fed to the stock and her stock-raising intcri'sts 
are an important iiranch of her business. Mrs. 
.Miell is a lady of good attainnii'tits. n\' marked 
(■nterjiri.se and keen discernment. She has kept 
her family together upon the old home place, 
carefully rearing her children to manhood and 
woiiianho<id and well qualifying them to tight life's 
battles. She has nobly earned the higti esteem in 
which she is held as a friend and neighbor and is 
widely recognized as a laily of many excellent 
traits iif character and Christian virtues. 



IIKMAX D. IIATCTT. 

Hemaii 1). Hatch, who for many years was an 
active factor in agricultural circles and is now 
[iracti<-aliy living retired upon his farm on sec- 
tions ;?:5 and .'W, Indiantown township, was born 
in Allegany county. Xew York, dune 26, 1844. 
lie is a son of Charles Tj. Hatch, who came to Il- 
linois in 1S.")!I, locating at Free])ort, where he lived 
for four y(>ars and then came to Bureau countv in 
the spring of 1S(J4. He was originally from \'er- 
mont and r)ii reaching this county he settled on 
the farm where his .son Heman now resides, there 
spending his remaining days. He married Amelia 
Allen, a native of eastern New York, and both 
were highly esteemed people, whose genuine per- 
sonal worth gained them a favoral)le position in 
public reganl. Charles L. Hatch died January 
22. 19t)."), in the ninety-fifth year of his age, his 
birth having occurred April 30, 181(1. while his 
wife passed away Januarv 22, ISTfi. 

Heman 1). Hatch acquired his education in the 
public schools of his native state and when a youth 
iif fifteen years came to Bureau eiiinit\ with his 
parents, since which time he has continuouslv re- 
sided u|i(in the old homestead farm with the ex- 
ception of a few years spent in Milo townshi]i. 
He was drafted for service in the Union army 
September 29, 18(11. mid became a mendier of 
Company (',. Twelfth llliiKiis Infantry, with whi<h 
he served until dune ".!!•. 1S(;."). when he was honor- 
ably discharged. He was in .Nashville, Tennessee, 
doing garrison duty all winter and then went down 
the Cundierlaiid to the Ohio river and up that 
stream to Cincinnati, whence lie proceeded to 
l'.altini(ire. Maryland, and afterward to Xewbern 
ami to (ioldsboro. North Carolina, where the 
Union troops surrounded General .lohnslon, who 
eventually surrendered, lie was in manv other 
smaller engagements aiul served fm- (wo months 



with the Tw<>nty-third .Massachusetts liegiiiicnl. 
From North Carolina the Twelfth Illinois ])ro- 
ceeded to Kaleigh and on to Wash in:; Ion, wliere 
Mr. Hatch was mustered out. Kelurning home 
he resumed his labors as a farmer and is still the 
owner of one hundred and sixty acres of land up- 
on which he resides and fortv acres in Milo town- 
ship. He was formerly engaged in the dairy 
business as well as in the tilling of the fields, but 
be now rents his land, which is devoted to general 
farming and stock-raising. As the years i)assed 
by his business ell'orts and enterjirise bro\igbt to 
him a good linancial return, so that with a hand- 
some competence he was enabled to leave to others 
the more ardiKnis duties of an active business ca- 
reer. 

Mr. Hatch was married to Miss Harriet Thomp- 
son, a daughter of Alfred 'J'honi]),son. He votes 
with the republican party and has served as school 
director but has never been a politician in the 
sense of otTice seeking. He now liclongs to the 
Grand Army of the Republic at Tiskilwa and in 
nuitters of citizenship lie has always been loyal 
and progressive, standing for substantial iinprove- 
Mieiit and practical ]irogre.ss in all matters relat- 
iii"- til the welfare id' tnwii and coiililv. 



\vai;i;fx poolk. 

Warren Poole is now living retired but still 
makes his home upon his farm in Dover township. 
.\. native son of Vermont, he was born February 
8, 18;i4. his parents being (Jeorge and Mary .Viin 
(Wight) Poole, who came with their familv to 
Illinois in 1848, settling in Bureau county. They 
traveled bv wagon and on the Erie canal to Buf- 
falo and thence by boat to Chicago, whence they 
proceeded by way of the Illinois and Michigan canal 
to La Salle, tliis state, afterward driving across 
the country to their destination, (icorge Poole 
located at Dover, HIinois, where he spent his re- 
maining day.s. He was a shoemaker bv trade and 
became the owner of some town property in Do- 
ver. Both he and his wife passed away in the 
vear 1880. In their family were six chililreii, of 
whom four are now living, two being residents ol 
Bureau county: Warren, and Mrs. Samuel Clark, 
nf I'rinceton. 

Warren Poole acquired his i>arly education in 
the schools of the Green Mountain .state and con- 
tinued his studies in Dover. Illinois, following the 
removal of the family to the west, when he was 
a vouth of fourteen years. The occu))ation to 
which he was reared he has maile his life work 
and is numliercd among the leading and success- 
ful farmers of the county. He owns one hundred 
and sixtv acres of line land in Dover township and 
also twenty acres of timber in the same township. 
For many years he continued actively in the culti- 
vation of the farm, lint now rents the land and is 
living reliivil. II is carefully directed labors, how- 



404 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



ever, proved an excellent source of income and 
supplied him with a competence that now enables 
liim to put aside the arduous cares of an active 
business career. 

Mr. Poole was married to Miss Sarah V. Hum- 
phrey, of New York, who came to Illinois with 
her parents in 1843 and is a dau<jhter of Theodore 
Humphrey, who lived in Dover and followed the 
occupation of farming. Mr. and Mrs. Poole have 
a son and daughter : Henry H., now of Kewanee, 
niinois, who married Elizabeth Scanlan and has 
two daughters; and Fannie P., the wife of Frank 
M. Lay, of Kcwanee, by whom she has one son. 
Mr. Lay is identified with manufacturing inter- 
ests, being secretary and treasurer of the Boss 
Manufacturing Company. He also has a store 
which is conducted under the firm name of Ly- 
man, Lay & Company. 

Mr. Poole exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the repub- 
lican party and his fellow townsmen, recognizing 
his worth and ability, have frequently called him 
to hold local office in the township. He was su- 
pervisor for five years, from 1875 until 1880. has 
been highway commissioner, was justice of the 
peace for thirty years and school treasurer for 
twenty-seven years. His decisions in the justice 
court have always been characterized by strict fair- 
ness and impartiality, being based upon the equity 
and the law in the case, so that he has made an 
excellent record in office. He and his family are 
members of the Congregational church, of which 
he has served as a trustee for many years. A self- 
made man, he has been very successful and in an 
analyzation of his life work to find the secret of 
his prosperity we note that his salient characteris- 
tics have been unfaltering energy, firm purpose 
and a careful utilization of the means at hand. 
He has not placed his dependence upon s]ieculati<in 
or fortunate circumstances, but has labored earn- 
estly and persistently and that he is now one of 
the substantial residents of the county is due to 
his own efforts. 



A. OPPENHEIM. 
In commercial circles in Princeton A. Oppen- 
heim, dealer in clothing and men's furnishing 
goods, is well known. His life record began in 
Baden. Germany, in December, 1815, his parents 
being I. and Eva (Weler) Oppenheim, who were 
likewise natives of Germany. The son pursued 
his education in the fatherland and retained his 
residence in his native country to the age of twen- 
ty-one years, when he sought a homo in America, 
attracted by the favorable reports which he had 
heard concerning business opportimities and con- 
ditions in the United States. He lived for two 
years with an uncle in Indiana and in 18r>8 came 
to Princeton, where he has since resided, his con- 
nection with its commercial interests covering the 



entire period to the present time. For live years 
he was employed as a clerk in the store of M. 
Dernham, after which he entered into partnership 
with .1. J. Bamburg as a dealer in clothing and 
men's furnishing goods. This relation was main- 
tained until the death of ih'. Bamburg in 1888, 
since which time Mr. Oppenheim has carried on 
the business alone, the extent and importance of 
his trade making him one of the leading mer- 
chants of the city. 

In 1873 Mr. Oppenheim was married to ^[iss 
Maggie Winter, of Princeton, and their two chil- 
dren, Edward and Eva, are still under the par- 
ental roof. Mr. Oppenlieim is very prominent in 
Masonry, being affiliated with the council and 
commandery, and is well informed concerning all 
matters connected with the fraternity. He also 
keeps in touch with subjects of general interest, 
political and otherwise, and is a popular citizen 
and successful business man of wide acquaintance 
and extensive friendships. He is a self-made man, 
who without any extraordinary family or pecu- 
niary advantages at the commencement of life 
has battled earnestly and energetically and by 
indomitable courage and integrity has achieved 
both character and fortune. By sheer force of 
will and untiring effort lie has worked his way 
u]iward. 



FRANK C. MARTIN. 

Frank C. Martin is one of the enterprising 
young farmers of Berlin township and has charge 
of one hundred and sixty-five acres of choice 
land, whereon he is engaged in cultivating the 
cereals best adapted to soil and climate. He was 
horn in this county, September 6, 1881, a son 
of Zachary T. and Clara (Booth) Martin, who 
were also natives of this county and were here 
reared and married, both being representatives of 
pioneer families of this section of the state. They 
became the parents of five children, of whom 
Frank C. was the third in order of birth. 

No event of special im]i(irtance occurred to 
vary the routine of farm life for Frank V. Jfartin 
in his boyhood and youth. His time was devoted 
to the duties of the schoolroom, the pleasures 
of the playground and the work of the fields. 
He luirsued his studies in the village of La Moille 
and completed his education in Princeton Busi- 
ness Clollege and since putting aside his text- 
books liis time and energies have been devoted to 
general agricultural pursuits, for he chose as a life 
work the occupation to which he was reared. He 
now has charge of one himdred and sixty-five 
acres of excellent land, on which he raises corn, 
oats and hay. He has already made a good start 
and expects soon to invest in farm property, so 
that ho will become one of the laiuhiwncrs of the 
county. He possesses lau(lal)le ambition and 
strong determination and his friends do not hesi- 



PAST AND P1{ESP:NT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



405 



tato lu |ii'o]iliusvmt; ]'<ir liiiu a successl'ul future. 

On the 18th of January, 1905, Mr. Martin was 
united in marriage to Miss Laura Wagner, who was 
born in Bureau county, February 19, 1881, a 
daughter of Fred and Anna (Thompson) Wag- 
ner, who were natives of Germany and came to 
America in childhood. In their family were 
seven children of whom Mrs. Martin is the third 
in order of birth. The home of Mr. and Mrs. 
Martin has been blessed with an interesting little 
daughter, Esther E., born May 24, 1906. Mrs. 
Martin belongs to the Jlethodist Episcopal church. 
Mr. Jlartin gives his political allegiance to the 
republican party. Both belong to prominent early 
families of the county and are highly esteemed 
where they are known, wliile the good business 
qualifications of Mr. Martin indicate that he will 
make rapid progress in agricultural life, while 
he has already made a good start. 



THILIP HENSEL. 

When Bureau county was a frontier district 
Philip Hensel was brought to Illinois and has 
since been an eye witness of the changes which 
have occurred here and of the work that has been 
wrought in transforming this region from a tract 
of wild, uncultivated prairie into rich fields dot- 
ted with good homes, while in their midst here and 
there stand enterprising towns, villages and cities. 
Mr. Hensel was born in New York township, 
Tuscarawas county, Ohio. August 28, 1833, and is 
a son of James and Lydia (Fackler) Hensel. The 
father was born in Milford township, Somerset 
county, Pennsylvania. June 24, 1807, and after 
residing for some years in Ohio, from 1814 to 
October, 1853, he came to Illinois. He brought 
with him seven thousand dollars in gold and with 
this he made purchase of a tract of land, ulti- 
mately becoming one of the large landowners of 
the county, his possessions aggregating more than 
nine hundred acres. For a long period he was 
actively engaged in farming until 1880 when he 
removed to Princeton. He was married three 
times. His first wife died in Ohio and he after- 
ward wedded Mar}' Frease. For his third wife he 
chose Mrs. Katherine Whitney, the widow of 
Joseph Whitney and a sister of his second wife. 
His first presidential vote was cast for Andrew 
Jackson, but he never gave his support to the 
democracy after that time. He died in his ninety- 
seventh year. 

Philip Hensel, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, was a young lad at the time the family came 
to Bureau county. Here he was reared amid the 
environments of frontier life, acquiring a public- 
school education and receiving ample training at 
farm labor as he assisted in the work of the fields 
from early youth. On the 28th of September, 
1865, he secured a companion and helpmate for 
life's journey by his marriage to Miss Margaret 



McKiraliau, who was born in Belmont county, 
Ohio, January 7, 1832. This marriage has been 
blessed with six children. James Grant, who was 
educated in Dover Academy and in the North- 
western University at Evanston, Illinois, from 
whicii he was graduated, is now a liookkeeper in 
the gas othce in Chicago. Eva is the wife of Dr. 
\V. E. Howard and for a long time was a teacher 
in Bureau county. George P. is engaged in farm- 
ing on the home place. Jennie is the wife of F. E. 
Beatty, a resident farmer of Bureau county. 
Jolin is on the Chicago Board of Trade. 

In the year of his marriage Mr. Hensel located 
upon his present fai-m, where he lias resided con- 
tinuously since, having bought the place in 1856. 
This land, for which he paid eighteen dollars per 
acre, is today worth one hundred and seventy-five 
dollars per acre. He has here two hundred and 
eighty acres, constituting a very valuable farm, 
and his place is well improved with all modern 
conveniences and equipments. lie cultivates the 
fields and also raises horses, cattle and hogs, and 
his intense and well directetl activity, as manifest 
in his business career, has made him a prosperous 
agricultxirist. 

Mr. Hensel exercises his right of franchise in 
su])]iort of the men and measures of tlic re])ubli- 
can party, which he has coiitiiniously supported 
since casting his first presidential ballot for Fre- 
mont in 1856. He belongs to the Metiiodist 
Protestant church and is a man of many good 
traits of character, a fact which is indicated when 
it is known that the circle of his friends is almost 
co-e.\tensive with the circle of his acquaintances. 



HAKRY L. PARKER. 



Harry L. Parker, a wealthy agriculturist resid- 
ing on section 26, Wyanet township, is one of the 
native sons of the county. His birth occurred in 
1865 in the township which is still his home and 
he is a representative of one of the old families 
of Illinois, while his ancestry can be traced back 
to England. His father, Charles L. V. Parker, 
was born near Watertown, Jell'erson county. New 
Y'ork, May 13, 1821. He was a son of .Vmaziah 
Parker. The great-great-grandfather of Harry 
L. Parker in the paternal line was a native of 
England, and on coming to the new world settled 
in Boston. Massachusetts, where ho conducted a 
successful business as a dealer in dry gomls and 
groceries. His son, Joshua Parker, was born in 
that city and served as a soldier in the French 
and Indian war. lie also enlisted as a member of 
the American army in the war of Ihe Revolution 
and commanded a company as captain. The last 
twenty years of his life were sjient in New York 
at the home of his son, Amaziah Parker. 

The last named was born in Boston, was reared 
to manhood in Massachusetts and was all'iirded 



406 



J'AST -VXD PRESENT OF BUKEAU CorXTV. 



good educational piivileges there. At an early age 
however, he left New England and went to Xew 
York, becoming one of the pioneer settlers of 
Jefferson county. He was twice marrietl and his 
second wife, who bore the name of Sophrona 
Dillen, became the mother of Charles L. V. 
Parker. Her birth occurred in Cherryville, New 
York. For a long period Mr. and Mrs. Amaziah 
Parker resided in JeiTerson county, where he be- 
came one of the substantial farmers and also car- 
ried on a cooper shop but spent his last days upon 
a farm in Allen county, Indiana. He was a 
member of the militia during the war of ISl"^ and 
was stationed at.Sackett's Harbor, serving as a 
commissioned officer. In civil life he was also 
called upon to fill important positions and was 
recognized as a leader in the community where he 
lived, leaving tlie impress of his individuality 
upon public thought and action. In his family 
were four children, two sons and two daughters. 
Charles L. V., Yolney, Eliza and Cynthia. 

The educational privileges afforded Charles L. 
V. Parker were meager. He studied for a short 
time in the primitive schools of that early day 
found in Allen county, Indiana, hut though his 
school training was limited by reading and study 
in later years he became a well informed man. 
In his early manhood he removed to Bureau 
county, Illinois, where he arrived in 1850. He 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land in 
Wyanet township, which was entirely unimproved 
and to the development and cultivation of the 
farm he at once gave Ids attention and in the 
course of years transformed the wild tract into 
fields that yielded rich and abundant liarvests. 
As his financial resources increased he purcliaseil 
other tracts until he owned about four hundred 
acres of valuable and well improved land. In 
1854. in connection with his brother lie engaged 
in carpentering, building all of the l)ridges for 
the Eock Island Railroad betw^een Tiskilwa and 
Sheffield but with that exception his entire lite 
was spent as a farmer and cattle-raiser. He met 
with well deserved success in his chosen calling 
and became a very wealthy man, for his business 
interests were capably directed and in Inisiness 
matters he possessed sound and reliable judg- 
ment. 

On the 20tli <>( .\pril. 185(5. Charles L. V. 
Parker was married in Bureau county, to ^liss 
Persis L. Hinman. who was born in Vermont 
but was reared in Illinois, coming to Bureau 
county in her childhood days with her parents. 
Robert and Mindwell A. (Rartlett) Hinman, 
both of whom were natives of Vermont, and on 
their removal to the west settled at Tiskilwa. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Parker were born four chil- 
dren: Charles W., who is now a retired farmer 
residing in Princeton ; Emma and Ella, also living 
in that city; and Harry L.. of this review. The 
father gave his political allegiance to the democ- 
racy and was a Master Mason in his fraternal 



relations. He lived an liouurable, upright life 
which gained for him the contiilence of all with 
whom he came in contiict either in a business or 
social way, and the circle of his friends was an 
extensive one. His wife died December 3:5, 1892, 
and his death occurred November 1, 1S»01. 

After acquiring his elementary education in the 
common schools Harry L. Parker became a stu- 
dent in the Princeton high school and afterward 
at the State University, at Champaign, Illinois. 
He became a civil enginer and followed that pro- 
fession for a time in this section of the country. 
In 1895 he went to .Arizona and later to Texas, 
and subsequently to New ]\Iexico and to old 
Mexico, devoting liis attention to his profession 
in all those different sections of the country. In 
1901, however, he abandoned civil engineering and 
returned home to the farm. He now owns two 
hundred aci'es of good land on section 26. Wyanet 
township, which is well improved and is splen- 
didly located, the farm being five miles from 
Princeton and two and a half miles from Wyanet. 
He carries on the work of tilling the soil and 
raising stock, having some good grades of cattle 
upon his place. Both branches of his business 
are proving to be profitable and he is now pros- 
pering in his undertakings. 

Mr. Parker was married to Miss Jennie Wick- 
ersham, of Princeton, where she was born, anrl 
her mother is still living in that city. Mr. Parker 
is a member of Bureau lodge. No. 112, A. F. & 
A. ^I.. and Princeton chapter, R. A. M., both of 
Princeton. His wife is a member of the Metho- 
dist church. A native son of the county, almost 
his entire life has been passed within its borders. 
His business affairs have been carefully conducted 
and he now holds valuable property interests. 
He has always been straightforward in his deal- 
ings, never taking advantage of the necessities 
of others in trade transactions and as the years 
have gone by he has made a splendid record as a 
l)rosperous and reliable man. 



CIlAia.ES DAIILGREN. 

Charles Dahlgren, conducting the leading har- 
ness estal)lisliment of Princeton, is a native of 
Sweden, born (ui the 5th of December. 1858. 
The ]nd)lic schools of that country affordeil him 
his educational privileges and he remained a resi- 
dent of Sweden until in his twentv-second year. 
He was married on the 16th of lUy'. 1880. to Miss 
Christina Erickson, and the same year came with 
bis bride to the new world, attracted by the 
broader business opportunities afforded in thi^ 
country. He had already learned the harness- 
making trade and was an excellent workman in 
that line. When he arrived he had a capital of 
only eight dollars, and soon afterward he embarked 
in the manufacture and sale of harness, and has 
heeoine the leadini: n'|ire>entative of this line of 




CHAKLK8 DAIILGREN 



PA8'|- AND PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Ki'.i 



Priucetuii, earning a large stock of haiuliuade 
harness, lie has been located here iu business 
for nioie than a quarter of a century and has the 
patronage of the best people of the city and sur- 
rounding country. He carries a full and com- 
plete line of harness of all grades, collars, sweat 
pads, Uy nets, blankets, robes, whips, halters, 
saddles and iu fact everything needed for the 
horse, and his store is located at No. 511) 8outh 
Main street. He employs only skilled workmen, 
and has a good force of men always engaged in 
the manufacture and repairing of harness. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Dahlgren have been born 
three children. Theodore A., who was born 
January 17, 1881, and is a mail carrier in Prince- 
ton, married Miss May Warner, of this city, and 
they have one son, William Lloyd. Theckla A. 
is a bookkeeper in the First State Bank of Prince- 
ton. Theresa A., who completes the family, is 
in school. The elder daughter was educated in 
Princeton high school, and both have consider- 
able musical talent. 

Mr. Dahlgren has always been interested in 
horses, and at one time engaged in raising Shet- 
land ponies. He has done some trading in real 
estate, and is an enterprising business man of 
keen foresight and marked ability. He now owns 
one hundred and forty-eight acres of bottom land 
in Bureau county, real estate in Princeton, and 
also farm land in Colorado. His political alle- 
giance is given to the republican party, and he is 
one of its stalwart and active supporters. At one 
time he served as treasurer of the city and his 
effort has been untiring in behalf of p\iblic prog- 
ress and improvement. He is identified with sev- 
eral fraternal insurance orders and is well known 
in business, social and political circles as a man 
of genuine personal worth. He has never had 
occasion to regret his determination to seek a 
home in America, for in this country he has 
found the opportunities he ha.s sought and through 
thoir utilization has gained a yilace among the 
representative residents of liis adopted city. Mr. 
and Airs. Dahlgren are both members of the 
Swedish Lutheran church, of which they have 
been members since their arrival in Bureau 
county, it now having a membership of nearly 
one thousand. 



EDWIN M. YOUNG. 
Edwin M. Young, an attorney at the Princeton 
bar, was born in Dover township. Bureau countv, 
August 25, ]8G2. His father, James A. Young, 
came from Indiana to Illinois in the early '50s 
and settled about six miles north of Princeton, 
where he devoted his energies to general agri- 
cultural pursuits until 18G9, when his life's la- 
bors were ended in death when lie was thirty-nine 
years of age. His wife was Dolsina Wcller, also 
a native of Tndiaiui, and bv their marriajic thev 



became the parents of nine children, seven sons and 
two daughters. 

Edwin M. Young is indebted to the district 
schools for the early educational privileges he 
enjoyed and he afterward attended the high school 
of Princeton. Following the completion of his 
course there he taught school for two years in 
Christian county and for a similar period was 
principal of the Ladd school in Bureau county. 
He was also identified with educational work in 
other parts of this county, his connection with 
the profession of teaching continuing for eight 
years. In the meantime he had determined upon 
the profession of law as a life work and he util- 
ized his leisure hours for the mastery of the prin- 
ciples of jurisprudence. He began his reading in 
the oHice and under the direction of James M. 
Taylor, of Taylorville, Illinois, and also spent two 
years in the otliee of Judge Kichard il. Skinner, 
of Princeton, being admitted to the bar in 1892. 

Mr. Young at once located for practice in 
Princeton, where he has remained continuously 
since, and in 1896 he received the nomination for 
state's attorney on the democratic ticket. As a 
lawyer he is sound, clear minded and well trained 
and is thoroughly at home in all departments of 
the law. His success in a professional way af- 
fords the best evidence of his capabilities in this 
line. He is a strong advocate with the jury and 
concise in his appeals before the court. He is 
now actively connected with a calling which has 
important l)caring upon the progress and stable 
prosperity of any section or community and one 
which has long been considered as conserving the 
public welfare by furthering the ends of justice 
and maintaining individual right. 

On the 20th of August, 1890, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Young and l\Iis.^ Minnie 
Brown of Taylorville, Illinois, who died in 1896, 
leaving two children, Lois and Russell. Mr. 
Young was again married in 1903, his second 
union being with Mrs. Susie ]\I. (Heagle) Kirk, 
a daughter of a Baptist minister, who is now pro- 
fessor of theology in Jackson, Tennessee. She has 
two children by her former marriage: Heagle and 
Dorcas Kirk. 

Mr. and Mrs. Young are members of the Bap- 
tist church and he is a democrat from principle 
without desire for ])ublic otTice. In all those 
things which relate to good citizenship, which 
champion opposition to misrule in public affairs, 
which stand for civic virtue and work for re- 
form and ])rogress Edwin M. Young is deeply 
interested and at Hie same time has won an en- 
viable place in his profession. In the law more 
than in any other walk of life is one's career 
open to talent. The reason is evident ; it is a 
profession in which eminence cannot be attained 
except by indomitable energy, perseverance and 
patience, and tliough its prizes arc numerous and 
spleiulid they cannot be won except by arduous 
aTid prolonged elTort. It is this that has brought 



410 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



success to Mr. Young, who is recognized as one 
of the able representatives of tlie bar of this sec- 
tion of the state. 



EDWIX O. DOWXIXG. 

Edwin 0. Downing, deceased, was at one time 
connected with farming interests in Bureau coun- 
ty and was a representative of one of its old and 
leading pioneer families. His birth occurred in 
Mount Carroll, Carroll count}', Illinois, December 
4, 1839, and in 1856 he came to Bureau county 
in company with his parents, Heman and Rachel 
(Holbrook) Downing. The father was born at 
South Hadley, Massachusetts, in 1810, and the 
mother's birth occurred near Keene, X'ew Hamp- 
shire, in 1812. The paternal grandfather, Abner 
Downing, was a native of Connecticut, but at an 
early day removed to Massachusetts and about 
1837 arrived in Illinois, becoming one of the 
earliest settlers of Carroll county, while Enos Hol- 
brook, the maternal grandfather, came from X'ew 
Hampshire and permanently located at La Moille 
in Bureau county, Illinois, in 1839. 

It was in the year 1834 that Heman Downing 
arrived in Bureau county and for a time engaged 
in carpentering in Princeton, erecting some of 
the first houses of that place. Two years later 
he was married in that city, where lie continued 
to make his home until the fall of 1837, when he 
removed to Carroll county, locating on a farm in 
Carroll township. He built the first frame barn 
in the county and was closely associated with 
other interests that indicated the early pioneer 
development of that part of the state. In ^larch, 
1856, he returned to Bureau county and located 
upon a farm south of Princeton, wliere he resided 
until his death in April, 1882. He and his wife 
both took an active part in the work of the Con- 
gregational church, of which they were members 
and throughout the community where they lived 
they were widely known as earnest and zealous 
Christian people, v.hose lives were in harmony 
with their professions. The father was a repub- 
lican in politics and for vears served as road 
commissioner. Unto him and his wife were horn 
nine children, of whom five are now living: An- 
gela, Andrew, Edwin 0., Elizabeth, David. Ste- 
phen, F^nos, ilary Eliza and Flora. 

Edwin 0. Downing was educated in the com- 
mon schools of Carroll and Bureau coiinties and 
was reared to farm life, early becoming familiar 
with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of 
the agriculturist. Throughout his entire business 
career he carried on general farming and as n 
companion and helpmate for life's journey he 
sought and won Miss Susanna Greenamyer, to 
whom he was married on the 23d of December, 
lSfi2. She was a native of Portage county, Ohio, 
and a daughter of Solomon Greenamyer, now 
deceased, who came to Bureau countv in IR.ifi 



and residetl upon a farm near Princeton. Mrs. 
Downing is one of a family of seven childreu, 
si.\ of whom yet survive, and at the time of her 
marriage she went with her husband to a farm 
near Princeton and settled upon the farm where 
she now resides. They became the parents of five 
daughters and two sons who are still living : 
Mary Angela, now the wife of George Evellioch. 
a resident farmer of Dover township ; Adelaide, 
the wife of Mason Sisler, of ilinnesota; Mabel. 
Xora, Olive, Harvey E. and William, all at home. 
Two children died in infancy, one of these being 
Flora, the fifth in order of birth ; while the sec- 
ond died unnamed. 

ilr. Downing was the owner of two hmidivd and 
seventy-five acres of line land on sections 2(1 and 
21, Princeton township, and he and his son did 
all of the work of improving the place and culti- 
vating the fields, which Mrs. Downing still owns. 
In politics he was ever a republican, who kept well 
informed on questions and issues of the day and 
took a deep interest in the political situation of 
the country. He served as school director and 
road c(unmissioner and local advancement and 
national progress were both causes dear to his 
heart. The family all attend the Congregational 
church. Mr. Downing continued to make his 
home upon his farm until his demise, which oc- 
curred June 19, 1903. His widow still reside* 
upon a farm in Princeton township and is a 
most estimable lady. Mr. Downing was pos- 
sessed of many good qualities, including fearless- 
ness in defense of his honest convictions, marked 
enterprise and integrity in business circles and 
an unfaltering devotion to the interests of bis 
family and to the ties of friendship. 



DANIEL 0. CLARK. 

Daniel 0. Clark, owning and operating a fine 
farm of two hundred acres situated in Dover 
township, to which he has recently removed, hav- 
ing previously been a resident of Arispie township, 
Bureau county, is a native son of the county, his 
birth having occurred June 13. 1862. He is a 
son of Onoy and Amanda P. (.Mdrich) Clark, 
both natives of Rhode Island. The mother ac- 
companied her parents from the east to Bureau 
county, Illinois, in 1845, while the father ar- 
rived five years later, or in 1850, and here they 
were married. In their family are four chil- 
dren, of whom the subject of this review is the 
second in order of birth. 

Daniel 0. Clark was reared in Bureau county, 
where he received a common-school education, 
and on putting aside his te.xt-books started out in 
life on his own account l\v working as a farm hand 
by the month. He was energetic and industrious, 
saving his earnings each year until he was able 
to purchase a farm of his own. For twenty-six 
years he made his home in Arispie township, this 
countv, where be followed general a<.'ricultural 







\ 



-J 



PAST AMI I'ilKSKNT UF lUUKAl ((MNIV 



41 :^ 



pursuits, iiiul li;is rruuiitly purchased a farm of two 
huiiilred acivs situated in Dover township, to 
which lie removed with liis family. Here he is 
engageil in general farm work, using improved 
machinery to carry on his lahors in this con- 
nection, so that he has promise of splendid crops. 
His farm is a finely improved place, having a good 
residence surrounded by large shade trees, and 
he also has many out-buildings for tiie slielter 
of grain and stock. 

Mr. Olark was married to Miss .Martha J. 
Llrake. Spetember IT, 18S8. She was born in 
Henry county, ilissouri, .\pril 4, 18G7, a daugh- 
ter of John 0. and Malissa (llinson) Drake, both 
of whom are natives of Ohio. In their family 
were born seven children but with the e.xception 
of Mrs. Clark, who is the eldest, all are now 
deceased. T'nto Mr. and Mrs. Clark has been 
born one child, Lorada A., born June 8, 1892. 

Mr. Clark is a republican in his political views, 
casting his' first presidential ballot for James 
G. Blaine, and has ever since supported the can- 
didates of the republican party. He and his wife 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal church, 
in the w'ork of which they take an active and 
helpf'id part. He has served as school director 
for seventeen years, and the cause of education 
finds in him an interested worker. Although 
Mr. and Mrs. Clark have but recently removed 
to Dover township, they have already gained many 
friends, for they possess excellent traits of char- 
acter which have w'on for them high regard in 
every community in which they have made their 
home. 



HALLOCK E. BELKXAr. 

Hallock E. Belknap is operating an excellent 
farm of one hundred and twenty acres situated 
in Berlin township and thereon he is engaged 
in raising good stock as well as various cereals. 
He is widely recognized as an enterprising busi- 
ness man. He is one of Bureau county's native 
sons, having been born here on the 8th of Sep- 
tember, 1877. Hi.s father, Harry AV. Belknap, 
was born in the same county, June 19, 1854, a 
fact which indicates that tlie family was estab- 
lished here in pioneer times. Having arrived 
at years of maturity Harry Bt'lknap was married 
to Jliss Marv Cater, who was born in Ohio, Feb- 
ruary 2, 18.58. Their children are Hallock E., 
Carl E., Edna :M., Susa A., James W.. Eva B., 
Jesse D. L., M. Kay and Fay. 

Hallock E. Belknap spent the first twelve 
years of his life in this county and then accom- 
panied his parents on their remoxal to Wright 
county. Iowa, where he resided for ten voars, or 
from 1889 until 1899. He then returned to his 
native county, where he has since lived. His edu- 
cation was acquired in the public schools of Illi- 
nois and of Iowa ami he put aside his text-books 



at the age of nineteen years, since which time 
his attention has been given to his farming in- 
terests. He not only raises grain Init also gives 
some attention to the raising of Fercheron horses, 
Durham cattle and Poland t^hina hogs and has 
good stock upon the farm. 

In Ogle county, Illinois, on the 29th of May, 1902, 
Mr. Belknap was married to Miss Hulda Larson, 
who was born in Kockford, Illinois, October 12, 
1882. Her father, John Larson, was born in Sweden, 
November 2), 1851, and married .\da Fruitt, 
whose birth occurred in the same country, Octo- 
ber 1, 1858. j\lr. and Mrs. Belknap now have one 
.son, Laurence F., born February 4, 1904. The 
parents hold membership in the Methodist church 
at JIalden and in his political views Mr. Belknap 
is a republican, while fraternally he is conm'cted 
with the Mystic Workers. He is a young man of 
enterprise, who in the county where much of 
his life has been passed has made a creditable rec- 
ord as a business iiiaii ami citi/en. 



geor(;e e. ("raig. 

George E. Craig is one of the extensive land- 
owners of Xeponsct township, having a valuable 
property of two hundred and twenty-nine acres 
where the fields are highly cultivated and where 
the stock raised is of high grades. He was born 
in this township, March 20, 1862, and was edu- 
cated in the pidjlic schools, while spending his 
boyhood days in the home of his parents. .James 
C. and Eliza Jane (Jones) Craig. The father was 
a luitive of Vermont and at an early day came 
to Illinois, where he resided for four years. He 
then returned to the Green Mountain state and 
married Eliza Jane Jones, who was born there. 
Soon afterward they came to Illinois, settling 
two and a half miles southwest of Ncponset on 
eighty acres of w^ild ])rairie land which Mr. Craig 
purchased. There he built a house and soon be- 
gan breaking the sod, transforming the tract from 
a raw, uncultivated district into one of rich fer- 
tility. He bore the usual experiences and hard- 
ships of pioneer life but as time ]ias.sed by was 
able to add many modern comforts to his home 
and to extend the b(nindaries of his farm by ad- 
ditional purchase until he owned two hundred 
acres of valuable laiul. He spent many years 
upon this farm but the last live years of his life 
were pas.sed in retirement from business cares in 
a pleasant home in Kewanee, where he died May 
25, 1900, at the age of seventy-two years. He was 
assistant supervisor for two years, was school di- 
rector for many years and road commissioner for 
six years, and in all of these offices he discharged 
his duties with promjitness and fidelity, making 
a creditable official record. He voted with the re- 
publican party and was a stalwart champion of its 
principles and he held membership in the Con- 
gregational church at Neponset. ITnto him and 



4U 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



his wife wore born iive children, but Carroll B. 
and George B. are the only ones now living- 
No event of special importance occurred to vary 
the routine of farm life for George E. Craig in 
his boyhood days and when twenty-three years of 
age he began farming on his own account, having 
one hundred and thirty-six acres of land, to which 
he afterward added until his holdings now em- 
brace two hundred and twenty-nine acres of very 
arable and productive land in Neponset town- 
ship. Here he carries on general farming and 
stock-raising, shipping most of his stock. He has 
shipped each year about three carloads and he has 
found this a profitable branch of his business. 

On the 4th of February, 1885, was celebrated 
the marriage of George E. Craig and Miss Mar- 
garet F. Gerrond, who was born in Neponset 
township, September 38, 1864, a daughter of 
James and Margaret (Ferguson) Gerrond. Mr. 
and Mrs. Craig now have an interesting family of 
four children: Edwin James, born January 17, 
1889; Harold 6., June 23, 1892; Le Roy G., 
December 14, 1894; and George L., June 22, 
1899. 

Mr. Craig is a member of Neponset lodge. No. 
803, A. F. & A. M., in which he is serving as 
steward, and both he and his wife are members 
of the Eastern Star chapter at Neponset. He 
votes with the republican party but is without 
political aspiration. He keeps well informed on 
the issues of the day, however, and is thus able to 
support his political views by intelligent argu- 
ment. He is esteemed for many good qualities, 
displaying in liis life those sterling traits which 
in every land and clime command respect, while 
in his business career he has worked persistently 
and energetically, carefully conducting his farm- 
ing interests with the result that his position is 
among the foremost agriculturists of the town- 
ship. 



GEORGE HOPPLER. 



George Hoppler, living retired on his tine 
farm of three hundred and fifty-five acres, sit- 
uated on section 1 5, Selby township, Bureau coun- 
ty, is one of the worthy citizens that GeiTnany has 
furnished to this section of the state, his birth 
having occurred in Byron, October 21, 184G, a son 
"f John and Barbara Hoppler, who emigrated 
from their native land to tlie Ignited States in 
1848, locating in Selby township. Bureau county. 
In the family of this worthy couple were four chil- 
dren, of whom our subject is the eldest and the 
only son. his sisters being: Elizabeth, the wife of 
Christian Schafer, a resident of Arispic township ; 
Ainelia. the wife of lOniuel Hosser, a resident of 
Berlin township; and Magdalena, the wif(> of Hen- 
ry May, residing in Solby township. The mother 
of this family died in 18(J0, when aliout forty 
years of age. In 1863 the father was again inar- 



ried, liis second union being with Miss Anna Scha- 
fe.', a sister of Christian Schafer, but both are now 
deceased, the father having passed away in 1895, 
at the age of seventy-live years, while his widow, 
surviving for a short time, passed awaj' in 1896. 
She had become the mother of six children, two 
daaghters and four sons, namely: Louis, a resi- 
dent of Nebraska, who died September 26, 1906; 
Philopena, the wife of Henry Hilegar, also re- 
siding in that state; Charles, of Selby township; 
John, of Peru, La Salle county; Annie, the wife 
of John May, a resident of Peru ; and Otto, also 
re-jiding in Peru. 

•^ieorge Hoppler, whose name introduces this re- 
view, was brought by his parents to this county 
from Germany when only one and a half years of 
age, and was here reared and educated in the 
common public schools of the county. In 1863, 
when only about seventeen years of age, he en- 
listed for service in the civil war, becoming a 
momlier of Company I, of the One Hundred and 
Thirty-second Regiment of Illinois, which com- 
pany he Joined at Aurora, and went to Tennessee, 
where he servect uritil the close of the war, when 
he returned to Illinois, first going to Chicago, and 
later he went to St. Louis, Missouri. Finally he 
returned to the home farm, where he spent some 
time, and then for three years was engaged in the 
butcher business at Princeton, Illinois. He next 
removed to Depue, Illinois, where for six years he 
conducted a boarding house. He then again re- 
turned to the home farm and engaged in general 
agricultural pursuits and met with very desirable 
success in his undertakings, so that he is now 
the owner of three hundred and fifty-five acres 
situated on section 15, Selby township, and in 
addition to this has a tract of fifteen and a half 
acres of timber land, situated on section 34, Selby 
township, adjoining Depue. He has for twenty- 
three years made his home on his farm, but for 
the past three years has lived retired, leaving the 
work of the fields to others. 

Mr. Hoppler was married in this county to Miss 
Philopena Werner, likewise born in Gernumy, who 
came to this country with her parents, George anil 
Philopena Werner. Her father carried on fann- 
ing in this county until his death, which occurred 
in 1898, when he had reached the age of sixty- 
nine years, Ijut the mother still survives and makes 
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Hoppler. Unto 
Mr. and' Mrs. Hoppler have been born four chil- 
<iren. Henry, engaged in fanning in Selby town- 
sliip, married Miss Lizzie HoUan, of Peru, and 
they have three sons, Harold, Arthur and How- 
ard. Lizzie is the wife of Charles Walter, re- 
siding in Selby township, and they have three 
children, Herbert, Leonora and Carl. Rosa is the 
wife of Henry Doll, residing in Berlin township, 
and she is the mother of one son, ilertie. .Vnirliii 
bcjaine the wife of John Hosser, and died June 
1, 1906, at the age of twenty-one years, leaving 
a son, Warren. 




Ml!. AND Mi;s. (;k()i;(;k iioi'I'I.ki; 



PAs'i' AND i'i{i':si-:\'r oi' 



l.'KAi' COUNTY. 



417 



I'olitK-ally Mr. Iloppler is a dLTiioi-rat. having 
supported the principles of that ))arty since ape 
eoui'en-ed upon him the right of franchise, lie 
served as supervisor for five tenns, and also tilled 
the office of collector, and served in other town- 
ship offices, in all of which he gave general satis- 
faction. Fraternally he is a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to lodge 
No. .")34, at Ilollowayville, and religiously is iden- 
tified with the German Evangelical Lutheran 
church at Ilollowayville. 

ilr. Hoppler M'as for many years actively iden- 
tified with the farming interests of Selby town- 
ship, but owing to his well diret-ted l:il)ors and the 
careful management of his business atl'airs he 
prospered year by year, so that he is now in pos- 
session of extensive and valuable landed interests, 
from which he derives a competence that enables 
him to live retired, enjoying the comforts and 
pl-.'asures of life. Having for the past fifty-eight 
vears resided in Bureau county, he has seen many 
changes as the work of improvement and advance- 
ment has been carried forward aiul he has proved 
lo\al to the best interests of his adopted country. 
He has here a wide and favorable acquaintance, 
and is one of the highly respected and venerable 
citizens of the countv. 



BENJAMIN PENNO DEWEY. 

Benjamin F. Dewey, a member of the firm of 
Dewey & Genster, proprietors of a general store 
at Sheffield, and also interested in the firm of 
W. W. Dewey & Company, owning and conducting 
elevators at Henry, Sparland and Chillicothe, Illi- 
nois, was born in Washington county, Vermont, 
November 25, 1S4."), a son of Harry Hovey and 
Mary Louisa (Cuinmings) Dewey. His father 
was a farmer and removed from the east to Illi- 
nois, locating at Sheffield in 1863. In 1865 he 
removed to Iowa, where he was engaged in agri- 
culttiral pursuits until 1S75. when he returned to 
Slielfield, where he retired from active business 
life, and his death here occurred in October, 
r.tOO, when lie had reached the advanced age of 
ninety years, while his wife had preceded him 
to the home beyond some ten years previous, or 
in November, 1890. 

B, F. Dewey accompanied his parents on tlicir 
removal from Vermont to Illinois, being then a 
youth of about eighteen years. He had received 
his education before coming to this state, and 
after the parents located in Sheffield, lie there 
engaged in clerking until 1870, when he went to 
Wichita, Kansas, and took up a claim near West 
Wichita, whore he remained for two years. He 
then returned to Sheffield, where he secured em- 
ployment as clerk in the general store of Porl(M- 
& Boyden, remaining with that firm until tlic 
1st of January, 1876. He then purchased an in- 
terest in the business and the firm name was 



changed to Boyden & Dewey. For thirteen years 
the store was conducted under that style, buiiiling 
up a lucrative trade. They also engaged in bank- 
ing in connection with their mercantile interests, 
this enterprise being conducted under the same 
styltT — that of Boyden & Dewey. The firm so 
continued until 1889, when Mr. Dewey purchased 
the interest of Mr. Boyden in the store, and he 
continued as sole proprietor for two years, 
the firm name being changed to B. F. Dewey. In 
1891 he admitted his brother, William W. Dewey, 
to a partnership, the business being conducted 
under the style of Dewey Brothers until February 
12, 1902. when the brothers admitted C. J. and 
William F. (jcnster to a partnership, and the firm 
is now known as Dewey & Genster. Our subject 
is also a member of the firm of W. W. Dewey 
& Company, his partner being his brother, William 
W. Dewey, and they own and conduct elevators at 
Henry, Sparland and (Uiillicothe, Illinois, where 
they enjoy a large trade. 

Mr. Dewey was married on the 3d of December, 
1874. to !Miss Eva Coyle, of Sheffield, Illinois, a 
daughter of Joseph E. Coyle, a farmer of that 
vicinity. Their marriage has been blessed with a 
son and daughter: Lucia Coyle, who on the 29th 
of November, 1904, was united in marriage to 
Fred C. Woerrmann, a civil engineer, located at 
Flushing, Long Island, by whom she has one 
daughter, Catherine Dewey; and Joe Fenno 
Dewey, born February 6, 1889, who is a graduate 
of Knox College, at Galesburg, Illinois, and is 
now pursuing a course at Harvard University. 

Mr. Dewey gives his allegiance to the republi- 
can party and is now acting as trustee of his 
city. He is a member of the Congregational 
cliurch, in the work of which he takes an active 
interest. He is deeply interested in the welfare 
of his town and county and gives his .support to 
every movement which tends to the advancement 
thereof. He is promin(>nt both in business 
and social circles and hv and his wife arc highly 
esteemed in their town and communitv. 



FKANK TOXKINSON. 

Frank Tonkinson, a lireeder of |)urc blooded 
Durham and shorthorn cattle resides upon a farm 
in Bureau township, where he owns two hundred 
and sixty acres of good land. He was born Sep- 
tember 38, 1867, in this county, his parents being 
Robert and Mary (Kinsman) Tonkinson, the 
former a native of England and the latter of Ver- 
mont. They became early residents of Illinois 
and both are now deceased, the father having 
])assed away November 19, 1905, while the 
mother's death o<(\irred in September. 1903. 

.Vfter attending the district schools Frank Ton- 
kinson had the advantage of instruction in the 
high school of Princeton, where he completed 



418 



PAST AND PHESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



his education. He has been a laniier all his lite 
and is a self-made man, whose example may well 
serve as a source of encouragement and inspira- 
tion to others, showing what may be accom- 
plished through a determined spirit, laudable am- 
bition and unfaltering industry. His farm now 
comprises two hundred and sixty acres of pro- 
ductive land, responding readily to the care and 
labor which is bestowed upon it. He is also a 
breeder of pure blooded Durham and shorthorn 
cattle and he likewise raises Poland China hogs 
and good horses. 

On the 10th of December, 1890, Mr. Tonkin- 
son was married to Miss Ada Harrington, a na- 
tive of this county, born August 28, 1872, and 
a daughter of N. A. and Elizabeth (Sapp) Har- 
rington, both of whom are natives of Delaware. 
Mr. and Mrs. Tonkinson have many warm friends 
in the county, their circle of acquaintance being 
an extensive one. He votes with the republican 
party and is interested in all that pertains to 
general progress and improvement but has never 
been an aspirant for public office, preferring to 
give undivided attention to his business affairs. 



JAMES H. TIBBETTS. 
James H. Tibbetts operates two hundred and 
forty acres of rich land in Neponset township and 
is also well known as a stock-raiser and a breeder 
of fine poultry. He has done much to further 
agricultural interests in this county and is a 
most progressive man, being a leader and not a 
follower in the world's advancement. A native 
son of Neponset townshin, he was born January 
3, 18G1, his parents being Gustavus and Marv 
(Caldwell) Tibbetts. The father was born in Bel- 
grade, Kennebec county, Maine, May 2, 1825, and 
the mother's birth occurred January 9, 1836, in 
Topsham, Vermont, where the marriage was cele- 
brated February 23, 1860. The year 1851 wit- 
nessed his arrival in Hlinois, at which time he 
settled in Brawbv township, now Ne])onset town- 
ship, Bureau county. In February, 1852, how'ever, 
he returned to his native state, but in March, 
1854, permanently took up his abode in Neponset 
township. In 1856 he purchased eighty acres 
of wild prairie land, which he broke with ox 
teams, transforming it into a cultivable and pro- 
ductive tract after the primitive manner of the 
times. In 1857 he built a house upon his farm 
and three years later he returned to Vermont 
and was married. He then brought his bride to 
the new home which he had prepared in the 
west, and with renewed purpose and determina- 
tion continued the w'ork of the farm, prospering 
as the years passed and becoming the owner of 
two hundred and forty acres of land, which he 
brought under a high slate of cultivation, so that 
rich crops were annually harvested. In 1898 
he purchased a home in the village of Neponset. 



where he and his wife now reside, ilr. Tibbetts 
having put aside active business cares to rest in 
the enjoyment of the fruits of his former toil. 
He w'as one of the organizers of the Neponset and 
Macon Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, 
which was established in 1872 and began busi- 
ness in 1873. He was its tirst president and 
for nineteen years its secretary, acting in that 
capacity until 1904 and as director until 1905. 
He was also one of the organizers of the Kewanee 
Fair Association and served as superintendent of 
the horticultural department for tliirteen years. 
He has always stood for progress and improve- 
ment in all departments of agricultural life and 
his own labors have promoted the public interests 
in this connection. He filled the office of school 
director for twenty years or more, was for eleven 
years assessor and has filled other township of- 
iices, rendering him one of the leading and rep- 
resentative citizens of the county. Unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Gustavus Tibbetts were born five children: 
James H. ; Jennie, born May 9, 1864: Ida M.; 
Minnie ; and Annie L. 

The public schools afforded James H. Tibbetts 
the educational privileges he enjoyed in his 
youth as he assisted his father in the work of the 
homo farm, whereon he remained until 1886, 
when he was married and started out in life on 
his own account on a farm of two hundred and 
forty acres. He is now operating the old home- 
stead belonging to his father, and in 1893 he 
purchased of W. J. Miller one hundred and twenty 
acres of land which he now rents. He is suc- 
cessfully carrj-ing on general farming and stock- 
raising. In 1886 he began the breeding of tlior- 
oughbred poultry, being one of the oldest represen- 
tatives of this business in the state. He belongs to 
the Bureau County Poultry Association, of which 
he is a director, and lie is akso a stockholder in the 
Kewanee Fair Association. Like his father he 
stands for improvement in all that pertains to 
agricultural development and his labors have been 
an effective factor in promoting advancement along 
these lines. 

Mr. Tibbetts was married, March 3, 1886, to 
Miss Jessie D. Gerrond. who w-as born in Nepon- 
set township, September 5, 1865, a daughter of 
James and Margaret (Ferguson) Gerrond. Her 
parents were natives of Kirkcudbrightshire. Seot- 
Innd, the former born December 4, 1826, and the 
latter April 26, 1826. ^Ir. Gerrond acquired his 
education in the schools of his native land and 
that he was an apt pupil is indicated by the fact 
that when he was fourteen years of age he won 
two books, one as a prize for superior scholar- 
ship in mathematics and the other in history. 
He was a well read man. keeping in touch with 
the world's progress and the events of general in- 
terest. He spent seven years as an apprentice 
to tjie blacksmith's trade in Scotland and became 
an expert worker in steel and iron. In 1848, 
when (wentv-two vears of aee. he crossed the At- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF I'.LL'EAU COUNTY. 



419 



lantic to America and was married in Carbondale, 
Pennsylvania, to Margaret Ferguson. In 1855 
they removed to Sheffield, lUmois, where Mr. 
Gerrond followed blacksmithing for some time 
and then purchased a farm at Waln\it ftrovo, 
whore ho carried on general agricultural jiur- 
suits and black.«mithing about four or five year-s. 
On the c-xpiration of that period he removed to 
Nepon.«et, where he conducted a smithy until 1865, 
when he purchased a farm a mile south of the 
town upon which he spent his remaining days. 
He was well known throughout the county as a 
fine workman, a reliable business man and a citi- 
zen of worth, who justly merited the high esteem 
wliich was uniformly tendered him. He filled all 
the township offices and was serving a.s super- 
visor at the time of his death, having been the 
incumbent in that office for six or eight years. 
He was a republican in politics and was a mem- 
ber of Ncponspt lodge, No. 803, A. F. & A. M. 
He passed awav Februarv 8, 1885, while the 
mother of :Mrs! Tibbetts' died July 20, 1867. 
They were the parents of six children, of whom 
five are now living: Agnes F.. the wife of James 
W. Wing; Mrs. Charles Stabler; James C. who 
married Hettie Eeynolds; JIargaret F., the wife 
of George E. Craig: and Mrs. Tibbetts. The 
fourtli member of tlie family was Edwin A., who 
died in infancy. After losing his first wife Mr. 
Gerrond married l\Irs. Sarah BatdorfE in Sep- 
temlier, 1S7.'!, and they became the parents of 
three cliildren. Nellie, George and John. 

TTnto Air. and ilrs. Tibbetts have been born four 
children, of whom three are now living: Mary, 
M., bom August 27, 1888: Charitv C, born March 
13. 189.3: Leila, who was born Alay .3. 1S!)5, and 
died November 11, 1896: and Jennie \\'.. born 
October 1. 1898. Fraternally Mr. Tibbetts is 
connected with Ncponset lodge. No. 803. .\. F. & 
A. AI. and he and his wife belong to the Eastern 
Star chapter at Neponset. He has served as town- 
ship assessor for three vears and is now a school 
director, in wliich position he has served alto- 
gether for eighteen years. In politics be is a 
republican, and in matters of citizenship as well 
as in private life he stands for improvement and 
development, giving his endorsement to everv 
measure or movement which he deems will aid 
the general public or advance its material, in- 
tellectual, social and moral interests. 



JOHN P. RrPXHAM. 

Each commuTiity has its n prcsenlativc' and en- 
terprising citizens — men wJio are the real prn- 
moters of tlic town and tlie upbuilders of its in- 
terests — and to this class in Ohio .Tohn P. Bnrn- 
ham belongs. He is engaged in the furniture liusi- 
noss, is also the owner of considerable real estate 
there and is collector for the Independent Tele- 
phone Com]i:iny and in all of these connections 



displays keen business insight and ability. He is 
one of the native sons of the county and few of 
its residents have so long resided within its bor- 
ders. His birth occurred in Princeton township, 
July 17, 1838, and he was the eldest of the five 
children born unto Stephen and Hester Ann (Col- 
ter) Burniiam. the former a native of the state of 
New York and tlie latter of Ohio. In the year 
1832 the father became a resident of Bureau 
county, Illinois. This was the year in which the 
Black Hawk war occurred and there were very 
few white settlers in the nortliern part of the state. 
On the contrary the Indians were very numerous 
and the work of civilization and improvement had 
scarcely been begun by the white race. In the 
year 1835 Miss Colter became a resident of Bu- 
reau county and in 1836 she gave her hand in mar- 
riage in Princeton to Stephen Burnham. 

John P. Burnham was educated in the public 
schools of Dover townsiiip and after putting aside 
his text-books gave his attention to farming until 
after the outbreak of the Civil war, wlicn in Aug- 
ust, 1862, he enlisted as a member of Company B, 
Ninetv-third Peginient of Illinois Infantry. He 
was under command of Captain John Hopkins 
and was honorably discharged at the close of hos- 
tilities in 1865. ' He participated in many im- 
portant engagements, including the battles of 
Vicksburg, Port Gibson, Jackson, Raymond, Cham- 
pion Hilt and Black River. Being taken ill he was 
sent to the hospital, where he was forced to re- 
main for several months, and after his recovery 
he was detailed to take rebel captives to prison. 
Subsequently he was sent to Quincy, Illinois, where 
he was on provost duty during the draught. He 
spent the last part of" his military experience at 
Fort Reno, Wisconsin, and was discharged at Mil- 
waukee, that state, on the 5th of July, 1865. His 
was a varied and eventful military experience, in 
which his valor was frequently called forth and 
never did he falter in the performance of any task 
that devolved upon him in coniu'ction with his 
service for the preservation of the Union. 

Returning to his home Mr. Burnham, with no 
capital, started out upon his business career. He 
learned the carpenter's trade and began following 
that business. He has worked diligently and per- 
•sistentlv as the years have gone by, making the 
best use of his opportunities, and as time has 
]iassed he has won for himself a iilace among tlie 
substantial residents of the village of Ohio. He 
now owns here a house and five acres of land, to- 
gether with some town lots and a double store. He 
is engaged in the furniture business with a well 
selected stock of goods and a liberal patronage is 
accorded him in his commercial ventures. He is 
also collector for the Independent Telephone Com- 
pany. 

Fortunately situated in his home life. Mr. 
BuriiJiam was married on the 20tli of February. 
1867. to Aliss Mary Malinda Martin, who was 
born in Ohio, Augu.st 19, 1845. There were four 



420 



TAST AM) riiKSKXT OF lUHEAi; COUNTY. 



children born of tliis marriage: Hattie, who was 
born November '2ti, 18(i9, and is now deceased ; 
Jessie B., born December 30, 1871 ; Leora M., 
born August 30, 1876 ; and Oscar W., who was 
born November 20, 1879, and is now deceased. 
Mrs. Burnbam is a daughter of Henry and Lueinda 
(Burnside) ilartin. Her father was born in Ken- 
tucky, February 10, 1811, and the members of his 
family were Erasmus W., Bersalles, Elizabeth, 
Mary M.. Sarah, Kaehel, Joel and Harriet. 

J[r. and Mrs. Buridiam and their famiiv are 
memliers of the ^lethodist Protestant church and 
are highly esteemed in the community where they 
make their home. Equally loyal in days of peace 
and times of war, he is a citizen of genuine worth, 
whose devotion to his country has been manifest 
on southern Itattle-ticlds and lias also been ])roven 
through his active co-operation in mauy move- 
ments that has been directly beneficial to this 
county. His business career has been alike com- 
mendable, for it has been characterized by unre- 
mitting diligence and energy that never flags. He 
ha.s been watchful of opportunities pointing to 
success, has made the most of the adxautages 
afforded him and, putting into practice the max- 
ims. "There is no excellence without labor." and 
"Honesty is the best ])olicy," he has gaincil both 
success and an honored name. 



DANIEL P. s:\riTH. 

Daniel P. Smith, practically living retircil mi 
his fine farm in Ohio township, was at one time 
classed among the leading agriculturists am! 
stock-raisers of Bureau county. He was born in 
Northampton, Massachusetts. June 27. 1824. a 
son of Daniel and Electa (Pomeroy) Smith, the 
former born in Boston, ^rnssacliusetts. May 10. 
1800. and the latter in Northampton, Massachu- 
setts, Septcniiier l."), l.sol. Thov removed from 
their native state to Illinois in 1831. settling in 
Bureau county, where the father secured from 
the government a tr.ict of land, whicli is nov.- 
known as the Colonel Bryant farm. 'I'his con- 
tinued to be the home of the family for a jieriod 
of three years. The father's death occurred in 
1831 and the mother sulisequentlv sold the place 
and bought a farm north of Princeton, where she 
remained for aliout ten years. During this time 
our subject assisted her in the care and manage- 
ment of the home farm, and in 1848 she disposed 
of this place and removed to a farm in Ohio town- 
ship, where her death occurred in 1878, when 
she had reached an advanced age. 

Daniel P. Smith, whose name inliddiices this 
review, was reared to farm life, and after his 
father's death assisted his mother in the cultiva- 
tion and management of her farming interests, 
until he engaged in business on his own account. 
lie was educated in tlie common schools of Burenu 
countv and lati'i' iiiirsiii'd a hiirh -school i-nursc 



at Princeton, .\fter his graduation he continued 
farming operations on the homo place, and year 
by year as his financial resources increased he 
added to his original holdings until at one time 
lie was the owner of twelve hundred acres of land 
all in one body, and he also owned several hundred 
acres of land in other sections of the county. 
However, he has disposed of a considerable por- 
tion of his land, dividing much of it among his 
children, to whom he has been very generous. 
-Vside from carrying on general farming Mr. 
Smith also engaged quite extensively in raising 
and shipping cattle, which has been the means 
of bringing him a gratifying return. 

-Mr. Smith was first married in Bureau countv, 
on the 15th of March. 1849, to Miss Pachel Mat- 
son, whose birth occurred September 5, 1829. 
She was a daughter of Peter Matson, one of the 
early settlers of Bureau county. She became the 
Miiithcr of seven children, as follows: Daniel 
W., who was born January 10. 185(», and died on 
the 22d of February following; Mary J., born 
August 26, 1852, and the wife of Leander Cham- 
iiers: Prudence A., who was born November 4. 
1853. and became the wife of Ira Kasbeer, her 
death occurring March 25, 1877 ; George \V., born 
October 18, 1855; John M., born December 
20, 1857; William N., born November 14. 1859, 
whose death occurred February 13, 1906; and 
Daniel E., who was born August 13, 1867, anil 
died October 25, 1905. The wife and mother 
jiassed away October 26, 1874. For his .-iecond 
wife Mr. Smith chose Mrs. Martha J. Bryant. 
the widow of N. J. Bryant, to whom he was 
married on the 3d of June, 1885. Her birth oc- 
curred November 26, 1850. By her first mar- 
riage she has two children: May E. Brvant. born 
neceinber 16. 1877; and Albert L. Brvant. born 
January 12, 1880. The father of these children 
|iasseil away in 1,SS3. ]\Irs. Smith is the daughter 
of Simeon and ^lary (Ileadlee) Simpkins. both 
natives of Ohio, but who were married in this 
state, having removed to Bureau county about 
ISll. By lier marriage to our subject she has 
become the mother of one daughter. ^lartha E.. 
born October 3, 1890. ^Ir. Smith al.^o has thir- 
teen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. 

In his political views he is a republican, having 
cast his first presidential vote in 1845. He has 
always taken an active and helpful interest in 
political affairs, having been present at the con- 
vention held in Chicago in 1860, which nomi- 
nated .\braham Iiinc(dn as a candidate for the 
jiresideney. 'Manifesting a keen interest in affairs 
alTecting the welfare of the state and nation, be 
has been called by his fellow townsmen t<i fill a 
number of ]iolitical offices, -and in this connec- 
tion has served in the following offices: Town- 
ship supervisor, five years; school director, seven 
vears ; road commissioner, three vears : a mem- 
ber of (be republican county committee, ten years: 
township re))ublican committee, for several years: 




^aJtu ,^ QA^itL 



PAST AM) rUKSKNT ol- BUREAl' (dl .NI'V. 



435 



as a delo<rate to the county convention, twenty 
years; and he also served on the grand jury for 
several years. Jn all these positions he lias dis- 
played marked ability and excellent judgment in 
the management of the interests which were en- 
trusted to his care. He and his family are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the 
work of which they take a helpful interest. 

Mr. Smith has led a very active life, in wIul-Ii 
he has manifested excellent husiness ability. He 
received his training at farm labor through the 
assistance which he rendered to his father in the 
care of the home place, so that when his mother 
was left a widow he was able to assume the man- 
agement of her farming interests and later to 
engage in business on his own account, lie now 
makes his home on the farm to which be removed 
with his mother in 1848, and here he has added 
many modern improvements, including a beauti- 
ful country home, which is surrounded by shade 
trees and substantial outbuildings, wdiich are kept 
in good repair. He also engaged quite extensively 
in the raising and shipping of cattle, always keep- 
ing good grades of stock, and this branch of his 
business proved a very profitable one. By judi- 
cious investment of his capital he added to his 
original tract until at one time he owned twelve 
hundred acres in one body, besides having several 
hundred acres in other sections of the county, 
lie has been most liberal with hi.« children, hav- 
ing divided among them over one half of his 
possessions. He also owns considerable i)ank stock, 
being now a director and one of the largest stock- 
holders in the Farmers National Bank at Prince- 
ton, and is connected with a number of business 
enterprises of Bureau county. Mr. Smith has now 
passed the eighty-second milestone on life's jour- 
ney, and having spent almost his entire life in 
Bureau county, has been identified with the de- 
velopment and ]>rogress that have here iieen made. 
He is vice president of the Agricultural Society 
I'f the county. He possesses a genial, kindly na- 
ture, is always courteous to those with whom he 
comes in contact either in a business or social way 
and is numbored among Ihc highly resjiected and 
venerabl(> citizens of bis township and county, 
where he is spending the evening of his days in 
the enjoyment of a well earn<>d rest surrounded 
by all the comfort.^ of life and the eiunpiin- 
ionsliip nf bis wife and chiMrcn. 



JOHN C. SI 'LA IX. 
John f. S]ilain, an enterprising farmer of Bu- 
reau county, owns and operates a tract of forty 
acres, situated in Dover towiisiii|i. in addition to 
which he operates a tract of rented land. He is a 
native son of Bureau county, having been born 
on the Ifith day of May. ISfi';^, a son of John and 
Bessie (Murphy) Siilain, both natives nf Ireland. 



When quite young they accompanied their respec- 
tive parents to America, and after reaching ma- 
turity were married in Providence, Khode Island. 
In their family were five children, of whom the 
sul)jcct of this review is the third in order of birth. 

John C. Splain, whose name introduces this 
ri'cord, was reared and educated in Bureau county, 
Illinois, and, starting out in life on his own ac- 
eiiunt, engaged in general agricidtural pursuits, 
which has continued to be his life work. He set 
out to win succes-s and that be has accomplished 
what he undertook is indicated by the fact that he 
now owns forty acres of laud, situated in Dover 
township, on which he is engaged in raising the 
cereals best adapted to soil and climate. In addi- 
tion to his own tract he is operating eighty acres 
which he rents, having eighty-five acres planted to 
corn, which gives promise of a rich harvest. He 
has added many modern improvements to his 
place, including a nice home and substantial out- 
buildings, which are kept in good repair, so that 
his place is one of the fine farms of Bureau county. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's jour- 
ney :\Ir. Splain chose l\Iiss llattie Shifflctt, to 

wh be was married December 20, 1888. She 

was born in Bureau county, Illinois, March 6, 1870, 
a daughter of Nelson and liliza (Ogden) Sliif- 
fiett, the father a native of Virginia, and the 
mother born in Indiana. She is the only child of 
this marriage,, but by a previous marriage the 
father had six children, of whom only three sur- 
vive. ^Irs. Splain was educated in the ])ublic 
schools of her native county, and being trained by 
her mother to the duties of the household, is now 
capably managing the duties which devolve upon 
her in the care of her ow-n home. 

The marriage of Mr. and ^Irs. Splain has been 
blessed w^ith eight children, as follows: Emery 
S., born October 4, 1889; J. Harold, February 23, 
1891: Bessie E., born October 10, 1892; Celia 
Mav, December 15. 1893; Hattie E., September 
20,"l894; Eugene A., December 8, 1899: Anna I., 
December 10, 1901 : and :\rarj(irie V.. luirn Maivli 
11. 1904. 

Mr. Splain is truly a self-made man, for he 
started out in life without assistance from friends, 
and by industry and perseverance has steadily ad- 
vanced year by year until he is now in ]iossession 
of a good farm properly. He has ever been reli- 
able and trustworthy in his business dealings and 
is a highly respected citizen, enjoying the confi- 
dence and good will of his fellowmen. Politically 
he is a democrat, and socially is connected with 
the Fraternal Tribune, belonging to the lodge nt 
Princeton. He has filled some township oirices, 
having been tax collector of Ohio township, while 
for several terms be served as school director. He 
is interested in the cause of education and expects 
to give his children the best advantages possible in 
that direction. With the exception of four years 
spent in llie stale of Nebraska, Mr. Splain has 



4-^G 



PAST AND PRESENT OF HIKHAr COUNTY. 



always resided in Bureau county and thus has a 
wide and favorable acquaintance both in business 
and social circles. 



CHARLES E. BOROP. 



Charles E. Borop, a farmer and stock-breeder 
residing on section 2i), Princeton township, about 
three miles southeast of the city of Princeton, is 
carrying on a successful business and is wddely 
known as a breeder of fine Percheron and road 
horses and Poland China hogs. A native of this 
county, he was born in its southern district, Sep- 
tember 8, 1850. His father, Xiles Borop, de- 
ceased, was an early settler of the county, coming 
from Copenhagen, Denmark. Througli many 
years he continued his residence here, dying at 
the advanced age of eighty-two years. His wife 
bore the maiden name of Elizabeth Hoover and 
was a native of the state of New York. In their 
family were six children: Mary E., the wife of 
Jashub W. Aldrich, a resident of Arisjjie town- 
ship; Lewis H., living in Iowa; Charles E.. of this 
review ; and three deceased. 

In tlie common schools Charles E. Borop ac- 
(piired his education and has always followed 
farming. He first ojierated the old homestead farm 
and in 1892 he purchased the place upon which 
he now resides. His fields are well tilled, but lie 
gives the greater part of his time and energies to 
his stock-raising and breeding interests. He is a 
breeder of fine Percheron r.nd road horses and Po- 
land China hogs and he now has two two-year- 
old colts, registered stock, the finest in this ]jart 
of the state, one weighing sixteen hundred and 
twenty pounds and the other about fifteen hundred 
pounds. His farm comprises three hundred and 
twenty acres of rich and productive land and he 
keeps thereon from <ini' hundred and fifty to two 
huTulred head of hogs. Most of the improve- 
ments u])on his place have been put tiiere by him 
and he is justly accounted one of the substantial 
farmers of Princeton townshij). Nearly all tliat 
he now possesses has been acquired through his 
own efforts and he is a man of good business ca- 
pacity and enterprise, occupying a foremost posi- 
tion in agricultural and stock-raising circles in 
Bureau county. 

Mr. Boroj) was first married to Ellen Clark, 
now deceased, by whom he had tiiree children, 
and in 1801 hr was wedded to Miss !Marv Harper, 
of Putnam county, Illinois, and they have one 
child. Niles, Jiis eldest son, was graduated from 
the hish school of Princeton and a business cil- 
lege of Chicago and lor one year engaged in teach- 
ing, then joined the navy and served for four 
years. He is now being educated at Kindierlin 
Heights for the ministry. Guy Atherton, a resi- 
dent of Iowa, is engaged in farmini;-. Ellen die(l 
in l!iii.'). at Hie n<:e nf ninet(>en vears. Charles H., 



the only child by the second marriage, is living at 
home. 

Charles E. Boroj) is a republican, giving stal- 
wart and unfaltering support to the principles of 
the party. He was a member of the board of su- 
pervisors for four years and is always interested 
in matters relating to general improvement and 
upbuilding. He holds a membership in the Pres- 
byterian church and his interest centers along 
those lines of life which contribute to the welfare 
and progress of the community as well as to in- 
dividual success. 



CHARLES H. KELLEY. 

Charles H. Kelley, a representative of the farm- 
ing interests of Berlin township, was born in 
Franklin Grove, Lee county, Illinois, December 
2, 1857, and although his residence in Bureau 
county dates only from 1902 he has long been 
known in tliis part of the state. His father. 
John B. Kelley, was born in jManchester, England, 
in 1832, and the mother, who bore the maiden 
name of Lucia C. Bassett, was born in Ohio in 
18-fl. Their children were: Charles II., of this 
review ; ilrs. Florence N. Christopher, a resident 
of Chicago: Jlrs. Martha C. Harrison, living in 
Amboy, Illinois; and Mrs. Lillie May Short, 
whose home is in Troy (irove, this st-iite. 

No event of special importance occurred to vary 
the routine of life for Charles H. Kelley in his 
boyhood and youth. He was reared to tlie occu- 
pation of farming, assisting in the labors of field 
and meadow through the summer months and 
throughout the remainder of the year acquiring 
his education by attendance at the public schools 
and by study in Indianaj)olis, Indiana. Putting 
aside his text-books at the age of twenty years. 
he has since followed farming as a life work anil 
after living foi- a number of years u])on a farm in 
Lee county came to Bureau county in 1902. Here 
he ])urchased one hundred and sixty acres of land 
on section 17, Berlin township, for which he ]«iid 
eighty-eight and a half dollars per acre. This 
has greatly appreciated in value, lieing now worth 
one hundred and seventy-live dollars per acre, 
owing largely to the excellent im])rovemonts which 
Mr. Kelley has made u])on the ]m)]H'rty. On his 
plact' are fouml Norman horses, Durham cattle 
and Poland-China hogs, and his stock-raising 
interests are no unimportant department of his 
business, proving on the contrary a source of 
gratifying income. 

On 'tlie 13th of March, 1883, was celebrated the 
marriage of l\Ir. Keeley and ^liss Ijillie C. Stilz, 
who was born in Lee county, Illinois, May -"i, 
1S.")9, and is of German lineage. Her ]iarents 
were John and ^fary (Wenzel) Stil/. botli natives 
of Germany, the former born in 18:)0 and the 
hitler in 1S32. The mother de]i:irte(l this life 



PAST A.\l» I'lJESENT OF BUREAU COl N'l'Y 



427 



al)out tliroo wars ago, but the father still survives. 
He came to Illinois at the age of twenty-one 
years and here reared his family, numbering four 
daughters and two sons. 

For fourteen years ilr. Kelley was a member 
of the Illinois National Guard. He has attained 
the Royal Arch degree in Masonry and he belongs 
to Dauntless lodge. No. 150, K. P., and to the 
Modern Woodmen of America. He has served as 
school director for three years and the cause of 
education linds in him a warm and lielpfid friend. 
In politics he luis been a i-cpulilican since casting 
his first jiresideutial vote for .lames A. Garliehl. 
His religious faith is that of the Baptist church, 
but he attenils the Congregational church at 
Dover. His varied interests show him to be a 
man of well rounded character and one whose 
life has been actuated by high and honorable jirin- 
ciples, while in bis conduct he has been consider- 
ate of the rights and liberties of others, so that 
he has become a ])i>])\dar and respected citizen 
of Berlin townshi]>. 



JOHN F. CAUFFMAN. 
John F. Caufi'man, a farmer residing on section 
2, Wyanet township, which is the old home place 
of the family, is numbered among Bureau county's 
native sons, and was born July 24, 18G.5, on the 
farm wliich is yet his home. His father, Cyrus 
(^aulTman, was a native of Perry county, Pennsyl- 
vania, born July 21, 183G, and was a representa- 
tive of one of the old families of the Keystone 
state. He came to Illinois in 18.54, settling upon 
the farm where his son John now resides, and ho 
owned and cultivated over one hundred and eighty 
acres of land, which, responding readily to the care 
and labor which he bestowed upon it, was con- 
verted into fine fields that yielded a boutiteous 
harvest. His farm labors, however, were inter- 
rupted by his service in the Civil war, for, feeling 
that his first duty was to hi."? country, he enlisted 
on the 13th of August, ]8(!2, as a member of 
Company I, Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer In- 
fantry, being mustered into service with his regi- 
ment nil the 13th of October of the same year, at 
ChicaL:o. lie was severely wounded in liattle in 
the back on the Ifith of May, 1863, at Champion 
Hills, Mississippi, and was afterward transferred 
to the invalid corps on the 2Sth of October, 18f;4. 
He thus served until the close of the wai', when 
with a most honorable and creditable military 
record he returned to his home. He was then 
married to .\nna Jordan, who was born in York, 
Pennsylvania, and was a daughter of John and 
Sarah (McKinstry) Jordan. They became the 
parents of two sons and two daughters, namely: 
John F. ; .Xnna, the wife of Grant Bushy, of 
Princeton : l^fary, who is the wife of Isaac De 
Graffe, of Princeton : and Harry, who married 
liOttie Stoutenbers:, and dieil in Octobei-, 1s:h;. 



The father of this family passed away in Prince- 
ton, February 17, 1897, and the mother is still 
living in the county seat at the age of si.xty-seven 
years. 

John F. Cautlman acquired his early education 
in the common schools, afterward attended the 
Princeton high school and has spent the most of 
liis life upon his father's old home farm. He has, 
however, traveled all over the west and is now the 
owner of a farm in Oklahoma. He resides, how- 
ever, upon the old Caufi'man estate, which has 
never been divided and his attention is given to its 
further cultivation and improvement. He is ac- 
counted one of the enterprising farmers of the 
community, being practical in all his methods and 
accomplishing whatever he undertakes. 

Mr, Cauft'man was married to Miss Luella Cra- 
ter, of Bureau county, Illinois, a daughter of 
John F. Crater, now retired, of Princeton, who 
came to this country from New Jersey about 1855. 
Mr. and Mrs. Caufi'man have two children: Bes- 
sie, eighteen years of age ; and Zola, aged six 
years. 

Mr. CaufTman exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the republican 
party and has served as road commissioner for six 
years while for a number of years he has been a 
member of the school board. He was formerly 
a member of the Masonic fraternity and is now 
connected with the Knights of Pythias lodge at 
Wyanet. His wife and daughter are members of 
the Presbyterian church. Mr. Cauft'man has a 
wide acquaintance in the county where almost his 
entire life has been passed and those who know 
him and are familiar with his career know that 
his record is commendable and that he is worthy 
the esteem which is uniformly accorded him and 
which makes him a popular citizen. 



W.XPKF.N T. PIPER. 

Warren T. Piper, who is engaged in general 
farming in Berlin township, has a tract of land of 
three hundred and one acres which he has ]ilaced 
under a high state of cultivation and improved 
with good buildings. The attractiveness of Bureau 
countv as a place of residence is indicated by the 
fact that many of her native sons have remained 
within her borders to enjoy her a<lvantages :iTid 
the opportunities which slie offered. Among this 
number i.s Mr. Pijicr, who was born in Selby 
township, January 13, 184(). 

His father. Perry H. Piper, was born in War- 
ren county, Ohio, .\ugust 8, 1818, and became a 
resident of Bureau county in 1837 during the 
pioneer epoch in its histroy. This was only five 
years after the close of the Black Hawk war and 
there were manv traces of Indian residents in this 
part of the state, while the work of im]provement 
and development bv the white man had .scarcely 
hee'i beuuii. He married Harriet Savage, who was 



438 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF lUJJKAU (Ol \TV. 



born in Jacksonville, Illinois, in 1827, and their 
family included Warren T. Piper of this review, 
who was reared upon the home farm, sharing with 
his father in the labors of field and meadow dur- 
ing the period of his boyhood and youth, in the 
winter seasons when the work on the farm was 
practically over for the year he would attend the 
public scliools and tlius acquired a fair English 
education. 

He married Miss Elizabeth Marlatt, who was 
born in Warren county, New Jersey, their mar- 
riage being celebrated in Princeton, August 31, 
1866. Her father, Alpheus Marlatt, was born 
June 12, 1818, and her mother was a native of 
Warren county. New Jersey, born January 13, 
1834. They were married in that state January 
1, 1846, and became the parents of seven children : 
Elizabeth; William M.; John G.; Sarah F., de- 
ceased; Paul G.; Mary E. ; and Charles A. Two 
of the number are living in Hlinois and the 
others are residents of Kansas. The marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Piper was blessed with one son, 
Charles H. Piper, who was born October 2, 1867, 
and was married to Clara Jay, whose birth oc- 
curred in Bureau county in 1868. They are par- 
ents of five sons: Warren J., Sidney C, Charles 
E., Lyle K. and Perry H. 

Mr. Piper of this review belongs to Dauntless 
lodge, No. 150, K. P.; to Maiden lodge, No. .547, 
I. 0. 0. F. ; and also to the Rebekah Order. His 
political support is given to the republican party 
and he keeps well informed on questions and is- 
sues of the day, although he is not an office seeker. 
In his church relations he is a Methodist and his 
family are connected with the same denomination. 
The family home is an attractive residence in 
Berlin township, situated in the midst of a fine 
farm of three hundred and one tjcres of Hlinois' 
rich land. The soil is very productive and is well 
tilled and the modern improvements which he has 
made upon the place render this one of the valu- 
able farm properties of the county. The farm is 
well situated and has been improved with good 
buildings and in his business affairs Mr. Piper 
has displayed keen sagacity and strong determina- 
tion, qualities which lead to success wlieii accom- 
panied by unremitting diligence. 



CORNELIUS JONTZ. 
Cornelius Jontz, who has departed this life, was 
one of the early residents of Bureau county, where 
he settled in 1851. Ho became a well-to-do 
farmer of Manlius township, where he resided for 
many years. His birth occurred in Dauphin coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, on the 1st of March. 1838, and 
he was a son of Henry and Sarah (Wood) Jontz, 
who were likewise natives of the Keystone state, 
wlicre they resided until 1851, when they came 
with their family to the middle west. Henry 
Jontz first settled in Princeton, wdiere he re- 



mained while he looked amund in search of a 
favorable location. During that time he engaged 
in teaming, spending three years in Princeton, on 
the expiration of which period he purchased a 
farm in Bureau county and turned his attention 
to general agricultural pursuits. As the years 
passed he Ijecame very well-to-do, and at the time 
of his death he owned over four hundred acres 
of fine land in Bureau township, whereon he re- 
sided until his death, which occurred when he was 
fifty-two years of age. He was a business man 
of enterprise, who realized the value of earnest, 
]iersisto]it labor, and he was not afraid of hard 
work. Following his demise his wife made her 
homo among her children and died at the home 
of her daughter in McLean county, Illinois, at the 
age of seventy-four years. Four members of their 
family yet survive, and all reside in Iowa, while 
one son, George Jontz, was recently killed by a 
train at Maldon, in this county. 

Cornelius Jontz attended the common schools 
of Pennsylvania in his early boyhood days, and 
was a youth of thirteen when he accompanied his 
parents on their removal to Bureau county. Here 
ho further continued his studies in the select 
schools of Princeton, where he acquired a good 
education, and subsequently he assisted his father 
on the home farm in Bureau township. He also 
engaged in teaching school for several terms dur- 
ing the winter seasons, but the summer months 
wore devoted to general agricultural pursuits. In 
1861 he made a trip to Pike's Peak and visited 
that portion of Colorado, spending about a year 
in the west. Upon his return to Bureau county 
he purchased land in Bureau township and was 
engaged in farming there for a few years, after 
which ho purchased his farm in Manlius township. 

Mr. Jontz further completed his arrangements 
for having a home of his own by his marriage 
in Princeton to Miss Maria Hewitt, who was born 
in Cleveland, Ohio, and is a daughter of AVilliam 
and Roxanna (Metcalf) Hewitt, who were like- 
wise natives of the Buckeye state, whence they 
removed to this county in 1851. The father pur- 
chased a farm in Manlius township, whereon he 
spent his remaining days, his time and energies 
being given to general agricultural pursuits until 
his death, which occurred in January, 1892. He 
had long survived his wife, who died in Manlius 
township in 1874. By their marriage Mr. and 
Mrs. Jontz became the ])arents of five children: 
.\lma, now the wife of John Riley, who resides on 
a small farm near Princeton owned by her mother; 
liort, who died when only ten days old ; Nettie, 
who died at the age of twenty-two years; Anna, 
who has been a school teacher of this county and 
now ii'sides with her mother in Princeton; and 
Cornelia, who was also a teacher and is living with 
hor mother. 

The farm purchased liy Jlr. Jontz in Manlius 
township comprised one hundred and sixty acres 
on section 27, and is fine farming land, which 




CUli.XKLlLS JuM'Z 



PAST AND i'i;i:si:\'i' 



(»i 



luiiKAr corxTV 



nil 



he brought under a high state of cultivation. 
'J'here, in conncrtiou with tilling the soil, he also 
engaged in raising stock lor many years, and both 
departments of ids business proved pn>Htal)le, for 
he made large sales annually of his erops and liis 
stock. At length lie dccitleil to give up the hard 
work of. the farm and retire from business cares, 
so in February, 1893, he rented his farm and 
removed to Princeton, where he purchased a resi- 
dence and five acres of land in the northern part 
of the city, there making his home in the enjoy- 
ment of well earned rest until he was called from 
this life. lie sutfered from heart trouble for sev- 
eral years, and on the 30th of .laniiary. 1!)05, 
after giving an order for some groceries in Ham- 
lin's store, lie there fell dead. 

He was township assessor in Manlius township 
for nine years, and also filled the oilices of con- 
stable and school director in that township for 
several years. In politics he was a stanch repub- 
lican, and took an active interest in the growth 
and development of the party and in (piestions of 
the day. He was long accounted a leading farmer 
of the western part of Bureau county, and was 
a self-made and successful man, who had many 
frieiuls in Princeton and all over the county. 

Mrs. Jontz and her children hold membership 
in the English Lutheran church of Princeton. Fol- 
lowing her husband's di'alh she resided at her 
home in the northern part of the town until 
February 15, l"JO(j, and she still owns that prop- 
erty. On the date mentioned, however, she pur- 
chased her present residence, whicli is a commodi- 
ous and attractive dwelling at Xo. 22-1 Thompson 
street, where she is now living with her daughters. 
She also owns a farm of one hundri'd ami sixty 
acres in Manlius township, which returns to her 
a good rental, so that the income derived there- 
from siip])lies her with many of the comforts and 
some of the luxuries of life. 



PAUL J. SMITH. 
Paul J. Smith, the present supervisor of Selby 
township, and who is now serving his third con- 
secutive term in that office from Selby to\vnship, 
was formerly a supervisor from Hall township, 
having sc^rved one term from that township. He 
resides on section 36, Selby township, where he 
now has a farm of three hundred and eighty 
acres, wliich is under a high state of cultivation. 
He was born in La Salle county, Illinois, Decem- 
ber 29, 1851, and is the son of William Q. and 
•Joanna (Quane) Smith, both of whom were na- 
tives of Ireland. On coming to the new world, 
they first located in Canada, wlun-e their marriage 
was solcmnizf^d, they being but children of ten 
or twelve years of age when they landed in Can- 
ada. From Canada they moved to Buffalo, New 
York, where for some years they made their home, 
Williiuri Q. Smith following the lakes, serving 



first as cabin boy, but working his way up until 
in command of a vessel. From Buffalo he moved 
with his family to La Salle county, Illinois, where 
he engaged in farming and also in operating a 
stone quarry. Aijout 18t!0 or 1801 the family 
came to Bureau county, where he secured a large 
tract of land and became one of the well-to-do 
farmers of the county. For a time he served as 
justice of the peace to the satisfaction of his 
constituents and also served acceptably as school 
director, being interested in the cause of educa- 
tion. His death occurred in 1893 when about 
seventy-two years of age. His good wife pre- 
ceded him to their heavenly home some nine years, 
dying in 1884, when about lifty-eight years old. 
They had a family of seven children, of whom 
our subject and a sister are the only ones now liv- 
ing. William J. was killed in 1874. Frank T. 
was killed l>y the cars in 1904. John. Joseph and 
Agnes died in iitfancy. Mary l'",lizabeth resides 
in Selby township. 

The subject of this sketch was but four or live 
years old when he came with his parents to Bu- 
reau county, and here his entire life has since been 
spent. In the public schools he obtained his ed- 
ucation, but the knowledge therein secured has 
been but the foundation for the practical educa- 
tion since rei-eived in the school of experience. 
From boyhood he has worked on a farm, and is 
therefore a thoroughly experienced farmer. This 
has been his life work, with the exception of four 
years when he was with the Spring Valley Coal 
Company. 

In 1878 Mr. Smith was united in marriage with 
Miss Joanna Ilulier, a daughter of Ulrich Iluber, 
now deceased, his death occurring in May, 1867, 
when about fifty-nine years of age, at which time 
he was residing at Depue. Ulrich Huber was 
born in Bavaria, Germany, where he grew to man- 
hood, and sul>se(iuently served his time in the Ger- 
man army. He came to America in 1848, and for 
some tiiue resided in the state of New York. He 
came to Bureau county early in the ■'50s, and for 
a time worked at his trade of carpenter, and later 
followed farming. He was married in Bureau 
county in the fall of 1856 to Miss Barbara Wend- 
ler, who also came from Bavaria when a girl. By 
that union there were five children, of whom four 
are now living — ["Irich, Simon, Henry T. and 
Mrs. Joanna Smith, all of whom reside in Selby 
liiwiiship. After the death of Mr. Hul)cr, Mrs. 
iluber married John Sheer, by wh(un she had one 
son, John, Jr., who lives with his mother on the 
old home farm, north of Depue. Mr. Sheer died 
in 1901. 

To Jlr. and Mrs. Smith nine children have been 
horn, six daugliters and three sons. Hattie is the 
wife of J. B. Padcn, of Depue; Lottie is the wife 
of J. A. Gurnett, superintendent of mines at Spar- 
land, Illinois, for the Devlin Coal (\)mpany ; 
Myrtle is with the J. H. Goering Company, at 
Dejiue; Williain J. holds a responsible position 



432 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



with the North & Judd Manufacturing Company, 
^t Chicago; Adelaide, Henry, Nellie, Grace and 
Kenneth are at home. 

Fraternally Mr. Smith is a member of several 
societies, including the Modern Woodmen of 
America, the Catholic Order of Foresters, Hep- 
tasophs, Knights of tlie Maccabees, Toilers and 
Koyal Neighbors. Eeligiously he is a member of 
the Eoman Catholic church, in which he was 
reared. Politically he is a democrat, and takes 
a commendable interest in political aft'airs. He 
is often honored by his fellow-citizens with local 
oiBcial positions, and, as already stated, he is serv- 
ing as a member of the county board of super- 
visors, a position which he creditably tills, serv- 
ing on several of the most important committees 
of the board. Wliile this history is being pre- 
pared, in the summer of 190G, he is the nominee 
of his party for county treasurer, and that he will 
make a good race goes without saying, his pop- 
ularity securing him a heavy vote, if not an elec- 
tion. He numbers many friends throughout the 
entire county, which has been his home for nearly 
a half century. 



HEEMAS GEAY.- 

Hernias Gray was born in Otselic, Chenango 
county. New York, January 17, 1843. His father, 
Nathan Gray, was a native of Massachusetts and 
removed to New York with his parents when 
a boy. His youth was passed in the Empire state 
and in 1846, having in the meantime married, he 
removed with his family to Princeton, where 
he became a factor in the early business 
life of the city. He was first a partner of Dt. 
Converse in the conduct of a drug and general 
mercantile business. After a few years he closed 
out his store and formed a partnership with John 
Dodge in the grocery trade. While thus engaged 
he became interested in buying and selling land 
and was well known as a real-estate speculator. 
When he first came to Bureau county he purchased 
one thousand acres of laud and ultimately giving 
up his business in the city settled upon his farm 
in 1853. With characteristic energy he began its 
improvements and made it a very valuable prop- 
erty, adding to it all modern accessories and con- 
veniences and bringing the fields under a high 
state of cultivation. He lived there for forty 
years or until his death, which occurred in 1892 
when he was eighty years of age. He was a man 
of strong resolute character and figured promi- 
nently in business circles, his name being thus 
inseparably interwoven with the pioneer develop- 
ment and later-day progress of Bureau county. 

In his family were the following cluldren: 
Mrs. Lucy Prindle, a widow, returned to Prince- 
ton after her husband's death, which occurred 
in Washington, D. C, and here she now makes her 
home. She had three children, but Lucy Sybil 
and Sidney Gray are now deceased, the only one 



living being George B. Sidney C. Gray, the oldest 
son of Nathan Gray, married Eowena E. Eansom, 
of Galesburg, Illinois, and to them were born 
five children : Clinton C, who married Hortense 
Okey, of Bureau county; Julia M., who died in 
infancy; Myron L. and Sydrowen, also deceased; 
and Arthur M., who married Clara Lehman, of 
Columbus, Nebraska. The father and two sons 
are now conducting a large department store at 
that place, where they now make their home. 
Clark Gray, the third in order of birth, married 
Anna Cushman, of Ehode Island, who died about 
1891, and two years later he married Eleanora 
Martin. Both are now deceased, he having died in 
Denver, Colorado, about 1903, leaving no children. 
Hermas Gray is the next of the family. Jay N. 
Gray, living in Dover township. Bureau county, 
married Vesta Dodge, of Arlington, this county, 
and they have four children: Vera E., Jean; 
Ava and Sidney Jay. Mabel, who completes the 
family, makes her home with her sister, Mrs. 
Prindle, in Princeton. 

Hernias Gray attended school in Princeton and 
afterward spent two years in Galesburg (Illinois) 
Academy. He then returned to Bureau county 
and the occupation to which he was reared he 
made his work for twenty-five years. In 1889, 
however, he retired from the farm and came to 
Princeton, where he has since lived. 

In 1864 Mr. Gray was united in marriage to Miss 
Lydia Ann Hughes, a daughter of David Hughes, 
of LTtica, New York, whence he came to Illinois. 
By this union were born two sons: George 
Nathan, who died at the age of twenty-eight years; 
and Elmer, now in charge of the electric light plant 
at El Paso, Illinois. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gray are 
now members of the Congregational church, in 
the work of which thev take an active interest. 



THOMAS G. THOMPSON. 

The rich lands of Bureau county are being 
well tilled by progressive, enterprising agricultur- 
ists, who bring forth from the soil the best that 
it is capable of producing ami who have thus made 
for the state the splendid reputation which it bears 
as one of the most promising and fruitful fann- 
ing section of the entire country. Thomas 0. 
Thompson is an energetic and capable agricultur- 
ist, living on sections 35 and 36, Indiantown 
township. 

One of Bureau county's native sons, his life 
record began on the 24th of February, 1858. His 
father, Alfred Thompson, came to this portion of 
the state at an early day. The son was educated 
in the district schools, also at Tiskilwa and at 
Henry, Illinois, and started out upon an independ- 
ent business career when twenty-one years of age. 
Going to Chicago, he was employed as a motorman 
on the cable cars for two years, after which he 
returned to Bureau countv and for a similar 




.A^/nzi,,^^ (^"^ ^ 






PAST AS\J i'KESK-NT UF iSLKEAU LUL-NTV. 



435 



period was engaged in the butchering business in 
Tiskihva. He tlien bought eiglity acres of land 
near Providence, where Robert Whitakcr now lives, 
and carried on farming there until 190:^, when 
he purchased his present farm of two hundred and 
fifty acres. He has, however, since sold ninety 
acres, so that the place today comprises one hun- 
dred and sixty acres. The land is rich and arable 
and is kept under a high state of cultivation 
through the emplojTiicnt of the best processes and 
methods of modem farming. He is also engaged 
in the dairy business, keeping ten cows for this 
purpose, and lie buys and ships cattle and also 
raises many hogs, giving careful supervision to 
his business interests in every department and by 
his capable management and enterprise winning 
a gratifying measure of success. 

Mr. Thompson was married to Miss Lavina 
Dorr, who was born in Bureau county and is a' 
daughter of George E. Dorr, who was an early 
tavern keeper at Shabbona Grove. In his day he 
was one of the celebrated landlords along the 
Galena stage route. His birth occurred in Chat- 
ham county, New York, and his father was born 
November 5, 1831. He came to Illinois in 1837 
and was one of the first postmasters at Dorr's Hill, 
holding the position for eight years. He was also 
justice of the peace for a long period and his 
opinions were strictly fair and impartial, being 
based upon equity and the law in the case. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have been born 
four sons and two daughters who are yet living, 
and they lost one child in infancy. Those who still 
survive are: Raymond, who is working on gaso- 
line engines in East Jloline, Illinois; Clifford, 
Louis, Irene, Alfred and Alice, all yet at home. 
Mr. Thompson is a republican of somewhat inde- 
pendent tendencies and does not consider himself 
bound by party ties. He has served as school 
director for twelve years and as constable for sev- 
eral years and no public trust reposed in him has 
ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. On the 
contrary he is thoroughly reliable and his efforts 
in behalf of public progress have been of benefit 
to his community. He belongs to Tiskihva camp. 
No. 963, M. W. A., and his home is pleasantly 
and conveniently located about throe and a half 
miles .south of the village of Tiskihva. 



C. B. J)()!;H. 
('. B. Dorr, who follows farming on section 34, 
Tndinninwn township, on which farm he was born 
Scptenibor 14, 18fil, is a representative of one of 
the oldest pioneer families of the countv. His 
grandfather. Matthew Dorr, located on Dorr Hill 
and conducted there one of the first postoftices in 
the state. He arrived in Bureau county in June, 
1837, just after the Providence colony was estab- 
lished, at which date there were onlv three houses 
in Princeton, while but few settlements liad been 



made within the present borders of the county. 
Jle bore a substantial part in the early develop- 
ment and reclamation of the county and aided in 
laying the foun<lation upon which has been built 
the superstructure of its later progress and im- 
provement. He had a family of twelve children, 
all of whom became residents of the county with 
the exception of two, although only one is now 
living — Phoebe Ann Dorr, of Neponset. 

George E. Dorr, son of Matthew Dorr and fa- 
ther of our subject, was born in the state of Xew 
York in 1821 and in 1837 accompanied his parents 
on their removal from Syracuse, New York, to 
this county. His education was largely acquired 
in the state of his nativity and after his arrival in 
Illinois he remained with his parents until twenty- 
one years of age, when lie returned to New York 
and was married, the lady of his choice being Miss 
Sarah A. Harrison, also a native of that state. 
Bringing his bride to Illinois, he purchased the 
farm upon which C. B. Dorr now resides from a 
Mr. Peters in 1849 and the place has since been 
in possession of the family. He became the owner 
of three hundred and fifty-five acres of land and 
was extensively engaged in the raising of stock. 
He always kept well informed on the political 
questions and issues of the day, was the first man 
in Bureau county to vote the whig ticket an<l after- 
ward became a stalwart republican. He served as 
supervisor for two terms and was also collector 
for some time, and his loyal interest in community 
affairs was manifest by his active and helpful co- 
operation in many movement.s for the public good. 
He died in 1890, while his wife passed away in 
1900. In the family were five children, of whom 
four are now living: C. B., of this review; Mrs. 
P. C. Bacon, who is living in Tiskilwa ; Mrs. T. 
G. Thompson, of Indiantown townshi]); and 
Frank, who lives near Los Angeles, California. 

In the common schools C. B. Dorr acquired his 
education and the work of the field claimed his 
attention when he was not bu.sy with tiie duties 
of the schoolroom and the pleasures of the play- 
ground. He thus gained practical experience in 
the occupation to which he has given his attention 
since attaining his majority. He has always lived 
upon the old homestead and is now the owner of 
one hundred and sixty acres of land, whereon he 
carries on general farming and stock-rais'ng. He 
has a nice place, with gooil buildings, and only a 
glance is needed to indicate to the passeriiy .some- 
thing of the progressive and determined spirit of 
the owner, who in his business affairs is reliable 
and accurate and nccomplislies what lie under- 
takes. 

Mr. Dorr was united in marriage (o Mis.s l.uelia 
M. Duncan, a daughter of D. H. Duncan, of Tis- 
kilwa. and they have three children: Bertha M., 
ten years of age; Marion ,\., six years; and 
George H., two years. The parents are members 
of the Congregational church at Providence and 
this relationship is indicative of the principle.? 



436 



PAST AND TRESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



which permeate their lives. Politically ilr. Dorr 
is a republican and has served as .school director 
but is without aspiration for otBce although he is 
neglectful of none of the duties of citizenship. 
His life has been devoted to the farm work in its 
various branches, and the secret of his prosperity 
is found in his unreinittinff dili£ence. 



JOHN H. DELANO. 

The history of business development in Bureau 
county would be incomplete without mention of 
John H. Delano, one of its earliest merchants and 
most respected business men. He came to Prince- 
Ion in 1855 and for many years thereafter was a 
factor in commercial progress, maintaining a high 
standard of conformity to business ethics and set- 
ting an example which might well be followed in 
♦his age when moral obligations are often to an 
alarming extent disregarded in the commercial 
and industrial field. 

He was horn in Pittsfield, ilassacluisetts, June 
21, 1827, and spent the days of his boyhood and 
youth in New England, acquiring his education 
there. Attracted by the discovery of gold in Cali- 
fornia, he made his way to the Pacific coast in 
1852 and remained for three years in the mining 
districts of that state. While there he became ac- 
quainted witii and formed a warm friendship foi 
the late Cliarles N. Burr, who afterward married 
Mr. Delano's sister, and they returned to the 
states together. Their friendship was continued 
through a correspondence and at length Mr. De- 
lano in 1855 came to Princeton, where he se- 
cured employment with .\lfa Burr. The follow- 
ing year he formed a partnership with his former 
associate and friend, Charles N. Burr, who had 
also been in the employ of .\lfa Burr, and they 
bought out that gentleman and engaged in the 
grocery business. The beginning of tlie enterprise 
was a modest one. The town was small, the sur- 
rounding country sparsely settled and the young 
merchants had but limited capital. They pos- 
sessed, however, youth, energy and integrity and 
these qualities, combined with business tact and 
capacity, won for them success. The enterprise 
prospered and the stock was constantly enlarged 
to meet the growing demands of the trade. The 
partnership was maintained for eleven years, when 
in 18G7 Mr. Burr withdrew, Mr. Delano continu- 
ing alone in business until 187G, when he admit- 
ted his son Clarence to a partnership under the 
firm name of Delano & Son. The same year they 
removed to the building in which the business is 
still carried on and the enterjirise has continually 
been developed along modern, progressive busi- 
ness lines. 

Mr. Delano was also connected with many other 
enterprises which had direct and important bear- 
ing upon the commercial progress and prosperity 
of the city. He purchased and was tlie owner of 



tile Princeton Gas Works for many years and 
spent many thousands of dollars in enlarging the 
plant, putting in improved mahinery and thus 
giving to the city an excellent system of lighting. 
He was also a large stockholder and influential 
director of the First National Bank and his finan- 
cial assistance and wise counsel frequently proved 
an infiuential factor in the control of large enter- 
prises whicli had direct bearing upon the city's 
growth. 

^Ir. Delano was married in Pittsfield, Massa- 
chusetts, in 1850, to Miss Martha M. Bell, who 
died in Princeton, July 3, 1871, leaving an only 
son, Clarence H., who is now conducting the busi- 
ness established by his father a half century ago. 
On the 11th of June, 1874, in Princeton, Mr. De- 
lano was again married, his second wife being 
Sarah A. Fowler, daugliter of Elias and Mary 
(Risdon) Fowler, the father a native of Massachu- 
.setts and the mother of Vermont, where they were 
married. They arrived in Stark county, Illinois, 
in 1847. Unto Mr. and ilrs. Delano have been 
born one child, a daughter, Catherine jVdele, now 
the wife of Dr. C. C. Barrett, of Princeton. 

In his political views Mr. Delano was a demo- 
crat, but without aspiration for office, although his 
aid and co-operation were withheld from no move- 
ment for the general good which he could advance 
as a private citizen. He was deeply interested in 
tlic welfare of Princeton, was a man of liberal 
views, sympathetic nature and kindly disposition, 
and his generous spirit was manifest not only in 
the aid which he gave to public measures but often 
to individuals as well. He passed away July 7, 
1900, respected and honored by all who knew him, 
and his nan;e is yet revered by those who were 
associated with him through the ties of business 
or of friendsliip. 



HOWARD E. MAKUTCHAN. 
Howard E. Makutchan is an active business 
man of Princeton, but is perhaps better known 
throughout the state as grand junior warden of 
the grand encampment of Odd Fellows of Illinois, 
.\ native of Providence, Bureau county, he was 
cdiicated in the public schools, and in his youth 
entered upon an active business career as an em- 
ploye in a retail clothing store in Buda, this state. 
He was but fifteen years old when he lu't'ame 
flerk and assistant bookkeeper in the private bank 
of J. Berkstrcsser & Son, conducted by the firm 
in connection with a clothing store, and in 1887 
he entered the general store of J. W. Carper, at 
Buda, as salesman, until 1890, when he accepted 
the position of cashier in the Buda bank. After 
three years' service in that position he resigned, 
.removing to Princeton, where he engaged in the 
manufacture of vehicles, which he sold to the 
wholesale trade. For ten years he lias represented 
inainifacturers, sah'S agents and joliliers of heavy 



f) 




J. H. DELANO. 



PAST AM) TKEriEXT OF BL'KEAU COUNTY. 



439 



hardware, having as his territory all of Illinois 
lying north of Springlield. He is deservedly suc- 
cessful in this field of labor, and now commands 
an extensive patronage, having become well known 
to the trade in northern Illinois. He is a man of 
enterprise and unfaltering activity in business, and 
has gained many friends through his trade rela- 
tions. In 18!i,j Mr. Makutuhau was elecled alder- 
man from the third ward for two years, and he 
declined to run again because of his absence from 
tlie city, his work as a commercial traveler keeping 
him away through the week days. 

Mr. Makutchan is even better known as an Odd 
Fellow. In 1892 he joined the order, becoming a 
member of Tonnahika lodge, No. 8'J, later a char- 
ter member of Peace lodge. No. 428, of Prince- 
ton. Soon afterward he became a member of 
Bureau encampment, and when Princeton canton 
was organized he was one of its charter members. 
In 1003 he was re-elected chief patriarch of his 
encampment as a result of his report as repre- 
sentative, that Bureau encampment ought and 
could win both prizes offered by the grand en- 
campment, 1904, and at once entered on a cam- 
paign for members that resulted in a gain of fifty- 
five for his encampment and helped win for it both 
prizes otlV'red by the grand encampment. He is a 
tireless worker, and was instrumental in institut- 
ing several new encampments in Illinois each year. 
lie has passed through all the chairs of the various 
branches of the order at home and has been a 
member of the grand encampment and council of 
the Patriarchs ^Militant for a number of years, 
in both of which he has served as chairman of 
some of the important committees, and for several 
years has served on the staff of the department 
commander, with rank of major general. x\t Phil- 
adelphia, in September, 190.3, he was honored with 
the grand decoration of chivalry by the Sovereign 
Grand Lodge. Everlasting energy, an al)undance 
of enthusiasm and a genial personality are the 
characteristics of Mr. Makutchan, and his success 
in all his undertakings is due to these qualities. In 
the election for grand junior warden at the grand 
encampment session of 190.5 he was the leading 
candidate, and opposition to him faded away. Mr. 
Makutchan also belongs to Bureau lodge. No. 112, 
.V. F. & \. M., at Princeton, besides other or- 
ders, and is a firm believer in the priiui|ilcs which 
these leading orders present. 



EVELYN P. EDWAKDS. 
Evelyn P. Edwards, a farmer, of La Moille 
township, was born in Livingston county. New 
York, February 9, 1830. His father, Timothy 
Edwards, was married February 22, 1826, to 
Catharine Clapp, who was born in 1801. Thev 
came to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1839, and as 
the years passed by five children were added to 
their family, of whom three are m.w living, name- 



ly: Mrs. Laura E. Childs, Evelyn P. Edwards and 
Mrs. Maria Perley. 

Evelyn P. Edwards spent the first nine years 
of his life in the state of his nativity, and then 
accompanied his parents on their removal to Bu- 
reau county, so that he is one of the pioneer 
settlers here, having for almost seven decades been 
a witness of the changes which have occurred as 
the work of growth and improvement has been 
carried forward. He shared with the family in 
the hardships and privations of pioneer life, and 
aided in converting a new farm into richly pro- 
ductive fields. Having arrived at years of ma- 
turity he was married in this county on the 24th 
<>i October, 1859, to Miss Pamela C. Wells, who 
was bom June 16, 1840. They became the par- 
ents of one son, Charles C, who was born July 
4, 1864, and now aids in the operation of the 
home farm. 

The family residence stands in the midst of a 
rich tract of land of eighty acres, with beautiful 
driveways leading up to the house. There are 
fine shade trees, a well-kept lawn and lovely 
flowers and shrubs, all combining to make this 
an attractive rural residence. The presence of 
many papers and periodicals also indicate the cul- 
tured taste of the innnites of the home, and there 
is every evidence of learning and progress here. 
The farm is well cared for in every particular and 
the fields bring forth rich harvests. 

In his political views Mr. Edwards is a pro- 
hibitionist, adhering to the principles of the party 
l)ecause of his Christian viewpoint. He holds 
membership in no church, but is a firm believer 
in the Bible, and his wife and son are affiliated 
with the Congregational church. His life is up- 
right and honorable and has won for him the trust, 
confidence and good will of all with whom he has 
eonie in contact. 



CHARLES TOMLINSON. 

The farming interests of Bureau county find a 
worthy representative in Charles Tomlinson. who 
resides at Mineral. His birth occurred in Mich- 
igan City, Ija Porte county, Indiana, November 
28, 1836, his parents being John and Hannah 
(Croupe) Tomlinson. who were natives of Penn- 
sylvania, where their marriage was celebrated. The 
mother was of Hutch lineage. Kemoving from 
Penn.sylvania to Michigan City, the father there 
carried on business as a carpenter and farmer and 
became recognized as one of the leading mechanics 
of that place. He retained his residence in La 
Porte county until called to his final home, but 
his wife died in the Allegheny mountains while 
returning from a visit to the east. 

No event of special importance occurred to vary 
the routine of farm life for Charles Tondinson 
in his boyhood and youth. He acquired a good 
comiiion School education, and, when not busy with 



440 



PAST AM) riiESK-XT UF BUIJEAU COUXTY. 



his text-books, worked in the fields until he reached 
the age of eighteen years, when ho started out in 
life on his own account, earning a living by work- 
ing as a fai-m hand by the month. His father 
had entered and purchased land in Henry county, 
Illinois, to which Charles Tomlinson made sev- 
eral trips, and he located there on attaining his 
majority, for several years operating land of his 
own in that county. It was in 188!) that he took 
up his abode upon his present farm, containing 
two hundred and seventy-nine acres of rich and 
arable land. Some of this he has sold off in town 
lots as an addition to Mineral, while the remainder 
of the fai-m is under a high state of cultivation and 
presents in its neat and thrifty api)ea ranee con- 
clusive proof of the enterprise and progressive 
spirit of the owner. 

Mr. Tomlinson has been married twice. While 
living in Henry county he wedded Miss Anna A\'. 
Van Winkle, by whom he had two children: Clara 
M., now the wife of Elmer C. Holbrook, a travel- 
ing man residing near Kansas City. Kansas, and 
Merta L., the wife of Alexander Holbrook, a resi- 
dent farmer of Oregon. On the 29th of June, 
1892, Mr. Tomlinson wedded ^Miss Mary Steele, 
of Mineral, who was born in Ashtabula county. 
Ohio, in 1850, and is a daughter of Edwin and 
Maria (Wicks) Steele. She was provided with 
a good conunon-school education in her iiati\e 
state, and when nineteen years of age came to 
Illinois. 

Mr. Tomlinson belongs to the Odd Fellows' 
lodge at Sheffield, and in his political views has 
been a stalwart republican since casting his first 
presidential ballot for Lincoln in 18G0. The hon- 
ors and emoluments of office, however, have liad 
no attraction for him, as his time has been fully 
occupied by his business interests and cares. In 
addition to general farming ho has engaged ex- 
tensively in the manufacture of cider, and his 
intense and well-directed activity has constituted 
the basis of a very desirable and gratifying pros- 
perity. 



WHdJAM H. HAWTHORN K. 

William 11. Hawthorne, a lawyer, of Spring 
Valley, with a practice that embraces extended 
connection with important litigated interests in 
the courts of Bureau, La Salle and Putnam coun- 
ties, was born at Dearham, Cumberland county, 
England, October 11, 1867, his parents being 
Hughston and .\nne (Trophier) Hawthorne, who 
were likewise natives of the same country. He 
came with the family of an uncle, Jaines Haw- 
thorne, to the United States in August, 1880. 
Then a youth of thirteen years, he acquired liis 
early education in the schools of his native coun- 
try and continued his studies in Streator, 111. He 
has resided in Spring Valley since the establish- 
ment of the town, in lS8,j, and has been prom- 



inently, actively and helpfully associated with its 
interests and of eastern Bureau county as well for 
the past fifteen years. He acquired his profes- 
sional knowledge by following a private course of 
study, and, entering upon the practice of his pro- 
fession, he now enjoys a large and growing client- 
age in the courts of Ikireau, La Salle and Put- 
nam counties, having already gained high repu- 
tation for the correct solution of intricate legal 
problems. 



CALVIN Z. CHASE. 

Calvin Z. Chase, a representative and highly re- 
spected farmer and stock raiser of Bureau county, 
is now largely devoting his time and energies to 
the raising of shorthorn L)urham cattle, Poland 
China hogs and Clydesdale horses. He was one 
of Macon township's native sons, born July 2t), 
18G(). His parents were Charles M. and Emily 
(Low) Chase. The Chase family is originally of 
French origin, but representatives of the name re- 
moved to England at an early day, and, during 
the stormy days that followed the accession of the 
House of Stuart, they came to this country, ar- 
riving about the time the Pilgrims lauded at 
Pl3'mouth Rock. Representatives of the name 
served in the Revolutionary war. Two were in 
the battle of Bunker Hill, and were not heard 
from afterward. Late in 1824 two of the an- 
cestors of Charles M. Chase were appointed escorts 
of General La F^ayette on his visit to America, and 
afterward visited France. A cousin of Mrs. Celia 
B. Chase, grandmother of our subject, had the 
contract for the building of Bunker Hill monu- 
ment. Colonel uhase, the grandfather, was a 
master lumberman, and for twenty-eight years did 
not fail to bring down the river each spring rafts 
of lumber. He was also a member of the state 
legislature, and won his title by serving as coloni'l 
in the state militia. At the beginning of the 
Mexican war he was offered a commission as 
colonel by the war department at Washington, but 
declined on account of business interests. He 
married Celia B. Pitts, who had twin brothers 
who were inventors and mantifacttirers of the Pitts 
threshing machine, with establislunents at Butfal() 
and Chicago. 

Charles M. Chase, the father, was ijorn in Fair- 
lield, Somerset county, Maine, December 14, 1829, 
and amid the rugged scones of far-away New Eng- 
land spent his early boyhood days. He was the 
eldest of the six children of Colonel Charles and 
Celia B. (Pitts) Chase, both of whom were natives 
of the Pine Tree state. Of their family a son. 
Calvin, and a daughter, Mary, died in infancy, 
while the others reached years of maturity and 
survived the parents, who passed awav a number 
of years ago, the mother's death occurring in 1871 
and the father's in 1879. Since the latter date two 
sons, George Chase and Sullivan Chase, have 
passed away, and since the death of ('harks .M 



]\\ST AM) I'KKSKXT OF lU'h'EAT' COrN'I'V. 



-1-11 



Chase, father of our sul)jeet, his sister, Mrs. J. H. 
Clark, has also departed this life, so that there 
are no living representatives of that generation. 

Charles M. Chase remained in the place of his 
nativity until he attained his majority, when he 
decided to seek a fortune in the gold fields of the 
far west. He made the trip from JIaine to Cali- 
fornia by way of the isthmus of Panama, and, 
with a cousin, spent two years as a gold miner, 
meeting with a very gratifying measure of suc- 
cess, while souvenirs of his sojourn in California 
are still treasured in his home. He returned to 
Maine for a visit, and in 1S53 came to Illinois to 
join his father's family, who in the meantime had 
located here. In the winter season he went with 
others to Wisconsin to engage in lumbering, 
making his way to Black Kiver Falls, where he 
was employed in thi' lumber woods until 1855. 
He then returned to Maine, and on the 18th of 
December, 1S.")5, in Clinton, that state, was mar- 
ried to Miss Emily Low. With his bride be at 
once returned to the middle west, arriving in 
Bureau county on New Year's Ui-irning of 185G. 
A home was then established that endured for 
nearly fifty yeare. Mr. Chase purchased one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land in Macon township 
and began the development of a fanu, whereon 
in 1870 he erected a line residi'Uce. He carried 
on the tilling of the soil and stock-raising, and he 
later added to his land until he had about three 
hundred and lifty acres at one time. He also 
bought and fed cattle quite extensively and made 
large shipments. He was interested in all that 
pertained to the welfare and progress of his com- 
munity, and served as school director for a num- 
lier of years. He was also a consistent and helpful 
member of the I'nion church, and was a prom- 
inent Mason, belonging to Buda loilge. A., F. and 
A. M.; Princeton chapter, P. A. M., and Prince- 
ton commandery, K. T. His political allegiance 
was given to the republican party. He died Janu- 
ary 15, 1905, and his death was the occasion of 
deep regret among his many friends. He was 
characterized by his acquaintances of many years 
as the "best neighbor we ever had." His sym- 
pathies were broad enough to take in nuire than 
the family circle, aiul he wrought for the good of 
the community in addition to providing for the 
comfort and happiness of those at his own fire- 
side. In his fuiu'ral service his pastor, Pev. Van 
lloesen, .said: '"Charles Chase would not care for 
an eulogy of words. He would willingly accept 
the judgment of fainily and friends who knew him 
longest and best. For us liis life henceforth is 
but a memory. But that is quite enough, so long 
as it is the memory of a faithful husband, a kind 
father, a generous friend and a good citizen." 
Many Masons and Sir Knights from Buda and 
neighboring towns were in attendance, and an 
appropriate Masonic service was conducted at I be 
grave when were laid to rest the mortal remains 



of one who had been esteemed and honored by 
till who knew him. 

Mr. and Mrs. Charles M. Chase were the par- 
ents of four children: Frank L., born January 
17, 1857; James M., who was born September (J, 
1858, and died December 18, 180!); Charles S., 
who was born July G, 1860, and died October 24, 
liS99 ; and Calvin Z., of this review. 

The last surviving member of the family of 
Colonel Charles Chase was Mrs. James H. Clark, 
who was born in Fairfield, Somerset county, 
Maine, J'ebruarv 6, 1839, and is a representative 
in both the paternal and maternal lines of old fam- 
ilies of New England. Celia Maria Chase lived 
in Maine until aiiout thirteen years of age, when 
she came west with her pareiils to Illinois in 1852, 
the family home being established near Buda. The 
journey was made by way of the lakes and rivers, 
and, leaving the Illinois river at a point nearest 
thi'ir destination, they came by team to Buda, 
although the town did not e.xist at that time, there 
being only a few farm houses scattered alon<' the 
state road. The daughter remained at home until 
her marriage, April 17, 1877, to James H. Clark, 
and some years later they removed to the village 
of Buda. She was most devoted to her home and 
family, and one who knew her well said : "She 
was unselfish in a marked degree, denying herself 
comforts and pleasures that others might be ben- 
efited thereljy. She was in touch with nature, and 
dearly loved the birds, the trees and the flowers. 
Her first years were spent on the banks of the 
Kennebec river, and the beauty of her surround- 
ings lingered with her all her life as an inspira- 
tion. She was a woman of unusual inielligeiu-e. 
having clearly defined opinions on all (piestions 
of the day, yet she held her opinions graciouslv 
and was generous of her l-mowledge to those who 
would learn. On the greatest id' all themes, that 
which relates to our highest and holiest duties, she 
held definite views, and in her life endeavored to 
follow God's i)recepts and rejoiced in the progress 
of His Kingdom." 

Calvin Z. Chase, whose name introduces this 
record, was educated in the [lublic schools of this 
county and in the high school at Stillwater, Min- 
nesota, and when his education was complete<l he 
engaged in business as a partner with his father, 
turning his attention to general farming and stock- 
raising. He has thus been engaged throughout his 
entire life, and is well known as a breeder of 
shorthorn Durham cattle. Poland China hogs and 
Clydesdale horses. He has always raiseil a good 
grade of stock, and his business interests, being 
carefullv conducted, have proved ])rosperous. 

On the 9th of March, 1892, Mr. Chase was mar- 
ried to Miss Alice N. Currier, who was born in 
Fowa, JIarch 14, 1809, a (huighter of .\sa ami 
Mary (King) Ciirrii'r. Her father was born in 
\'erinont, June 5. 1S21, and her mother in Ohio. 
N'ov(Mnl)er 29, is;?(i. They were married in Illi- 
nois, and Mr. Currier followed farming in \epon- 



442 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



set townsliip, after wliieh he removed to Kansas, 
where for eleven years he engaged in farming and 
stock-raising. His political support was given to 
the republican party. He died in Neponset, Janu- 
ary 4, 1885, while his wife passed away in Kansas, 
December 3, 1881. In their family were iive 
children, but only two are now living, the younger 
being Mrs. Chase, while her surviving brother is 
James F. Currier, who lives in Kewanee. 

Mr. and Mrs. Chase have two sons: Clarence 
C, born March 21, 1893, and Earl F., born July 
.3, 1897. The parents occupy an enviable position 
in public regard, and Mr. Chase is accounted one 
of the foremost agriculturists of his community. 
He has spent almost his entire life in this locality, 
and his record is therefore well known to our 
readers. He is regarded as an enterprising, active 
business man, who accomplishes what he under- 
takes and is reliable in all of his business transac- 
tions. 



FREDERICK C. METCALF^ 

Frederick C. Metcalf is one of the venerable 
citizens of Bureau county, having attained the age 
of eighty-four years. He is also one of the oldest 
pioneer residents of the county, having made his 
home within its borders since 1843. Few men 
have as intimate a knowledge of the events which 
have shaped its history and molded its policy, and 
he has been connected with its growth, progress 
and development along various lines, whereby 
he early became recognized as one of the valued 
and representative residents of this part of the 
state. 

A native of Vermont, he was born in Williams- 
town on the 14th of November, 1822, and there 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth. No 
event of special im])ortance occurred to vary the 
routine of life for him during that period. He 
was early trained to habits of industry and econ- 
omy, and he acquired a fair common-school ed- 
ucation for those days. In the year 1843 he came 
westward to Illinois, thinking to enjoy better busi- 
ness opportunities in a frontier district which was 
being opened up to civilization. Accordingly lie 
took up his abode in Bureau county, where he has 
since resided, giving his time and energies to 
farm work, with the result that he transformed 
a tract of wild land into rich and productive 
fields, from which he for many years annually 
gathered good harvests. Farming was his life 
work, and in this he continued until he reaclu'd 
the evening of life, when he retired from active 
business cares. 

On the 13th of November, IS.")!, Frederick C. 
Metcalf was united in marriage in Pennsylvania 
to Sarah Ann Hubbard, a native of the Keystone 
state. For many years they traveled life's jour- 
ney together, but were separated by the death 
of" the wife on the 28th of December, 1!)05. She 
had been to him a faitbfid companion and help- 



mate on life's journey, and unto them had 1 
born a family of seven children, of whom fo 
are yet living, namely: Hattie, Rodolpho, Ne- 
vada, Buena Vista, Benjamin F., May Belle anl 
one who died in infancy. 

Throughout his active business career Mr. Me> 
calf continued to engage in farming and stocd- 
raising, save for the period which he spent in tht 
far west. In 1849, attracted by the discovery of 
gold in California, he made the long and arduous 
trip across the plains, where were seen large herds 
of buffalo, now almost extinct. He traveled on 
over the long stretches of hot sand and through 
the mountain passes, meeting the usual experi- 
ences of those who journeyed from the east to the 
Pacific coast, hoping to realize a fortune in the 
mines. Returning to Bureau county, he resumed 
agricultural interests, and in course of time 
brought his farm under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. Stock-raising, too, was an important branch 
of his business, and his interests were carefully 
conducted and brought to him a goodly measure 
of success. 

His memory forms a connecting link between 
the primitive past and the progressive present. 
He remcm1)ers when much of the land here was 
still unreclaimed and when the work of civiliza- 
tion had scarcely been Ijegun. The now thriving 
towns and cities were then little villages or ham- 
lets or perhaps had not yet sprung into existence, 
but Mr. Metcalf and other pioneers came to claim 
the region for the purposes of civilization, and 
they laid the foundation upon which has been 
builded the present prosperity and progress of 
the county. Mr. Metcalf is now one of its most 
venerable citizens, and has ever so lived as to 
command the respect and good will of those with 
whom he is associated. He well deserves men- 
tion in this volume, and, in fact, no history of the 
eounty would be complete without mention of this 
worthy pioneer, who for more than six dei'ades has 
resided within its borders. 



LOUIS L. WICKERSHAM, M. D. 
Dr. Louis L. Wickersham, successfully engaged 
in the practice of medicine and surgery along 
scientific lines, his home being in Maiden, was 
born in Cincinnati, Ohio, July 11, 1859. His 
father, Thomas Wickersham, was also a native of 
Ohio, born near Wilmington, and was a Friend 
or Quaker in religious faith. In 1827' he became 
a resident of Cincinnati, where he lived for many 
years, after which he removed to Illinois, spend- 
ing the last years of his life in Chicago. He was 
an artist of more than local repute. His wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Rachel Harriet Hop- 
kins, was born in Covington, Kentucky, in 1828, 
and they became the parents of five sons and three 
daughters: Charles, Harry R.. William A., Louis 
L., Nellie, Jennie M. and Jessie B., twins, the 




9/ /^ /^y^^^i-^ 




■*N' fi^ 





J,^. ^Oe:^' 



PAST AND PitKSKXT OF r.ri!E.\r CorXTV. 



447 



latter now deceased, and Thomas H. All became 
residents of Illinois with the exception of the 
eldest son, who is now living upon a farm in the 
state of Washinjfton. 

Dr. WicKcrsham spent the tirst five years of his 
life in his native cit}'. and was then broui^ht liy his 
parents to Illinois upon their removal to Bureau 
county in 18G4. His more specifically literary ed- 
ucation was acquired in the public schools of 
Bureau county and through attendance at the 
niglit schools in Chicago for several years. His 
professional training was received in Rush Medical 
College, whereby he was well qualified for the 
onerous duties of the profession which he has 
inaile his life work. He has now been practicing 
in Maiden for eleven years with constantly grow- 
ing success, and is accorded a position of promi- 
nence by the medical fraternity as well as the 
general public, for he has kept in touch with the 
onward march of the profession and is an able 
physician, rarely, if ever, at fault in the diagnosis 
of a case. He also conducts a drug store, which 
is a profitable investment. 

On the 3d of July, 1S94. in Chicago, Dr. Wick- 
ersham was united in marriage to Miss Nettie B. 
Holbrook, who was born in La Moille, Illinois, 
January 22, 1870. Her father, Myron Holbrook, 
was also a native of La Moille, born May 39, 1845, 
and having arrived at years of maturity was mar- 
ried there on the 29th "of February, 18(58, to Miss 
Caroline Chaddock. who was born in Mount Pleas- 
ant, Ohio, January 9, 1849. Their children were 
Xettie B., Dora B. and Clyde C. The marriage 
of Dr. and Mrs. Wickersham has been blessed with 
two children: Kate W., born January 15, 189G, 
and IJaymond IT., liorn January 8, 1899. 

Dr. AVickersham is a meiid)er of Dauntless lodge, 
Xo. 150, K. P., and his political allegiance is given 
to the republican party, while his religious faith 
and that of his family is indicated by their mem- 
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church. They 
occupy a prominent and enviable position in social 
circles in Maiden, and the lios])itality of their own 
pleasant home is greatly enjoyed by their many 
friends. The Doctor concentrates his energies 
upon his professional service, and is neglectful of 
no duty devolving upon him in this connection. 
By reading and investigation he is continually pro- 
moting his efficiency, and his success as a prac- 
titioner is well merited. 



WALLACE E. EDDY, D. D. S. 
Dr. Wallace E. Eddy, actively engaged in the 
practice of dentistry in La Moille, with a large 
patronage, indicative of the trust and confidence 
reposed in liis j)rofessionaI skill by his fellow- 
townsmen, was born in Clarion township, Bureau 
county, Illinois, July 31, 18(;i, his parents being 
Sheldon P. and Mary A. Eddy, both natives of the 
Empire stat(!. When ten years of age the father 



became a resident of Lee county, Illinois, and in 
1852 came to Bureau county. The mother in her 
early girlhood days went to Lee county and sub- 
sequently removed to this county, where their mar- 
riage was celebrated. The father is still living, 
and is a retired farmer, making his home with his 
son. Dr. Eddy, but the mother passed away Janu- 
ary 9, 1899." Their son, Irving K. Eddy, was 
a soldier of the Spanish-American war, and died 
of pernicious malaria at Utauado, Porto Rico. 
He was a member of Company K of the Si.xth 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under Captain A. T. 
Tourtillott, and went on the expedition under Gen- 
eral Miles to Porto Rico, where he died August 
25, 1898. 

Dr. Eddy pursued his early education in the 
district schools of Clarion township, and at the 
age of fourteen years accompanied his parents on 
their removal to Lee county, where he continued 
as a district-school student tintil he enten^d the 
high school at La Moille. His more specifically 
literary education being completed, he afterward 
went to South Dakota, and was engaged in farm- 
ing in Gerald county for nine years. On the ex- 
piration of that period he went to Preston, Min- 
nesota, and for a year was an assistant in the office 
of Henry Jones, D. D. S. Becoming imbued with 
the desire to make the practice of dentistry his 
life work, he then entered the dental department 
of the State University of Iowa, where he re- 
nuiined for one term. He spent two terms as a 
student in the Chicago College of Dental Sur- 
gery and was graduated on the 2d of April, 1895, 
at which time the degree of D. D. S. was conferred 
upon him. The same year he received his license 
to practice from the state board of dental ex- 
aminers of Illinois, and since that time he has 
lieen engaged in the practice of dentistry in La 
Moille. The consensus of public opinion is alto- 
gether favorable regarding his ability and his de- 
votion to his professional duties. He keeps in 
touch with the most modem and progressive ideas 
concerning dental surgery, and he is partic-ularly 
ardent in his opposition to extracting teeth that 
can be preserved for future usefulness. He al- 
ways urges the best care of the teeth, although he 
may lose some practice that might be obtained if 
his patients were neglectful in this regard, and 
it is only in extreme eases that he will ever resort 
to extraction. His work has given uniform .sat- 
isfaction, and his practice has thereby steadily 
grown. He now has a finely equipjieil oHice, sup- 
plied with the latest improved dental instruments, 
and in his prol'essi<iii is nu'cting with excellent 
success. 

On the 14th of February, 1891. Dr. Eddy was 
married to Miss Laura IT. .Vngier, a daughter of 
.Vmbrose and .Anna (Barrett) .\ngier, who were 
natives of Lee county, Illinois, and are farming 
peoi)le, still actively engaged in agricidtural ])ur- 
suits. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Eddy liave been born 
four children: Vera Isyl, Imo Rita, Edna Ger- 



448 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



trude and \'orn Irviug. The family occupy a 
prominent position in social circles, and the hos- 
pitality of their own pleasant home is greatly en- 
joyed by their many friends. 



JOil.X .\. CL.VRK. 



John N. Clark, who resides on section 23, Selby 
township, owning and operating a tine farm of 
forty-two acres, is a native of Bureau county, born 
in Selby township, in February, 1844. He is the 
son of Robert and Catherine (Markle) Clark, 
natives of Indiana and Virginia, respectively, but 
who w-ere numbered among the early settlers of 
Bureau county. Robert Clark, on coming to 
Bureau county, purchased a good farm, which he 
operated practically until his death, in 1864, at 
the age of fifty-seven years. His widow later mar- 
ried Elisha Kuhl, and moved with him to Walnut 
township. Bureau county, where her death oc- 
curred December 8, 1879, aged si.xty-three years. 
To Robert and Catherine Clark eight children were 
born, two of whom died in infancy, and of ^^■hom 
four are now living : John N., the subject of this 
sketch; Benjamin F., a farmer, of Bureau county; 
Thomas J. and Mrs. Harriet Wolf, of Walnut 
township. The deceased are Mrs. Rhoda J. Carl, 
Mrs. Margaret Sample, Phoebe and Ellen. The 
two last named died when quite voung. Robert 
l_.lark and wife were members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, in which the}' took a com- 
mendable interest. For some years he served as 
school director. He was a man greatly esteemed 
wherever known. 

.John X. Clark grew to numhood in his native 
county and attended the early schools. At an 
early age he was set to work, and soon learned 
what it was to be numbered among the toilers and 
the breadwinners for the family. He became a 
practical farmer, and has lived on his present fai'm 
for the past thirty years. 

In 1868 Mr. Clark and Miss Harriet Reynolds 
were united in marriage. She is a native of Mont- 
gomery county, Ohio, born August 16, 1850, and 
is the daugliter of James and Margaret (Miller) 
Refolds, who came to Bureau county in 18.55 and 
located in Selby towushi]), where he purchased a 
farm and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 
his death, December 22, 18T!), at the age of si.xty- 
three years. His wife survived liim but a few 
months, her death occurring April 10, 1880, at 
the age of sixty-two years. They were the parents 
of twelve children, of whom three died in infancy. 
Isaac is now residing in Richardson county, Ne- 
braska; William is in Cass county, Iowa; Hugh 
is of ] jaw ton, Oklahoma ; David was a member 
of the Ninety-third Jilinois Yoliiuteer Infantry 
and was taken prisoner at Florence, North Caro- 
lina, and later died at Annapolis, Maryland; Rob- 
ert served in the Fiftv-seventh Illinois Volunteer 



Infantry and died soon after the close of the war 
at Miami, Ohio; Martha married James Searle 
and died in June, 1868 ; Massie married C. A. 
Sargent and died in 1894 : Jane married Marton 
Afton, of Wyanet. Bureau county. Those dying 
in infancy were John, Mary and Elizabeth. Mrs. 
Clark was about five years old when the family 
came to Bureau county, and here her entire life 
has since been spent. She is the mother of six 
children. Lillie S. married Frank White, and re- 
sides near Lewis, Iowa. Emma F. married Eben 
Meyers, and resides in Bureau count}'. George 
J., Alta E., Blanche Varner and Bertha Violet 
reside at home. 

Politically Mr. Clark is a republican, with w'hich 
party he has been identified since attaining his 
majority. For over twenty-five years he has served 
as school director, having an interest in the cause 
of education. He and his wife are members of 
the Congregational church of Depue. Both are 
well known and highly respected in the com- 
niunit}' which has l)een their home for more than 
half a century. 



ALBA L. MILLER. 

Alba L. Miller, a farmer, engaged extensively in 
stock-raising, makes his home in Leepertown town- 
ship. He is one of the most extensive landowners 
of the county, his possessions aggregating sixteen 
hundred acres, in addition to which he operates 
and handles twelve hundred acres of land belong- 
ing to his mother and four hundred acres belong- 
ing to his sister. A most prominent represi'uta- 
tive of the agricultural life of this part of the 
state, he displays in the control of large landed 
and fanning interests splendid business ability and 
executive force. 

One of Bureau county's native sons, he was 
born August 25, 18T3, his parents being David 
S. and Caroline (Mairty) Miller, the latter now 
a resident of Colorado Springs. The father was 
born in Ohio, January 25, 1825, and came to this 
county in 1845, his death here occurring on the 
6th of April, 1901. He started out in life jirac- 
tically empty-handed, but he possessed a resolute 
spirit and willling hands. As time passed he 
eagerly availed himself of the opportunities that 
oifercd, and, nuiking investments in real estate 
from tinu' to time, at length became the owner of 
extensive acreage. He largely made his money in 
the cattle business, in which lie was very success- 
ful, and which claimed his attention througliout 
his entire life. He never desired or accepted po- 
litical oflice, but concentrated his energies upon Ids 
business all'airs. Since 1901 Mrs. Miller has trav- 
eled extensively, and for the past three years has 
made her home in Colorado Springs. 

Unto Mv. and Jlrs. David Miller were born ten 
children: Elijah, now deceased, who was a stock- 
man, of Corning, Adams county, Iowa : Mrs. 



PAST AXD PKESEXT OF BrifKAF COIXTV. 



4-19 



Nancy Sailor, whose husband is a farnuT and 
stockman, of Kiowa, Kansas; H. \V., a stockman, 
of Herndon, Iowa; Mrs. Maria Borop, of Jamaica, 
Iowa, whose liusband is extensively engaged in 
dealing in stock; Florence, the wife of Fred For- 
beck, a leading stockman and large landowner, of 
Arispie township : Fred N.. who is engaged in the 
stock business at Saiul Point, Idaho : Mrs. \V. C. 
Anderson, of Colorado Springs: .'\li)a Ij., of this 
review; Jlrs. Henry Corbett, who died at Tueson, 
.\rizona : and Klva. who is with her mother at Col- 
orauo Springs. 

Alba L. Miller was reared in Bureau county, 
and supplemented his early education, acquired in 
the public schools, l»y study in the Xorinal School 
at Dixon, Illinois. Throughout his active business 
career he has been identified with farming and 
live stock interests, and is operating most ex- 
tensively along these lines, being one of the largest 
landowners of Leepertowu township, wliere he 
owns sixteen hundred acres. He gives to this 
his personal supervision, and is also in control of 
twelve hundred acres Ix'longing to his mother and 
four hundred acres to his sister. His judgment 
in business matters is rarely if ever at fault, and 
his keen discrimination and enterprise constitute 
the strong elements in the success which is now 
attending him. 

Mr. Miller was married to Miss Julia L. Grain, 
who was l)orn in Iowa, liut has been a resident of 
Bureau county from her childhood. By her mar- 
riage she became the mother of two children, but 
one died in infancy. The living son, Oliver David, 
was born October 8, 1899, and is therefore seven 
years of age. Mr. Miller exercises his right of 
franchise in support of the men and measures of 
the republican |)arty, but is without desire for 
office, yet he is not neglectful of the duties of cit- 
izenship, but, on the contrary, gives active support 
to those movements and measures which are 
deemed beneficial to the general welfare. 



WILLIAM K. MASON. 
William K. Mason, a representative of a pioneer 
family that was estai)lished in Bureau county in 
1840, was born in Macon township, September 35, 
1856. His paternal grandfather, John Mason, 
came from New England to Illinois in 1835, 
bringing with him his family, consisting of wife 
and five children, four sons and one daughter. 
He located in Tazewell county, or that f)art of it 
which is now within the borders of Woodford 
county. Ho secured a government claim at Meta- 
mora, then the county seat, and aided in reclaim- 
ing a wild tract of land for the purposes of civ- 
ilization. In 1840 he removed with his family 
to Bureau county, settling at what was then 
called Flench Grove, but which is today the vil- 
lage of Buda. The latter town was established 
on land foraierlv owned bv John Mason. 



The eldest of his children was William Jl. 
Mason, father of our subject, who was born in 
Pittstield, New Hampshire, August 13, 1821. He 
was married there lo Miss Mehitable Kainie, whose 
birth occurred in Chichester, New Hampshire, 
March 21, 1819. In the year 1835 he came with 
his parents to Illinois, and after living for five 
years in Tazewell county removed to Bureau 
county in 184U. William H. .Mason locMte<l at 
Sugar Grove, in Macon townshi]), where he liuill 
a log house in the midst of the wilderness. Land 
at that time was worth only a dollar and a quarter 
per acre, and he invested in one huiulred and sixty 
Jicres on section ti, while subse(iuently he added 
II tract of one hundred and fifteen acres. He was 
one of the early pioneers of the locality, and aided 
in subduing the wilderness ami extending the fron- 
tier. In his boyhood days he learned the brick- 
maker's trade and followed that pursuit in early 
manhood in addition to his farming operations. 
The arduous task of cultivating and developing 
land was ably performed by liim. and in the course 
of years, the once wild prairie having been con- 
verted into rich fields, was returning to him 
abundant harvests. He was also active and helpful 
in public affairs, was one of the organizers of 
Macon township, and served as the first township 
clerk. He was also one of the organizers of the 
old Union church at Buda. and ever contributed 
generously to its support and did all in his power 
to promote its growth. His early political al- 
legiance was given to the whig party, and follow- 
ing its dissolution he joined the ranks of the new 
republican party, which he continued to support 
until his death, on the 11th of October, 1899. He 
had for about thirteen years survived his wife, who 
died on the 14th of October. 18Sii. 

William K. Mason, their luily child, was cdu- 
ealed in the public schools, and through his entire 
life has been connected with general agriculiiiial 
pursuits, finding in his farming operations a prof- 
itable source of income. He was married on the 
23d of Decendjer, 1886, to Miss May Fuller, who 
was born in Buda, May 15, 1860, a daughter of 
Dr. George II. and Hannah (Hoyt) Fuller. Her 
father's birth occurred in Plainlield, New Ilamp- 
.shire, May 14. 1833, and in Lebanon, New Hamp- 
shire, on the 12th of April, 185!), he married Miss' 
Hannah Hoyt, whose birth occurred in Crafts- 
bury, Vermont, April 24, 1836. Dr. Fuller was 
graduated in medicine in Cincinjuiti, Ohio, in 
1857, and the following year located for practice 
in Buda, where he spi>nt his renuiining days, rec- 
ognized as one of tlie capable and successful phy- 
sicians of that part of the county. He was ac- 
corded a liberal patronage, and his labors were of 
much benefit to his felfow men in checking the 
ravages of disease and restoring health. Prom- 
inent in Masonry, he held membership in Buda 
lodge. A., F. and .\. M., and also took the Boyal 
.\rch degrees. He becanu' connected with the 
craft in Illinois and was alwavs loval to its 



450 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



tenets. In politics he was a republican, and was 
a man highly esteemed wherever known. He died 
in Buda, August 1, 1893, and is now survived 
by his widow, who is living with Mr. and Mrs. 
Mason, the latter being her only daughter and 
elder child. The sou of the family, James R. 
Fuller, now a resident of Beardstown, married 
Miss Barbara Ammott, and has been a govern- 
ment engineer since 1890. 

Since his marriage Mr. Mason has continuously 
followed farming on his own account, and is now 
successfully engaged in the cultivation of one 
hundred and fifty acres of the old homestead 
property, which he has brought under a high 
state of cultivation, so that the fields annually 
return him gratifying harvests and make his suc- 
cess a very desirable one. He has served as super- 
visor of Macon township, and he gives his po- 
litical allegiance to the republican party, keeping 
well informed on the questions and issues of the 
day. He belongs to Buda lodge, No. 575, I. 0. 
0. F., of which he has been noble grand, passing 
through all of the chairs of the order. The name 
of Mason has been closely and honorably asso- 
ciated with the history of the county since its 
early pioneer times, and the work of improvement 
and progress which was instituted by his grand- 
father and carried forward by his father has been 
continued by him. He is accounted one of the 
leading agriculturists of the community, and in 
citizenship his aid is a factor for general improve- 
ment and upbuilding. 



JAMES CROWNOVER. 

James Crownover, deceased, was a pioneer resi- 
dent of Princeton and of Bureau county, arriving 
here in 1851. lie became a factor in commercial 
circles, engaging in the grocery business for a 
few years, after which he withdrew from that line 
of business activity and took up his abode upon 
a farm in Wyanet township. 

A native of Pennsylvania, Mr. Crownover was 
born in Lycoming county, November 16, 1826. 
The family name was originally spelled Coven- 
hovcn and early representatives of the family came 
' from Holland to America in 1G30, settling in the 
Keystone state, where several of the name parti- 
cipated in the Indian wars in that section at an 
early day. The grandfather, Robert Covenhoven, 
was a noted guide in the Susquehanna valley dur- 
ing the Hevolutionary war and a monument, erected 
to his luciiinry, now stands in tlic conimons at 
NorthumbcriiitKl. I'cmisylvaiiia. 'I'lie name has 
been variously spelled Conover and Crownover. 
All of the early l)rancbes of the family were resi- 
dents of rcnnsylviniiii, inil in Inter years the 
younger generations iiavc scuttercil to various 
parts of the I'nion. James Crownover, father of 
our subject, always made his home in the Keystone 
state, whore he engaged in fanning. Hotb \iv and 



his wife died in Pennsylvania. Only two of their 
children are now living, namely: Mrs. Skinkle, 
who resides in Dorchester, Nebraska; and Mrs. 
Peasley, living in Bnrlinyton. Iowa. 

James Crownover acquired a good education 
in the common schools of Pennsylvania and after- 
ward continued his studies in Knox College at 
Galesburg, Illinois. It was in his boyhood days 
that he left his native state and went to White 
Pigeon, Michigan, where he was employed in 
various ways for a few years. He then removed 
to Burlington, Iowa, and was engaged in farm- 
ing near that city for a short period, after which 
he became a resident of Peru, Illinois, where he 
entered the employ of his brother-in-law, Mr. 
Skinkle, in the establishment and conduct of a 
dry-goods Ijusiness. They were merchants of that 
city for a few years, at the end of which time 
Mr. Crownover came to Princeton and opened a 
grocery store, having a good business on Main 
street, where he remained actively in trade for 
twelve years. Selling out on the expiration of 
that period, he purchased a farm in Wyanet town- 
ship. In commercial circles he had made an envi- 
able name and had secured a liberal patronage by 
his straightforward methods, his reasonable prices 
and his earnest desire to please his customers. 
When he began farming he purchased the old Al- 
len place in Wyanet township and there carried 
on general agricultural pursuits for eighteen years, 
after which he removed to Princeton, where he 
lived retired for six years. He then returned to 
Wyanet township, where he purchased what is 
known as the old Daniels farm and to its further 
development and improvement he directed his en- 
ergies until his death. 

In the early years of his residence in Princeton 
James Crownover was married to Miss Martha J. 
Davis, a daughter of Isaac and Phoebe (Gray) 
Davis, who came to this county about 1855 and 
settled near Peru, where the father engaged in 
farming for several years. Selling his land there 
Mr. Davis afterward took up his abode in Prince- 
ton, where he was engaged in the furniture busi- 
ness for three years. He then went to Grinnell, 
Iowa, where some of his children lived, and both 
he and his wife spent their last days in that city. 
Some of tlieir family are still living in Grinnell; 
Jlrs. John (iDiidfcllinv and Harrison I. Davis, who 
was first licnlcnanl of Company K, Xinety-third 
Regiment of Illinois ^■ohlnteers during the Civil 
war. Unto Mr. and ilrs. Crownover were liom 
seven children: William ()., who married Laura 
Ross, of Princeton, and now resides on a ])art of 
the old homestead farm in \\\iinet (ew nshi|i ; John 
D., who is also engaged in farming in Wyanet 
township; May, likewise living on the farm; 
James, now residing in Kansas : Charles, a resi- 
dent farmer of Wyanet township; Arthur, who was 
killed by a train on tlie home farm in Wyanet 
township, August 23, 1891; and Elizabeth, who 
has alwavs made her home with her mother. 




JAMK.S CHOWxXUAEl?. 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



453 



Mr. L'lownover was never au office seeker but 
gave stalwart allegiance to the republican part}', 
for he deemed its principles most conducive to 
good government. His family all belong to the 
Congregational church, and in his life he stood 
for all that is upright and just in man's relations 
with his fellowmen and was an advocate of the 
true, the good and the beautiful. When he started 
out in life and worked at farm labor in his boy- 
hood days near Burlington he began saving some 
of his earnings and his economy and diligence 
constituted the basis of his success. As the archi- 
tect of his own fortune he builded wisely and 
well anil he won not only a competence but also 
an honored name through carefully directed la- 
bors and his straightforward dealings. He was 
very liberal and the poor and needy found in him 
a friend, while his greatest happiness came to lum 
in providing the comforts of life for his family. 
He passed away July 2'), ISHS, when in the sev- 
enty-second year of his age. His residence in 
Bureau county covered almost a half century and 
throughout this period he had maintained an un- 
assailable reputation, which made him one of its 
most respected and valued citizens. She occupied 
the old Imme place until I'JOl, when she removed 
to Prim-eton and purchased a residence at No. 319 
South Cluirch street, where she and her daughter 
Elizabeth are living, and in social circles they 
occupy an enviable position. 



he is identitied with the County .Medical Society. 
He is well known in Bureau county, where almost 
his entire life has been passed, and many friends 
entertain for him warm regard because of his per- 
sonal as well as professional worth. 



AUGUST HENRY MALM, M. D. 

Dr. August Henry Malm, engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine in Princeton, is one of Bureau 
county's native sons, his birth having occurred in 
Princeton township on the 20th of August, ISGiS. 
He acquired his education in the district schools 
and the citj' schools of Princeton and received his 
professional training in Barnes University, at St. 
I.,ouis, ilissouri, from which he was graduated on 
the completion of a thorough course in medicine 
with the class of 1895. He supj)leniented his theo- 
retical training by practical e.vperience, covering 
a year's practice in St. Louis city hospital, after 
which he located at Mineral, Bureau county. Later 
he removed to Stark county, where he remained 
for four years, when, sei'kiiig a still broader lield 
of labor, he came to Princeton in 1901 aiul opened 
an office. Here he has enjoyed a good practice, 
iieing recognized as an able and conscientious 
physician, who is continually broadening his 
knowledge and promoting his efficiency through 
reading and investigation. He thus keeps in touch 
with the onward march of the profession. 

In 190-1 Dr. Malm was elected to the office of 
county coroner, which position he is still filling. 
Fraternally he is connected with the Modern 
Woodmen and other organizations. His religious 
faith is indicated by his membership in the Pres- 
byterian chui-eh, and in the line of his profession 



JAMES WATSON. 

James Watson, whose farm of eighty acres on 
section 30, Berlin township, has been his home 
since 1892, while his residence in the state covers 
the period from 1802 to the present time, was 
born in Lincolnshire, England, l)eeemiier ."), 1,S30. 
He is a son of Thomas and Sarah ( New ton) Wat- 
son, who were also natives of Lincolnshire, the 
former born in 1783 and the latter in 1?95. James 
Watson acquired his education in the schools of 
his native country, and came to America when 
twenty-two years of age. He has been a resident 
of Illinois since 1862, and in that year was mar- 
ried in Amboj^, Lee county, to Miss Eliza Aim 
Northway, whose birth occurred in Canandaigua, 
New York, July 6, 1843. Her parents were both 
natives of the Empire state, and in their family 
were three children. Jlrs. Watson by her mar- 
riage has become the motlu'r of three sons. George 
Watson, the eldest, born in 18(11, and now living 
on the home fann in Berlin township, married 
Miss Mary Oglesby, of Ohio, who died, leaving 
one child, Etrue, and he afterward wedded Elsie 
Donley, of Illinois, and they have two children, 
James and Geneva. William Sherman Watson, 
born in this state in IStiS, is now living in Gales- 
burg, Illinois. James Lee Sherman, the youngest, 
died at the age of si.\ years. 

Throughout the period of his residence in Il- 
linois Mr. Watson has carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits, and for fourteen years has re- 
sided on his present farm, comprising eighty acres 
of land on section 30, Berlin township. He has 
jrood improvements here and his time and energies 
are devoted to the further ilevelopment and culti- 
vation of the place. lie is now in the seventieth 
year of his age, but still gives personal supervision 
to his farm, and as the result of his care and 
labor the fields yield to him golden harvests. 

In politics he has always been a stalwart repub- 
lican since he gained the right of franchise. He 
belongs to Bureau lodge. No. 112, .\., F. and A. 
M. ; to the Koyal Arch chapter and to Princeton 
commandery. No. 20, K. T., and has thus attained 
high rank in York Masonry, while in his life he 
has been an exemplary representative of the craft. 
In religion he holds to orthodo.K views, but is not 
a church member. His wife, however, is a nu^m- 
,ber of the Congregational church, and his life has 
lieen filled with good deeds and charitable acts, 
showing him to be a man of geiu'rous spirit, of 
[kindly disposition and of appreciation for the 
higher ethics of life. He has never had occasion 
to regret his determination to seek a home in 



454 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



America, for here he has found good business op- 
portunities, and as the years have gone by has 
prospered in his undertakings until he is now a 
substantial farmer of his adopted country. 



JASPER WOOD. 

Jasper Wood, one of the e.xtensive farmers of 
Bureau county. Illinois, now residing on section 
13, Mineral township, was born in Groton town- 
ship, Erie county, Ohio, November 15, 1829, and 
is a son of Burdette and Rhoda (Harrington) 
Wood. The father became a large landowner, 
securing land in Iowa on ]\[e.xican soldier's war- 
rants, and he also had a tract near Sterling, Illi- 
nois. His death occurred on the Soth of Feb- 
ruary, 1889, at the age of eighty-six years. 

Burdette Wood was a son of Jasper Wood, of 
English descent, who was in the war of 1812. 
His family were early settlers in Ohio, locating 
on the western reserve. Seth Harrington, the 
father of Rhoda Harrington, was also in the war 
of 1812; he was a captain and had command of 
Fort Bloomington, at the head of Lake Erie. 

On the 18th of ^larch, 1850, Jasper Wood of 
this review started for California, in company 
with a friend and driving a four-mule team. At 
Fort Leavenworth they were joined by twenty-one 
men, and their train consisted of six teams. The 
trip from Ohio to the Golden state required one 
hundred and thirty-two days, they arriving there 
on the 3d of August. For four years Mr. Wood 
engaged in mining, the most of which time he was 
quite successful, returning home with three thou- 
sand one hundred dollars in gold. This journey 
was made by the way of the Isthmus of Panama 
and New Orleans, reaching his destination in 
April, 1854. 

In the fall of that year Mr. Wood came to Shef- 
field, Bureau county, Illinois, and secured one 
hundred and sixty acres of land near Green river, 
for which he paid six dollars per acre. It is 
located in Gold township, and there he made his 
home for thirteen years, during which time he 
added to it until at the present time he has ten 
hundred and forty acres there all in one body, 
improvoil witli tlirce sets of farm buildings, and 
for some of which land he paid as high as thirty 
dollars per acre. After making his first purchase, 
Mr. Wood invested the remainder of his capital 
in cattle, purchasing one hundred and thirty-six 
head in Bond county, Illinois, wliich he brought 
here the same fall. For thirty-five years he en- 
gaged in the cattle business, keeping in stock from 
three to four hundred head annually, which busi- 
ness proved a profitable source of income. 

It was in 1867 that Mr. Wood removed to his 
present farm, a tract of one hundred and sixty 
acres a mile and a half northwest of Sheffield, 
in Mineral township, upon which he has made 



many valuable improvements, and has added to 
the same until the place now comprises twelve 
hundred and forty acres, on which are five sets of 
buildings, about all rented at present time. His 
land here cost him from eleven to sixty-five dol- 
lars per acre, and it is as valuable property as any 
to be found in this section of the state. He also 
owns two tracts in Nebraska, comprising three 
hundred and twenty-six acres; seven hundred and 
twenty acres in Kansas; and sixty-five acres in 
Huron county, Ohio. He took an active interest 
in business affairs until January 8, 1906, when he 
was injured bv a fall and has since been in poor 
health. 

In Alba township, Henry county. Illinois, Mr. 
Wood was married October 22, 1857, the lady of 
his choice being Miss Ruhecy Goble, who was born 
in Rock Island county, this state, March 10, 1840, 
and when twelve years of age went to Henry 
county with her parents, Benjamin and Barbara 
(Vandruff) Goble, the former a native of south- 
ern Illinois, and the latter of Pennsylvania. Six 
children were born of this union, as follows: Ben- 
jamin Burdette died in childhood. Flora Gert- 
rude became the wife of Alfred ilcKee and died 
May 22, 1884, leaving two children — Blanche 
Sophia and Jasper Burdette W. Richard Boyles- 
ton lives in Saline county, Nebraska. Thaddeus 
Jasper resides upon a farm in Mineral township. 
Ada Sophia is the wife of Charles W. Gunkel, a 
merchant of Sheffield, and they have one son, 
Woodward William, twelve years old. Henry Les- 
ter is in the lumber business in Sheffield. 

In religious belief Mr. Wood is a Unitarian and 
politically is identified with the republican party, 
but is no politician. For three years he served 
as supervisor of Gold township; was school trustee 
for twenty-one years, or as long as he would accept 
the position; road commissioner nine years; and 
justice of the peace for some eight or ten years. 
He is a prominent and representative citizen, 
whose friends in the community are many, and by 
all who know him he is held in the highest re- 
gard. 



JOHN C. BECKER. 

The German-American element iu our citizen- 
ship is an important one, for the sons of the 
fatherland have contributed in substantial meas- 
ure to the civilization of the new world and its 
later development and progress. Among those 
who have made creditable positions in business 
circles in Bureau county is numbered John C. 
Becker, whose birth occurred in Mecklenburg on 
the 17th of July, 1854, and who is now a pros- 
porous resident farmer of Bureau township. His 
]>a rents, Frederick B. and Mary Becker, both died 
in Germany. 

The son remained a resident of his native coun- 
try until thirteen vears of age, and in the mean- 





"^d^^A^^ 




^^^-zrz^ 



FAST AM) ri!i:SKNT OF lillJEAU COTXTY. 



457 



time ai(iuirt'il his education in the publie scliools. 
Hearing favorable reports concerning America and 
its opportunities, he determined to seek a home 
in the new world and benefit by the advantages 
here olTered. Accordingly he crossed the ocean 
and took up his abode near Friuceton, where he has 
lived continuously since. He worked by the 
month for several years, and as his labors brought 
to him suilicient capital he made investment in 
land from time to time until he is now the owner 
of two hundred and sixty-five acres, constituting 
a very desirable property. His progress shows the 
salient elements of the German race, as his suc- 
cess is due to his perseverance, his ready adapta- 
bility and his strong and stalwart purpose. Upon 
his place he has a considerable amount of good 
stock, making a specialty of the raising of Poland 
China liogs and shorthorn cattle. His broad acres 
show his thrift, the farm presenting a most at- 
tractive appearance with its well-tilled fields, which 
promise golden harvests. 

Mr. Becker was married to Henrietta Schultz, 
whose parents, Gus and Mary (Hechtner) Schultz, 
came from Germany. They settled in Iowa, where 
their daughter Henrietta was born. The year 1854 
witnessed their arrival in America, and they were 
numbered among the early settlers of this county. 
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Becker was cele- 
brated September S), 1879, and has been blessed 
with si.x children, one of whom, Mary E., died at 
the age of eight years. The others are still living, 
namely : Fred W., aged twenty-si.\ years ; John 
H., twenty-two years of age; Lizzie A., twenty; 
Minnie D., eighteen, and Frank L., sixteen years. 

Mr. Becker is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, in which he has attained the Master 
Mason's degree. In politics he holds democratic 
principles and votes for the national candidates of 
the party, but at local elections he is independent, 
supporting the candidates whom he regards as 
best qualified for office. His first presidential vote 
was cast for Samuel J. Tilden. He has never 
sought olTicial preferment for himself, as he has 
desired rather to concentrate his energies upon his 
business affairs. His residence in this county 
covers a period of thirty -nine years, during which 
time he has witnessed much of the growth and de- 
velopment of the county and has done his full 
share toward its ini])rovement and progress. In 
his busines affairs he has won the success which 
alwavs crowns persistent and consecutive effort. 



EDWIN J. ELY. 
The business interests of Edwin J. Ely are so 
extensive and important as to render him one of 
the most prominent and representative citizens of 
Mineral and of Bureau county. Many interests 
have felt the stimulus of his co-operation and 
profited by his wise counsel and keen discernment. 



and, moreover, his name has become a synonym 
in commercial circles for integrity as well as en- 
terprise. His life record began in Euclid, Cuya- 
hoga county, Ohio, April 18, 1855, his parents 
being Stebbings B. and Marian (Mott) Ely. 
Owing to his mother's death when he was but a 
young lad he went to live with his maternal grand- 
father, Eber Mott, a shoe dealer of Hiram, Ohio, 
will) at one time was postmaster of that town. 
The Hly family is of English lineage, and was 
established in America by Alfred Ely, the paternal 
grandfather of our subject, who was born in 
England, and on coming to the United States 
settled near Cleveland, Ohio. He was engaged for 
a time in the manufacture of woolen goods in 
Summit county, Ohio, but subsequently took up 
his abode upon a farm in Cuyahoga county. His 
son, Stebbings B. El}', was born in the Buckeye 
state, where for a number of years he carried on 
agricultural pursuits, and then, after residing for 
some time in Illinois, he took up his abode in 
Iowa, and is now living at Los Angeles, Cali- 
fornia. 

Edwin J. Ely began his education in the public 
schools of Hiram, Ohio, and subsequently pur- 
sued a course in Hiram College. He first earned 
his own livelihood by working by the month as a 
farm hand in his native state, where he was em- 
ployed until 1878, when he came to Mineral, where 
his father had settled some time before. He 
stopped here merely for a visit while on his way 
to California, but was persuaded to accept a clerk- 
ship in the store of which he is now proprietor, 
receiving two himdred and fifty dollars as his 
salary for the first year. He entered upon his 
duties in this connection in March, 1879, and after 
clerking for Mr. Crandell for five years entered 
the employ of Mr. Dewey, who bought out Mr. 
Crandell, and with whom j\Ir. Ely remained for 
si.x years. In May, 1891, he purchased an interest 
in the business and the firm became E. J. Ely 
& Company. This has since been the style of the 
house, which is today one of the leading mercantile 
enterprises of the town. The firm carries a large 
and well-selected line of general merchandise and 
also conducts a lumber yard and large; elevator, 
and it has been continuously accorded a liberal 
patronage in recognition of reasonable prices and 
honorable dealings. Mr. Ely is a man of resource- 
ful business ability and has extended his efforts to 
various lines of trade. He is a successful dealer 
in grain, and is connected with the brick and tile 
interests of ^lineral, being a stockliolder and treas- 
urer of the Mineral Brick aiul Tile Company. He 
helped to locate the site of a new depot, and it 
was throuffh his infiuenco that this was obtained. 
On the 19th of October, 1901, he organized the 
banking firm of E. J. Ely & Company, which is 
conducting a reliable general banking business. 
The firm of E. J. Ely & Company has erected a 
fine brick double store, two stories in height, a 
portion of which is used for the conduct of the 



458 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



general luen-antile enterprise, while the other store- 
room is used for banking purposes. 

On the 11th of Deuenibor, 1879, was celebrated 
the marriage of Edwin J. Ely and Miss Emma 
Newberry, of Mineral, wlio was born in Minne- 
sota and is a daughter of Oscar and Mary 
(Prince) Newberry. Her education was acquired 
in the schools of Illinois and of Akron, Ohio, 
and by her marriage she became the mother of 
eight children. Clare Marion, the eldest, now 
associated with his father in business, married 
Miss Ethel Darnelle Riley, of Mineral, a daugh- 
ter of Wilson Riley, a retired farmer, whose sketch 
appears elsewhere in this work. This wedding was 
celebrated on the 3d of June, 11)03, and they have 
one child, Lucile Gertrude. The other members 
of the family are: Mabel; Eva; Alice and Alta, 
twins; Lena; Sherman Sheldon, who was born 
October 16, 1898; and Emma Jessie, born April 
8, 1902. The family are prominent socially, and 
one of the most attractive features of their own 
home, which is numbered among the finest resi- 
dences of Mineral, is its gracious and warm- 
hearted hospitality. 

Fraternally Mr. Ely is connected with Sheffield 
lodge. No. 808, I. 0. 0. F., and is a charter mem- 
ber and past chancellor commander of the Knights 
of Pythias lodge at Annawan. In politics he is 
an earnest republican, and first voted for Ruther- 
ford B. Hayes in 1876. He has served as town 
clerk, treasurer and postmaster of Mineral, but 
has little desire for political preferment. He has 
also been a delegate to various conventions of his 
party. Ho prefers that his public service shall be 
done as a private citizen, and he belongs to that 
class of representative American men who, while 
promoting individual interests, also contribute to 
the general advancement and prosperity. What 
he undertakes he accomplishes, having the strong 
determination and unfaltering energy which enable 
him to carry forward to successful completion 
whatever he begins. His judgment is sound and 
accurate, and his ready recognition of possibilities 
mid opiiortuiiities is another feature in a success 
wliich has nuide him one of the foremost residents 
of his adopted county. 



CHARLES G. SWANSON. 
Charles G. SwaTison, assistant supervisor of 
Princeton township for the past fourteen years, 
and now residing at No. 698 East Peru street, in 
the city of Princeton, has for a long period been 
engaged in the raising of small fruit, and his 
property is ideally situated for the conduct of an 
enterprise of this character. A native of Sweden, 
Mr. Swanson was born in the western jiortion of 
tliat kingdom on the; 24th of September, 1832. and 
is a son of Swan Thurstenson, who spent his entire 
life in his native country. The mother died when 
her son Charles was only eighteen months old. and 



because of this he had no school advantages. The 
education he has secured he has picked up through 
e.xperience, observation and reading. He learned 
to read and write, and is a thoroughly self-made 
man, who has constantly broadened his knowledge 
by contact with the world, until he is today a 
well informed man, and one who deserves nmch 
credit for tlie success that he has achieved in the 
face of obstacles and difficulties which would ut- 
terly have discouraged many a man of less resolute 
spirit. 

Mr. Swanson borrowed the money with which to 
pay his passage to America, and by working at 
fifty cents per day he discharged his indebtedness 
by giving his creditors twice the amount that he 
had borrowed. He arrived in this country on the 
6th of June, 1854, and made his way to Tiskilwa, 
then the terminus of the railroad. From that 
point he continued on to Princeton, the men of the 
party walking, while the women and the goods 
were transported by wagon. Mr. Swanson was 
one of the organizers of the Swedish Mission at 
the settlement near Princeton, and is now the only 
survivor of the original members. On locating in 
this county he engaged in farming for a number 
of years, making investment in property as soon 
as his financial resources permitted, and living 
upon one farm, wliich he owned for twenty-three 
years. He then sold that property, and in the 
fall of 1881 came to Princeton, residing for four 
years on West South street. He then removed 
to his present home, which was at that time but 
a cornfield. Here he erected a comfortable resi- 
dence and has since been engaged in the raising of 
small fruit. He has a tract of land of si.x acres, 
finely improved, whereon is annually produced a 
large harvest of berries that find a ready sale on 
the niai-ket. .\t one time Mr. Swanson was also 
engaged in the boot and shoe business at Prince- 
ton, in which he continued for several years, but 
his attention is now given to his horticultural in- 
terests, lie also owns an eighty acre farm in 
Nebraska, and is comfortably situated in life, 
having a coinjietence sufficient lo supply him with 
the necessities and some of the lu.xuries of life. 

Mr. Swanson was married in Bureau county to 
Miss Mary Johnson, who came from Sweden at 
tlie same time her future husband crossed the 
.Vtlantic. She died in 1900, leaving five children, 
all of whom are living, namely: Alfred, who is 
engaged in farming; Victor, who is engaged in 
the grocery business and is also vice president of 
a bank: Frank, who is in partnership with his 
Ill-other Victor in a men's furnishing goods busi- 
ness at Aurora, Nebraska : Clara, the wife of 
Henry Tuleen, a farmer, residing near Princeton, 
who is also a director in tlie First State Bank of 
this city and has served for several years as road 
coiiiiiiissioner ; and Sophie, who is organist of the 
cliunh of the Swedish Mission and has also been 
choii- leader for the past fourteen years. Mr. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



459 



Swaiisioii's |)n'!!('nt wife was Johanna Poarson, an 
early and luiiir-tinic resilient of this i(miity. 

Politically Mr. Swausou has always voted the 
straight repiiblieau ticket, and lias worked earnest- 
ly and faithfully for that party. His i.s a eredil- 
able record, eharacterized by unflagging industry 
crowned with success. Starting out not only 
empty-handed l)ut with an indelitedness to dis- 
charge, he has made the most of his opportunities 
as the years have passed, and he certainly deserves 
much credit for what he has accomplished. 



HENRY LESTEH WOOD. 

Henry Lester Wood, of Shellield, who is en- 
gaged in the lumlier business and is also agent for 
various fanning implements, was born August 
11, 1ST3, in the village in which he yet makes 
his home, his parents being Jasper and Ruhecy 
(Goble) Wood, who are represented elsewhere in 
this volume. He was educated in the common 
schools and afterward attended the University of 
Michigan, from which he w^as graduated in 1892. 
He then studied law in Columljia College at 
Washington, D. C, pursuing post-graduate work. 
He has not engaged in active practice of the pro- 
fession, however, but, returning to Sheffield, be- 
came connected with the lumber trade, and is now 
agent for various farming implements. He was 
also one of the three organizers of the Farmers" 
State Bank of Sheffield in 190G and is now one 
01 its directors, and possesses the spirit of enter- 
prise and determination which are so essential to 
a successful business career. 

Mr. Wood was married October .5, 1898, to Miss 
Sadie M. Dysinger, of Wyanet, Illinois. Religious- 
ly he is a member of the Unitarian church, and 
socially is connected with the Antlers" club, of 
Shetheld, and also secretary of the Sheffield Com- 
mercial Club. In the Masonic fraternity \u'. has 
attained the Knight Templar degree, being a 
membei- of Ames lodge. No. 142, A. F. & A. M., 
of Sheffield ; Princeton chapter. No. 38, R. A. M., 
and Princeton commandery. No. 20. K. T.. and 
in all of life's relations he has made a ci'editaljle 
record as one who maintains a high standard and 
who is ever actuated by hcmorable pritu-iples. 



HENKY SCOTT. 
Henry Scott, a retired farmer, living in .Xepon- 
set. was born in Sciitland. Janiiarv 1. l.s:{(;. a son 
of Robert and Helen (Klliott) .Scott, who were 
likewise natives of the land of hills and heather. 
The father died in ]8(J.") at the age of seventy-hve 
years, and the mother's death occurred in 18()8. 
when she was sixty-five years of age. In his native 
country Robert Scott was a shepherd, and be re- 
niained a resident of the old world until ISK. 
when he came to America and settled in Illinois 



as one of its pioneer residents. He was held in 
high esteem by those who knew him, and his life 
was in consistent harmony with his professions as 
a member of the Presbyterian church. His ])o- 
litical support was given to the republican partv. 
In the family were four children, of whom three 
are living: Janet, the wife of Henry Upton: 
Henry, of this review, and Thomas, who is living 
in Iowa. 

lleury Scott, brouglii in ilu' riiiteil States by 
his parents at an early age. was reared and edu- 
cated in Stark county, Illinois. He early became 
familiar with the best methods of farming, re- 
ceiving practical instruction in the work of the 
fields, as he aided his father in carrying on the 
home farm. Soon after his marriage he began 
farming on his own account, securing one hundred 
and sixty acres of land, which he improved and 
placed under a high state of cultivation. As the 
years passed he prospered and added one hundred 
acres to the original tract. Later he sold one hun- 
dred acres, but is today the owner of one hundred 
and seventy-five acres, which he rents and whit-h 
brings to him a good incomt;. 

On the 19th of April, 18GG, as a companion and 
helpjnate for life's journey Henry Scott chose Miss 
Ellen Buswell, who was born in Osceola, Stark 
county, Illinois, November lU, 1838. Her parents 
were James and Chloe (Pratt) Buswell, both 
natives of Caledonia county, Vermont, the former 
born in 1793 and the latter in ISdd. ju the fall 
of 1833 James Buswell became a resident of Peoria 
county. Uliiuiis. In 183T he removed to Stark 
county, settling six miles south of Ncponset, He 
was one of the pioneer farmers of Illinois, and 
aided in reclaiming a wild and unimproved region 
for the purposes of civilization. He was accounted 
one of the leading agriculturists of his com- 
munity, and for a number of years he acted as 
justice of the peace, in which otiire be reudi'red 
decisions that were strictly fair- and impartial. In 
polities he was a republican. He died in LST.'). at 
the venerable age of eighty-two years, and his wife 
passed away in 1893 at the very advanced age of 
ninety-three years. They were the parents of ten 
children, but only four are now living: Ltuinda, 
the wife of J. A. Gilflllan; Mary, the wife of C. 
Dunham: Colonel Nicholas C. Buswell, living in 
.Xejion.set. and Henry C. Buswell, of (Jrinnell, 
Iowa. 

.Mr. and Mrs. Scott traveled life's joui-nev long 
and happily together, but in 1900 were separated 
b>- the death of the wife. Afterward, because of 
ill health, Mr. Scott purchased a home in Xepon- 
set, where he has since lived, the income from his 
property being sufficient to supply him with all 
of the necessities and m.inv of the comforts of 
life. He has always voted with the republican 
[larly since age conferred upon hiiu the right of 
fraiu-hise, and in matters of citizenship he has ever 
been progressive and loyal. .\lnu)st his entire 



4G0 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



life has been passed in this locality, and though 
his earlier years were spent across the border in 
Stark county, he is well known in Neponset and 
Bureau county as a man of genuine personal worth, 
meriting the esteem which is uniformly accorded 
him. 



HUGH JOHNSON. 

Hugh Johnson is one of the worthy citizens 
that Ireland has furnished to Bureau county, his 
birth having occurred in the town of Ballenful, 
parish of Dundalk, County Louth, in April, 1828. 
He is a son of Arthur and Mary (Eogan) John- 
son, both natives of Ireland, whence the father re- 
moved to this country in 1849. Being pleased 
with America and its possibilities he located in 
Bureau county, and the following year was joined 
by his wife and son. 

The subject of this review is the only child in 
his father's family, and as stated, accompanied 
his mother to America in 1850. arriving in Bu- 
reau county on the 11th of May of that year, 
where they joined the husband and father, wbo 
had preceded them to this country. He was edu- 
cated in his native land, being a young man of 
twenty-one years when he emigrated to this coun- 
try from the fatherland. Upon his arrival here 
he started out in life to make his own way in the 
world. He possessed no capital, but had a strong 
constitution and a determination of purpose that 
is always sure to succeed. He was economical, 
saving his earnings each year so that he was soon 
able to invest in land. For his first purchase he 
paid five dollars and a quarter per acre, securing 
eighty acres at that price. This he cultivated and 
improved, carrying on general agricultural pur- 
suits for some time, and by the careful supervi- 
sion of his business interests, which resulted in 
the raising of good crops, he was able to add to 
his financial resources and soon made purchase 
of more land, for whicli he paid fifteen dollars 
per acre. He subsequently added more land, pay- 
ing for this eighteen dollars per acre, later bouglit 
another tract, for which he paid twenty dollars 
and for the last tract he paid fifty dollars per 
acre, and thus it will be seen that as the county 
advanced tbe land increased in value, and Jlr. 
Johnson foreseeing this made judicious invest- 
ments in land, until he is now the owner of an 
extensive tract, aggregating six hundred and fifty 
pne acres, which he has improved until it is today 
worth one hundred and fifty dollars per acre. He 
has added many modern improvements to his 
place, has built good fences, a beautiful home sur- 
rounded by shade trees and substantial outbuild- 
ings, all of which are kept in good repair, and 
Ills farm is now one of the most valuable and nt- 
tiactive homes in Bureau county. His jilace is 
situated just outside the corporation limits of 
Ohio, so that tbe family enjoy the advantages of 
the village, while they have all the pleasures and 



comforts of a rural existence. He has set out 
many fruit trees, which yield abundant crops, 
and in addition to his general agricultural pur- 
suits he is engaged to some extent in the raising 
nf stock, having good grades of hogs, as well as 
fine poultry. 

Mr. Johnson has been twice married, his first 
union beins with Miss Mary McAnaney, likewise 
a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1852 
and was here nuirried. She became the mother of 
four children, of whom one died in infancy. Those 
wlio still sui-vive are: Arthur E., born August 7, 
1S5C; Thomas H.. born April 19, 1858; and 
Nicholas, February 19, 1861. The wife and moth- 
er passed away April 6, 1861. For his second 
wife Mr. Johnson chose Lucinda Bumgardner, 
who was born in Switzerland, May 2. 1843. and 
when six years of age accompanied her parents 
to this country. She is the sixth child in a family 
of eight born unto Christopher and Julia (Ba- 
teaux) Bumgardner. the former born in Switzer- 
land, and the latter a native of France. Mr. John- 
son's second marriage occurred on the 8th of No- 
vember, 1862, and of this union there are eleven 
children, namely : Mary A., born January 3, 
1864; Henry R.", September 11. 1865; Julia E., 
February 20". 1868; Emma C, December 9, 1870; 
John, (ictober 7. 1872; Hugh E.. September 27, 
1874; Annie, October 30, 1876; Nellie K., De- 
cember 17, 1878; Frank J.. December 1, 1880; 
Lillie. July 5, 1883; and William E., December 
23, 1887. 

In his political views Mr. Johnson is a demo- 
crat, and in religious faith is a communicant of 
the li'oman Catholic church, while his wife is 
identilied with the Methodist denomination. He 
is truly a self-made man, for he started out in 
life without capital, but coming to Bureau county 
when the land was new and uncultivated lie fore- 
saw the future, and watchful of every opportunity 
for advancement, as he ))rospered in his labors 
year by year, he invested in land, adding to his 
original holdings as his financial resources per- 
mitted until be now is the owner of one of the 
most valuable and productive farms of the county, 
for ho has added all modern improvements and 
accessories, which has enhanced the value of his 
property. 

Having lived in the county for more than a 
half century he is familiar with tbe development 
of this .section of the state and has licen a bene- 
ficial factor in its progress and upbuildin'j. When 
he arrived here there were few of the advantages 
which are enjoyed today, but as time has passed 
and advancement has been made along all lines 
he has kept abreast witli the jirogress and im- 
provement and is numbered among the prominent 
and venerable residents of Bureau county. Al- 
though he has jiassed the seventy-sixth milestone 
on life's journey he is still a bale and hearty man, 
one whom it is a pleasure to meet, for he pos- 
sesses a genial, kindly nature and courteous man- 




HUGH JOHNSON. 



PAST AMI l'lti:si:.\l' OF HI'ltEAr COINTV 



463 



iier, and takes great interest in the wcirk which is 
being carried on in liis coniniunity. He takes 
just pride in his home and enjoys to the utmost 
tlie companionship of his wife and children, and 
greets the stranger with a cordial welcome which 
at once makes one feel perfectly at ease while in 
his presence. He is loyal to liis adopted country 
and her interests and is justly accounted one of 
the highly respected resi(lents of tliis iiortion of 
the state, and liis record deserves prominent men- 
tion in a history of this character and should 
serve as a source of encouragement to young men 
of today who start out without capital, for his 
life sliows whfit may he accomplished if one has 
the will to dare and to do. 



WILSON RILEY. 

Wilson Riley, who in former years was identi- 
fied with farming interests in Bureau county and 
for twenty-seven years has hecn engaged in the 
poultry business, his home being in Mineral, his 
native town, was born May 21. 1856. His father, 
William Riley, was a native of Licking county, 
Ohio, born near Newark, July 30, 1824. His pa- 
rents were Paul and Elizabeth (Laughrey) Riley, 
and his paternal grandfather was either a Hol- 
lander or German by birth, while the maternal 
grandfather was born in England. Paul Riley was 
a native of Pennsylvania, where he was reared 
upon a farm. Soon after his marriage he removed 
to Ohio, where part of his children, fourteen in 
all, were born, these including twin sons and twin 
daughters. James Riley, the twin brother of Wil- 
liam Riley, is deceased, and they looked so much 
alike that few people could tell them apart and 
many were the jokes they used to play upon the 
young ladies with whom they were acquainted. 

In the midst of the woods of Ohio, Paul Riley 
opened up a farm, but in 1835 sold out and emi- 
grated to Bureau county, Illinois, settling where 
the village of SherTield now stands. He obtained 
one hundred and twenty acres of government land 
upon which the family lived for several years. 
In order to educate the children, he, in company 
with some neighbors, hired a teacher who came to 
the house, and by that means William Riley 
learned to read. Ilis playmates were often the 
little Indian boys, and as he was often with the 
red men for weeks at a time, he learned to speak 
their language with ease and uinde many wai'm 
friends among them. 

At the age of twenty years William Riley pre- 
empted one hundred and sixtv acres of land, which 
he cleared, improved and cultivated, converting it 
into one of the best farms of the locality. Having 
secured a home he next wished some one to pre- 
side over it, and on the 12th of IMarch, 1845. h(- 
was united in marriage with Miss Eveline Raker, 
of Mineral townshi]). who was born in East Ten- 
nessee, and when quite young came to Illinois 



with her parent:^, Andrew and Mary (Blair) Bak- 
er, 'i'hey continued to live upon the farm land 
which Mr. Riley had secured until 1852, when he 
sold out and purchased a half section in Mineral 
township, to whii-h they removed, making their 
home in a log cabin for a short time. lie then 
erected a good frame residence, hauing the lundjer 
for its construction from Henry, Marshall county. 
It was the first good house erected in the locality. 

^Ir. Riley secured the money with which to pay 
for his first land by hunting and thus obtained a 
start in life. He located at what is now the vil- 
lage of j\Iineral before the railroad was construc- 
ted, which was later laid out across his land for 
a distance of one mile. He became the first depot 
agent, in which capacity he served until 18'.I5, and 
when a telegraph oilicc was to be established at 
the place he hired a lady to come and teach his 
son telegraphy. He also served as postmaster for 
several years, being appointed on the resignation 
of Mr. Lowery, who only served for two months 
after the establishment of the office here. Upon 
his farm he laid out the village of Mineral and 
gave away many of the lots. He donated the ties 
for the first switch track, and erected the first 
depot. No man in the place has taken a more 
prominent part in its upbuilding or advancement. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Riley twelve children were 
born, one of whom died in infancy. The others 
are as follows : Mary A., wife of H. W. King, of 
Denver, Colorado, by whom she has three children; 
Nancy E., who married Robert M. Hartley and 
died leaving four children; James A., living in 
Alineral, who is married and has one child ; 
Charles, also of Mineral, who is married and has 
four children ; Sarah E.. who died in childhood ; 
Lucinda Jane, deceased wife of James Wood; 
Wilson, nf Mineral, who is married and has four 
children ; John E., of Mineral, who is married and 
has five children : .Alonzo and Frederick, who died 
in infancy; and Frank, a business man in Pekin. 
Illinois, who is married and has one child. 

.\ whig in early life. Mr. Riley cast bis first 
presidential vot(> for General Taylor in 1848, and 
supported Fremont, the first republican candidate, 
in 1S5(>. Until his death he was an ardent sup- 
porter of that party, and when Lincoln was in- 
augurated March 4, 1801, he had a jollification 
meeting at a hall above his grain elevator. He and 
bis estimable wife were both reared in Methodist 
families but at the time of his death, which oc- 
curred February 10, 1905, be belonged to the 
.■\dventists" church. They were worthy and valued 
citizens of the community where they so long 
made their home, were numbered among its hon- 
iircil pioneers and were hrld in the highest confi- 
dence and esteem bv all with whom thev came in 
rout ail. The architect of bis own fortunes. Mr. 
Rilev builded wisely and well, and a handsome 
income rewarded him for his arduous toil in early 
vears. His connection with various business en- 
terprises not onlv added to lii-: individiia! pros- 



4G4 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



perity, but al.so iiiaterially advanced the welfare 
of the coiiiinunity. Through his own perseverance, 
diligence and enterprise he at one time was the 
owner of over one thousand acres of land. He 
contributed liberally to all worthy enterprises, es- 
pecially to benevolent and church work and the 
erection of houses of worship. His widow is still 
living at the age of seventy-eight years and resides 
with her son John E. on the homestead farm. 

Wilson Kiley, whose name introduces this re- 
view, was educated in the public schools of Min- 
eral to the age of fourteen years, when he began 
the study of telegraphy and was agent and tele- 
graph operator for the Rock Island Railroad Com- 
pany for twenty years. During that time he also 
held the ottice of town clerk in Mineral and he has 
been called to other positions of public trust, serv- 
ing as school treasurer for twelve years and as 
supervisor of Mineral township for six years. 

For the past twenty-seven years Mr. Riley has 
been engaged in the poultry business and has re- 
tired from all other active business interests, giv- 
ing his undivided attention to this line and to 
the supervision of his farms, which are rented. 
His life has been one of activity and enterprise, 
for in addition to the positions which he has held 
with railroads he has managed important agricul- 
tural interests and has developed a larse, growing 
and profitable poultry business, in which he has 
displayed keen discernment and unfaltering dili- 
gence. 

On the .'iOth of January, 1S76. in Devnll BhifT, 
Arkansas, Mr. Riley was married to Miss Amanda 
McClintnrk, a daughter of Ralph and Agnes JIc- 
Cliiitork. llrr father was one of the prominent 
and influential citizens of Bureau county for many 
years and served as county treasurer for four 
terms. The home of '^\r. and Mrs. Riley has been 
blessed with four children: Howard C, who was 
horn February 10, 18S0, is mail clerk on the Chi- 
cago, Burlington St Quincy Railroad and resides 
at Rock Island, Illinois. Jessie M.. born Novem- 
ber 1, ISS], is a graduate of the liigli soliool of 
Mineral and nf Sheilicld. Ethel l")arnellc, born 
Septomlier 19, ISk:?. is the wife of Clare IM. Ely. 
of Mineral ; and l^ilph W., born June 22, ISO."., i^ 
at home. 

In politics Mr. Riley has always been a stalwart 
republican and one of the active workers in the 
local ranks of the party. For the past twenty years 
he has been a delegate to nearly all of the repub- 
lican county conventions and to many state con- 
ventions, and his cfTorts have been effective in pro- 
moting the best interests of the partv organiza- 
tion. He is also well known and prominent in 
fraternal circles and belongs to the Masonic blue 
lodge at .\tkinson and is a charier member of the 
Modern Woodmen cnmp at Mineral, of which he 
was past coun.sel for fifteen years. He is also 
identified with the Royal Neighbors of America 
and is a memlier of the Advent Christian church 
of ^rineral, of which he is a trustee and deacon. 



He belongs to that class of representative men 
who, while promoting individual interests, also 
advance the general prosperity and his name is 
synonymous with the onward march of progress 
along many lines in Bureau county. 



ARTHUR D. llOi'l'S. 



Arthur D. Hopps, engaged in general farming 
in La Moille township, was born in Bureau county, 
April 11, 1851, his parents being Martin and 
Hannah M. (Little) Hopps, the former a native 
of the province of New Brunswick, Canada, and 
the latter of Vermont. In early life the father 
spent two winters in the lumber regions of New 
Brunswick. He came to Bureau county in 1830, 
when he was twenty-three v'ears of age, and took 
up carpentering, at which he worked for a wage 
of one dollar per day and in later years his at- 
tention was o'iven to general agricultural pursuits. 
In the family were tliree sons : Herman, Arthur 
1). and Irving W. Hopps. 

Arthur D. Hopps attended the public schools, 
although his educational privileges were somewhat 
meager. His training at farm labor, however, was 
not limited, and he worked in the lields until 
he was eighteen years of age, whjn, ambitious to 
secure a better education, realizing its value as a 
factor in the practical affairs of life, he matricu- 
lated in Chicago University, where he remained 
fiir three years. On the expiration of that period 
he attended the Institute of Technology in Bos- 
ton in 1876 and was graduated on the completion 
of a course in civil engineering. He was tlius well 
i|uali(ied for filling a responsible position along 
the line of that professiim. He went to Arizona, 
where he remained for a year in connection with 
the surveyor general's oflice and was then called 
home on account of the death of his father. He 
has since devoted his energies to general agri- 
cultural pursuits and in the spring of 1892 he 
purclia.seil his ])rcsent faiin in La Moille township, 
for which he [)aid seventy-one dollars per acre, 
although the property is now worth from one 
humlrcd and fifty to one hundred and seventy- 
live dollars jier acre. He inherited a small sum 
from his father and purchased a farm in Wood- 
ford county, Illinois, at forty-si.\ dollars per acre, 
which he sold fifteen years later for one hundred 
dollars per acre. He then bought his present home- 
stead. His holdings in this county now compri.-^c four 
hundred and fifty-five acres of choice land and 
he also has laiulcd interests in Wisconsin and 
Mississi]ipi. He raises cattle, horses and hogs, 
feeding the entire product of his fields to his 
stock, and he is well known as a stock-raiser, this 
branch of his business ])roving very profitable. On 
the 2.3d of Octolier, IDOfi, he struck a natural gas 
well on his place with a prcssui-c of hvcnty-three 
pounds. 




d^^^^O^^ ^p^^ 





^^r 





DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE 

FOB SIEBIFF 

Of BUREAU COUNTY 



Have been a resident of Bureau county about all my life; 
been endorsed by many leading republicans throughout the 
county, and if elected promise to do my duty to the best of 
my ability. If you can vote for "Jack" Dunne it will be 
greatly appreciated. 



ELECTION 

Tuesday, Nov. 8 

[X] JOHN DUNNE 

MACON TOWNSHIP. 



PAST A^D I'KESENT OF BUUEAI} COUNTY. 



■i()9 



Mr. llopps lias been married twice. lu Januarj', 
18T8 hv wedded .Miss JIarv Ann Crossniau, who 
died four years later on the 2Tth of October, 
1881. Of tiieir ehildreii Kittie M. died November 
34. ISSl, wiien tlnee years of age; C'lilVord ('. is 
now coudueting a eotton plantation and saw mill 
in Mississippi; and Stephen A. is at home. For 
his second wife Mr. llopps chose Sarah E. .\dams, 
who was born September 21, 1853, and to whom 
he was married ])ci-eniber 27, 1883. Their diil- 
dreu are JJalph 1!.. .Newton W. and Alma G., and 
two who died in infancy. Mrs. llopps is a 
daughter of George and Millie (Hitchcock) 
.\dams, who were natives of Ohio and came to 
Illinois after residing for some time in Indiana. 

In his political views Mr. Hopps is a republican, 
having cast his first presidential ballot for Grant, 
since which time he has ardently supported the 
party principles. He and his family, with the 
exception of the youngest son, are all members 
of the Baptist church. His life has been charac- 
terized by industry and integrity and he has so 
managed his business interests as to become one 
of the leading farmers of the county. He has 
upon his place splendid modern buildings, in the 
midst of a lovely landscape and the place is alto- 
gether one of the most attractive farms of La 
Moille township. 



EDWAED McCABE. 

Edward ^[cCabe, serving for the third term as 
mayor of Spring Valley and well known in busi- 
ness circles as a dealer in live stock, was born in 
Putnam county, Illinois, on the 22d of March, 
1858. His parents were James and Ann (Heavey) 
MeCabe. both natives of Ireland. The father came 
to the United States in the early '30s and lived in 
N'ew York for twenty years, on the expiration of 
which period he sought a home in the middle west, 
locating in Putnam couiity. Illinois, where he fol- 
lowed his trade of blacksmithing. He was thus 
closely associated with its industrial interests for 
a long period and maintained his residence there 
until liis death, which occurred in 1887, when he 
had reached the age of seventy-eight years. 

Edward ^IcCabe was reared in the county nf 
his nativity, jmrsued his education in the public 
schools and took up his father's trade, which he 
thoroughly inastered, becoming an expert work- 
man. Removing to Spring Valley in 1887, only 
two years after its organization, he here estab- 
lished a smithy, which he conducted with growing 
and gratifying success until 1901. when he retired 
from that line of business activity and has since 
engaged in dealing in live stock. He has also 
found this a profitable undertaking and is justly 
accounted one of the successful htisiness men of 
his community. 

In 1883 ^fr. McCabe wa.s united in marriage to 
Miss Marilla Survis, a daughter of William Survis, 



of Arlington, and in .social circles in Spring Val- 
ley they occupy an enviable position. ^Ir. McCabe 
is recognized as one of the leaders of tlie repub- 
lican party in the eastern part of Bureau county 
and his ell'orts ha\e been an important factor in 
its growth and success. He has been honored with 
some local offices, serving as supervisor of Hall 
township, while in 1901 ho was elected mayor of 
Spring Valley and is now serving in that position 
for the third term. He is a jjopular and ethcient 
officer, giving a busine.ss-like and progressive ad- 
Miitiistration, characterized by practical reform and 
im])rovement. 



ANTON HEPZOG. 

Anton Ilerzog, a leading citizen and representa- 
tive farmer and stock-raiser, residing on sections 
2G and 27, Selby township, is a native of Ger- 
many, l)eing born in Baden in 1844. His father, 
John Herzog, spent his entire life in that country 
and died about twenty-five years ago at the age 
of seventy-four years. He was engaged in farm- 
ing, and also had large vineyards and engaged in 
wine-making. Our subject's mother died in 18.50 
at the age of thirty-three years. In their family 
were four children, our subject having two sisters 
and one l)rother, Joseph, Louise and Marie Jo- 
sephine, all of whom are married and still live in 
Germany. The father was married a second time, 
and by that union had one son and four daughters. 

Anton Herzog was reared aiul echicated in his 
native land and remained at honu; until coming to 
America in 1SG7. He first located in Chicago, 
where he spent about two years working for one 
man, a Mr. Hook, and in his employ came to Bu- 
reau county in 1869. For about six years he 
worked by the month for that gentlenum, during 
which time he set out a large vineyard for 
liim, and in 1873 he purchased a small farm, 
on which he set out a vineyard of two and a half 
acres for himself. This he subsequently sold and 
in 1893 bought his present farm of one hundred 
and seventy-live acres, which he has placed under 
a high state of cultivation and inijjroved with good 
buildings, having erected a new house. Here he 
carries on general farming, and is meeting with 
excellent success. 

Ill this county Jlr. Herzog was uiiitc(| in mar- 
riage to Miss Annie Kauh, who was born in Selby 
townsliip, and is a daughter of Joseph and Eliz- 
abeth (Young) Rauh, who were also natives of 
Germany and came to this country in 1851, 
settling in Selby township, their tirst home being 
a log house. Mrs. Eauli died on the 17t]i of 
.August, 1880, at the age of fifty-four years, and 
her husband passed away in 1892 at the age of 
sixty-four years. In their family were eight 
children, two of whom are now deceased, Elizabeth 
and Andrew. Those living are: William, who 
follows farming, about ten miles northwest of 



470 



PAST AND PKESEXT OP^ BUREAU COUNTY. 



i'riiRt'lou ; JosupJi T., a residcul ol' Sulhv tuwu- 
ship; \'alentiue, who is engaged in the lumber 
business in Iluniboldt, Nebraska; John, a farmer, 
of Selby townshi]) ; Annie, now Mrs. Ilerzog. and 
Mrs. Philopena May, a widow; residing at l^eru. 
Mr. and Mrs. Ilerzog luive four children, all of 
wlioni were born in Selby township, namely : John, 
who married liosa Erey, and resides in Dover 
township; William, who wedded Mary Merkel, 
and makes his home on the Merkel farm, near 
HoUowayville ; Elizaljeth, the wife of Philli]) Lake, 
a farmer, of Selby township, and Joseph, who 
is single, and resides at home. He owns an inter- 
est in a threshing machine and has engaged in its 
operation for the past four years. 

By his ballot Mr. Herzog supports the men and 
measures of the democratic party and takes an 
active interest in public affairs. For almost forty 
years he has made liis home in Bureau county, 
and lias become widely and favorably known, being 
held in high regard by all witli whciin he has Inisi- 
ness or social relations. 



DAVID M. MORGAN. 

David M. Morgan has extensive landed posses- 
sions in Bureau township, his farm covering four 
hundred acres of rich and productive land. He 
has always carried on general agricultural pur- 
suits and his familiarity with the business, com- 
bined with his laudable ambition, have made him 
a prosperous farmer. He was born on the 8th of 
March, 1S57, in Cambridgeshire, England, and is 
the youngest of six sons who came to America 
with their parents, William and Rebecca (Hart) 
Morgan, in 18.57. Tliey located in Wyanet, Bu- 
reau county, Illinois, where William IMorgan 
worked at the carpenter's trade for one year. Sub- 
sequently he turned his attention to fanning, es- 
tablishing his luinie on land north of Wyanet, 
where at tlie time of liis death be owned four hun- 
dred and fifty acres of land, two liundred and foi'ty 
acres of wliicli is now tlie lionn' [ilnco of his son 
David. 

David M. Morgan acquired his education in the 
district scliools of Bureau county, his time being 
divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the 
pleasures of tlie playground, and the work of the 
fields, for be assisted his father in the operation 
of the home farm during the periods of vacation. 
.\fter putting aside his text-books his entire at- 
tention was given to farm work and be is today 
the owner of a valuable farm property of four 
hundred acres of fine land. Every evidence of 
the model farm is seen upon bis place in its 
well tilled fields, its modern improved machinery, 
its good stock and its substantial Iniildings. 

In 187ti IMr. Aforgan was united in marriage io 
Miss Sarah J. Petty, who was born Novcmlier 2. 
1S.">8, in Bureau township, a daughter of ^Ir. and 
Mrs. Jnlin T. Pelh. bolli of wIkuii were iiMlivcs 



of New Jensey and became early residents of 
Illinois, settling in Bureau county in the '50s. 
j\lrs. Petty passed away about thirty years ago. 
The home of ilr. ancl Jlrs. Morgan has been 
blessed with eleven cliildren, including three pairs 
of twins, and the family circle yet remains un- 
broken by the liand (d' death. In order of birth 
they are as follows: Nellie; Delbert and Glenn, 
twins; Verna; Leslie; Effie; Vera and Vida, 
twins; Beva and Bessie, twins; and Dorothy. The 
parents are members of the Wesleyan Methodist 
church and Jlr. Jlorgan is a democrat in his po- 
litical views. He has kept in t(Huh with the mod- 
ern ideas of progressive farming and is today ac- 
counted one of the representative agriculturists of 
his community. 



GRANT S. REMSBUEG. 

Grant S. Remsburg, well known in business 
circles of Ohio, where he is now acting as post- 
master and is also conducting a notion store, was 
born in Ohio township, July G, 1864. The year 
18.5!) witnessed the arrival of his parents. Perry 
P. and Mary L. (Brown) Remsburg, in Bureau 
county. Both were natives of Sandusky county, 
Ohio, and were married in that state, whence they 
came to Illinois and chose Bureau county as the 
place of their abode. 

Thirteen children were born unto lliem, and 
Grant S. Remsburg, the sixth of this family, spent 
his boyhood and youth under the parental roof, 
while in early life he was a student in the public 
schools and later continued his education in the 
graded schools of Chatsworth, Illinois. His edu- 
cational opportunities well qualilied him for the 
practical duties of a business career, and after 
leaving school he followed farming f(n- three years. 
Sulise(piently he was engaged in the livery busi- 
ness, and was afterward a clerk in a dry goods 
store for eight years. On the ctpiration of that 
period he had charge of a grain elevator for tln-ee 
years, and for three years and a half he was man- 
ager of a drug store in the village oT Ohio. He 
then entered the government service as postmaster, 
and is now acting in this capacity, capably and 
promptly discharging the duties that devolve upon 
him in this connection. He is also proprietor of 
a notion store and has a good trade in that line. 

In i'rineeton, on the 21st of Api-il, 1896, was 
celel)rated the marriage of Mr. Remsburg and 
Jliss Lucy ('onn(n', who was born in Bureau coun- 
ty, niinois, November 7, IStiti. She was the sec- 
ond cliilil of William ami IMaria (AVinkler) Con- 
noi-. whose raiiiily niiml>ered four children. The 
father was a native of \"irgiiiia and the mother of 
Ohio, and each caiiie to Bureau county in early 
life, tlieir mari'iage being celebrated here. Mr. 
and Mrs. b'emsbuig now have one child. Perry 
W.. who was liorn September ,3, 1898. They 



PAST AM) i'KKSKXT ()!• HI KKAU COLX'l'V. 



471 



oci-iiiiy ii giKid litiiiic ill tho villago of Ohio, Mr. 
Hfiiisinii-g (ittiiiiig iliL- jjiopurty. 

He bi'longs \o SL-baiiio lodge, -No. li2T, 1. 0. 
(). F.. and liis political allegiauce is given to the 
rej)iil)lieaii parly. He has served as a member of 
the village board for four years, as treasurer one 
term and school trustee for two terms, and the 
duties that devolved upon him in these fouuec- 
tions were faithfully performed, lie works earn- 
I'sllv aiul elfectively for the welfare of the eom- 
munitv, and his i-o-operation can always be counted 
iijion Uiv any movenient that has diri'ct bearing 
upon the welfare and advancement of his com- 
inunitv. ill' is a popular cili/.cn, with many 
friends, and the number is constantly growing as 
the circle of his acquaintance widens. He is now 
president of the {'hauniont cluli, a social organ- 
ization of the village having a membership of 
liftv. He is well liked and has gained public 
regard through his kindliness, geniality and def- 
erence for the opinions of others. 



WILBER IRELAND. 

Wilijer Ireland, who carries on farming and 
stock-raising on section ',, Leepertown township, 
where he has a finely improved property of two 
hundred acres, was born in Grttndy county, Illi- 
nois, July 30, 18G0, his parents being J. G. and 
Eliza ('. (Searl) Ireland, both of whom are now 
deceased. The father was born in Ohio, probably 
in Greene county, in the year 1831, and was only 
two or three years of age when brought to Illi- 
nois by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Ire- 
land, who settled in Magnolia, Putnam county, 
Illinois. The father was a native of Virginia and 
about 1835 or 1830 remr,ved with his family to 
what is now section 6, Leepertown township. The 
woik of development and improvement had scarce- 
Iv been begun within its borders, much of the land 
was still covered with the native prairie grasses 
and only here and there had a settlement been 
made to show that the seeds of civilization had 
been planteil on the frontier. Jtmathan Ireland 
purchaseil :i f;irni at one dollar :ind a (piartcr per 
acre and at oni-e iiegan its development, for not 
a furrow had been turned nor an improvement 
made when il lanu' into his possession. He made 
his hoMii' for nian\ vcars on section (i but abor.t 
1866 sold that property to his .son, J. G. Ireland, 
and spent bis remaining days in De Kalb county, 
Illinois, with relatives, passing away in the '70s, 
when mor(> than eighty yc^ars of age. His wife 
had died upon the old home farm in Leepertown 
in 18()0. when more than si.xty years of age. 

J. G. Ireland, father of our sid)ject, was reared 
n|)on the old homestead farm and early became 
familiar with the arduous task of develojiing new- 
land, while with the family he shared in all the 
hardships and privations incident to lif(> upon 
tho frontier. The occupatiiui to wliicli lie was 



reared he chose as a life work and about 1867 lie 
purchased the old homestead from his father, 
continuing to reside thereon until his death, which 
occurred in 1882. In politics he was a stanch 
republican, earnest in his atlvocacy of the prin- 
ciides of the party, for he believed that they were 
most conducive to good government. The family 
largely attended the Methodist Episcopal church 
ami were ever found on the side of right, progress 
and improvement. J. G. Ireland was married to 
Miss IClizaheth ('. Searl, who was born in tireene 
c'ounty, Ohio, in 1832, a daughter of John and 
Elizabeth Searl. who came to this state in the early 
■3ns, settling on what is now known as Searl 
Ridge, in Selby township. Mrs. Ireland was there- 
fore reared in Bureau county, which was Ihm- home 
until her death in 1897. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
J. G. Ireland were born nine children, seven of 
wlioin reached adult age, namely: .Mbert, a far- 
UiCr who is married and lives at Griswold, Iowa; 
Wilber, of this review; \'iola, a resident of F'rince- 
ton township; Mrs. Amelia Wade, of Putnam 
county, Illinois ; Charles, Frank and May, all liv- 
ing in Leejiertown township. The other two died 
in infancy. 

Wilber Ireland was reared in Leepertown town- 
ship and attended the cotintry schools, wherein he 
mastered the common branches of Knglisli learn- 
ing. During the periods of vacation he was set to 
tasks connected with the farm work and early 
became familiar with all the duties and labors 
That fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He re- 
mained at home until twcnty-si.x years of age and 
since that time has been located on a farm ad- 
joining the old homestead. He has a finely im- 
proved property, which comprises two hundred 
acres of rich and productive land that is now de- 
voted to general farming and stock-raising. His 
fields arc richly tilled and everything about the 
place is indicative of the skill and lalim- of the 
owner. He has also found time to aid in matters 
of |)iililie progress and his fellow townsmen, rec- 
ognizing his worth and ability, have frequently 
called him to jmblic oHice. He has served as 
highway commissioner for several years and has 
been school director for the past twenty-two years. 
His political allegiance is given to the republican 
nartv. In this faith he was reared ami bis iriafure 
judgment has sanclioued its policy and its prin- 
ciples. 

Jlr. Iivlan<l was married in this county to Miss 
Mary Rhyne, a sister of Timothy Rhyne, of Selby 
township, who is mentioned on another jiage of 
this volume. She was born June 1, 1860, in Lee- 
pertown township, and by her marriage has become 
the mother of eight ehiblren. of whom one died 
in infancy. The others, all yet at bouu', are Grace. 
Eva, Lottie. Ijoebla. A'ernie, DoUena and Wilda. 

Socially ilr. Ireland is eonnecled with the Mod- 
ern Woodmen of America and the Royal Neigh- 
bors. His wife also belongs to the latter organi- 
zation. Thi'v are members of the rnngregational 



472 



PAST ASD riiESEXT OF BUHEAU COUNTY. 



church of Bureau and liaving spent ahiio?! tlieir 
entire lives in this locality' are well known, while 
good qualities ot heart and mind have gained for 
them friendly regard and kindly consideralion. 



WILLIAM CONNER. 

William Conner is an honored veteran of the 
Civil war, and one whose life is worthy of the 
highest commendation, for he started out emjjty- 
handed, and, without family or pecuniary assist- 
ance, worked his way steadilv upward. That he 
has accomplished what he lias undertaken is in- 
dicated by the fact that in addition to his lumber 
and coal business in the village of Ohio he also 
owns a good residence in the town and one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land in South Dakota. Mr. 
Conner was born in Leesburg, Virginia, March 2, 
1837. His parents were David and Jane (Mer- 
chant) Conner, who were natives of Virginia and 
were married in that state in 1836. Their only 
child was William, of this review. For his second 
wife the father chose Elizabeth Anderson, and 
they became parents of twelve children. 

William Conner acquired his education in the 
schools of the Old Dominion, and at the age of 
eighteen years came to Illinois. Weary, footsore 
and hungry, without a cent in his pocket, he at 
length found a friend in Eli Lewis, who gave him 
emploj'ment and retained him in liis service for 
seven years, for ilr. Conner was faithful, able and 
willing and his lal)ors were of value to Mr. ]jcwis 
in his farming operations. In September, ISGl, 
however, Mr. Conner put aside all business and 
personal considerations and offered his services to 
the government, enlisting in defense of the Union 
as a member of Company B, Fifty-seventh Illinois 
Infantry, with which he served for two years. He 
participated in the battles of Belmont. Fort Henry, 
Fort Donelson. Pittsburg Landing and Corinth, 
together with others of lesser importance, and 
proved himself a brave and valiant soldier. He 
was mustered out of the service in 1864 and re- 
turned to his home with a creditable military rec- 
ord. Again he became a factor in the business 
life of Bureau county, and his industry and per- 
severance as the years have gone by have brought 
him the success which he now enjoys. He is to- 
day engaged in business in the village of Ohio as 
a dealer in lumljcr, coal, lime, cement and building 
materials, and has a good patronage, owing to his 
straightforward business methods, his earnest 
desire to please his patrons and his reasonal)le 
prices. He has also found opportunity for invest- 
ment in real estate, and in addition to liis residence 
in Ohio ho owns a farm of one hundred and sixty 
acres in South Dakota. 

On the 19th January, 1861, Mr. Conner was 
united in marriage to Miss Maria Winkler, who 
was born in Summit county, Ohio, August 20, 
18-11, a daughter of James and Ijucinda (Royds- 



ton) Winkler. There were six children in that 
family, "f whom Mrs. Conner was the fourth. She 
was educated in the schools of Ohio, and by her 
marriage has become the mother of four children: 
Lucy B., born November 7, 1865 : Clarence E., 
May 21, 1867; Ormand J., September 18, 1871, 
and Roberta V., September 26, 1869. 

Mr. Conner is a member of the Modern Wood- 
men camp in Ohio, and politically is a republican, 
having continuously supported the party since cast- 
ing his first presidential ballot for Abraham Lin- 
coln. He has been called to some local offices, 
serving as supervisor of his township, as town- 
ship collector for five terms and as school director 
for twenty-two years. He is deeply interested in 
community alTairs, and does everything in his 
power to assist in the work of public progress and 
improvement. He has almost reached the psalm- 
isfs span of three-score years and ten, but is still 
an active factor in the business world, and during 
his long residence in Illinois has been found a 
faith fid friend and loyal citizen. Born in the 
south, with southern blood in his veins, he fought 
for the stars and stripes and made a creditable 
military record. His life has been one of service 
and of success, and, surrounded by his family, and 
in a beautiful home, he is row enabled to enjoy 
many of the comforts and luxuries of life which 
were denied him in his earlier years. His excel- 
lent qualities have made his a noble manhood, and 
there is muili that is most coniinendable in his 
recoi'd. 



WASHINGTON W. DUNBAR. 
Washington W. Dunbar, a worthy representa- 
tive of farming interests in La Moille township, 
is a native son of Bureau county, born July 23, 
1884. His parents were James J. and Fannie 
C. (Crossman) Dunliar, who were likewise bom 
in this county, a fact which indicates that their 
respective families were established here at an 
early day. They had three children, of whom the 
subject of this review is the eldest, and under the 
parental roof the days of his boyhood and youth 
were passed, the farm work early gaining for him 
])ractical significance, as he was required to assist 
in the labors of the fields. He now owns forty 
acres of good land and manages eighty acres more. 
He is one of the heirs to his father's estate, which 
comprises three hundred acres of valuable land 
adjoining his own. He started out upon an in- 
dependent liusiness career when twenty-one years 
of age, ami the success he has alreaviy achieved 
argues well for a prosperous future. He had at- 
tended school in three ditVereiit states, and a lib- 
eral education well qualilied him to meet the re- 
sponsible duties of his business career. He pos- 
sesses laudable ambition and determined energy, 
and these qualities are ever essential factors to 
success. 




J. J. DUNBAK. 



PAST AXI) PRESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



475 



Mr. Dunbar was married .Vufrust 15, 1!H)4, to 
iliss Mai' Clark, who was boru in Bureau county. 
Jaiuiarv II. 1S,S5, a daughter of Jo.seph and Etta 
(Keel) Clark, likewise natives of this eounty. 
Mrs. Dunbar is the eldest of their three ehildren. 
and by her marriage has one son, James D.. born 
June 29, 1905. rolitically Mr. Dunbar is a re- 
publican, and he and his wife are members of the 
Cnited Brethren ehurch. They are a ])rominent 
young eou]ile. held in high esteem liy all who 
know them, and Mr. Dunbar has already made a 
most creditable record in business circles for in- 
dustry and honesty, for capable management and 
keen foresight. 



orablc, and the poor and needy have found in him 
a warm friend. He lias done much to assist others 
less fortunate tlian himself, and has been partic- 
ularly helpful in tlie matter of assisting poor boys 
and girls to better situations, wlierc ibey would 
lie amid better surroundings. 



J. D. CROWXOVER. 

J. D. Crowuover, proprietor of the Oakwood 
stock farm, and one of the leailing l)reeders of 
thoroughbred stock in Bureau county, lives on 
section 4, Wyanet township, about three miles 
northeast of the village of Wyanet. There he car- 
ries on his business interests on an extensive scale, 
and is winning a very gratifying measure of pros- 
perity through his carefully conducted affairs. 
He is a son of James Crowuover, one of the early 
pioneers of the count}', who is mentioned on an- 
other page of this volume. His birth occurred in 
Bureau county, and he pursued his education in 
the district scliools, in Princeton high school and 
in Kno.x College, at Galesburg, Illinois. Since 
putting aside his text-books he has always carried 
on farming and stock-raising, and has been very 
successful in his clioseu Held of labor. His farm 
is well kept and everything about the place is 
indicative of tlie progressive and enterprising spirit 
which permeates Mr. Crownover in all he does. 
He is now extensively engaged in the breeding of 
thoroughbred registered Poland Cliina liogs. the 
best coach horses and barred Plymouth Rock 
cliiekens. He raises from one hundred to two 
hundred hogs each year, which he sells at fancy 
prices, shipping to all parts of the country. He 
advertises in the best stock journals, and is known 
far and wide as a tlioroiigh and progressive stock- 
man. He always has stock for sale, and he handles 
a large amount of cattle, buying, selling and shi])- 
ping i)y the car lot. He is also engaged in the 
breeding of poultry, keeps only the best, his spe- 
cialty being barred Plymouth Pocks, whose breed- 
ing can be traced to many of the leading poultry 
yards of the United States. He is an excellent 
judge of all kinds of stock, and has bought and 
sold hundreds of cattle and horses, in which busi- 
ness be has made bis success. Ho has a fine farm 
of over two hundr(>d acres, and also controls a 
large farm adjoining, that belongs to his mother. 

In all of his busiiu'ss dealings Mr. Crownover 
has carried on his operations capably and honestly, 
and now bears an unassailable reputation for busi- 
ness integrity. His life has been upright ami lion- 



FRED WOOD. 

F'red Wood is a man of enterprising spirit, 
whose unfaltering delermiiiation enables him to 
accomplish what he umlerlakes, and he is now 
successfully managing a farm <>f tlir<'c hundred 
and thirty acres, on which he lias lived for three 
years. He was boiii in Woodlawn, Sauk county, 
Wisconsin, September Hi, 1S(>7. His parents came 
to Bureau county when he was snuill. He is a 
siui of Samuel and Frances ((J ray) Wood. The 
father was born near Dexter, New S'ork, and in his 
boyhood days became a resid(>nt of Wisconsin, 
where he learned and followed the carpenter's 
trade. He there married Miss Frances Gray, 
whose birth occurred near Akron, Ohio, and who 
was taken to Wisconsin by her parents in her girl- 
hood days. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Wood were horn 
live children, of whom Fretl was the third in order 
of birtli. 

When a young lad he accouiiianied his parents 
on their removal to Bureau county, and his edu- 
cation was acquired in the schools of Princeton. 
He was reared to general agricultural pursuits, 
and throughout his business career has carried on 
farming, working persistently and energetically. 
For three years he has resided u])on a farm in 
Berlin township, comprising three hundred and 
thirty acres of line land, lie has this under a 
high state of cultivation, so that good crops are 
gathered annually and bring to him a gratifying 
linancial return. Persistency of pur]iose and uu- 
falteiing diligence are strong features in his busi- 
ness career, and have been the elements of the 
success which he has obtained.- 

On the -^Sth of December, ISiili, Mr. Wood was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Cagler, who was 
born May 30, 1875. in Wyanet township, this coun- 
tv. She. too, was educated in the schools of 
I'riiuetiin, and by her marriage has become the 
miitlier of live children: Farlin Roy. deceased; 
.Mallei M., Frances D., Samuel W. and Edgar E. 

Mr. Wood belongs to Dauntless lodge, N'o. 150, 
l\. P., and is a worthy representative of the order, 
with its beneficent purpo.ses. In his ])olilical views 
he is a stalwart reimblican, always voting with 
the [lartv and doing all in his power to promote its 
ilidwih and insure its success. He holds a mem- 
bership in the English Lutheran church, to which 
his wife also belongs. They are lunnbered among 
the intelligent and enterprising farming jieople of 
the community, who are winning success in their 
business interests thi'ough honesty and industry. 
Mr. Wood keeps in touch with the ideas of niod- 



470 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



eru agricultural progress. They are also doing 
much to educate their children so as to prepare 
them for life's practical and responsible duties. 
In Berlin township and other sections of the coun- 
ty they have gained many fi-iends, both having re- 
sided here .since the daws of childhood. 



SELBY L. SMITH. 

Selby L. Smith, who for three years has been 
president of the First State Bank of Princeton and 
is a leading representative of linancial interests in 
Bureau, his native county, was born on the 15th 
of December, 1847, on his father's farm, near the 
county seat. He is a son of Benjamin L. and 
Sarah C. (Seeley) Smith, the former a native of 
Oneida county. New York, and the latter of 
Franklin county, that state. Mr. Smith came to 
Illinois in 1835 and engaged in merchandising in 
Princeton in connection with I)e Grass Salisbury, 
who came from New York witli him. He not only 
figured prominently in commercial circles, but also 
wielded a wide influence over public thought and 
action. He was very active in organizing the 
new county of Bureau, and was a recognized leader 
in molding its public policy and shaping its des- 
tiny. He served as the second county clerk, and 
was also the second county judge, and in 1850 he 
represented his district in the state legislature. He 
put forth eU'ective and earnest effort during the 
formative period of its history in behalf of sub- 
stantial progress and improvement, and stood for 
a county organization that would advance the best 
interests of the community, not only for the pres- 
ent but for years to come. In his later years he 
witlidrew from active life, leaving political and 
other public service to others, and dealt in lands 
and city real estate. He prospered in his under- 
takings, so that in the evening of life he possessed 
a coml'orta])le competence. His death occurred in 
1900, when he was nin(>ty-four years of age. His 
wife came to Illinois in 1836, the same year of her 
marriage, and she departed this life in 1!)04. 

Selby L. Smith pursued his education in the 
public schools of Bureau county and in the state 
of New York. His text-books laid aside, he en- 
tered into business in Marshalltown, Iowa, but in 
1878 he returned to Princeton. He afterward 
spent a number ot years in ( olorado prior to be- 
coming permanently identified with the business 
interests of this citv. He became connected with 
the First State Bank of Princeton in an ollicial 
capacity upon its organization in 1902, and the 
fololwing vear was elected president, since which 
time he has remained at the head of the institu- 
tion, now recognized as one of the strong and 
reliable financial concerns of this part of the 
state. lie has made consecutive advancement in 
his business career, and discharg(\s the exacting 
duties of his position with singular fidelity and 
conspicuous ability. 



Ln 18'J1» Mr. Smith was married to Miss May 
V. Bubach, a daughter of John J. Bubach, of Bu- 
reau count\', and they occupy a position of promi- 
nence in the social circles of this city. Fraternally 
Mr. Smith is connected with the Knights of Pyth- 
ias. His attention, however, is largely concen- 
trated upon his business affairs, and he has at- 
tained a large degree of success as a result of his 
own efforts, having the mentality to direct his en- 
deavors toward the desired ends, combined with 
the singleness and steadfastness of purpose which 
have given due value to each consecutive detail of 
effort. The place which he has won in financial 
circles is accorded him in recognition of his skill 
and ability, and the place which he occupies in 
the social world is a tribute to that genuine worth 
and true nobleness of character which are uniform- 
h' recognized and honored. 



JOHN F. HAMILTON. 

John F. Hamilton, of La Moille township, was 
born in Coshocton county, Ohio, December 6, 
1871. His father, Thomas Hamilton, was a native 
of Ireland and having crossed the Atlantic to 
America was married in Ohio to Miss Jane Boyd, 
whose birth occurred in that state. This union 
was blessed with six children, of whom John F. 
was the third in order of birth. The public 
schools of his native state afforded him his educa- 
tional privileges and in the year 1893 he came to 
Bureau county, where his diligence and perse- 
verance have proven effectual factors in winning 
success. His entire life has been given to general 
agricultural pursuits and he is today owner of a 
very valuable farm of one hundred and eighty 
acres. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. Hamilton cliose Miss Carrie C. Brown, who 
was born in Bureau county, August 20. 1875, 
their marriage being celebrated on the 22d of 
December, 1892. She was the third in a family 
of eight children, whose parents were Joel and 
Amanda (Dunbar) Brown, the former a native 
of Ohio and the latter of Illinois. She obtained 
her education in La Moille and has become the 
mother of three children: Clifford C, born 
April 1, 1894; Glenn T., December 26, 1895; and 
Jessie M., August 8, 1897. 

The family are all members of the United 
Brethren church at A'an Orin and Mr. Hamilton 
is a stanch advocate of republican principles. He 
and his wife have worked earnestly together to 
make a start and arc now well situated upon one 
of the good farms of Bureau county. There are 
substantial buildings on the place and in the 
tields are annually harvested good crops, while 
the pastures show high grade stock. The old 
oaken bucket with the well sweep has been sup- 
planted by a gasoline engine for pumping water. 
There is a natural gas well upon the place with 




MRS J F HAMILTON 



I'AST AXD riJESEXT OF BUREAU COl'NTY. 



479 



eighteen pounds pressure and this furnishes heat 
and light for the buildings. The farm is thor- 
oughly modern in its equipiuints and the family 
is one of prominence in the community. 

In 1903 Mr. Hamilton was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his wife, who died on the 23d 
of April of that year, her death being deeply re- 
gretted by all who knew her as well as by her 
immediate family. She was a lady of attractive 
social qualities and many good traits of heart 
and mind and thus her death was deeply deplored. 
Mr. Hamilton in public affairs has been prominent 
and influential and has served as road commis- 
sioner for three years, as school director and school 
treasurer. Xo duty devolving upon him of either 
a public or private nature is ever neglected and 
his fidelity as well as his enterprise and capa- 
bility mark him as one of the prominent young 
farmers of La Jloille township who have every 
reason to expect a successful future. 



J. C. EICK. 

J. C. Kick, engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising on section 32, Selby township, where 
lie owns a well improved farm of one hundred and 
forty-four acres, was born in this townsship. De- 
cember 16, 1873, a son of Charles and Emma 
(Lebahn) Rick, who are now living retired at 
Hollowayville, being now sixty-six and sixty-four 
years of age respectively. Both the father and 
mother are natives of Germany, and emigrated 
to America in 1869. The former was born in 
Prussia, Germany, in 1840, and was there mar- 
ried to Miss Emma Lebahn, who was born in 
that country in 1854 and accompanied her hus- 
band to America, locating in Bureau county, Illi- 
nois. The father engaged in farming throughout 
his active business career, making his home in 
Selby township between Depue and Hollowayville 
until two years ago, when he put aside all busi- 
ne-'s interests and is now enjoying a well earned 
rest in the latter village. In their family were 
five children, namely: M. J., residing near 
Maiden, Illinois; Pena, who iiuirried Samuel 
Fiste and lives on the home farm ; and Adolph 
and Charles, Jr., who are both single and make 
their homes in Selby township. 

J. C. Rick, the other member of tlie fainilv, 
was reared in his native township and received 
his education in the public schools. After putting 
aside his text-books he engaged in farming, hav- 
ing received practical experience as an assistant 
to his father. For six years he resided near 
Dover, but in 1904 purchased his present farm. 
He has been very successful in his undertakings 
and is now the owner of one hundred and forty- 
four acres of finely cultivated land, where he 
raises the cereals best adapted to soil and climate 
and is also engaged in stock-raisinn:, and both 



branches of his business arc proving a profitable 
source of revenue to him. 

Mr. Rick was married here to Miss Kate Link, 
also a native of Selby township. Bureau county, 
and a daughter of Jacob Link and Philopena 
(Doll) liink. The former is now deceased, having 
passed away about thirteen years ago, but the 
mother still survives and makes her home near 
Depue. Mr. Link and his wife were both natives 
of Germany and came to America many years 
ago. He had followed farming during his later 
years, but previously had been engaged in the 
grain business. LTnto Mr. and Mrs. Rick have 
been born two children: Laura, born in March, 
1903 ; and Clarence, born in March, 1906. 

Politically Mr. Rick was formerly a democrat, 
but now votes an inde]iendent ticket, giving his 
support to tne men whom he regards as best quali- 
fied for office, rather than adhering fo party ties. 
Both he and his wife are members of the German 
Lutheran church. In his business career Mr. 
Rick has followed practical and progressive meth- 
ods, and by the careful management of his farm- 
ing interests was finally enabled to purchase a 
farm of his own, which he has improved until it 
is now one of the best tracts in Bureau county. 
Botli he and his wife are highly esteemed througli- 
"ut their community. 



JACOB 1.1. \K. 

Jacol) Link, deceased, was born in the province 
of Rhine, Germany, February 23, 1843, a son of 
Valentine and Katie (Vogt) Link, who emigrated 
to America in 1866, locating at Peru, which con- 
tinued to be their home until called to their final 
rest. In their family were six childi-en, all of 
whom came to this country, and one son, Valen- 
tine, and a daughter, ^Ntrs. Freda Riddle, still re- 
side at Peru. 

Jacob Link remained in his native country 
until he had attained his majority, and then, hop- 
ing to have better business o])]iortuniti('s in 
.Vmerica, in 1864, he cro.ssed the .\tlantic and 
went to Peru, Illinois, where he was em])lovcd as 
a farm iiand for some time. lie was energetic 
and industrious, and by saving his earnings he 
was enabled, in 1881, to purcha.se a farm of his 
own in Selby township, near Depue, on which hie 
widow now resides, lie was always careful in the 
management of hi.s business interests and at his 
death, whicli occurred on the 2.")th of July, 1893, 
when lie was more than fifty yeais of age, ho left 
an estate of two hundred and sixty acres, of which 
one hundred and sixty acres are still in possession 
of his widow. 

While still a resident of Peru, Jacub Link was 
married to Mi.ss Philopena Doll, who was also a 
native of the province of Rhine, Germany, born 
October 18, 1816. hut had accoiniianied her jiar- 
ents, William and Barbara (Gcoriiig) Doll, from 



480 



P\ST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Germanv to tiiis couutrv, louatiug in i'uru, tliis 
county. Her parents are now both deceased, the 
former having passed away in 1889, at the age 
of seventy-nine years, and the latter two years 
later, at the age of eighty-one years. In the 
family of "Mr. and Mrs. Jacol) Link were nine 
children, namely: Elizabeth, now the wife of 
Charles Merkel. ix'siding in Selby township; 
Philip, who is married and also resides in Selby 
township ; Katie, now Mrs. John Rick ; Jacob, who 
is married and follows farming in Hail township; 
Mary, tlie wife of Michael Rick, residing near 
ilalii.'ii. ill Bureau county; Philojiena, George and 
Lucy, all at home with their mother; and Emma, 
who died in 1889. at the age of two years. In 
politics ilr. Link was a stalwart diniocrat and 
held membership in the (leniian Evangelical 
church, of which liis widow is also a memlier. 

Although when a young man Mr. Link came to 
this country without capital, through his industry 
and economy he progressed until he was the owner 
of much valuable land, which is now in posses- 
sion of Irs family, and he was numbered among 
the prominent and highly respected citizens of his 
adoi)ted county. 



CHARLES T. WIGCJINS. 

Charles T. Wiggins, a farmer and stock-raiser 
"residing on section 22, Princeton township, is a 
native of England, having been born at Clap- 
ton in Middlesex; county, January 29, 1824. He 
has, therefore, passed tiie eighty-second milestone 
on the journey of life and an honorable, upright 
career enables him to look back over tlie past 
without regret. He is a son of William and 
Elizabeth (Oglive) Wiggins, the former a native 
of Northamptonshire and the latter of Somerset- 
.shire. The father was a merchant as well a-t 
farmer, and conducted his business interests with- 
in nine miles of Tjondon. sjiending his entire life 
in that country. His father, Joseph Wiggins, 
was al.'^o an agriculturist, and thus William Wig- 
gins had been reared to the occupation of farm- 
ing. Havins arrived at years of maturity he 
married Elizabeth Oglive ainl they became the 
parents of five children: Charles T., Joseph, 
Elizabeth. Letetia and William, all deceased with 
the except inn <>( Charles T. The mother pa.<sed 
away in l.s;!l and the father afterward married 
Miss Mary Watts, bv whom he had the follow- 
ing children: ^frs. Mary Ctuibb : Ellen, deceased; 
Mrs. Emma Gray, of iilackhawk, Colorado; 
Mrs. P]liza Robinson, of Denver, Colorado, now 
deceased: Thomas, Aland, Katherine and Henry, 
all deceased: Watts; and three wIki died in in- 
fancy. The death of the father occurred in 1849. 

Cliarles T. Wiggins was educated in his native 
country, and in 1S12. at the age of seventeen 
years, bade adieu to friends and native land. He 
then cro.ssed the ocean to the new world and 



came at once to Bureau county, iliiuois, locating 
in La Moille. For a month he was employed by 
a Mr. Hopps, and through the remainder of the 
winter worked for his board. In the spring of 
1843 he went to Galena, Illinois, wiiere he was 
engaged in tending a windlass at twenty dollars 
per mouth until June of that year, when, return, 
ing to Bureau county, he worked in the harvest 
field for David Wells of Clarion township at a 
salary of live dollars per montli. During those 
early days he received a letter from home wliich 
lay in the jjostoffice for three months, as he did 
not have the sum of twenty-five cents with which 
to pay the postage. Later he was employed by 
Mr. Dunham at Red Oak Grove, taking care of 
sheep for seven dollars per month. Subsequently 
he returned to the employ of Mr. Wells, with whom 
he made his home for some time, or until 1846, 
after which he worked for different ])eople. In 
Priiu-eton he was employed in the i)ricl';yard of 
John II. Bryant, in whose service he continued 
for a considerable ]>('riod. By his last employer 
he was apjiointed deputy United States revenue 
collector and later he served in the same capacity 
under Henry R. Sanderson, of Galesburg, for 
about six months, when Mr. Bryant was again 
appointed and he remained with him until the 
end of this term. In Alarch, 1S.')(). Mr. Wiggins 
located on his present farm, comprising one hun- 
dred and twenty-eight and a half acres of rich 
and productive land and forty acres of timber 
land near by. His farm is devoted to the raising 
of cereals and of stock, hogs being raised princi- 
pally, although some attention is given to the 
raising of horses and cattle. 

On the 12th of Septend)er, IS.")!. Mr. Wiggins 
was married to ^fiss Rhoda Bridges, who was 
born July 27, 1828, in Jackson county, Tennessee, 
and became a resident of Greene county, Illinois. 
She died April T, 18S1. when they had traveled 
life's journey together for thirty years. They be- 
came the parents of five children, three sons and 
two daughters. "Mary .Mice, the eldest, is now 
the wife of William I). Walters, and they live 
with her father. Harry Walter lives upon the 
honie farm, which he oj)erat(>s. Jolni H.. a resi- 
dent of Wichita, Kansas, married .Vnna Tj. 
Wheeler, and has one child. Majorie Nell. Har- 
riet Eliza is deceased. William Charles, resid- 
ing in Fairfield, Iowa, married Miuui(^ Bell Smith, 
now deceased. 

l\Ir. Wiggins voles an indi-pendent ticket, nor 
has lie ever s(night or desired the honors nor 
emohiuients of ])ublic office, preferring to con- 
centrate his energies upon his business affairs. 
H(> has n beautiful farm a mile and three-quarters 
from Princeton, and tlie prop(M'ty is the visible 
evidence of his life of enter|iris(> and thrift. He 
came to .\morica in limitei! financinl circum- 
stances, and for years wcu'kecl persistently nun 
energetically at anything that he could get to drt 
in order to gain a start in the business world 




CIIAK'LHS T. \\l(i(;iNS. 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



483 



aud ovciitually secured a home of liis own. He is 
truly a self-made man, who as the architect of 
his fortunes has builded wisely and well. He 
is now a well preserved man in his eighty-third 
year, who can look back over the past without 
"regret, knowing that his life has been well spent, 
that he has utilized his opportunities to good 
advantage and that he has Justly merited the 
confidenee and good will which are uniformly 
given liiin. 

CHARLES WOOD. 

Charles Wood, whose life record covered a span 
of seventv-one years, aud who for a long period was 
oue of the most respected and esteemed residents 
of Bureau county, came to this portion of the state 
when it was still a pioneer district, and entered 
from the government a tract of land in Macon 
township. He was born in Rhode Island, Janu- 
ary 14, 1822, and departed this life February 25, 
1893. His parents were John W. and Arrilla 
(Brown) Wood. Both were natives of Rhode 
Island. The father was born August 30, 178."), 
and died January 8, 1858. He was prominent and 
influential in the commtmity in which he lived, 
and served as sheriff and justice of the peace while 
in Rhode Island. lie came to Illinois in the early 
"•JOs, entered land from the government and shared 
in the w'ork of pioneer development and improve- 
ment. He was also one of the first justices in this 
locality, and his decisions were strictly fair and 
impartial. His wife, who was born June 12, ITSS, 
passed away March 17, 1874. In their family were 
five children, all of whom are now deceased. 

Charles ^\'ood. whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, acquired his education in the schools of Rhode 
Island, and was a young man of twenty-si.x; years 
when he came to Illinois. He had investigated 
somewhat the reports concerning the conditions 
that existed in the middle west, aud believing that 
the future held good things in store for this great 
and growing section of the country, he journeyed 
lo Bureau county and took up land from the gov- 
ernment in Macon township. Not a furrow had 
been turned or an improvement made on the place, 
but he built a log cabin in the midst of the wilder- 
ness and began to develop a new farm, perform- 
ing the arduous task of clearing and cultivating 
the laml. As he had opportunity to make ad- 
vantageous investments in property, he added to 
his holdings, until at one time he had eleven 
hundred acres. He w-ithheld his support and co- 
operation from no movement for the general good, 
and at all times stood for public progress. For 
many years he served as school director, and he 
^'ave his political allegiance to the democracy. 
Thus his activity extended to various lines af- 
fecting the general welfare, and his influence was 
always found on the side of right, truth and jus- 
tice. 



On the 9th of Noveml>cr, ISoo. Mr. Wood v is 
united iu marriage lo Miss Elizabeth Gould, who 
was born in the county of Kent, England, October 
15, 1831, a daughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Hart) Gould, who were married in the parish of 
(Chatham, in the eounty of Kent, April 20, 1817, 
the marriage service being pronounced by George 
Harper, curate of Chatliani. Mr. and .Mrs. Gould 
were jiarents of eight children, but all have passed 
away with the exception of Mrs. Wood. In the 
year 1854 the family left England for the new 
world, embarking on a sailing vessel at London 
on the Gth of July and reaching New York city 
after a voyage of six weeks. They thence pro- 
ceeded by boat up the Hudson river to Albany, by 
rail to Buffalo, by steamer to Chicago, and over 
the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific K'ailroad to 
Sheffield. They located at Sugar Grove, in Nepon- 
set township, being pioneer residents of that lo- 
cality. In England they held membership with 
the Methodist Episcopal church. 

Mr. and Mrs. Wood became the parents of nine 
children, of whom six are living: John W., a 
resident ot Macon township; Steven D., who lives 
on the old homestead; Annie E., the w'ife of Jcilm 
W. AVhite, who is mentioned elsewhere in this 
work: Walter T., Mary E. and Grace C, the wife 
of Harry Logue. 

Through the entire period of his residence in 
this county Charles Wood followed the occupation 
of farming, and his interests became very exten- 
sive, owing to his capable l)usiness management, 
his wise investment and his sound judgment. He 
worked diligently and persistently and success 
crowned his efforts. He had rounded the Psalm- 
ist's span of three score years and ten when, on 
the 25th of February, 1893, he was called to his 
final rest, at the age of seventy-one years. Thus 
passed away one of the early settlers, and one 
whose worth as a citizen was widely acknowletlged, 
because of his loyalty and fidelity to the pulilic 
interests, and because of his trustworthiness in all 
business relations. He is still survived by his 
wife, who yet resides on the old homestead in 
Macon township. 



JAMES CECIL. 
James Cecil, actively interested in fanning in 
Concord township, is one of Bureau county's native 
sons, born on the 3d of November, 1800. His par- 
ents were John and Marjory (Harris) Cecil, and 
the father came from Monmouthshire, England, 
settling in Bureau county in 1857. In the jniblic 
schools near his home James Cecil acquired liis ed- 
ucation, no event of special importance occurring 
to vary for him the routine of farm life in his boy- 
hood days. He aided in the work of plowing, 
planting and harvesting, and gained jtractical ex- 
perience, which has been of (he utmost value to 
him, as he has carried on agricultural pursuits on 



484 



FAST A.\D PKESE.XT OF BLKEAU COUXTY. 



Iii^ own account in later years. Since startinjr out 
in business for liiinseif he has devoted Jiis energies 
to general fanning, and is now tlie owner of a val- 
uable farming jiroperty of seven Inindred and 
thirty acres in Concord township. The place is 
improved with substantial buildings and well 
kept fences, and the fields annually bring forth 
rich harvests, while in the pastures are seen good 
grades of stock, and his able management classes 
Mr. Cecil with the representative business men 
of his comnuinity. 

On the 21st of February, 1882, was celebrated 
the nuirriage of James Cecil and Miss Katie ilam- 
ilton, a daughter of Patrick and Susan Hamilton, 
of this county. The marriage has l)een blessed 
with three children: iS'ellie, who was horn No- 
vember 13, 1883, and is the wiie of Herman 
Gingrich, a resident farmer of this countv : James 
G., who was born Noveml)er 1, 1887, and is now 
farming with his father, and Benjamin William, 
born March 31, 189t), also at linnie. 

Mr. Cecil was for a time a school director, and 
believes in npholding the standard of education 
and providing competent teachers. He belongs to 
Shellield lodge, No. 808, I. 0. (). F., and holds 
membership relations with the Modern Woodmen 
of America. He is well known in the countv, 
where his entire life has been passed, iind investi- 
gation into liis history shows a hearty sympathv 
with honorable business methods and high ideals 
of conduct, which have found exemplification in 
his career. 



J. .1. OTlOLLAliAN. 
J. J. O'llollaran, president of the Seatonville 
State Bank and well known in financial circles 
as a man of unqualified business integrity and en- 
terprise, was born in Ohio, July li), 1857. His 
father, Michael O'llollaran, was a native of Ire- 
land and married Bridget Gooley. who was like- 
wise born in that country. They came to the 
United States in 1850, and after a few years spent 
in New York, Michael O'HoUaran removed to 
Ohio, where he turned his attention to general 
agricultural pursuits. In 1857 he brought his 
family to Bureau county, Illinois, settling in 
Arlington. His son, J. J. OTlollaran. was tlien 
ony a few months old. He was reared in .Arling- 
ton and acquired his education in tlie pid)lic 
schools there. On jnitting aside his te.xt-books 
he took up fanning u]ion the old homestead and 
was identified with general agricultural interests 
in this county until 100-1, when he retired from 
farm life and removed to Seatonvile. The same 
year the Seatonville Slate Bank was organized, 
and Mr. O'Hollaran became president, which is his 
present business connection. The growth ami suc- 
cess of this institution is attributable in large 
measure to his efforts and enter|)rise, and be has 
made it one of the safe and reliable moiieved con- 



cerns of the county. He is a man of keen busi- 
ness discernment and carries forward to success- 
ful completion whatever he undertakes. 

In his political views Mr. OTloUaran is a re- 
publican and has filled the office of commissioner 
of highways. He is, however, not a politician in 
the sen.se of office seeking, but is a public-spirited 
man who does everything in his power for the 
general welfare and co-operates in any movement 
that tends to advance the material progress or 
community interests here. He has the confidence 
and trust of all who know him and has made a 
creditable record in both agricultural and lianking 
circles. 



Fl)\V.\i;i) (;. THOMPSON. 

Edward (i. Thompson, who is engaged in the 
conduct of a drug store in S]U'ing Valley, was 
born in Ottawa in December. 1844. His father, 
Gilbert L. Thompson, was a native of New York 
and became a resident of La Salle county, Illinois, 
in 1838, establishing the first drug store in Ot- 
tawa and conducting the liusiness successfally for 
twenty-five years. He died in 1000, at ihe age of 
eighty-five. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Jeanette Fisher, was a native of New Y'ork. 

In the public schools of his native city ^Ir. 
Thompson of this review acquired his education, 
but when only sixteen years of age he put aside 
his text-books and in 18()2, with ])atriotic ardor, 
enlisted in defense of the I'nion cause as a mem- 
ber of Battery M of the First Illinois Light 
Artillery. He served for three years or until the 
close of the war. He joined the army as a private 
and was mustered out with the rank of sergeant. 
His knowledge of drugs and medicinal pro])erties 
fitted him for service as hospital steward, which 
position he fdled in his regiment. He took part 
in many important engagements with his com- 
mand. in<-luding the battles of ('hickamauga, 
Lookout Mountain, Mission Ridge and tho.se of the 
.Vtlanta campaign and on the field of action dis- 
played courage and valor ei|ual to that of nuiny a 
\ctcran of twice his years. 

Returning to his home al tlie close of the war, 
Mr. Thompson pursued a course of study in 
Bryant & Stratton Commercial College at Chi- 
cago and afterward went again to Ottawa, where 
he joined his father in the drug business. They 
solil out in 18()8 and Mr. Thompson was then 
(•(Uinected with a crockery store in that city. In 
1872 he secured an apiiointmcni in the mail serv- 
ice on the Rock Island Railroad, where he re- 
Miaiiie(l for a year, wlieti he ojieneil a drug store 
in Tonica, conducting business tl "re for six years. 
On the ex])iralion of that' jieriod he removed to 
Spi'ing N'alley. where lie embarked in the drug 
business, which be st'll carries on. He al.<so has a 
drug store in Depue and has a .•^on managing each 



PAST AM) I'KKSK.NT UF 



!l IJKAl CULM'V. 



isit 



stori'. Hoth arc well equipped ostablisliuuMits and 
a liberal jiatnuiajre i^^ riijoved in each. 

In 1870. in Tonica. Mr. Thonii)son was united 
in marriage to Miss .Julia Harrass, of Tonica, and 
tliev have three children : Koy, who looks after 
the druii business in Spring ^'alley; George, who 
has ciiarge of the drug store in Depue and is a 
graduate of the Northwestern Pharmacy College; 
and l-ldna, at home. Mr. Thompson is a member 
of the Masonic lodge at Spring Valley and also 
of the (Irand Army of the IJcpublic and in his 
political views is a republican, active arul influ- 
ential in the ranks of the party, lie was a;)- 
lioiutcd postmaster of Spring Valley on the 1st 
of December, 1887, and has held the office con- 
tinuously since. lie is ])ustly acounted one of the 
enteriirising residents of the town in which he 
makes his honu' and his alert and enterprising 
s])iril lia\c been factors in its substantial improve- 
ment and ])olitical progress. 



and he and his wife arc members of the tierman 
Kvangelical church. He has led a life of activity 
and usefulness, his business methods, his public 
record and his jirivate life alike conforming to the 
ethics which yovei-n hiuKiraMi' maidiood. 



GEORGE D. BAUEK. 

George U. Bauer was born November 22, IS.")!), 
in Clarion township, and within the borders of 
that townshij) he still lives, his time and energies 
being devoted to general agricultural pursuits. 
He owns and occupies a farm of two hundred and 
eighty acres, which he has brought under a high 
state of cultivation and the consensus of public 
opinion classes him with the representative agri- 
culturists of his district. His jiarents were John 
H. and Condy (Miller) Bauer, both of whom were 
natives of Bremen, Germany. In the year of 1848 
the father became a resident of Bureau county, 
Illinois, and here met and married Miss Miller, 
the wedding being celebrated in 1850. They be- 
came the parents of nine children: Thomas, 
Susan, George. Katie, ^fary, Lucy, Barbara, Kosa 
and Phillip, and the last named died at the age 
of three years. 

George D. Bauer olitained his education in dis- 
trict school No. 6 in Clarion township and in the 
periods of vacation worked at farm labor, so that 
he was well qualilicd by |)ractical e.\]K>rience for 
the work which he undertook on attaining his 
majority. He is now the owner of two Inmdrcd 
and eighty acres of land, constituting a valuable 
farm and in its equipments and accessories it is 
modern and well improved. 

In 1888 ;Mr. Bauer was married to ^liss Mari- 
etta Mebcrgall, a daughter of John and Katie 
(Trautwein) Mebergall, both of whom were na- 
tives of Germany. In tiie family of Jlr. and Mr<. 
Bauer were six chililren: Louisa. Clara, LeRoy, 
Florence, Howard and Nettie. In his political 
views Mr. Bauer is a rcpuiilican and has .served as 
supervisor for two terms, as town clerk for ten 
years, as road commissioner three years and as 
school trustee for six years. He belongs to the 
Modern 'Woodmen camp. No. 227, at La ]\Ioille, 



CHAIfLES KUWAlMi SISLKI.'. 

Charles Kdward Sisler, who owns and operates a 
farm of eighty acres on section 13, Walnut town- 
ship, was born in W'yanet township, this county, 
Ausrust 2, 18.5U. His parents were George \V. and 
Mary (Wliitmarsh) Sisler. The father's birth oc- 
curred in Lycoming, Pennsylvania, June !), 181 1. 
while the mother was born in Springfield, Massa- 
chusetts, June 15, 1825. George W. Sisler re- 
moved from the Keystone state to New York and 
became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, in 
1831>, thus casting in his lot with the (jarly 
settlers who reclaimed this region and planted the 
seeds of early civilization and development here. 
He died in 18!)0, having for several years survived 
his wife, who |)assed away lY'bi'uary 1, 1882. 

Charles F](hvard Sisler acquired his education 
in the district schools of this county, and was 
reared to manhood under the parental roof, whei'c 
he was early trained to haliits of industry, econ- 
omy and perseverance, habits which have proved of 
the utmost value to him in his later business life. 
He has always been an energetic man, and has 
labored persistently and earnestly to gain a start 
and to win success as the years have gone by. He 
had no especial family or pecuniary advantages at 
the outset of his career, and he is now tlie owner 
of eighty acres of very rich and productive land 
on section 13, Walnut township, constituting a 
farm that is well impi'oved. 

On the 17th of November, 1881, Mr. Sisler was 
married to Miss Elizabeth B. Breed, wjio was born 
January 5, 1858, a daugliter of 1)|-. S. P. and 
.\lzina (Powers) Breed. Her father, who was 
liorn February 1, 1819, in Rochester, New York, 
passed away in this county, March 21, 1002, while 
his wife, who was born June 3, 1827, in Mont- 
pcliei', \ii-mont, is now living in Princeton. Their 
daughter i*]lizabeth was educated in the public 
schools of Princeton and was graduated from the 
high school in the class of 1S75. She remained 
at home until she gave her hand in marriage to 
Mr. Sisler. Th(\y becanu' the parents of eleven 
rhildicn, of whom three are deceased. Those still 
living are: George S., l)orii October 23, 1882; 
Lula P., March 23, 188(;: Mark H., Julv 8, 1889: 
Guv P... February 27, ISiil : Carl P., Juni' I. 185)2: 
Clyde 11.. :\Iav'l. ISitJ: Alzina M.. January 10. 
1898, and Edna F., April 17, ]'MU\. 

Ml'. Sisler voles with tin' democracy, but has 
never b(M>ji a ))olitician in the sense of odico-seek- 
ing. lie and liis family aie members of the Meth- 
odist Protestant church and are highly esteemed 
people in the community, the hospitality of their 



490 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



home being greatly enjoyed by their iiiauy friends. 
Mr. Sisler is connected with the Modem Woodmen 
camp, No. 17, and also with garrison No. 1(31, of 
the Knights of the Globe. His friends and neigh- 
bors speak of him in terms of praise and com- 
mendation, and have naught to say that is not 
favorable concerning the family. Following their 
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Sisler began their domestic 
life in this county, where they lived upon a farm 
until 18S4, when they removed to Lincoln, Ne- 
braska. There they resided until 1903, when they 
returned to Bureau county and took up their abode 
in Walnut township, where they have since lived. 



JOSEPH McCRAY. 

Joseph McCray is now in possession of a beauti- 
ful farm which is the visible evidence of a well 
spent and active business life. He was born in 
the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, July 10, 
l.s;!6, and his residence in Illinois dates from 186.5. 
He was early left an orphan, being but two years 
of age at tlie time of his mother's death and he 
does not remember anything about his parents. 
He pursued his education in the schools of Phila- 
delphia and of Westmoreland county, Pennsyl- 
vania, and remained a resident of the east until 
after the Civil war. In response to his country's 
call for troops he enlisted in August, 1864, and 
served until the close of hostilities and participat- 
ed in three engagements: Bermuda Hundred, the 
capture of Fort Steadman on the 25th of March, 
186.5, and the attack on the works of Petersburg on 
the 3d of April of the latter year. He had pre- 
viously lieen a member of the stale militia and as- 
sisted in capturing Morgan when he made his raid 
in Ohio. 

i'^ollowing his discharge from military service 
M r. McCray came to Illinois and has since been a 
resident of Bureau county. Here he has so di- 
rected his labors that he is today the owner of a 
valuable farm property of one hundred and eighty- 
four acres. This is one of tlie garden spots of this 
section of the state. It is im]>rovrd with excellent 
buildings and beautiful shade trees, which all'ord 
shelter from the hot rays of the summer sun. The 
fields have been placed under a high state of cul- 
tivation and have produced rich and abundant 
crops which, finding a ready sale upon the mar- 
ket, have made him one of the substantial agri- 
culturists of the community. 

On the 28th of March, 1860, Mr. McCray was 
united in marriage to i\Iiss Hannah J. Baiiil, tlu> 
wedding being celebrated in Westmoreland county, 
Pennsylvania, where occurred the liirth of Mrs. 
McCray on the 6th of March, 1840. She was 
educated in the .schools of that county and was a 
daugliter of Charles and Martha (Snyder) Baird, 
who were likewise natives of the Keystone state. 
Her parents became residents of Illinois in 186.5, 
settling in T.a Moille township, Bureau county, 



where her father died at the advanced age of 
eighty-six years. Her mother is still living at the 
ripe old age of eighty-nine years. Mrs. McCray 
was the eldest of the seven children born unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Baird and by her marriage she has be- 
come the mother of twelve children : Charles B., 
born March 22, 18G1 ; Hannah M., February 22, 
1803; Sarah M., November 25, 1864; James L., 
Septemlier 13, 1866; Malissa J., September 10, 
ISCS; John W., Octolier 21, 1870; Ida M., August 
10, 1872; Delsena, September 4, 1874; Frank. 
November 30, 1876; Albert, November 21, 1878; 
Scott A., May 17, 1881 ; and Gertrude I., August 
30, 1884. 

Mr. McCray belongs to the Grand Army of the 
Republic and thus maintains pleasant relations 
with the boys in blue, with whom he served upon 
the battle-fields of the south. In politics he has 
always been a stanch and stalwart republican since 
casting his first presidential vote for Abra'nam 
Lincoln in 1860. He voted the second time for the 
martyred president, at Bermuda Hundred, coming 
otf picket duty for this purpose, and with his mus- 
ket by his left side he deposited his ballot with his 
right hand and thus again announced his allegiance 
to the first republican president. He and his wife 
have long been memliers of the Methodist church, 
work and upbuilding they have taken an active 
and helpful part. Mr. McCray in his well spent 
life has ever displayed those traits of chaiacter 
which lead to success in business, to loyally in 
citizenship and which win respect from one's 
friends and neighbors. His life has indeed been 
a useful and upright one and he has reared a 
family of which he has every reason to be proud. 
There are now six sons and four sons-in-law who 
vote the republican ticket and are ardent advo- 
cates of President Roosevelt. The family is in- 
deed a prominent one in this county and well de- 
serves mention in this historv. 



E. GRANT SEAHL. 

K. (ii'ant Searl is a worthy repn'scniatixe of 
;in old and honored family of Bureau county, his 
father being John Searl, who was born in Dayton, 
Ohio, July 38, 1830, and in 1834, when four year? 
of age, was brought to this county by his father, 
Brown Searl, who located in Selby township, tak- 
ing up a claim on section 32, which is now owned 
by John Rick. Upon this farm the grandfather of 
our subject, who was born May 15, 1797, died 
January 27. 1867. He was a Mason. 

Here John Searl grew to manhood in the usual 
manner of farm lads in a frontier district and con- 
tinued to make his home here throughoiit the re- 
mainder of his life, his death occurring August 
15, 1899. He engaged in farming and met with 
excellent success, becoming the owner of a large 
acreage in Selby township, and he also had two 
farms in Iowa. As a prominent and influential 




JOSEPH M5CRAY 




MRS. JOSEPH M5CRAY 



I'A.ST A.XD I'liKSKXT OF BUREAU COUMTV. 



19o 



citizen of his eomiiiunity lie was called upon to 
fill the otlices of assessor, collector and supervisor, 
;;n(i was a man highly respected and esteemed by 
all who knew him. In early manhood he wedded 
.Miss Amanda .Mi Her, who was also a native of 
Ohio and came to Illinois with her father during 
her girlhood. She was born January 29, 1829, and 
died February 1, 1888. They were the parents 
of ten children, namely: William \\ ., who died 
in Iowa some two years ago ; licnjaniin, a resident 
of Selby township; Sarah X., deceased; Mrs. Mary 
Miiita U'awson, who makes her home in Missouri; 
Anilrew and Millard, botli residents of Princeton; 
.Mrs. Samantha Gross, also of Princeton; Samuel, 
who died in this county; E. Grant, of this review; 
and Mrs. Maria Hassler, of Selby township. 

E. Grant Searl was born in Selby township on 
the old home farm, September 27, 18t)8, and was 
reared to farm work, his time being divided be- 
tween work in the fields and attendance at the 
country schools. Throughout the years of his man- 
hood he has carried on agricultural pursuits and 
in connection with general farming devotes con- 
siderable attention to stock-raising. He now owns 
and operates a fine farm of one hundred and twen- 
ty acres, which is rich and arable and has been 
placed under a high state of cultivation. 

Mr. Searl was married in 1892 to Miss Katie 
lleitz. who is also a native of Selby township and 
is a daughter of David Heitz, a well known resi- 
dent of this community. Three children blessed 
this imion : Lloyd, who died at the age of six 
months : Vernon, who died at the age of three 
months, and Ira, who was horn in October, 1900, 
and is now the only survivor, ^fr. Searl gives his 
political support to the men and measures of the 
lepublican party and in the .spring of 1906 was 
elected road commissioner, which office he is now 
acceptably filling. He has also served as school 
director and takes a commendable interest in ad- 
vancing the educational and material welfare of 
his township and county. 



DI{. L. D. HICKMAN. 

Dr. L. D. Hickman, an osteopath and X-ray 
specialist practicing in Princeton witli offices on 
South ^lain street, has followeil his profession 
here since 1899 and is the only representative of 
the science of osteopathy in this city. He now 
enjoys a large and growing patronage and stands 
as one of the foremost exponents of the new 
school. 

I'r. Hickman was born ncsir Kirksvillc, Mis- 
souri, and is a graduate of the .Vmerican School 
of Osteopathy in that city of the class of 1899. 
He practiced for some time before ho took his 
course and then promoted his elficiency by broad 
and comprehensive study. From the beginning 
he has enjoyed a good practice, which has con- 
stantly grown as he has demonstrated his ahilitv 



to successfully cope with the intricate problems 
which continually confront the practitioner in his 
elforts to restore health. He has to some extent 
been a contributor to medical journals and he also 
lectures upon the methods of practice which he 
employs. He has thoroughly acquainted himself 
with the uses of the X-ray, which he employs suc- 
cessfully in his practice. His patronage comes 
from ail parts of Bureau and neighboring counties. 
He has never lost a case of pneumonia and has 
been particularly successful in his treatment of 
tuberculosis and other diseases which have for long 
years batlled the skill of many of the expert med- 
ical practitioners. 

Dr. Hickman was married in Missouri to Miss 
-Myra Hook, of ]\Iexico, that state, and they have 
one child, Matirine, born March 28, 190G. Dr. 
Hickman belongs to the Masonic fraternity, in 
which he has attained the Knight Templar degree, 
and both he and his wife are affiliated with the 
Eastern Star, while his membership relations also 
endjrace the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 
In his political affiliation he is independent, and 
both he and his wife are members of the Christian 
church. Their circle of friends is extensive, their 
many admirable social qualities securing for them 
the kindly regard and wijming for thom the 
hospitality of many of the best homes of the city. 



HARRY WHITVER. 

Harry Whitvcr is the owner of a valuable farm- 
ing property of two hundred acres about a mile 
from the village of Walnut and is serving as 
postmaster of the village. He is one of Bureau 
county's native sons, having been born on the loth 
of .\pril, 1867. His parents were John and Mary 
(Carnahan") Whitvcr, the former a native of 
Switzerland and the latter of Ohio. Thoy became 
residents of Illinois in 1851, settling in Bureau 
county. In their family were fifteen children, of 
whom four are now deceased. 

Harry Whitver, w'hose name introduces this rec- 
ord, was the fourteenth in order of birth and to 
the common schools of the county he is indebted 
for the early educational privileges he enjoyed, 
which were supplemented by a cmirse in Dixon 
(Illinois) Xnrnial rollege. Throughout the great- 
er part of his life he has carried on general agi'i- 
cultural pursuits, having in his youtli become 
familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil 
and caring for the crops. He now owns two hun- 
dred acres of rich atid valuable land which he in- 
herited from his father and >ipon which he makes 
his home. It is pleasantly located about a mile 
from the village of Walnut, .\fter leaving school 
he began farming and ha.s so continued to the 
present time. From the beginning he has been 
successful and he now manages his farm in con- 
nection with discharging the duties of postmaster. 
His home is a beautiful residence and upon his 



-IIK) 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BrHEAU fOrXTY. 



place arc iiuiiiy (itlicr modern and suli-tanli;d iiii- 
proveiiients. 'J'lic farm which he owus was tak(;ii 
up from the government hy his father at a cost 
of a dolhir and a <niarter per acre and is to(hiy 
worth from one hundred anil seventy-tive to two 
hundred doHars per acre. Everytliing ahout the 
place is kept in excellent condition and the fields, 
being richly tilled, bring forth bounteous harvests. 

Mr. Whitver was mari-ied February IT. 1SS4. 
to iliss Carrie 1. C'aton, who was born in Pied- 
mont. West N'irginia. Sejitember ,">. ISOT. a daugh- 
ter of William and Kmily (Armour) t'aton. who 
were natives of Pennsylvania and removed to Iowa 
during the girlhood days of their daughtei'. since 
which time they have been residents of that state. 
They had four children, of whom ]\Irs. Whitver 
is the youngest. S1h> was educated in the Walnut 
public schools and by her marriage has become 
the nuither of seven children: Clarence C. born 
Julv 11. 1885; Vera L., April 19. ISSv ; Alma 1.. 
January lil. 1889; Hazel 1... February 6, 1,S91 : 
]ra jr., January 28, 1893; llarrv Armour, April 
19. is'.i; : and Gertrude 'M.. Jlay i, 1900. 

^li-. \\liitver"s fellow townsmen, recognizing his 
worth and ability, have frequently called him to 
public otfice or conferred ujjon him positions of 
public trust, lie has served as township collector 
and is postnuister of the village of Walnut. He is 
a member of Walnut lodge, Xo. 722, A. F. & A. 
jr.. and in his ])olitical views is a stalwart repub- 
lican, lie and his family belong to the Christian 
cinirch and are ])rominent socially in the com- 
munity. Mr. Whitver has spent his entire life in 
this locality, so that his life history is as an open 
book which all may read and upon its pages are 
found the record of many good deeds and of suc- 
cessful accomplishment in the business world. His 
genuine worth and many good qualities have won 
for him the resjiect and trust of his fellow men 
an<l he certainly deserves mention in this volume 
as a rcpi'cscntat ivc citizen. 



HERMAN E. .\BROTT. 
Herman Iv Abbott, of Sheffield, manager of a 
large and valuable estate, and agent for various 
fire insurance com)ianies, was born May 10, 186."). 
in the city which is still his houu'. a son of 
Clenu'ut W. .\bbott. lie pursued his ])relimimiry 
education in the jiublii' schools of Sheffield and 
afterward attended the Di.xon Normal College, 
at Dixon. Illinois, and Cornell College, at Jlount 
Vernon. Iowa. He was reared to fai-rn life ami 
devoted his energies to general agricidtural ])ur- 
suits until 1892. when he became connected with 
eomii\ercial interests as a dealer in lumber, agri- 
cultural implements, carriages, wagons, etc. The 
firm was known as Battey & .\bbott. and so con- 
tinued until 1898. when' Mr. .\!ibr>tt disposed of 
his interest. lie then renioveil In 'Piskilwa. 
where he remained a year, after wbieli he re- 



turned to Sheffield to look after his farmini; in- 
terests and his father's estate. He now has a 
good farming property which yields to him a 
gratifying income and in the numagemenl of the 
Abbott estate he displays keen business sagacity 
and understanding. Ho is also agent for differ- 
ent fire insurance companies. 

.Ml-. .Vbbott fraternallv is connected with .\nies 
lodge. No. 142. A. F. & A. M.. of Shetiield, and 
Shellield lodge, No. 808, I. 0. 0. F., of the same 
place, while religiously he is a member of the 
Unitarian church. He is a young man of enter- 
[)rise and his good (|ualities have made him popu- 
lar with a wide acquaintance. 



MARTIN HANSCHHACll. 

The subject of this sketch was for many years 
one of the truly representative citizens of Bureau 
county, well known and universally respected, 
lie was born in Baden. Germany, June 6, 1832, 
and was the son of Martin and Caroline (Bischof- 
lierger) Banschbach, both of whom were natives 
of the same country, but who came to this country 
in 18.')2 or 1853, and here resided during the 
remainder of their lives, making their home in 
Selby township. Bureau county, where the father 
was engaged in farming. In the sketch of Wil- 
liam Banschbach, on another page of this work, 
will be found more concerning this family. 

Martin Banschbach. of whom wc now write, 
came to this county in 1852. in company with his 
brother William, who is now residing in the city 
of Princeton, living a retired life. While yet 
in the old country he attended the public schools 
and laid the foundation for that active business 
eai-eer which distinguisheil him as a man of re- 
sources, one calculated to deal righteously and 
justly with his fellowman. 

On coming to this country Jlr. l^aiischlKich 
resided for a time in the city of Pittsliurg. but 
in 1854 came to Bureau county with the rest 
of the family, hmating in Selby township, he 
remained there for one year and then removed to 
Pekiii. Tazewell county. Illinois, where he re- 
mained until 18()0. when he returned to Bureau 
county and located at Depue. where he engaged 
in the grain business, buying and shipping to 
the markets by rail and by canal. liater he en- 
gaged also in the lumber business, in both of 
wliicli lilies he was (piite succe.ssful. From time 
to time he purchased lands, owning and operat- 
ing one or two farms. In whatever line of busi- 
ness lu> engau'ed he was tniiformlv successful, ex- 
ercising good judgnu'ut and liuslness sagacity in 
all things. 

Before leaving PcmwN Ivauia be was tinited in 
uuirriage with Miss Mar\ X. KedlinL'shafer. a 
ilatighter of Oorge and Dorothea licdlingshafer. 
natives of Germany, who came to this country in 
ISIS, loeatini: in Washington county. Pennsyl- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



499 



vania, where they made their home until 1854, 
wheu they removed to Pekin, Illinois, where they 
remained one year, moving thence to Clayton 
county, Iowa. George Redlingshafer was by oc- 
cupation a farmer, and in that line of business 
was quite successful. He continued to reside in 
Clayton county during the remainder of his life. 
After his death his widow removed to Lucas 
county, Iowa, where her death occurred August 
14, 1881, at the age of seventy-six years. They 
were the parents of eight children, of whom four 
are now living : Elizabeth Ann, wife of William 
Banschbach, residing in Princeton; John, of 
Sheridan, Iowa; Lott, residing near Brownsville, 
Pennsylvania; and Mary N., widow of our sub- 
ject. Mrs. Banschbach was partly reared and edu- 
cated in Pennsylvania, being eleven years of age 
when she accompanied her parents to the United 
States. 

To Mr. and Mrs. Banschbach six children were 
born, three sons and three daughters : George, a 
flour dealer residing in Chicago; Charles, a flour 
agent of Depue, Illinois; William, with the Illi- 
nois Central Railroad at Chicago; Emma, Eliza- 
beth and Lillie, at home. 

Politically, Mr. Banschbach was a democrat, but 
never a partisan. He believed the principles ad- 
vocated by the democratic party were more for 
the best interests of the people than those advo- 
cated by other parties, but he saw and recognized 
the good in his fellowmen, whether they agreed 
with him in politics or not. Religioualy he was 
a member of the German Evangelical church, be- 
lieving in the doctrines taught by that religious 
body. Fraternally, he was a member of the Ma- 
sonic order, and in his life exemplified its prin- 
ciples. He tried to do his duty by his fellow- 
men and aimed to merit their respect. That he 
succeeded in this is testified by those with whom 
he was long associated. His death occurred 
March 4, 1890. when but a few months less than 
sixty-eight years old. In his death the com- 
munity lost a worthy citizen. 

At his death Mr. Banschbach left a large estate, 
which has since been admirably managed by Mrs. 
Banschbach, assisted by her children. She still 
makes lier home in Depue, her daughters being 
with lior. Slie is a member of the German Evan- 
gelical clnirch and endeavors to live as the ]\Iaster 
would liave her live. 



G.ABRIEL GEUTHER. 
Gabriel Geuther, engaged in farming in Clar- 
ion, his native township, wa."? born March 9, 1870, 
his parents being .Adam and Caroline (Faber) 
Goullier. both of whom were natives of Germany. 
Crossing the Atlantic from the fatlierland to the 
new world they became residents of Bureau coun- 
ty in the early '50s and the father folio A^ed farm- 
ing throughout his entire life in order to provide 



for his family, spending the greater part of the 
time in Clarion township. He died on the 22d 
of November, 1893, and his wife survived until 
July 8, 1903, when she, too, passed to her final 
rest. 

Gabriel Geuther acquired his education in the 
schools of Clarion township, and has always fol- 
lowed farming. That he has prospered as the 
years have gone by is indicated in his excellent 
farm, comprising one hundred and twenty-four 
acres of good land. He raises corn and oats and 
to some extent mixed stock. His home is pleas- 
antly and attractively located on section 24, and 
the residence was erected by him. There are 
many good shade trees upon the place, and the 
latest improved machinery facilitates the work of 
the fields. 

On the 26th of February, 1895, occurred the 
marriage of Gabriel Geuther and Miss Emma 
Stamberger, who was born in this county Febru- 
ary 8, 1875, and is a daughter of Charles and 
Barbara (Gross) Stamberger, both natives of Ger- 
many. The former came to America when but 
six years of age, and the latter at the age of thir- 
teen, and they were married in Clarion town- 
ship February 17, 1867. They have now trav- 
eled life's journey together as man and wife for- 
thirty-nine years. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Geuther has been blessed with one daughter, Leola 
Lillian Bertha, born October 1, 1903. The pa- 
rents are members of the German Lutheran 
church, and Mr. Geuther is politically a republi- 
can. He is classed with the enterprising young 
farmers of his native township, and the success 
which he has already achieved argues well for the 
future. 



JAMES WYMAN ADAMS. 

James Wyman Adams, a representative of the 
farming interests of Bureau county, was born near 
Augusta, Maine, on the 28th of August, 1840, his 
parents being Rodney M. and Liddie (Stover) 
Adams. The father was a farmer by occupation 
and on removing to the middle west in 1843 
settled in Chicago, but soon afterward made his 
way to the Fox river and established his home in 
Oswego, niere he lived for three years, when he 
removed with his family to Concord township in 
1847. He made the journey with wagon and a 
team of oxen and purchased two hundred and 
forty acres of land. With characteristic energy 
he began its cultivation and improvement and 
throughout his entire life he continued farming, 
making his home in the same neighborhood until 
he passed away on the 30th of January, 1860. 
His widow survived until August. 1863, when she 
was also called to her final rest. 

James W. Adams was only two years of age 
when brought by his parents to Illinois. His edu- 
cation w'as acquired in the country schools and he 



.500 



PAST AXI) PRESENT OF lUHKAr t'OlXTY. 



received practical training at farm labor through 
the assistance which he rendered in the improve- 
ment and cultivation of the home farm. He was 
only twenty years of age when his father's death 
occurred, after which he ])iirchas('d the interest of 
the other heirs in the old home property. u[>on 
which he has since lived. He has here erected a 
good residence and substantial outbuildings and 
in fact has added all modern equipments and ac- 
cessories, making the place a model farm property. 

On the 2oth of December, 186(), ilr. Adams was 
nited in marriage to Miss Louisa White, of Web- 
ster, Iowa, a sister of Fred K. White, who is 
a congressman an<l a lueniber of one of the old and 
influential families of Iowa. The father, God- 
fred Wiiite. came from Germany to America w^hen 
Mrs. Adams was only six months old. Unto our 
subject and his wife have been born six children, 
who are still living: Frederick E., a resident farm- 
er of I'lymoulb county, Iowa: Charles K.. who 
follows farming in Concord township. Bureau 
county ; Elmer E.. a bridge builder for the Chi- 
cago & Northwestern Railroad Company, living at 
Huda : Percy E.. a farmer of Kewanee. Hlinois; 
Ida L.. the wife of Alfred liailsell. of Prin:-elon : 
and Louis E., living at home. 

ilr. Adams gives his political allegiance to the 
republican party, and is one of the active work- 
ers in its local ranks. Ho is a member of the 
Wesley ^lethodi.st Episcopal church, and his in- 
terest center.s in tho.se lines of thought and ac- 
tivity which work for honorable rnaidiood and for 
substantial im]irovement in the county. Almost 
his entire life has here been passed, and in an 
active business career lie has at -all times been 
found thoroughlv relial)le and trustwortliv. 



GEoitGE w. McDonald. 

George W. McDonald is operating the old home- 
stead farm near T-a Moille. He was born in Bu- 
reau county, Illinois, February 2, 18T2, and is 
a son of Lester Monroe and Rachel ,Ann Mc- 
Donald. The father died in 1808, but the mother 
is still living with Iut son George on the old 
home farm. She wa.s l)orn in 1853, while Mr. 
McDonald was born in 1851. He was a farmer 
by occupation and devoted the greater part of 
his time and energies to agricultural pursuits. 
In the family of this worthy couple were the 
following named : George W., .M'ce M.. David J.. 
Frank, Mabel, Lester and Leonard, but the last 
named is now deceased. 

George W. McDonald, whose nanie introduce^ 
this review, acquired his e<lucation in the com- 
mon .schools and was reared to the occupation of 
farming, early becoming familiar with the best 
methods of tilling the so'l and caring for the 
stock. He now operates the home farm and is 
one of the enterprising agriculturists of the eom- 
munitv. In addition to the tilling of the soil he 



is engaged in the raising of Duroc Jersey and 
black hogs. 

On the 1st of January, 1895, Mr. McDonald 
was united in nuirriage to iliss Alice .lane An- 
derson, the wedding being celebrated at her home 
in Van Orin, Bureau county. She died in 18!)8, 
and on the 1st of February, 1905, Mr. McDonald 
wedded Gertrude Frances Williams, who was born 
in 1881. 

Mr. McDonald is a republican in his political 
allegiance and votes for the best interests of the 
town at local elections. He is a member of the 
I'nited Brethren church and is a Christian gen- 
tleman who commands the respect antl confidence 
of those who know him. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Stars of Equity. He has always 
resided in this county and his well spent life has 
made him resjjccted by all with whom business 
or social relations ha\e brought him in c'(Uitect. 



IIEXK'V KRAMER. 

llenrv Kramer, conducting a merchant tailor- 
ing estal)iishment in Ohio and numbered among 
the representative business men of the village, was 
born in Germany. September 13, 18T1. His resi- 
dence in Illinois dates from 188.3, in which year 
he was brought from the fatherland to the United 
States by his [larents. Carl and Margaret (Eb- 
linir) Kramer, who were likewise natives of Ger- 
many. In their family were nine children, of 
whom Henry was the seventh in order of birth. 
The family home was cstahlislu'd in ilendota, La 
Salle county, and in March, 1900, they removed 
to Bureau county, settling in the village of Ohio. 

In the piddic schools of ]\Iendota Henry Kra- 
mer com|)leted his education, which was begun in 
the schools of his native country. He afterward 
learned the tailor's trade, which he has made his 
life work, and his persistency of jnirjiose in the 
line of business activity in which he embarkccl as 
a yoinig tradesman is undoubtedlv one of the 
strong features of his success. He now has a 
well a]ipointed merchant tailoring establishment 
and the work which he turns out is always first- 
class, so that he had a liberal patronage, his busi- 
ness having increa.^ed year after year until it has 
now reached extensive and jirofitable proportions. 

On the V'lith of Felinu)ry, 1895. Mr. Kramer 
was married to Miss Lo\iisa Gross, who was born 
in ilendota, February 25, 1870. There are three 
children of that marriage: Carl H.. born March 
31. ISDC: .hdius J., March 20, 1898, and Chris- 
tian J., January 1. 1900. Mrs. Kramer's par- 
ents are John and ^largaret (FTummel) Gross, 
who were natives of Germany, whence they emi- 
grated to the new world. Their family inuubered 
nine chihlren. of whom Mrs. Kramer was the 
eighth in order of l)irth. She, too, was educated 
in the schools of 'Mendota and became acquainted 



I'Asr AM) I'iiKSE.NT OF llLliHAU COl .\TV. 



501 



witli Ih'V t'lituif liuslciiul in thoir childhood days. 
Fraternally .Mi'. Krana-r is (•(iiuiccti'il with the 
Odd F'l'llows Lddjic No. G"^7, of Ohio, and with 
the Knii:lits of the (ilohc. His politii-al allc^rianic 
is <;ivt'n to the doniocraiy and on ihi- Isi ol' April, 
I!t(l(), liL' was clectfd .school truslec, whiih olliie 
lie is now tilling. He is also servin}; as a nieni- 
lier of the villajro hoard for a second term. He 
and his family are niend)ers nf the (ii'inian 
Lutheran church. Throiiirh his entire inisilless 
career he has carried on the tailor's trade, anil as 
proprietor of a leadiilir estahlishnient in this line, 
is now eonductin<j; a Imsiness that is gratifying 
and ])rofitahle, his snccess heing dne to his indns- 
trv. cafiahilitv and thonnighly I'cliahle hnsiness 
methods. The laniily ai-e hit^hly esteemed in the 
village where they resiile, and the hosjiitalily id' 
the hest homes is freely accorded tlu'in. 



SEBASTIAN HKHP.OLSHKl .M HI.'. 

For over a half centnry Sehastian llerhols- 
lieimer has made his home in Bureau county, and 
for many years was aetivt'ly identilied with its 
farming and stock-raising interests, hut is now 
practically living retired, having, through his 
own well directed etl'orts. Iierann' the possessoi' of a 
line farm in Selhy township, where he resides. 
Gernumy is the land of his hirth. heing horn in 
Kavaria, Decemlier 22. 1829, a son of Sehastian 
I lerliolsheimer. who, as was a farmer, spent his 
entire life in that country, dying there in 1.S12, 
at the age of seventy-seven years. Oui' suh- 
ject lost his mother when only two yeai's old. 
In the family were ten children, si.x sons and fonr 
daughters, and he had two hrothers \vho came to 
.\merica : Lennard. a resident of New York city. 
and Lucas. The others all remaineil in the fa- 
therland, where two sisters and one linitlier are 
still living. 

Sebastian Herholsheinn'r. id' this review, passed 
his boyhood and youth in (Jei'inany and received 
a good education in the schools of tliat country. 
.\fter putting aside his text-hooks he followed 
farnnng and stock-raising and throughout his ac- 
tive liusiiu'ss life continued in devnto his atten- 
tion to those pursuits. It was in 1S.")1 that he 
bade adieu to friends and native laml and sailed 
for the I'nited States, landing in New York. He. 
proceeded at once to Chicago, where he ronniined 
until October of that year, when lie came to Bu- 
reau eoxmty. Soon after his arrival here he suf- 
fered with cholera and on account of illne.s.s lost 
much time. He was first employed by the day 
and month, and. saving his money, was finally 
enabled to purchase! forty acres of land near L)e- 
[lue, in Selby townslii]), in ISofi, this being most- 
ly covered with timber. Two years later he .sold 
that place and removed to Peru, wliere ho made 
bis liome until Octf)ber, ISGO, when he I'cturned 
to Selby township, and bought forty acres on sec- 



lion 20. As time passed and he prospered iD 
his undertakings lie added to his property from 
time to time until he now has three hundred and 
seventy-five acres in one l)ody, incniding consid- 
erable timber land. Besides this farm he lias 
•ither jiroperty in Jiureau county, mostly in Sc^ 
by township, aggregating si.\ hundred and twenty- 
four acres He continued to carry on farming 
and stock-raising with marked success until about 
ten years ago. when he retired and is now enjoy- 
ing a well earned rest. J lis prosperity has come 
to him as the result of untiring labor, ))ersistent 
energy and perseverance and the property he has 
gained is well merited. 

Jlr. Herbolsheimer has been twice married, his 
first wife lieing ^liss Mary Becht, who died about 
a year after their marriage. Ife later wedded 
Miss Mary Daumer. who was born near Munich, 
in Bavaria, (Jermany, in October. IS.'iT, and died 
in October, 1899, leaving nine children as fid- 
Inws: (ieorge, a resident of Denver, Colorado, who 
is married and has two childi-en: .John, a farmer 
of Selby township, who is mari-ied and has three 
sons; JLiry, at home with her father: Charles, 
also a resident of Denver, who is married and 
has four children; William, a farmer of Berlin 
township, who is mari-ied and has two sons; 
Frank, a fanner of Selby |nun-l,ip wlm is iiiai-- 
ried and has three eliildi'iMi: Aiinii. the wife of 
John II. Weber, a fai-niei- n|' ILill luwiislii]!. by 
whom she has three childicii; Kate, a resident 
of Chicago, and (i. Leonard, at home. Mr. Her- 
bolsheimer has seventeen grandehildri'ii living and 
three deceased. Politically he is independent and 
takes a commendable interest in ]iuhlic affairs 
and is loyal to the interests of his adopted coun- 
try. He deserves great eredii for the success 
that he has achieved in life and he merits the es- 
teem and confidence in which he is uniformly 

held. 



OTTO OlMilMCIl. 
Olto Gingrich, who owiw and npeiates a \alua- 
ble farm of two hundred and I'mMx' aeies in Min- 
eral townshi]), was born duly ;!, 18.'!:!. in ll(>sse- 
Darmstadt, Germany, and is a son of Herman and 
Maria (Bachman) (iingrich. He spent the days 
of his boyhood and youth in the fatherland, and 
on the l/itli of .\pril. 18."i2. when nineteen years 
of age, crossed the .\tlantic to .\merica, believ- 
ing that he might enjoy better business opportu- 
nities in the new world, lie seiiled in Putnam 
county, where be worked on a farm for four years, 
and afterward rented a farm for two years. In 
18.">S he removed to Buivau county, and with the 
money he had saved from his earnings he pur- 
chased eighty acres of land, constituting the nu- 
cleus of his ])resent homestead property. To this 
he has added from time to time until he now owns 
two hundred and forty acres and bis farm is well 
improved, owing to the care and cultivation which 



502 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



is bestowed upon it. His wife also owns thirty 
acres of land in Mineral township. The fields are 
now well tilled and he uses the latest improved ma- 
chinery in carrying on the farm work. 

In March, 1858, in Putnam county, was cele- 
brated the marriage of Mr. Gingrich and Miss 
Anna Leidolf. Unto them were born three chil- 
dren: Otto, a farmer residing in Nebraska; Ed- 
ward C, who follows agricultural pursuits in the 
same state, and Marguerita, the wife of Fred Har- 
ris, a resident farmer of Bloomington, Nebraska. 
The mother of these cliildren died October 29, 
1867, and on the 15th of June, 1870, Mr. Ging- 
rich was married to Miss Elizabetli Wagner, a 
daughter of Johannes and Wilhelmina (Schunk) 
Wagner, wjio came from Germany to America in 
1869. In this country the father followed the oc- 
cupation of farming. By the second marriage of 
Mr. Gingricli there are four children : Amelia M., 
the wife of Charles Edwin Humphreys, of Min- 
eral; Elizabeth, the wife of George Alexander, a 
merchant of Sheffield ; John F.. a farmer of Min- 
eral township, wlio wedded Miss Minnie Case, of 
the village of Mineral ; and Herman C, who mar- 
ried Nellie Cecil, of Concord townsliip, and fol- 
lows farming on the home farm. 

Mr. Gingrich has served as school director for 
twenty years and is interested in the cause of edu- 
cation and its progress. He and his wife are 
identified with the Unitarian eliurch, to tlie sup- 
port of which they are generous contributors. A 
self-made man, he has through indu.stry and en- 
terprise, advanced from a humble position to one 
of aflluence. acquiring a propertv which now 
classes him with the substantial residents of his 
adopted county. 



MAJOE SILAS BATTEY. 

Major Sila-s Battey, whose title indicated his 
service in behalf of the Union in the Civil war, 
became a leading, prosperous and representative 
citizen of Bureau county, wlicrc for many years 
lie owned and controlled extensive farming inter- 
ests and also operated largely in the development 
of the rich coal deposits of this part of the state. 
The importance of liis business connections and 
the helpful and beneficial influence which he ex- 
erted in matters of general moment made him a 
leading citizen. 

A native of Ehode Island, Major Battey was 
born in Providence county, Jidy 10, 1815, a son 
of Sampson and Abigail "(Phillips) Baltey. The 
father was a native of Warwick, l^hode Island. 
and a representative of one of the old families of 
that state. The life record of Major Battey was in 
many respects a varied and eventful one. He 
was reared to farm life but soon after starting 
upon an independent business career he became 
interested in an iron foundry and lenrned the 
molder's trade, which lie afd-rward folldwcd in 



Providence, Bristol and Pawtucket, Bhode Island, 
being connected with that line of business until 
coming to Bureau county in 1854. Here lie pur- 
chased a farm, which he cultivated and improved 
until the fall of 1862, when, having been elected 
sheriff of the county, he removed to Princeton. 
After a term of two years as sheriff, he, in the 
early part of 1865, recruited a company of sol- 
diers for the war and was mustered into service 
with the . rank of captain in February of that 
year. The company was assigned to the One Hun- 
dred and Fifty-first Eegiment of Illinois Volun- 
teers, as Company H, and at that time Captain 
Battey was commissioned major of the regiment. 
During most of his service the regiment was sta- 
tioned at different points in Georgia and was mus- 
tered out at Columbus, that state, in .lanuary, 
18{)6. 

Major Battey also had four sons in the army : 
Frederick A., who enlisted on the 12tli of Sep- 
tember, 1861. as a private in Company F, Fifty- 
seventh Eegiment of Illinois Infantry, and pass- 
ing through all the successive grades, save that 
of lieutenant, became colonel of his regiment, 
was twice wounded in the battle of Shiloh and was 
once a prisoner, being captured at Dallon. Georgia. 
In command of his regiment he was with Sherman 
on his famous march to the sea. After the close 
of the war he was commissioned first lieutenant 
in the regular army and served with that rank 
until he resigned October 31, 1870. Marshall 
Battey enlisted witli his brother Frederick in the 
same companv and regiment in the fall of 1861, 
was promoted to a lieutenancy and afterward 
to a captaincy in the One Hundred and l^lcventh 
United States Infantry, serving throughout the 
entire period of hostilities and participating in 
some of the most hotly contested engagements 
of the entire conflict. George and Alonzo each 
served for about six months toward the close of the 
war, the former as orderly sergeant. 

After retiring from the army ^hijor Battey, 
the father, removed to a farm about a mile west 
of Sheffield which he purchased and upon Avhich 
were extensive coal deposits. For a number of 
years be varied his farm pursuits witli coal min- 
ing, operating at times quite extensively. His 
farm was a very valuable jiroperty of four hun- 
dred acres, well improved. His business affairs 
were carefully conducted, making him a man 
of considerable wealth, and the methods which 
he followed in trade transactions were of a nature 
that would lioar the closest investigation and 
scruliiiy. 

On the 3d of November, 1883. Major Battey 
was united in marriage to Miss Mercy Bennett, 
who was born November 23, 1814, in the same 
township in which her husband's birth occurred. 
She w^as the daughter of George and Martha 
(Wilcox) Bennett, natives of Providence county. 
Ehode Island. Unto i\Iajor and jMrs. Battey were 
born fifteen children: Sanford W.. Martha M., 






Ctyt 




PAST AXU PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



505 



George, Frederick A., Cvreau, Bernard, ilarshall, 
S. Alonzo, Betsey M., Linnaeus A., Linnaeus A. 
(2d). Edson T..' .Tared, Herbert 0. and Elmer 
E. Of these ten are now living. Betsey M., Lin- 
naeus A. (1st) and Edson T. died wliile young. 
Jared and Herbert O. died in youn^ manhood. 

ilajor Battey was always interested in commun- 
ity aifairs and in the welfare of state and na- 
tion and his opinion was often a decisive factor in 
movements of general moment. While still in 
his native state he was a participant in the 
constitutional troul)les in Rhode Island and took 
his stand in favor of the people. He also served 
as deputy sheriff of Providence county and after 
his removal to Illinois filled various township 
offices in addition to serving as county sheriff. In 
all of these positions he discharged his duties with 
promptness and iidelity and was a worthy advo- 
cate of republican principles. Both be and his 
wife were active members of the Unitarian church 
of Sheffield and their aid was freely given to the 
deserving poor and needy. Major Battey left 
the impress of his individuality upon general 
affairs in the county, and was an avowed cham- 
pion of progress along material, intellectual and 
moral lines. His death. March 14, ]8!».5, was the 
occasion of deep and widespread regret. He was 
survived by his wife to the 22d of Septemlier. 1905, 
who had attained the age of ninety-one years when 
she died. 



WILLIAM J. YOUNG. 

William J. Young, deceased, was one of the 
prominent and influential residents of Hall town- 
ship. Bureau county, who represented the agricul- 
tural interests of this section of the state. He 
was born in Selby township, April 20, 1860, and 
his death occurred in Hall township, February 20, 
1898, at the comparatively early age of thirty- 
eight years. His parents were William and Mar- 
garet (Albrccht) Young, natives of Germany. 
About 1850 they left their home in the vicinity of 
Munich, Bavaria, Germany, and crossed the At- 
lantic to the United States, settling in Selby town- 
ship. Bureau county, Illinois, where the father en- 
gaged in general agricultural pursuits and here 
they spent the remainder of their lives, the father 
dying in 1874, while the mother survived for only 
about three months. They had become the par- 
eiits of three sons and three daughters, of whom, 
with the exception of William J., all survive, 
namely: Mrs. Lizzie Gehringer, a resident of Ne- 
braska; Mrs. Katherine Werner, of Hall town- 
ship; Henry, residing at Avoca, Nebraska, and 
Jacob and Mrs. Jlarv Seamon. also livins in that 
state. 

^Mlliam J. Young, whose name iniroiUices this 
record, was reared in his native township and 
there acquired a public school education. He grew 
to manhood on a farm and when he started out 



in life on his own account lie continued to fol- 
low the pursuit of farming, in which he met with 
gratifying success, so that at bis death lie was 
enaljled to leave to his family a good farm prop- 
erty, situated on section G, Hall township, which 
is yet owned and operated by his widow. 

Mr. Young was married to Miss Kate Erhart, 
likewise a native of Selby township, born August 
4, 1861, a daughter of John and J. J?arbara 
(Moser) Erhart, both of whoiri are now deceased. 
The father was born near ]\Iunicli, Bavaria, Ger- 
inanv, June 9, 1829, and whim fifteen years of 
age he lost his father. When he attained his 
majority he entered the army, in which he served 
for si.\ years. After his return from the war 
he worked for two years as an apprentice to the 
carpenter's trade, which was his occupation for a 
few years. However, he had heard favorable re- 
ports concerning the United States, and, hoping 
to enjoy better advantages in this country, in the 
spring of 1858, in company with the lady whom 
he afterward married, he started for America, 
and at once made his way to Illinois, settling in 
Peru. Miss Mo.ser was also born near IMunicIi, 
on the 18th of November, 1824, and on the llfh 
of July, 1858, the year of their arrival in this 
country, she gave her hand in marriage to John 
Erhart, the wedding ceremony being performed in 
the Lutheran ctuircli near iiollowayville. They 
took up their abode on a farm near that place, 
where they remained for several years, but later 
removed to a farm on section 6, Hall township, 
which is now the home of their daughter, Mrs. 
Young. They were members of the Lutheran 
church in which they were married, and for about 
twenty years Mr. Erhart served as one of the 
deacons of the church. His death occurred Febru- 
ary 27, 1905, while his wife pas«ed awav the dav 
previous, on the 2Gth, and their funeral services 
wore held at the same hour on Ihe 1st of March. 
Tbey were highly respected residents of Hall 
township and when they passed away they were 
mourned by many friends as well as their imme- 
diate family. They had become the parents of 
three daughters and one son, namely: Mrs. John 
Herbolsheimer, a resident of Selby township: 
Mrs. Kathcrina Young : John C. Erhart, living in 
Hall township; and ^Irs. David Herline. a resi- 
dent of Worthington, ^linnesota. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Young was blessed 
with four children ; Emma, Katie, William and 
John, all at home with their mother. In poli- 
tics Mr. Young was a democrat and socially was 
identified with the Modern Woodmen of .America. 
He held membership in the Lutheran church, of 
which his family are also members. He was a 
man of high principle, always working for tht 
best interests of his home locality, and at the 
same time he carried on his own private busine.«R 
in a progressive and practical manner, so that at 
bis death he left to his family a good farm prop- 
erty on section fi. Hall township, which continues 



50(i 



PAS'l" AND PRESENT OF HIl.'EAT (OCXTY. 



1(1 Ir' llK'ir Imun;. Jlu was always liouest and up- 
rifrlit in his business dealings, so that he won 
many business as well as social friends, who felt 
dee])ly his loss. Mrs. Young posse.sses s])lendid 
Inisiness ability so that with the assistance of her 
sons she is continuing the work of the home farm, 
and she is one of the highly respected women of 
Bureau count v. 



MAECOLM T. MclXTYRE. 

Malcolm 'r. Mclntyre. postmaster of Ladd and 
one of the leading and influential residents of the 
village, was horn in ^liddlesex county, Ontario, 
Canada, Xovember 30, 1836, and is of Scotch 
lineage, llis parents, James and Jane (Mcintosh) 
Mclntyre. were both natives of Scotland. The 
father went to Canada in 1820, during his boy- 
hood days, and his wife in 1818. After attaining 
his majority he engaged in farming in Middlese.x 
county until 1804, when he removed to Douglas 
county, Illinois, wdiere he carried on general ag- 
ricultural pursuits throughout the remainder of 
his active business life. He died in that county 
in 1892 at the very venerable age of eighty-seven 
years. 

In tlie pulilic schools of Ontario Malcolm '!'. 
Jlclntyrc acipiired his education, an<l remained a 
resident of Canada until June, 1859. wlien he 
removed to Minnesota, where he remained until 
he came to Illinois to assist his father in opening 
up and improving a farm in Douglas county. In 
1870 he went to Iowa, where he engaged in runn- 
ing and also worked at the carpenter's tra<le. In 
1888 he came to Eadd. whore he has since resided. 
The White Breast Fuel Comjiany had just been 
organize<l in Illinois, ami was establishing its busi- 
ness, and Mr. Mclntyre entered its em])loy and 
assisted in getting ready for active operations. F"or 
three years he remained with that company, afti'i' 
which he entered upon an indei)endent i)usiness 
career as a contractor and builder, becoming a 
factor in the material improvement of the village. 

Mr. Mclntyre has not only figured in connection 
with the business interests of the town, but lias 
also been prominent in public affairs. lie was 
elected and served as ])olice magistrate, and is 
regarded as one of the leaders in the loi-al ranks 
of the republican party in this county. He east 
his first presidential vote for Eincoln one year 
after locating in Minnesota, for at that time the 
declaration of intention of becoming a citizen of 
the United States constituted the legality of the 
vote. On the 7th of August, 1897, he was ap- 
pointed by President McKinley ])ostinaster of 
Ladd, then a fourth class but now a third class 
office. He has since filled the position, capably 
adtninistering the work of the oilice, and in all 
places of public trust he is loyal and relialile. 

Mr. Mclntyre was married in Douglas rountv 
on the iHh of March. I8(;!i. to >[iss Catherine Snrd- 



aker. a nati\e of Illinois, and they have become 
the ])arents of five children: Eanra Alice, the 
wife of FJdward E. Wroten, of Turtle Lake, Wis- 
c-onsin ; James William, cashier for the Chicago, 
Burlington & (^uincy Railroad Company at Ot- 
tawa. Illinois: Edith, who died when si.xteen 
months old: Lois ]•].. at home: and Angus Evert, 
connected with the Milwaukee >.<: St. Paul Railroad, 
residing in Madison, Wisconsin. 

In his fraternal relations ^Ir. Mclntyre is a 
Mason, Ijelonging to Arlington lodge. A. F. & 
.\. M.. and also to the Knights of Pythias lodge. 
There is no more loyal son of the I'nited States 
in Bureau county than this adopted son. who was 
iiorn across the border, but who for many years 
has lived under the protection of the stars and 
stripes, believing in the institutions of the coun- 
try and su])))orting earnestly and effectively those 
principles which he believes most conducive to 
good government. 



(i FORGE W. LORD. 

(ieorge \\ . Lord, living in Indianlown township, 
where he is engaged extensively and successfully 
in the raising. I'eeding and marketing of stock, as 
Well as in general farming, is one of the native 
sons of this county, his birth havinir occurred 
August 26, 1860. in Milo township, two miles 
south of his present home, llis father. James G. 
Lord, came to Illinois fi'om England in 1847 and 
later went to Iowa, but returned to Bureau county 
in 1849. He was an iron molder by trade, and 
was employed by King. Hamilton & Company, of 
Ottawa, Illinois, foi- several years. He is now liv- 
ing retired, lioth he and his wife still occupyini: 
the old home jilace in ililo township. He owns 
two hundi'ed and forty-five acres of Bureau coun- 
ty's rich land, from which lie derives a good in- 
coiue. In the family were si.x children, of whom 
four are now living: George W.. of this review: 
Lawrence, who is living in Milo township: James, 
a resident of Pasadena. California: and ilrs. Eliza 
I. a Bryn. of Chicago. 

To the public school svstem of this countv 
George W. Lord is indebted for the educational 
privileges he enjoyed in his youth and which fitted 
him for life's practical duties. He early became fa- 
miliar with the labors of the farm. an<l has always 
engaged in agi'icultural pursuits anil stock-raising. 
In connection with his brother-in-law. Mr. I""oster. 
he has also operated a threshing iiiachine and corn- 
sheller for a number of years, and he is largely 
engaged in the feeding of cattle, hogs and horses, 
which he buys, feeds and shi])s. He annually juir- 
chases large amounts of corn for feeding p\irposes. 
and as he keeps his stock in good condition he has 
no trouble in disposing of it at the highest market 
prices. 

In earlv manhood i^Ir. Lord was married to Miss 




.Ml;. AM) Mi;s. M. r. McIxtvi.-k. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUIIEAU COUNTY. 



509 



Margaret Cooper, of ludiantown township, a 
daughter of George and Ann (McElroy) Cooper. 
Her father was born in England and came to Illi- 
nois about 1848, settling near where his daughter 
now resides. 'J'he mother was born in Ireland. 
They were tlie parents of six c-hildren, all of whom 
are living: Mrs. Sarah J. Townsley, a resident of 
Iowa; John, who makes liis home near Mr. Lord; 
George, of Bradford, Illinois; Mrs. Lord; Mrs. 
Mary Mellor, living in Castleton, Illinois ; and 
Mrs. Mattie Foster, the wife of James Foster, liv- 
ing on the old home farm. The parents are now 
deceased. 

! The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Lord has been 
l^ssed with four daughters: Clara, Hattie, 
Blanche and Mabel. The family have a wide and 
favorable acquaintance in their part of the coun- 
try. Mr. Lord is a republican who discharges his 
duties of citizenship with a sense of conscientious 
obligation. He belongs to the Modern Woodmen 
camp at Bradford and through social, business and 
political relations has made a creditable name. 



HENRY G. WELLS. 

Henry G. Wells is the owner of a beautiful home 
pleasantly and conveniently located within a half 
mile of the village of Dover, where everything con- 
tributing to happiness and comfort may be found. 
He is numbered among the representative agri- 
culturists of his county and is, moreover, one of 
its native sons, having been born August 21, 1848, 
in a log cabin on the farm where he now resides 
and which has been the family home through 
many decades. 

He is a son of George Wells, who was born in 
Chenango county, New York, in ISOG and in 
1840 came to Illinois, making the trip in a covered 
wagon and reaching his destination after six wrrVs 
spent upon the road. He found here a pioneer dis- 
trict devoid of many of the evidences of improve- 
ment and advancement known to the older east. 
'i'he settlers were obliged to transport the products 
of the farm to Chicago with teams and there pur- 
chase their supplies. Postage on a letter was 
twenty-five cents and was always collected at its 
destination, and the price of a bushel of wheat was 
only enough to buy a postage stamp. George Wells 
was united in marriage to Frances Donaldson, 
whose uncle, Asa Donaldson, her father's brother, 
was one of the first pastors of the Congregational 
church at Dover. They had one son, llev. George 
H. Wells, who became a distinguished minister of 
the Congregational church and died in 189 7. He 
was graduated successively from Dover .Vcademy, 
from Amherst College of Masachusetts and from 
Chicago Theological Seminary, in which he com- 
pleted his course in the class of 1867. For three 
and a half years he was pastor of the Congrega- 
tional church at Amboy, Illinois, and was pastor 
of the American Presbyterian church at Montreal, 



Canada, for twenty-two years. He was also pastor 
of the Plymouth Congregational churcli at Min- 
neapolis. Minnesota, for three and a half years 
and afterward started upon a tour around the 
world, but returned from Japan to the United 
States on account of ill health. He was a dis- 
tinguished divine, a man of broad scholarly at- 
tainments and was recognized as an influential 
factor in the church. He met an accidental death, 
being killed bv the cars at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 
in 1897. 

Ileurv G. Wells was reared to nuinliood in the 
usual manner of farmer lads, whose time was de- 
voted to the work of the fields and to the duties 
of the schoolroom. His early education was sup- 
plemented by study in Dover Academy and he has 
made farming his life work, being today the 
owner of a valuable property comprising two hun- 
dred and thirty-five acres of rich and productive 
land. This is the old homestead farm upon which 
lie was born fifty-eight years ago. His time and 
energies are devoted to the raising of grain and 
stock and everything about his place is kept in 
e.\cellent condition. He uses the latest improved 
machinery to facilitate the work of the fields, 
keeps only high gratle stock and has added to his 
farm substantial buildings, having a beautiful resi- 
dence within a half mile of the village of Dover. 

In November, 1870, Mr. AVells was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary Arnold, who was born near 
Hartford, Connecticut, in October, 1847. Four 
children grace this marriage: Mrs. Frances Moody, 
now living in Northiield, Massachusetts : Mrs. Ad- 
eline Anderson, a resident of Chicago; Mrs. Ruth 
Williams, of Rushford, Minnesota; and Mrs. 
Miriam Reeves, of Tower City, North Dakota, 
whose husband is in the employ of the government 
in the entomological department of agriculture. 

In his political views Mr. Wells is independent, 
considering men and measures rather than party 
in easting his ballots. He is a member of the 
Congregational church, with which he has been 
connected for fifty years, and his labors have been 
effective in promoting its growth and extending 
its influence, while to its support he has been a 
liberal contributor. lie has prospered in his busi- 
ness undertakings and his capable management of 
his interests has made him a substantial citizen. 
He raises grain and stock, buying and feeding cat- 
tle and hogs and is a well known stockman, who 
has met with success in his chosen field of labor. 



J. C. SITTERLY. 
J. C. Sitterly, who is engaged in the livery busi- 
ness in Spring Valley, is numbered among the 
native sons of Illinois, having been born in 
Grundy county on the 19th of August, 1860. His 
parents were M. H. and Isabelle (Watson) Sit- 
terly, the former a native of the state of New 
York and the latter of Pennsylvania. In 1856 



510 



PAST AND I'K'KSKX'r OF I'.ri.'KAr (•()U.\TY. 



the fatliLT buL-aiiu' a rcsiili-ut of (inimly county, 
Illinois, when; he enirai,'e(l in business as a eon- 
traetoi- and i)uil(ler. 

In 1811 the I'aniily rciiioNcd from Grundy to 
Will county, Illinois, and .). ('. Sitteidy was edu- 
cated in the jiublie sehools there. On the com- 
pletion of his education he was employi'd hy the 
Chicairo, W'ilmintrton iS: A'ernullion Coal Company 
for five years in its stores and on severinjr his con- 
nection with that corporation he took charge of 
two stores, owned by the Eureka Coal Company, 
one at Braidwood and the other at Tracy. He 
remained in that eajiacity for four years, after 
which he went to l)avenpoi-t, Iowa, l)Ut when a 
brief period had passed in that city he came to 
Spring X'alley and in ISSS established a livery 
barn, which he has since conducted. He has l)een 
successful in his business life here and now has 
a number of horses and a good line of carriages 
and other vehicles, while his earnest desire to 
please his patrons as well as his reliable business 
methods have been a feature in his success. 

On the Gth of June. 18!)."). Mr. Sitterl\ was mar- 
I'ied to Miss Lizzie Xelson, a daughter of James 
Nelson, an old i-csident of Bureau county, wlio 
athliates with the Congregational church and is 
a representative resident of this part of the state. 
His wife bore the maiden name of Mary Barrett 
and was a native of Ohio. Three sons and a daugh- 
ter have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. Sitterly : 
Harry, who was born June 6, ISiMi, and died I)e- 
.ceiuber 13, 18S)(i ; Glenn, born .August 22, 18!)7 : 
Ada. June 1(5, 18!)!l; and Lvle, September 11, 
1902. 

Mr. Sitterly exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men .and measures of the rej)id>- 
licaii party and is now serving for the fifth term 
as alderman of the fifth ward. He uses his official 
prerogatives for the best interests of the town 
and his labors have been effective and far-reaching 
for its benefit. He affiliates' witli the Congrega- 
tional church and is a highly respecleil man. whose 
life record will bear close investigation and scru- 
tiny and will show forth many (|ualities wortbv 
of emulation. 



HEXKV Dr.XTKMAN. 

Among the honored residents of Bureau c 
that Gei'many has furnished i<i ilic new wo 
numbered Henry Dunteuum. who was for 
years activi'ly iih'ntilied with (he agricultun 
terests of the count v but for the past d(>cad 
lived retired, though still residing upon his 
on section 1."), Selby townshij). He was 
Hanover, Germany, in 1829, and is a 
Henry Duntemaii, Sr.. a very successful man 
engageil in fai'uiing and also owned and ope 
a lai-ge mill. The falbci- took part in iIk 
against Xapolemi on ih" British side. Ha 
then being undi'r iMp.disb pmt'el ion. lie 



ilUllt\' 

rid IS 
many 
id in- 
e has 
farm 
rn in 
in of 
, who 
■rated 
' war 
nnxcr 
never 



came to .\merica but lise (d' his eight sons became 
residents of the United States and two of the num- 
ber are still living, these being Henry, of this re- 
view, anil Ernest, who is also living retired in 
Selby township. 

Henry Dunteman, Ji'.. spi'iit the lirst sixteen 
years of his life in his native land and from the 
age of six until fourteen he attended the public 
school, after which he was Imiind niii fur twu 
years to learn the joiner's trade. On coming to 
the United State;., in 1846, he lirst located in Xew 
York state, managing a cooperage there for about 
a year, and in 18 K went to Chicago but soon after- 
ward located at Wilmington. Illinois, where he 
spent a few weeks. He next worked for some time 
at iloi-ris. this state, aiul was later employed on a 
contract at Depue, having made his home in Bu- 
reau county since 1849. He accompanied his em- 
ployei- on the latter's removal to Princeton, where 
he woi'ked for several months, and subse(iueutly 
was employed on thi' farm of Benjamin N'ewell for 
two years. 

In 1851 Mr. Dunteman was married and began 
farming on his own account, lirst purchasing forty 
acres of land with the money he had saved from 
his earnings. A year later he sold that tract and 
bought one hundred and sixty acres on section 
15. Selby townshi]i. a pai't of which he still owns. 
.\s time has passed he has nuule many useful and 
substantial improvenu'nts to his place and suc- 
cessfully engaged in its o])eration until about ten 
years ago, when he retiied fiom active farming 
and now rents his land. 

Mr. Dunteman was married in 1851 to Miss 
AlmiMJa Long, who was Ijorn in Greene county, 
Ohio, in 1829, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry 
Long, who came to Bureau county in 1842, locat- 
ing ill Selby township, where they made their home 
nnlil their deaths soiiu' years ago. They had a 
large I'amily but only three are now living, namely: 
Mrs. Dunteman; Mrs. Piper and Mrs. .\ndrew 
Walton, of Selby township. Mr. and Mrs. I'unte- 
maii have reared three children, all liorn in Bu- 
reau county: John, now a farmer of Selby town- 
sliiji. who mai'ried Lizzie Fooney and had one 
daughtei'. iKiu- deceased; Cherry, wlm is at home 
with hei' parents : and B. N.. also a farmer of 
Selby township, who nuirrieil Melissa Hosier ai.d 
has eight children. 

Dui'ingtlu' Civil war .Mr. Dunteman was drafted 
and hired a substitute, paying eight hundred dol- 
lars. By his ballot he has su|)])orted the repub- 
lican |iarty since its ni-g.inization and lias taken 
(piite an active intei-esi in local atl'airs. efficiently 
serving as justice of ihe peace for twenty-four 
vears and as road commissioner lifteen years. Fra- 
lernallv be is connected with the .Masonic lodge at 
I'rineetdii and he attends the Congregational 
cbui'ih ihough reared in the Lutheran faith. He 
is a man highly respectt'd and esteemed i)y all 
who know him and deserves irreat credit for the 



PAST AXI) PHKSKXT OF BUREAU ("OPXTY 



.ill 



sucirss llial lir has acliii'\ri.l in life, liis pnisprritv 
coming as a ilirrct ivward for liis nwu uiiaiiicd 
eUorls. 



(;K()K(iE If. KKTIARDSOX. I). I). S. 

Dr. di'orgi' li. Jiii-liarilsdu. engagi'tl in tlic prac- 
tice of (Icniislry in I'riiiii'ion. liis native city, was 
ijorn Fcijriiarv '^'-i. ISGS, a sun of P. '!'. and Emc- 
linc (Wise) K'icliardson, the ti>nut'i' a native of 
ilicliigan and tlie latter of Xcw Jerst'v. In the 
early "(ids the father caiue to Princeton and en- 
gagetl in the hardware Inisiness, hcing for many 
years an active factor in comnieri'ial cii'cles. His 
estal)lishnii'ni \\,-is one of the well known hind- 
niarks of coinnieriialisni in I'rinceton for almost a 
third of a ceiiiury and in 1900 he retired from 
i)iisiness life. enj(<ying well earned rest to the time 
of his death, wiiidi occurred in 11)0:3. 

Dr. K'ii-harilson. entering the puhlic schools at 
the usual age, jiassed through successive grades 
until he was graduated from the high school of 
Prini'cton and his professional training was re- 
ceived in the dental department of the Northwest- 
ern University at Chicago, from which he was 
graduated in the class of 1898. He renuiined for 
two years in Chicago and tlien took up the ]>rac- 
tice in his native city in 1900, winning success as 
the years have gone hy until he is now accorded a 
very liberal and gratifying patronage. With broad 
understanding of the scientific principles of the 
profession, with tlie mechanical ingenuity and ac- 
curacy whicli secure the best work, coud)ined with 
that faculty which is termed connnercial sense, he 
is meeting with well merited success and is worthv 
the |)atronage winch is accorded him. He belongs 
to the county and state dental societies and is in- 
terested in all that pertains to progress in his pro- 
fession, readily adapting the new methods and 
advanced ideas which mark the advancemeni of 
the profession. 

In 1901 I)!'. Pichardson was married to Jliss 
Frances .loi-dan. a native of JIaryland and a 
daughter of William H. Jordan. This marriage 
has been blessed with two daughters, Frances Mary 
and Sarah Weise. The Doctor and his wife are 
nuMubers of the Presbyterian church and are weJl 
known socially, he having many friends who have 
known him from liis boyhoofl. for almost his en- 
lire jifi' has been passed in Princeton. 



HAKLAX E. CAPPEXTE!!. 
Harlan E. Carpenter, whose life has bei^n de- 
voted lo farming and stock-raising with the re- 
sult (hat a gratifying measure of success has 
crowned his elVorts. so that he is now the owner of 
a good farm [iroperty in Xeponset townshi]), was 
born in ^Macon towrishi|). on section ;{0, his natal 
day being Octob ■; Hi. ]ST1. His parents. William 



K. am! l.aiiia .\. (liose) Car|)cntcr, were both 
natives of the Empire state. The father was born 
near N'irgil. Tompkins count). .\ew York, October 
17, 18U. ami married .Miss Eauia .V. l>ose. whose 
birth occurred in l-lxans, lu'ie t-ounty. New \'ork, 
.March ".^ti, l.si;;. The wedding was celeliarted at 
Sycamore. I )e Kalb county. Illinois, .lanuary 11, 
\Si\'.>. ilrs. CarpeiUer was a daughter of Orange 
and h'eljccca (Hurd) Pose. Her father was born 
in ('hautau(|ua county, .New ^'ork. and died in 
November, 184-1, while liis w ife. a iiainc of .Madi- 
son county, Xi'W ^'ork, jiasseil away in .hiiie, IS I I. 
Tlu'y were married in the Empire state and be- 
came residents of 1 )e Kalb county. Illinois. i?i 
IS Hi. Mr. Pose was a lawyer by profession and 
had gained a po.sition of prominence at the J)e 
Kalb county hai- when, in early manhood, he was 
called from this life. Mrs. Carpenter was the only 
child of his marriage. The paternal grandparents 
of our subjei't were Henry and Isabella (Sloan) 
Carpt'iiter, the former born in Tompkins county, 
Xew York, and the lallei- in eastern .Xew ^'ork. 
His <lealh occun-ed in |s;i. ,.|n(| his wife passed 
away in August, ISSS. Cnlo llicir mai-i'iage were 
born nine children, si.\ of whom reached adult age. 
He came west with his family in 18.54, settling first 
in Kane county, Illinois, when, in 18(iO, he re- 
moved to Bureau county, whei-c he spent his re- 
maining days as a farmer. 

William Iv Carpenter, father of Harlan E. Car- 
penter, came with his jJai'ents to Illinois, was 
reared to farm life and soon after his marriage he 
built the house which is now occii|iied bv his widow 
on section 30, Macon township. This was in 18t>9, 
and it has remained the family home continuously 
since. His entire life was devoted to general farm- 
ing and stock-raising and lie inade a specialty of 
the bi'ceding of shorthorn Itiirham cattle. He be- 
lieved it much 1 -e |)rolilable to raise high grade 

stock than those of an inferior grade, ami he also 
bred a high grade of hogs and was a lover of good 
horses. In community all'airs he took an active 
and helpful interest, st'rving as a school trustee 
and as roa<l commissionei'. lie was also an active 
member of the Methodist J-;pi,scopal church of Xe- 
ponset for about thirty years, served as class leader 
for a considerable period and was Sunday-school 
superintendent loidiic year. I li- ((Uitribuled gen- 
er(uisly to the suppoi't of the church and diil ev- 
erything in his jiowei- to promol<' its growth and 
development. In his political vii'ws he was a 
stanch [-('publican but never was active as an oilice 
seeker, lie dii^d .liiiie ■.'.■>. lS!il. respected by all 
who knew liini. In ihe family wei'e two children. 
Harlan Iv ami Xellie I!. The daughlci-. born 
March 28, 18:(>. was married December ;iO, 1897", 
to Louis L. Bennett. There ai-e three children of 
this union. Leslie IL. Stella .\. and William V.. 

In his boylioo<l days llai'lan Iv Carpenter 
worketl upon tlu' home farm and ilnring the school 
sessions pursued his sluilies in a disli-ict school of 
the neighhorhooil unlil niiieieen years of age. lie 



513 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



lost liis lather at that time and has since given un- 
divided attention to the farming and stock-raising 
interests of the old homestead. He is accounted 
one of the enterprising and successful agricultur- 
ists of his community and the neat and thrifty ap- 
pearance of his place indicates his careful super- 
vision. In all his business transactions he is 
straightforward and reliable and he has made for 
himself an unassailable reputation in business cir- 
cles. Following in his father's footsteps politically 
he is an earnest republican and in 1903 was 
chosen township collector, while in 1905 he was 
elected assessor, which position he is now filling. 
His official duties have been discharged with 
promptness and fidelity and his aid can always 
be counted upon to further any movement for the 
general good. He was made a Mason in Ncponset 
lodge. No. 803, A. F. & A. M., on the IGth of 
July, 1893, and has since been an exemplary rep- 
resentative of the craft. 



WILLIAM WILLIAMS. 

Enterprise, keen foresight and judicious invest- 
ment constitute the success of William Williams, 
who is a wealthy citizen of Bureau county, where 
he owns extensive landed interests, aggregating 
nine hundred and fifty acres, situated in La 
Moille township. He is a native of this township, 
having been born on his present farm on the 8th 
of July, 1854, a son of James H. and Elizabeth 
(Shirk) Williams, natives of West Virginia and 
Pennsylvania respectively. In the year 1848 the 
father came to Illinois, settling in Canton, Fulton 
county, where he resided for four years, and on 
the expiration of that period he removed with his 
family to La Moille township. Bureau county. In 
their family were six children, of whom the sub- 
ject of this review is the third in order of birth. 

William Williams, whose name introduces this 
sketch, received a common-school education in La 
Moille township and afterward pursued the high- 
9chool course at Princeton, Illinois, thus being well 
qualified to enter business life. He started out in 
business as a farmer and, though he inherited 
some property, he has through industry, integrity 
and good judgment added to his original holdings 
until he is now one of the extensive landowners of 
Bureau county, having nine hundred and fifty 
acres of fine land sitiuited in La Moille township. 
Here he carries on general agricultural pursuits, 
raising the cereals best adapted to soil and cli- 
mate, and using the latest improved farm ma- 
chinery to facilitate his work, so that he annually 
gathers rich crops as the result of his well directed 
labor. He has added many nmdern improvements 
to his place, including a beautiful country resi- 
dence, which is supplied with all modern con- 
veniences and is surrounded by fine shade trees 
and substantial outbuildings for the shelter of 



grain and stock, and altogether his is one of the 
model farms of this section of the state. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey 
Mr. Williams chose Miss Sarah Crossman, to 
whom he was married November 7, 1877. She 
was born July 3, 1854, a daughter of John and 
Elizabeth Crossman, natives of England, whence 
they came to America in an early day, becoming 
residents of Bureau county. Here Mrs. Williams 
was reared and educated, she being the second 
child in a family of nine children. By her mar- 
riage she has become the mother of four sons, 
namely : Harry C, born October 3, 1878 ; 
Charles, October 9, 1882; ilark, October 3, 1884; 
and Glen, born July 14, 1895. 

Mr. Williams is independent in politics, sup- 
porting the men whom he thinks best qualified to 
fill office regardless of party ties. While keeping 
thoroughly informed on political questions and 
issues of the day he is not active in party work, 
preferring to give his time to his private business 
interests, in which he has met with excellent suc- 
cess. His wife holds membership with the United 
Brethren church at Van Orin. 

Mr. Williams resides on the old homestead, 
and, having spent his entire life in this county, 
has aided in the development and progress that 
has here been made. He possesses excellent busi- 
ness ability and today he is one of the most exten- 
sive landholders of Bureau county, having nine 
imndred and fifty acres of valuable land situated 
in La Moille township. He is assisted in his farm 
work by his sons, whom he has trained to habits 
of industry and economy, so that he is able to rest 
somewhat from the more arduous tasks of carry- 
ing on the work of the property. He has a beauti- 
ful country residence, over which Mrs. Williams 
presides in a hospitable manner. He is quiet and 
unassuming, one whom it is a pleasure to meet, 
giving to both friend and stranger a cordial wel- 
come. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are excellent peo- 
ple, enjoying the highest esteem of all who know 
them, and their acquaintance is extensive. 



MARION DOI'Y. 
Marion Doty, one of the worthy and repre- 
sentative citizens of Berlin township, always help- 
ful and interested in matters of public progress, 
while at the same time carefully and successfully 
conducting his individual business interests, is a 
native of the neighboring state of Indiana, his 
birth having occurred in Steuben county on the 
15th of .\ugust, 1863. He is a son of Henry and 
Rebecca A. (Ilite) Doty, the former a native of 
the state of New York, while the latter was also 
born in the east. In their family were seven chil- 
dren, of whom Marion was the fifth in order of 
birth, 'i'wo of the number died in childhood. 
When their son Marion was thirteen years of age 
the parents left the beautiful lake regions of Steu- 




WILLIAM WILLIAMS 




Mli. AM) Ml!8. .1. 11. WlLLlAxMS. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



5ir 



ben county, Indiiuia, and removed to Greene coun- 
ty, Missouri, wliere lliey lived for four and a half 
years. On the expiration of that period they re- 
traced their steps to Steuben eounty, Indiana, but 
Marion Doty stopped in Bureau county, Illinois, 
where he has remained continuously since, a wor- 
thy and respected resident of this part of the state. 

In consequence of his parents" removals Mr. 
Doty spent his boyhood days at various intervals 
in Indiana, Missouri and Illinois and for about 
twenty-live years has made his home in Bureau 
county. Ilere, starting out in lite on his own ac- 
count, he chose as a companion and helpmate for 
the journey Miss Bettie M. Dancy, to whom he 
was married on the 18th of November, 1886. She 
was born September 28, 1864, and her parents 
both died in this county, but passed away many 
years ago. When six years of age she went to live 
with John M. Isaac, who gave her a home until 
her marriage. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Doty have been 
born three children : Conway L., Vera M. and Lee 
E., aged respectively eighteen, sixteen and eight 
years. 

The family residence is upon a farm in Berlin 
township and Mr. Doty is one of the self-made 
men of the countv, who has forged his way to the 
front among the representative agriculturists of 
his community as the result of hard and unremit- 
ting toil and honesty which is above question. He 
is a man of sterling worth, measuring up with 
the foremost, not because of the acres which he 
owns but because of a strong and sturdy charac- 
ter which commands unqualilied resjject and con- 
fidence. In his religious views he and his family 
are Congregationalists, having recently joined the 
church of that denomination at Dover. They were 
brought to take this step through the influence of 
Rev. William Sunday, the noted Evangelist, who 
held revival services in Princeton in the winter of 
1905-6. Mr. Doty is a member of Dauntless lodge. 
No. 1.50, K. P., of Maiden, Illinois. The cause of 
education finds in him a warm and stalwart friend 
and an able helper, who has done eH'cctive service 
in behalf of the public schools through twelve 
years' service on the school board. He stands for 
all that is progressive in the community and for 
all that is just and upright in man's relations with 
his fellowmen and his many sterling traits have 
gained him warm friendships. His political alle- 
giance is given to the republican party. 



ROY L. FAIRBANKS. 
Roy L. Fairbanks, who is engaged in the furni- 
ture and undertaking business in Buda, was born 
in that village, June 24. 1882, and is a representa- 
tive of old pioneer families of this part of the 
state. His patenuil grandparents were Alexander 
H. and Catherine (Purdue) Fairbanks. The for- 
mer was born in Lawrenceburg, Indiana, Septem- 
ber 8, 1807, and was married on the 2d of Febru- 



ary, 1832, to Catherine Purdue, whose birth oc- 
curred in New York city, February 2, 1812. He 
came to Bureau county in 1855 and followed the 
occupation of carpentering and farming, retaining 
his residence here until his death, which occurred 
March 16, 1886. His wife survived him for about 
ten years, passing away January 22, 1896. In 
their family were eleven children, of whom four 
are yet living: Amanda, born December 35, 1832; 
Thomas, born March 18, 1834; Sewell, September 
25, 1841; and James 0., March 7, 1853. There 
were five sons who served in the Union army dur- 
ing the Civil war, but all have now passed away 
with the exception of the eldest, Thomas, who now 
resides at Clay Center, Iowa. 

Lorenzo D. Fairbanks, father of our subject, 
was born at Wright Corners, in Indiana, February 
2, 1836, was reared in the usual manner of farm 
hills on the frontier and came with his parents to 
Illinois in 1855. On the 27th of January, 1858, at 
Boyd"s Grove, in Bureau county, he married Miss 
Martha Ann Gordon, who was born in Putnam 
county, Indiana, January 15, 1842, and is a daugh- 
ter of Granville and Eveline (Sutherland) Gor- 
don, both of whom are now deceased. They came 
to Illinois in the early '50s and were pioneer set- 
tlers of Knox county, whence they afterward came 
to Bureau county and in 1868 they went to Indi- 
ana, where their remaining days were ])assed. They 
had five children, of whom three are now living, 
namely: Mrs. Fairbanks; Margaret; and Priscilla. 

Soon after his marriage Lorenzo D. Fairbanks 
began farming on his own account in Macon town- 
ship and carried on general agricultural pursuits 
until 1873, when he removed to Kcwanee, where 
he established a furniture store, which he con- 
ducted until 1881. In that year he took up his 
abode in Buda, where he spent his remaining days 
in the furniture and undertaking business. He 
served in the Union army toward its close, enlist- 
ing on the 11th of February, 1865, for one year 
or during the war, as a private of Company K, 
One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment of Illi- 
nois Volunteers. He received an honorable dis- 
charge at Nashville, Tennessee, as sergeant, on the 
5th of September, 1865. He held membership in 
the Odd Fellows lodge and also with the Good 
Templars and was a member of the Congregational 
church. All who knew him I'espected him, for his 
life was ever upright and honorable. He died 
November 25. 1900, and is still survived by his 
widow, who is now living in Buda. They were 
the parents of six children: George E., born Au- 
gust 10. 18G1; Eddie E., who was born May 10, 
1863, and died March 29, 1864 ; Thomas W.," who 
was born February 4. 1867, and died Febriuiry 6, 
1898, losing his life while acting as engineer, a 
wreck occurring on the Graiul Trunk Railroad at 
Imlay City, Michigan; James E., who was born 
Aprii 9. 1869, and is now a music professor in Bos- 
ton : Nellie J., wlio was horn September 24, 1872, 
and died in infancy; and Roy L., of this review. 



518 



PAST AXD PKESEXT OF BUREAr COUNTY. 



In taking up tho personal history of Eo}' L. 
Fairbanks we present to our readers the record of 
a representative of one of the old pioneer families 
of the county and one who has justly gained for 
himself a creditable place in business circles in 
Buda. He pursued his education in the Buda 
schools, and afterward mastered a course in the 
art and science of embalming and funeral direct- 
ing at Boston, Massachusetts, with David Fudge 
& Son. He also look a post-graduate course un- 
der Professor Carl Lewis Barnes of Chicago in 
1902. and he at present holds a state license issued 
by the Illinois state board of health. On the 1st 
of October, 1903, he engaged in the furniture and 
undertaking business on his own account as suc- 
cessor to his father and now carries a line line df 
furniture and undertaking goods. He is well 
equipped for the conduct of a successful business 
in this way and has recently purchased a new fu- 
neral car and an amliulance. lie carries a large 
line of furniture and has a liberal patronage ow- 
ing to his reasonable prices and liis earnest desire 
to please his customers. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Fairbanks is a 
Mason, belonging to Buda lodge, Xo. 399, A. F. 
& A. M.. and Princeton chapter, Xo. 28, R. A. M. 
He also affiliates with Arena lodge, No. 645, K. P., 
of Buda, and he is a member of tlie Illinois State 
Undertakers' Association. 

On the 24th of June, 1903, Mr. Fairbanks was 
married to Miss Grace C. Aten, who was born at 
Brimfield, Illinois. July 28, 1883. They now have 
an interesting little daughter, Lucile Vincent, born 
December G, 1905. Mrs. Fairbanks is a daughter 
of Vincent and Mary E. (Snyder) Aten. Her 
father, a native of New Jersey, is now living in 
Kansom, La Salle county, Illinois, and is a minis- 
ter of the Methodist Episcopal church, having 
charge of three churches. His wife is a native of 
Boonville, Missouri. In their family were five 
children, of whom three are now living: Fred S., 
Grace and Warren B. Mr. and Mrs. Faiiijanks 
are prominent socially in Buda, where their circle 
of friends is almost co-extensive with the circle 
of their acquaintances. 



EDGAR D. L.VRIvIN. 
The commercial prosperity and community in- 
terests of Arlington are greatly promoted thro\i^h 
the activity of Edgar D. Larkin, who for ten 
years has served as postmaster of the village and 
is proprietor of its leading general store. He is 
honored and respected by all because of the suc- 
cess which he has achieved and by reason of the 
straightforward business methods he has ever fol- 
lowed. He was born July 29, 1853, in Harris- 
ville, Harrison county, Ohio, and his parents, 
Townsend T. and Julia Anne (Richardson) Lar- 
kin, were also natives of the same state. In the 
year 1855 they removed from Ohio to Bureau 



county, Illinois, settling in the village of Arling- 
ton, where the father followed the trade of cabinet- 
making. He thus became closely associated with 
its industrial interests, and was a representative 
citizen there for many years, or until the day of 
his death. He passed away in 1870 at the age of 
seventy-four years, his birth having occurred in 
1802, the year in which Ohio, his native state, 
was admitted to the Union. His wife passed 
away at the age of sixty-eight years. On the 
seventieth anniversary of the birth of Townsend 
T. Larkin the family held a reunion at the old 
homestead at Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, the 
date being May 1, 1872. On this occasion there 
were present all of his living brothers and sisters, 
including Mrs. Pennell, Mordecai Larkin, Mrs. 
Eliza L. Thomas, Mrs. Hannah Sharpless, Mrs. 
Martha Yost and John Larkin, Jr. The last 
time a family reunion had been held was on the 
5th of May, 1824, forty-eight years previously, 
at the marriage of one of the sisters. On that oc- 
casion all of the children, ten in number, were 
])resent, but in the interim death had removed 
three, so that the living members of the family 
numered seven, of whom the youngest was sixty- 
eight years of age. All are now deceased, and the 
youngest, who at that gathering was sixty- 
eight years of age, lived to be ninety years of 
age, passing away in 1904. 

Edgar D. Larkin, reared under the parental 
roof, completed his education in the Arlington 
schools and afterward learned the jeweler's trade, 
which he followed for a number of years in the 
village which is now his home. In 1880, however, 
lie went to the west, and was identified with 
mining interests until the succeeding fall, when 
he returned to Arlington, where he has since en- 
gaged in merchandising. He has prospered in his 
undertakings and is today the owner of the lead- 
ing general mercantile establishment in the town. 
Ho carries an extensive and well selected stock 
of goods, and his rcasonai)le prices, straightfor- 
ward dealing and earnest desire to please his cus- 
tomers have secured to him a large patronage, 
making the business a profitable investment. He 
likewise owns eleven and a half acres of land in 
the village, and upon this place his residence 
stands, being one of the attractive homes of the 
town. 

On the 3d of May, 1877, Mr. Larkin was mar- 
ried to Miss Alferetta Berry, who was born April 
1, 1857, and is a daughter of Rufus B. and Julia 
A. (O'Brien) Berry, the former a native of Maine 
and the latter of London, England. They became 
residents of Bureau county in the later '40s, and 
resided in Clarion township upon a farm up to 
tlie time of Mr. Berry's death. His widow still 
survives and is now living in New York city. 
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Larkin has been 
blessed with four children: Justin E., Blanche E., 
Juliet and Townsend T., who are still under the 
parental roof. 




EDGAK D. LAKKIN. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



5-^1 



For many years Mr. Larkin has been an cxt'iii- 
plarv member of the Masonic fraternity, and is 
affiliated with Levi Liisk lodge, No. 270, A. F. 
& A. M., of whirh he has been treasurer for 
about ten years. 11(> is now veiioral)le counsel 
of the Modern Woodmen camp. No. 3111, and 
in his fraternal relations is popular. His father 
organized the Temple of Honor of Uarrisville, 
Ohio, and afterward asisted in instituting various 
lodges in that state. He, too, was a prominent 
Mason. In his political views Edgar D. Larkin 
is a stalwart republican, and for eight years acted 
as assistant jioslmaster of Arlington, while for the 
past ten years he has served as postmaster. He 
is also one of the trustees of the village, having 
been elected for a two years' term. His first pres- 
idential ballot was cast for General Grant, and 
he has since supported each nominee at the head 
of the ticket, while in local interests of his party 
he is recognized as a leader, his opinions often 
proving a decisive factor in republican councils 
in Bureau county. His intense and well directed 
activity in business has gained him his present 
position in commercial circles, while his well 
known public spirit and devotion to the general 
good have nuide him a prominent representative 
of the citizenship of Arlington. 



\V1LL1AM S. MATTESON. 

William S. Matteson, one of the leading anil 
representative residents of La Moille township, 
was born in this county, January 29. 1867. His 
parents were Theodore B. and Elizabeth (Harris) 
ilatteson, the former a native of Oswego, New 
York, and the latter of Tuscarawas county, Ohio. 
They were married in Bureau county, Hlinois, in 
1860, and unto them have been born two children: 
William S. and Bertha B. 

The son, reared under the parental roof, was 
educated in the public schools of this county and 
in Fulton College, of Fulton, Illinois ^Mien not 
busy with his text-books his time was de- 
voted to the pleasures of the playground or 
to the work of the fields, for in his youth 
he assisted in the improvement and operation 
of the home farm. The occupatioTi to which 
he was reared he has made his life work, 
and he is now the owner of one hundred and 
eighty-one acres of valuable land, the sun irhining 
upon no finer tract in all Bureau county. He 
raises considerable grain, but the products of his 
fields arc used in feeding cattle and hogs, 'vhich 
he prepares for the market. 

Jfr. Matteson was nuirried on the 21st of No- 
vember, 1889. to Miss May Perkins, who was 
born in Bureau county, Illinois. August 28, 1868. 
They now have one daughter, Gertrude B. Mr. 
Matteson belongs to the ^la.sonic fraternity, and 
exercises his right of franchise in support of the 
men and measures of the republican party. His 



religious faith is indicated by his membership in 
the United Brethren church, with which his family 
are also identified. Viewed in a personal light, 
he may well be said to be a successful man, hav- 
ing gained not only a handsome con-potence, hut 
also the reward and esteem of his fellow citizens. 
His business affairs have been carefully managed 
and his laudable ambition and strong purpose 
have been salient features in his career. He and 
his family are prominent socially and in the 
church, and they have a beautiful home which is 
the abode of warm hearted and attractive hos- 
pitality. 



JOHN J. GINGRICH. 

Noting the fact that John G. Gingrich started 
out in life empty handed, his enterprise and 
success can be measured when one knows that he 
is the owner of an excellent and valuable farm of 
two lumdred and forty acres in ifaeon township. 
His birth occurred in Putnam county, Illinois, 
on the 10th of September, 1861, and he comes of 
German lineage. His father, Jacob Gingrich, 
was born in Ilesse-Darmstadt, Germany, and was 
eighteen years of age when he bade adieu to that 
country and sailed for the new world in company 
with his parents, who located at Tonica. La Salle 
county, Illinois. Soon afterward Jacob Gingrich 
took up his abode in Woodford county, Illinois, 
where he began business life for himself, and later 
he came to Bureau county. Subsequently, how- 
ever, he was numbered among the pioneer resi- 
dents of Livingston county, where he purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of raw land. This 
he improved, making his home thereon until the 
time of his death, which occurred on the r)th of 
.Vpril, 1874, wlien he was forty-one years of age. 
He held membership in the Mennonite church, 
voted with the democracy, and for many years 
served as a school director. His wife bore the 
maiden name of Veronica Roggcy, and vras born 
in Granville, Putnam county, Illinois, where their 
marriage was celebrated. She is now living in 
I'.radford, this state, and on the 7th of September, 
lOOfi, reached the age of sixty-eight years. By 
her marriage she became the mother of four chil- 
dren : John J.. Lena N., Jfary and Peter M. 

John J. Gingrich pursued liis studies in the 
public schools and was early (rainoil to habits of 
industrv and economy upon the home farm. De- 
sirous of engaging in farming on his jwn av'count, 
when twentv-two years of age he started out in 
life for himself, securing eighty acres of land in 
IMacon township. Subserpiently he acquired more 
land, buving first a tract of forty acres, and to 
this be has since added from time to time, until 
bi~ present holdings comprise two hundred and 
forty acres of as fine land as can be found in 
Bureau countv. He has made splemlid improve- 
ments upon his farm, including the erection of a 
commodious and attractive residence in 1889, 



522 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



while ill WtO'l lie liuilt a large barn. His home 
is surrounded bv shade and fruit trees of his owu 
planting, and be has been an extensive breeder 
of Aberdeen Angus cattle for about fifteen years, 
but sold his tine cattle in 1905. He has also 
raised Poland China hogs and Norman horses, 
and has always fed and shipped his own stock. 

Mr. Gingrich was married February 4, 1884, 
to Miss Katie A. Eigsti, who was born in Taze- 
well county, Hlinois, August 9, 1864, a daughter 
of Jacob and Veronica (Albrecht) Eigsti, who 
are mentioned an another page of this volume. 
Jlr. and ^In^. Gingricli have become the parents 
of eight children: Alvin J., born December 12, 
1884; Jessie W., June 17, 188G; Orville C, who 
was born February 26, 1888, and died May 7, 
1904; Albert J., 'April 24, 1891; Wilfred C, 
March 6, 1894; Elsie F., November 12, 1895; 
Irving H.. July 22, 1897: and Percv P., April 
5, 1901. 

Mr. Gingrich has liecn called upon to serve in 
several positions of public trust, the duties of 
which he has discharged with credit to himself 
and satisfaction to his constituents. At the pres- 
ent writing he is commissioner of highways, and 
is serving for the third term as school trustee. 
His political support is given the republican 
party, and he is in thorough sympathy wiih its 
principles as regards governmental policy. He 
holds membership with the Mcnnonite church, 
and is one who in his relations of citizenship and 
of private life has gained the regard of his fellow- 
men by his many sterling qualities. 



SAMUEL P. PRESCOTT. 

Samuel P. Prescott is one who has wielded a 
wide influence in community afl'airs and is the 
first republican in thirty-five years to be elected 
supervisor of Westfield township, which position 
he is now filling. He has made a creditable record 
as a lawyer, being recognized as one whose knowl- 
edge of the principles of jurisprudence and de- 
votion to his clients' interests well entitles him to 
the liberal patronage accorded him in the courts. 
He was born in Rowley, Essex county, Massa- 
chusetts, October 1-1, 1841, and is a representative 
of one of the old families of New England. The 
original ancestors in this country were of English 
birth and came to America at an early period in 
the colonization of the now world, settling in New 
Hampshire. Asa Prescott. the grandfather, and 
S. P. Prescott, the father of our subject, were 
both natives of New Hampshire and members of 
the family have figured jiromincntly in the public 
life of both that state and of Mas.sachusetts, in- 
cluding noted men in the professions, while Hon. 
B. F. Prescott, governor of New nam]ishire, was 
a cousin of our subject. 

Samuel P. Prescott, Sr., was reared to man- 



hood in the old Granite state, whence he removed 
to Essex county, Massachusetts, and was there 
married to Miss Mary M. Carleton, whose birth 
occurred in the old Bay state. For many years 
Mr. Prescott engaged in the manufacture of shoes 
at Haverhill and was not only a representative 
business man but also figured in public life as 
one who wielded a w'ide and beneficial infiuence. 
He held various positions of public trust, includ- 
ing that of alderman. 

Samuel P. Prescott, Jr.. spending the days of 
his boyhood and youth at his parents' home in 
Haverhill, was provided with excellent educa- 
tional privileges. After attending the public 
schools he continued his studies in Phillips Ex- 
eter Academy and was graduated from Dartmouth 
College in 1867 with the degree of Bachelor of 
Arts, while in 1874 his alma mater conferred 
upon him the degree of Master of Arts. Follow- 
ing the completion of his collegiate course he 
engaged in teaching for a time and for two years 
was principal of the Francestown Academy of 
New Hampshire. He regarded this, however, 
merely as a forward step to other professional 
labor, as it was his desire and ambition to become 
a member of the bar and to this end he began 
reading. The year 1869 witnesses his arrival in 
Illinois and he took up his abode in Princeton, 
where the following year he was admitted to the 
bar and entered into partnership with Judge 
George W. Stipp, who afterward occupied tiic 
bench of the district court. For two years ilr. 
Prescott remained a member of the Princeton 
bar, after which he spent a similar period in 
Chicago and then took up his abode in Arlington, 
where he opened a law office. He has since re- 
mained a practitioner in Bureau county, practic- 
ing in all of the courts of this section of the state. 
He is strong in argument, logical in his deduc- 
tions and correct in his conclusions and he pre- 
pares his cases with masterly thoroughness and 
skill, indicating a mind well trained in the se- 
verest school of investigation. 

On the 8th of October, 1871, in Princeton, Mr. 
Prescott was united in marriage to Miss Frances 
A. Van Velzer, who was born in Joliet but was 
reared and educated in the city where the mar- 
riage was celebrated. Her father, Granville \'an 
Velzer, was a pioneer merchant of Princeton. Mr. 
and Mrs. Prescott became the parents of five chil- 
dren, of whom three survive: Mabel, now the 
wife of Isaac W. Wright of Chicago, by whom 
she has two children, their names being Ellis and 
Beulah; Carl; and Warren. Two children of the 
family died in early youth. 

In his political views Mr. Prescott is an earnest 
republican, thoroughly in sympathy with the 
party, its policy and its principles, and he is now 
a nu'inber of the county republican central com- 
mittee. He has been a delegate to various county, 
congressional and state conventions and his opin- 
ions are frequently a decisive factor in the coun- 



PAST AND PIJESENT 1)1' HI HEAU COUNTY. 



525 



cils of his partv, and yut lie is not an olliiL' soi'kur 
nor does he desire the rewarils of office for part}' 
fealty, lie hohls membership in Levi Lusk lodge. 
No. 270, A. ¥. & A. M.. of Arlington, in whieh 
he is now serving as master, and he also belongs 
to the chapter and conunandery at Meudota. At 
a recent election he was cimsen supervisor of West- 
field township, the first republican elected to that 
office in thirty-five years — a fact which indicates 
his personal popularity and the confidence reposed 
in iiim. While he is neglectful of no duty of 
citizenship his attention is chiefly given to liis 
practice witli the result that he has attained an 
enviable place among the able lawyers of the Bu- 
reau county bar with a clientage that is at once 
extensive and important. 



BENJAMIN F. DOW. 

lii'ujatnin F. Dow, a farmer and stock-raiser 
living on section 8, Fairfield tawaship, came to 
Bureau county in 1S4T and has sinie lived in 
the township which is yet his home. He was 
born in Freedom, Cattaraugus county. New 
York. May 26. 1831, and is a son of Whitcher 
and Eunice (Bump) Dow, who, arriving in this 
county in 184T, took up their alioile at York- 
town, where the father secured a large tract of 
land. At one time he operated over four hun- 
dred acres and was an extensive farmer and 
stock-raiser, successfully conducting his business 
interests. Both he and his wife were natives of 
Vermont, and the former was of English lineage, 
while the latter was of Scotch descent. They 
were married in Cattaraugus county. New York, 
in February, 1828, and traveled life's journey 
together for almost a half century. They were 
separated by the death of Mrs. Dow, November 
29, 1877. Mr. Dow survived until June, 1882, 
and passed away at the age of seventy-seven years. 
He was tlic first supervisor of Fair ('eld township, 
being chosen to that office in 1849, and serving 
for several years. In connection with his general 
agriodtural pursuits lie was also engaged in the 
dairy business, made cheese and raised stock. His 
farm work, therefore, was of a varied nature, 
but in all departments was carefully conducted 
and resulted in the acquirement of a handsome 
competence. His was indeed a busy and useful 
life and aside from his agricultural interests he 
found time to assist in the promotion of those 
matters which affect the general welfare and ad- 
vance public progress. 

In the family were eiglit children, all of wliom 
were at one time residents of this county. Emily 
bcame the wife of 0. W. McKenzie, and died at 
Yorktown, November .">, 1888, while her husband 
passed away in July, 1892. Emelinc became the 
wife of John McKenzie, and died at Tanipico, 
December 27, 1879, having for six years survived 



her husband. Benjamin F. is the third of the 
family. Thomas, residing in Tampico, where he 
is engaged in the steamfitting business, married 
Miss Willet and has a family of eight children. 
Edward W. died in Watertown, Illinois, in Octo- 
ber, 1905, at the age of sixty-seven years, leav- 
ing a family, but his wife, wlio bore the maiden 
name of Fannie Ureenman, had passed away in 
1903. II. II., a resident of Pasadena, Califor- 
nia, was married first to a Miss Brown, a sister 
of the late L. W. Brown, who for many years was 
supervisor of Fairfield township. His present 
wife bore the maiden name of Susan Gray. Al- 
bina became the wife of J. E. Greenman and died 
in March, 1903, at Tampico, where her husband 
still resides. H. Clay, living at West Point, Alis- 
sissippi, where he follows farming and well drill- 
ing, was married first to Mrs. Pitney. 

Benjamin F. Dow was reared to the age of six- 
teen years in Cayuga county. New York, and 
during that period attended the public schools. 
As stated, he became a resident of Bureau county 
in 1847, and in 1850 he left here to continue 
his education in Whiteside county. While work- 
ing in Whiteside county at a later date he pur- 
chased a part of his present farm of one hundred 
and eiglity acres on section 8, Fairfield town- 
ship, and he has made this his home since his 
marriage, which important event in his life was 
celebrated on the 25th of November, 185(i, the 
lady of his choice being Miss Sarah E. Jones, 
who was born in McDonough county, Illinois, 
July 2, 1838, a daughter of Permenas and Anne 
(Dickinson) Jones. Her father died at Tennes- 
see, Illinois, in 1842, when a cimparaiiv'ely 
young man, and Mrs. Jones made her home for 
forty years in McDonough county. Mrs. Dow 
was the eldest of five children an 1 was the lirsl 
white child born in Tennessee township, McDon- 
ough county. The other members of her father's 
family were: Martin L., who died in that county 
about 1858; Nancy A., who became the wife of 
Earl Diirat, and died in Whiteside county in 
1871; and twins who died in infancy. After 
losing her first husband Mrs. Jones became the 
wife of Patterson Aber, who went to California 
about 1850 or 1851 and died there. They had 
one child, John W., who now resides in the 
Indian Territory. Her third husband was L. 
Underbill and they resided for a time in Bureau 
county, but later took up their abode in ]\leDon- 
ongli county and subsequently removed to the 
Indian Territory, where botli passed away, the 
dealh of Mrs. Underbill occurring in 1898, wlien 
she had reached the advanced age of eighty years. 
Bv her third marriage she had three children: 
Afargaret, who became the wife of William Love, 
and died in 1903; Charles, who was married in 
McDonough county, Illinois, to Alary McKenzie. 
and is now living in Missouri; and Elii-abelh. the 
wife of William Lane, of the Indian Territory. 

Mrs. Dow was about fourteen years of age 



526 



PAST A>sD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



when she became a resident of Whiteside county, 
Illinois, there living with her aunt, j\Irs. Nanoy 
Foy, until her marriage. By this union there 
have been born four children, all born on the 
home farm in Fairfield township. Pleasant L., 
born in January, 1859, and now living on the 
old homestead on section 5, Fairfield township, 
married Miss Louie Scott and has six children. 
Zillah A., born October 5, 1S60, is the wife of 
William Sliear, of Henry county, Illinois, and 
they have two children. Lauer J., born in 1866, 
resides in Sacramento, California, and is an elec- 
trician and engineer. He married Miss Daisy D. 
Hogeboom and they have four children. One 
child of the family. Glee, born in 1879, died in 
infancy. 

Politically, Mr. Dow has always been a repub- 
lican and attended the first convention of the 
party at Princeton in 1854 when John H. Bryant 
was nominated for congress. In 1856 he voted 
for Fremont and he also attended the convention 
when he was nominated. He has served in vari- 
ous townsliip offices and has always been found a 
trustworthy oflicial. Tlie long years of his resi- 
dence here and his upright life well entitle him to 
mention with the representative pioneer settlers, 
and from memory he can relate many interesting 
incidents of the early days when Bureau county 
was still a frontier district and when the work of 
improvement and progress seemed scarcely begun. 
Great changes have occurred, converting cross- 
roads villages into thriving towns and cities, 
wherein are found many commercial and indus- 
trial interests, while the broad prairies indicate 
the splendid labor that has been juit forth by 
the agricultural class, reclaiming the wild Innd for 
the uses of civilization. 



IIUOH G. GUNNING. 

Hugh G. Gunning is the owner of two hun- 
dred acres of rich farming land in Neponset 
township and operates altogether two hundred and 
eighty acres, in addition to which he feeds cattle 
for the market. A life of enterprise and in- 
dustry has been crowned with success, and he is 
today accounted one of the leading farmers of 
his community. 

A native of Neponset township, he was born 
April 8. 1863, and is a son of John and Margaret 
(Porter) Gunning, who were born near Belfast, 
in County Down. Irohmd. Ilie former February 
22, 1828. Their wedding journey was the voy- 
age to America, made in June. 1849. The ves- 
sel on which they embarked was wrecked off the 
banks of Ncwfouiulhmd, lost three men overboard, 
was dismantled of her spars, and it was with diffi- 
culty that she was kept afloat, but by working the 
pumps for three weeks she was saved, although 
she drifted back to the coa-st of Ireland. There 
repairs were made and she sailed again, this time 



reaching the harbor of New York in safety. On 
coming to America John Gunning and his young 
wife located at Troy, New York, and in 1856 
arrived in Neponset. Soon afterward he pur- 
chased land and to his original tract he added 
until he had a half section. Upon this he placed 
many excellent improvements, making it one of the 
fine farms of the township. He voted with the 
republican party and served as road commissioner 
and in other public offices of trust. In Ireland 
he was a member of the Presbyterian church, 
while in Neponset he became a member of the 
Congregational church, to which his wife also 
belonged. Her death occurred in 1880, when she 
was sixty years of age, while Mr. Gunning died 
in 1903, when about seventy-five years of age. 

No event of special importance occurred to vary 
the routine of farm life for Hugh G. Gunning 
in his boyhood days and when twenty-two years 
of age he began farming on his own account. He 
has since followed this occupation, and is now 
controlling two hundred and eighty acres of rich 
land, of which he owns two hundred acres. The 
fields return to him rich crops and he also buys, 
feeds and fattens for the market about a carload 
of cattle annually. He raises from one hundred 
to one hundred and fifty head of hogs annually, 
and in 1906 shipped three carloads of hogs. 

On the 25th of March, 1885, Mr. Gunning was 
married to Miss Emma E. Pickering, whose birth 
occurred in Neponset township. May 19, 1866, a 
daughter of George and Sarah Ann (Stabler) 
Pickering. Her father, a native of Yorkshire, 
England, born December 17, 1829, is now living 
in Neponset, while her mother, whose birth oc- 
curred in Yorkshire, March 22, 1837, died August 
28, 1895. They were married February 4. 1855. 
and soon afterward came to America, crossing the 
Atlantic on a sailing vessel which dropped anchor 
in the harbor of New York. Making their way to 
Illinois, they settled in what is now Neponset 
township, where the father followed the occupa- 
tion of farming. In 1880 he purchased land in 
that township and successfully devoted his energies 
to the cultivation and improvement of the prop- 
ertv until 1900, when he purchased a home in 
the village of Neponset, where he has since lived 
retired. In politics he is a democrat and hns 
served as a school director, but has not held nor 
desired other office. Unto Mr. and Mrs. ]*icker- 
ing were born sixteen children, of whom twelve 
are now living: Betsy, the wife of Henry Burnett: 
Jennie, the wife of William Hood; Susan, the 
wife of P. r. Carpenter; Harriet, who married 
Ilenrv Augustin ; David; Mrs. Gunning; George 
W. ; John E. : Isabel, the wife of Oliver Slates: 
Lottie May, the wife of George Kopp; Cliarles; 
and Fred. 

ATr. and Mrs. Gunning have b(>come the parents 
of nine children: Mabel M., who wns born June 
16, 1886, and is the wife of William Bennett; 
Stella A., born November 27. 188S: Laura, wlin 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



527 



was boru March 1, 1890, and died in infancy; 
George H.. born April 2.j, 1893; Robert M., 
January 24, 1895; Neilha E., October 31, 1897; 
Jolin M., in December. 1900; Leslie R.. August 9, 
1903 ; and Lottie L., December 13, 1905. 

Politically, Mr. Gunning is a republican. He 
has never sought or desired office as a reward for 
party fealty and has served only as school director, 
acting in that capacity for nine years. He is in- 
terested, however, in matters of general improve- 
ment and upbuilding and can be counted upon for 
aid in movements of progressive citizenship. 



DYER EGBERT KIPP. 

Dyer Egbert Kipp is a retired farmer residing 
in Mineral. In former years he was actively 
associated with agricultural interests, and thr lugh 
his close application and unfaltering energy he 
acquired the capital that now enables him to rest 
from furtlier labor and enjoy the fruits of his 
former toil. He was born in Steuben county, 
New Y'ork, January 18, 1846. a son of Dyer 
Lathrope and Jane Evaline (Parker) Kipp. His 
education was obtained in the common schools 
of his native state and he came to Hlinois in 
1862. He was at that time si.xtcen years of age 
and soon afterward he entered Grand Prairie 
Seminary, where he remained as a student for 
two years, while for one year he attended the 
Wesleyan University at Bloomington, Illinois. 
He was thus provided with good educational privi- 
leges which well fitted him for life's practical 
and responsible duties. When twenty-two years 
of age he went to Missouri and worked as a farn) 
hand. Following his return to Hlinois he resided 
for six years in La Salle county and then re- 
moved to Livingston county, where he followed 
the vocation of farming, residing there from 1879 
until he came to Mineral in 1903. Here he has 
since lived in the enjoyment of a well earned rest, 
his competence being sufticicnt to supply him with 
;dl of the necessities and many of the comforts 
and lu.xuries of life. 

Mr. Kipp was married on the 31st of January. 
1870, to jMiss I\Iary Emily liassett. of La Salic. 
Hlinois, and they became the parents of six chil- 
dren. Julia Lie/., a graduate of Grand Prairie 
Seminary and of the Northwestern l^niversity at 
Evanston. Hlinois, was appointed a missionary to 
.\ligarh, Hidia, whither she went in 1906. Ray 
Bassett is also engaged in missionary work, hav- 
ing spent the past tliree years in tJie mission 
schools at Quionga. Africa. Cora L-ene, a gradu- 
ate of the Grand Prairie Seminary, has for two 
years been a student in the Chicago College of 
Physicians and Surgeons. Karl Parker, also a 
graduate of Grand Prairie Seminary, has for the 
past three years engaged in farming in Henry 
county, Hlinois. Orin Lansing Garfield and 
Marion D. are students in Cornell College at 



Mount Vernon, Iowa. On the 1st of June, 1897, 
Mrs. ihiry E. Kipp passed away and Mr. Kipp 
has since married iMiss Emma Denning, a daugh- 
ter of \alentine 11. Denning, of La Salle county, 
and a cousin of Rev. John 0. Leaning, of Lidia, 
who for years was a presiding elder and who now 
for a long period has been a missionary in India. 
Another cousin, Lou B. Denning, spent many 
years as a missionary in South America. Both 
the Kipp and Denning families have been devoted 
to ciiurch work, numy of their luunber giving 
their time and energies to labor in the missionarv 
field. 

ilr. Kipp, of this review, has filled the office 
of justice of the peace, and for many years was 
school director. He was a trustee and steward in 
the Methodist Episcopal church at Wing, Illi- 
nois, which he helped to organize, and is now a 
■steward in the Methodist church of Mineral. His 
life has been in harmony with his professions, 
characterized by a consideration for others, by 
straightforward dealing and by strict conformity 
to manly principles at all times. He thus merits 
and enjoys the confidence and goodwill of his 
fellowmen and wdiercver known he is held in the 
highest respect. He holds a St. John medal for 
being one of the men that voted for St. Jona ia 
1884, and he has voted the prohibition ticket ever 
since. 



E. A. LA DUE. 

The commercial interests of Spring Valley find 
an active factor in E. A. La Due, who is con- 
ducting a drug store and who in his business 
career keeps in touch with modern ideas of prog- 
ress and development. He was born in New York 
state, August 21, 1839. His father, .\brahara 
La Due, was likewise a native of the lOmpire 
state, as was his wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Hannah Y'oung. Throughout an active busi- 
ness career he devoted his time and energies to 
farming, and he died in 1898, at the very vener- 
able age of ninety years. 

In his boyhood days E. A. La Due was a public 
school student in Wadesport, New Y'ork, where 
he pursued the high school course, and later he 
continued his studies in Monroe Academy at El- 
liridge, New Y'ork. When sixteen years of age 
lie became interested in a general store, which he 
conducted successfully in Montezuma. New York, 
for three years, but thinking that the middle west 
would offer better business opportunities, he made 
his way to Hlinois in 1860 and located in York- 
town. There he opened a general store, which 
he conducted for three years, after which he de- 
voted one year to farming. He then again en- 
tered commercial life as a merchant of Yorktown. 
Two years later he removed to Tampico, when 
lliai town was organized, and there engaged in 
1 usiness as a merchant and druggist for fifteen 



528 



PAST A\[) PRESENT oF BUREAU COUNTY. 



years. He lias continued in (he latter line since 
1873, and in 1887 he came to Sprinjr ^'alley. 
After removing twice he erected the commodious 
and attractive store building which he now occu- 
pies, carrying on a large and growing trade. He 
has a full line of drugs and sundry goods and a 
liberal patronage is accorded him. He has also 
erected two handsome residences in Spring Valley, 
one of which he occupies. 

In ISGl was celebrated tlic marriage of Mr. La 
Due and Miss Cecelia M. l.anc, a native of Michi- 
gan. They have become the parents of two sons 
and two daughters: Dr. B. La Due, a practicing 
physician of Ottawa; F. M.. who conducts a farm 
in Whiteside county, which was purchased by his 
father forty-four years ago; Emma, now the wife 
of J. C. Pinklcy, of Spring X'allcy: am! ilary, 
the wife of N. H. Smith. 

Mr. La Due belongs to S. M. Dalzall lodge. 
No. 805, A. F. & A. M., of which he is a charter 
member, and he attends the Congregational 
church, being a charter member at Yorktown. 
His political allegiance has always been given to 
the republican party, but he has never sought 
or desired office, preferring to concentrate hi-; 
energies upon his business affairs, which, being 
capably conducted, have led to substantial and 
gratifying success. He stands among those to 
whom prosperity has come as tlie reward of earn- 
est and diligent effort and lie has won siiiuil- 
taneouslv an honored name. 



LOULS C. STADLER. 

Louis C. Stadler has throughout his entire liusi- 
ness career been idenlidcd with the mercantile in- 
terests of HoUowayville, where he is now pro- 
prietor of a good general store and also has charge 
of the postoflice, his father. Christian Stadler, hav- 
ing served as postmaster since 1869, and also for a 
term previous to that time. The hitler was born 
in the city of Miinchen, Bavaria, Germany, May 
20, 1821, and, after the death of his father, came 
to America with his mother, who died here at the 
age of eighty-four years. It was in 1846 that 
Christian Stadler took up his residence in Bureau 
county, locating on a farm near HoUowayville. 
The following year he became interested in the 
store of whieh his son is now owner, and in f857 
gave it his personal supervision, being actively 
engaged in mercantile jnirsuits until he turned 
the store over to our subject, in 1898. He still 
owns two good farms near HoUowayville, and, al- 
though now eighty-five years of age, he is still well 
and active. As a prominent and influential cit- 
izen of his community he has been called upon to 
serve in several local ollices of honor and trust, 
having been supervisor, town clerk, school treas- 
urer and road commissioner. 

fn 18-18, in this countv, Christian Stadler mar- 



ried Elizabeth Lehrer, who was also born in Mun- 
ehen. Bavaria, March 9, 1829, and came to the 
new worlil in 1816. For over half a century they 
traveled life's journey together, but the wife passed 
awav in April, 1905. To them were born eleven 
children, of whom four reached years of maturity, 
namely: Louis C, of this review; Hannah, the 
wife of Rev. Ernest Xabholz, a minister of the 
Lutheran church, now located in Tjancaster, Wis- 
consin: Lizzie, the w-ife of Fred Merkel, of Selby 
township, and Christian G., who married Emma 
llaedtle. who resides on a farm near lloUoway- 
villc. in Selby township. 

A native of Bureau county, J^ouis C. Stadler 
was born on his father's farm, near HoUowayville, 
in 1857, and was here reared and educated. When 
a small boy he entered his father's store, and as 
the years passed he became thoroughly familiar 
with the business in all its departments. Since 
1898 be has conducted the store under his own 
name, and as a good and reliable merchant he 
has built up an excellent trade. 

Mr. Stadler was married in 1880 to Miss JIarv 
Mei-kel, a daughter of Jacob and Anna M. Merkel. 
Her father, who w'as a farmer by oeeujialion, is 
now deceased, but her mother is still living, and 
rt'sides in HoUowayville. Mrs. Stadler was born 
in Selby townshi]), where her parents located alwut 
is 19, and she is one of a family of seven children, 
the others being Fred, Louis, Jacob, Mrs. Tillie 
Golden, Mrs. Christiana Helmer and Miss Kate 
Merkel, who resides with her mother in HoUoway- 
ville. Mr. and Mrs. Stadler have three children: 
Emnui K., Christian Ij. and Bertha H. The sou 
now assists his father in the store. 

Mr. Stadler and his family are members of St. 
John's German Lutheran church, and socially he 
is tjuite prominent, being a member of the blr.e 
lodge of Masons at Arlington and the chapter at 
Princeton, the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows at HoUowayville and the Knights of Pythias 
at Seatonville. The Democratic [larly usually re- 
ceives his endorsement and support, but he is 
somewhat independent in politics, and is a recog- 
nized leader in public affairs, having served as 
president of the village board for the past twelve 
years, though he recently resigned. He has also 
liUed the offices of town clerk and school treasurer, 
and gives his support to any enterprise whieh he 
believes will advance the social, moral <ir material 
welfare of his town or county. 



SKIHNG P. SALMON. 
Sering P. Sulmon, wlio dii'd at Princeton on the 
9tli of February, 1903, was a well known and 
higbly esteemed early settler of this part of the 
state and for many years was closely associated 
with its agricultural interests, while the qualities 
of a noble manhood as exemplified in his busi- 
ness eiireer. iu bis public spirited citizenship and 



o 
w 

I— I 
CO 

L 



2^ 







y 

u 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUHEAU COUNTY. 



531 



his relations .vi^h his I'ellowpion, won lor liini the 
sincere and unqualified regard of all with whom 
he came in contact, lie was born in Morris 
county, New Jersey, January 28, IS^O, his par- 
ents being John and Caroline (Bartley) Salmon, 
who came to Illinois in 1853, locating in Prince- 
ton, The father was engaged in farming for a 
considerable period, making his home in the out- 
skirts of the city, and there he and his wife livcil 
until they were called to their final rest. 

Sering P. Salmon, reared in the state of his 
nativity and educated in the common schools, was 
married in New Jersey, April 3, 1851, to Miss 
Angeline Salmon, of iMorris county, that state, 
who still resides in Princeton at the age of seventy- 
five years. 

Coming to Illinois at an early period in the 
development of Bureau county, S. P. Salmon was 
for many years engaged in farming, placing his 
land under a high state of cultivation and equip- 
ping it with all modern improvements and acces- 
sories. Everything about his farm was kept in 
excellent condition and the fields brought to him 
rich harvests in return for the care and labor he 
bestowed upon them. He continued his farming 
operations until his retirement from active busi- 
ness life, when he took up his abode in Prince- 
ton, where he spent his remaining days. In his 
political views he was a stanch democrat and for 
several years capably filled the office of super- 
visor of Selby township, where he also served as 
assessor and in other local positions. Both he 
and liis wife were members of the Presbyterian 
church, in the work of which he took an active 
and helpful part, serving as an elder for many 
years, lie was a man of high ideals, and upright 
principles characterized his entire life, so that 
when he passed aw'ay on the 9th of February, 
1!)03, be left behind him an \intarnishpd record 
and a good name. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Sering P. Salmon were 
born two sons. The elder, J. B. Salmon, horn in 
Ohio in 1853, is still a resident of Princeton. 
S. .]. Salmon, born in this city in 1864, was 
reared under the parental roof and was educated 
in the city schools of Princeton. For the past 
seven years he has been with the J. I. C. Thresh- 
ing Machine Company as traveling salesman, and 
is an enterprising, alert business man, who now 
controls a large patronage and is popular with 
those with whom he has trade relations. He was 
first married to ^Ti~s Mary Belle Boggs, of Prince- 
ton, who died February 8, 1903, at the age of 
thirtv-seven years, leaving three children: Mary 
Eth(>l, at home: .Tohn J., who died January 24, 
190G. at the age of sixteen years; and William 
B.. at home. Air. Salmon's present wife was 
formerly Miss Myrtle C. Everett, of Chicago. The 
family home is at No. 517 South Church street, 
and the members of the household occupy an 
enviable position in social circles in Bureau 
county, where the farnily luis so long been widely 



and favorably known, the representatives of the 
name of earlier generations having corner liere more 
Than a half century ago. 



K.WII) !■:. PATTERSON. 

David K. Palterson, whose well improved farm 
of threi' Inindrcd and twenty acres is the reward 
of diligence and carefully directed business inter- 
ests, dates his residence in Bureau county from 
1853. He was born in Chester countv. Pennsyl- 
vania. July 22. 1832. his parents beiiig William 
and Rachel (Header) Patter.<on. who were likewise 
natives of the Keystone stale, where they spent 
their entire lives, both having now passed away. 

Daviil E. Patterson is indebted to the puidic- 
school system of Pennsylvania for the educational 
privileges and opportunities whereby he was fitted 
for the practical duties of life. Thinking to en- 
joy better business opportunities in the middle 
west he came to Bureau county in 1853, when a 
young man of twenty-one years, and has since been 
identified with industrial and agricultural pur- 
suits in this part of the state. He first worked at 
the carpenter's trade in La Salle county and then 
returned to Bureau county, where he has resided 
continuously since, giving his attention to farm- 
inir. Year by year he has labored earnestly and 
persistently and as his financial resources have in- 
creased he has luade judicious investments in prop- 
erty and is today the owner of three hundreil and 
twi'uty acres of finely improved farming land. His 
fields, which are enclosed with well kept fences, 
are always highly cultivated and the latest im- 
proved machinery facilitates the work of the farm. 

On the 4th of December, 185G, Mr. Pattei-son 
was nuirried to Miss Mary Davis, who was born 
January 21), 1830, her ])arents being Benjamin and 
I'luty (Smith) Davi.s, both natives of Franklin 
county, I'ennsylvania. They came to Illinois in 
1854 and after living for a time in the town of 
Peru, La Salle county, removed to Bureau county, 
where they spent their remaining days. The father 
lived to (he very advanced age of eighty-seven 
years, while his wife was called to her final rest 
at the age of fifty-five years. L%to Mr. and Mrs. 
Patterson have lieen born nine children: Samuel 
H., .\bel E., William R., Mary E., Benjamin 
Franklin, Melvin E., Harvey W., Alice Lewis and 
Clarence David. The family circle yet remains 
unbroken by the hand of death and in his farm- 
ing operations Mr. Patterson is assisted by his 
sons, save Melvin Iv, who holds a government po- 
sition in Chicago. 

Tile subject of this review is a well preserved 
man, who has traveled life's journey for seventy- 
four years and pos.sesses vigor, activity and a spirit 
of enterjjrise usually found in men of much 
younger age. His life has been one of activity. 
He early came to a realization of the fact that in 
.\merica labor is king and the years have wit- 



532 



1\VST .VXD PKESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



ncsscd a display of energy and determination upon 
his part that have made him a prosperous resident 
of Bureau county. In all of his dealings he has 
been reliable, never being known to take advantage 
of the necessities of his fellowinen in any trade 
transaction, and his life is another illustralion of 
the fact that honor and success may go hand in 
hand. 



DAVID K. MORins. 

David K. Morri.>, who owns and operates a 
farm in Berlin township, his labors being mani- 
fest in the well improved and attractive apjjear- 
ance of the place, was born in llarrisville, Har- 
rison county, Ohio, on the 24th of August, 1S3.5. 
His father, Edward Morris, a native of Oliio, 
was born November 22, 1808, and became a car- 
penter and joiner. He was identified with build- 
ing operations in Harrisville for many years and 
there died December 10, 1892. His wife bore the 
maiden name of Katharine S. Matson, and was 
born in Virginia, January 14, 1809. Her death 
occurred in Harrisville in 1869. By that mar- 
riage there were born ten children : ilary E., 
who was born December 28, 18:31, and died in 
March, 1832; Benjamin F., born July 18, 1833, 
and died in July, 1901; David K., born August 
24, 1835; Alice E., who was born January 6, 1838, 
and died September 8, 1841; Narcissa S., who 
was born July 28, 1840, and died on the 27th of 
Novcndier of that year; George 0., who was born 
November 28, 1841, and died March 14, 1847 ; 
John W., who was born March 4, 1844, and lives 
at the old homestead in Harrisville; Thomas C, 
who was born October 19, 1846, and died March 
6, 1848; Julia Ann, who was born March 14, 1849, 
and is deceased: and Sarah L., who was born 
April 19, 1851, and died March 25, 1854. 

In the place of his nativity David K. Morris 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth and 
acquired his education. He came to Bureau 
county, Illinois, on the 7th of April, 1857, and 
settled in Berlin lownsliiii. He was then a young 
man of twenty-two years and as a companion 
and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss 
Pliebe A. T?acklpy, whom he wedded in Princeton 
on the 17th of November, 1857. She was born 
in Alden, New York, March 24, 1835, and the 
following year was brought to Bureau county. 
Her father, Nathan Rackley, was born in Oranse 
county, Vermont, December 15, 1800, and in 1836 
came to Bureau county, settling in Berlin town- 
ship. He died April 25, 1895. and had he lived 
to the 15th of December following he would have 
been ninety-fivo years of age. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Susan Judd, was born in 
Orange county, Vermont, March 6, 1801. and 
passed away June 14, 1892. They were married 
in their native county, January 28. 1820, and 
became the parents of ifour children : George, born 
November 2, 1821; Louisa, September 15. 1825; 



Nathan F., October 13, 1827; and Phebe A., 
March 24, 1835. The last named was educated 
in a select school in Princeton, and, as stated, 
gave her hand in marriage in 1857 to Mr. Morris. 
The children of this marriage are: Nathan E., 
born August 22, 1858; George 0., September 25, 
1860; and David E., December 10, 1866. The 
last named enlisted for service in the Spanish- 
American war in April, 1898, and left for the 
south on the 2Gth of that month as a member of 
Company K, Sixth Eegiment of Illinois Volun- 
teers. He died August 27, 1898, at Utuave, Porto 
Pico, from which place his remains were sent 
home for interment. 

Following their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Morris 
began their domestic life upon the farm, and 
have since lived in Bureau county, his attention 
being given to the further improvement and de- 
velopment of his land. He now owns two liun- 
dred and thirty acres in Berlin tnwnsliip, and 
his wife is the owner of a valual)le tract of one 
hundred and ton acres. This land is now worth 
two hundred dollars per acre. In addition to the 
cultivation of his fields Mr. Morris raises horses 
and Jersey cattle. He is a business man of 
determination and energy, who accomplishes 
whatever he undertakes, and while looking out 
for his own welfare is never neglectful of the 
rights of others. 

He is a member of Bureau lodge. No. 112, 
A. F. & A. M., and his political support has been 
unfalteringly given to the republican party since 
lie cast his first presidential ballot for John C. 
Fremont in 1856. In his religious belief he is a 
Congrogationalist, while his wife is a member of 
the Freewill Baptist church, her father having 
assisted in building the college of that denomina- 
tion in Hillsdale, Michigan. Both have many 
friends in the community and are a most highly 
esteeme<l couple. They have now traveled life's 
journey together for almost a half century, shar- 
ing with each other the joys and sorrows, the 
adversity and prosperity which come to all. Wher- 
ever they have l)ocome known they have gained 
many friends and are held in warm regard by 
those with whom thev have been brought in con- 
tact. 



B. F. SEAEL. 
B. F. Searl, wdiose home is on section 10. 
SoUiy township, follows farming and also gives 
considerable attention to the raising and breed- 
ing of stock, lie was born on what is known 
as the Eidge in that township, August 20, 1853, 
his parents being John S. and Amanda (Miller) 
Searl. who came to Bureau county in the '40s. 
and were married here. Both were natives of 
Ohio. Our subject's paternal grandparents, Mr. 
and Mrs. Brown Searl, also came to this county 
and settled on the farm in Selby township now 



fl 





.^ 




I 





> f k I 




rA.ST AND ri!ESE.\T OF lU IJKAl COrXTV. 



537 



owned by E. G. Searl, where both died. They 
were hiid to rest in the Ridge cemetery, as were 
the parents of our subject. 

For three years the lather, John S. Searl, re- 
sided on the Ridge, and the l'oliow4ng four years 
he spent on the Jacobs farm on the township 
line. At the end of that time lie removed to 
section 11, Solby townsliip, where the greater ]iart 
of liis life was passed, though he spent tiie last 
eleven years on his father's farm on the J?idge. 
In business affairs he prospered and became a 
large land owner, having altogether twenty eighty- 
acre tracts, mostly in Selby township, and three 
hundred and twenty acres in Guthrie county, 
Iowa. He gave to each of his ten children one 
hundred and sixty acres and all of the land which 
he owned is still in possession of the family. 
His son, B. F. Searl, owns four eighty-acre tracts 
of laiul. including the home place on section 11. 
John S. Searl was deeply interested in the improve- 
ment and upbuilding of the county, and his fel- 
low-townsmen, recognizing his worth and ability 
and his devotion to the public good, several times 
called him to office. He served for a number of 
terms as supervisor, also as assessor, road com- 
missioner and in other offices, discharging his 
duties with promptness and fidelity. Unto him 
and his wife were born ten children: B. F.. of this 
review ; Mrs. Mary "SL Rawson, now of Holden. 
.Missouri: A. J. and M. F., who are residents of 
Princeton; ^Irs. Samantha Gross, of Princeton: 
E. G., of Selby townshij); Sirs. j\Iaria Hassler, of 
the same township; \Y. W., of Iowa, who died 
March 7, 1905 ; Sarah Ann, who died on the old 
iiomestead farm, October 11, 1875; and Samuel, 
whose death resulted from an accident in Iowa. 

Reared under the parental roof, no event of 
special importance occurred to vary the nnitine 
of farm life for B. F. Searl in his boyhood and 
youth. He was educated in the public schools 
of Selby township and has always followed farm- 
ing. He has also handled horses and cattle in 
large numbers, making a specialty, however, of 
fine horses, and during the past few' years he 
has raised a nuniher of fast hor.ses. For three 
years he made his liome on another farm in Selby 
township and since his marriage has resided on 
his present home farm on section 10, Selby town- 
ship, where he has three hundred and twenty 
acres of rich and productive land, all in one 
body. This is well cidtivatcd and highly im- 
proved and is altogether a model farming jiriiji- 
erty, equipped with the accessories which facilitate 
farm work and render the work of the fields less 
laliorious. 

Mr. Searl was married to Miss Mary A. Long, 
also a native of Selby township, where her girl- 
hood days were passed. She is a daughter of 
Francis M. and Caroline (Piper) Long, who came 
to this county in IS 12 and were farming peojile. 
Her mother died December ](>, ISfil, during the 
earlv girlhood of the daughter, and in ISSS the 



father removed froui Bureau county to Iowa, 
where be died about seven years ago. The mar- 
riage of Mr. and .Mrs. Searl iias i)een blessed with 
nine children : John S., of Iowa, who is engaged 
in farming, drilling wells and operating a 
thresher and also deals in agricultural imple- 
ments: Jiert, Nancy, Andrew ami (Nile, all at 
home; Ada and Sadie, twins, at home: ami Caro- 
line and iieujamin F., who are also under the 
parental roof. 

Politically, Mr. Searl is a republican ami has 
been elected to several local offices. He has .served 
as road commissioner and as assessor for several 
terms, and has also acted as judge of elections. 
He is quite prominent socially, belonging to the 
Masonic lodge at Arlington, the Knights of 
Pythias lodge at .Maiden and the Odd Fellows 
lodge at Hollovvayville. He is cuirefully and suc- 
cesslMlly conducting his business interests and 
stands as a representative of that progress in 
agricultural life which has largely revolutionized 
farming in the last quarter of a century. The 
name of Searl has long been a prominent and 
honored one in connection with the tilling of soil 
and the raising of stock in this county, and B. F. 
Searl has added luster to the family record by 
his own business .activity and commercial in- 
teijritv. 



LOUIS A. WHALEY. 

Louis .V. Whalcy, whose fanu of one hundred 
and lifty acres is jileasantly located in Ohio town- 
ship, was born in .Mien county, Indiana, July 28, 
1850, his parents being Isaac and Eliza J. (John- 
ston) Whalcy, whose family nund)ered three chil- 
dren, of whom Louis A. was the second, and is 
the only one now living. The father was born 
in Ohio, whence he removed to Indiana and 
afterward to Illinois, settling in Marion county. 
He died during the early boyhood of his son 
Louis, and his widow, who was also a native of 
the Buckeye state, is now ^Irs. James Simco.v, a 
resident of Patoka, Mariim county. Her husban<l 
was formerly from Oneida, Illinois, but is now 
liviijg in Patoka, and of this marriage six chil- 
dren have been born. 

Louis A. Whaley largely acquired iiis education 
in the schools of Patoka, and throughout his life 
followed farming operations. He is a self-made 
man, having started out on his own account empty 
banded. He realized the value of honesty and 
enterprise, however, and has gradually worked 
his way upward, overcoming all obstacles in his 
path by determination and eiuTgy. He is today 
the owner of one hundre(l and lifty acres, con- 
stituting an excellent farm in Ohio township, on 
which he raises grain and stock, his annual sale.'» 
of each bringing to him a good financial return. 

!Mr. Whaley completed his arrangements for 
having a home of his own by his marriage on the 



538 



PAST AND PKESEXT OP BUREAU COUNTY. 



1st of March, 1883, to Miss Lavina Johnston, 
who was born in Allen county, Indiana, March 
20, 1856. They have become the parents of four 
children, who are vet living: Guy, born March 
25, 1884; Oscar E"., March 30, 1887; Eoy H., 
September 30, 1888; and Beulah H., April 3, 
1893. They have lost one son, Oscar E., who 
died Mav 28, 1887. 

The family are pleasantly located upon the 
home farm, which is one of the attractive fea- 
tures of the landscape. There are splendid build- 
ings, commodious and substantial, and the house 
is "surrounded by fine shade trees, while upon the 
broad acres that constitute the farm there may 
be raised the various crops which are usually pro- 
duced in the temperate zone, for the soil is rich 
and productive. In all of his farm work Mr. 
Whaley is practical and if others would follow 
the same enterprising methods similar success 
might be attained. 

Exercising his right of franchise in support 
of the men and measures of the republican part\. 
Mr. Whalev keeps well informed on the ques- 
tions of the day, but has never been a seeker for 
public office. His wife belongs to the Baptist 
church and he contributes to its support. Viewed 
in a personal light his life may be said to be a 
success, and he has made a creditable name in 
business circles and gained a handsome property 
as tiie reward of well directed and earnest labor. 
He has served as clerk of the district school, and 
community interests lind in him a stanch advo- 
cate, if he deems any movement or measure will 
advance the welfare of the general public. 



GUY A. BRYANT. 

The phrase "a treeless tract" has ever been 
synonymous with a barren waste of arid land, 
while the tree has ever stood as a .symbol of culti- 
vation, marking the advent of the white settlers 
and their efforts for development and civilization. 
It has been said that none have done more for 
Bureau county in this direction than the Bryant 
family, .\rthur Bryant, grandfather of our sub- 
ject, being the first to set out upon the broad 
prairies of Buie.iu county the trees whicli have 
transformed it into one of the most attractive 
districts of this great commonwealth, and in this 
connection through his business interests Guy A. 
Bryant continues to do much for the county, at 
the same time promoting his individual commer- 
cial interests. He is a member of the firm of Ar- 
thur Bryant & Son of Princeton, proprietors of 
the best nursery in this portion of the state. The 
business was established in 184.') by the grand- 
father of Guy A. Bryant and is now the only en- 
terprise of this character in Bureau county. 

Arthur Bryant, the senior member of the firm 
and the father of Guy A. Bryant, was born Octo- 
ber I.'), 1834, on the old Bryant homestead in 



Princeton township, where he was reared. In the 
vicinity of his home he acquired a jniblic-school 
education. Environment and inherited tendencies 
combined to make it the natural thing that the 
sons of the Bryant family should become inter- 
ested in the growing of trees. The eldest son, Ar- 
thur Bryant, is now the head of the nurserv firm 
of .Vrthiir Bryant & Son, and is widely recognized 
as a prominent nursery man and liorticulturist. 
known tiironuiiout the state in this connection and 
honored as one of the ablest representatives of 
the business to which he has given his entire at- 
tention. He has filled the olBces of president and 
vice-president of tiie state and district horticul- 
tural soeieties anil was for many years treasurer 
of the state society, while during the Columbian 
Hx]Misition he was one of the connnittee in charge 
of tiie Illinois fruit exhibit. In the year 1864 
he was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth 
Hughes, a native of ^'irginia, who was reared in 
Ohio and was brought to Bureau county, Illinois, 
in 1855 by her father, George Hughes. Unto 
this marriage were born eight children: Lucy B., 
Harrv G., (Juv .'\., Henrietta, Cassandra H., Les- 
ter P.. l{al]ih"C.. and Edith W. The parents are 
both well known in Princeton, where thev are held 
in the highest esteem in recognition of their 
many sterling traits of character. 

(iuy A. Bryant was born at the family home, 
Di'eembcr 12, 18G8, and pursued his education in 
tlie si'liools of Princeton, completing the high 
school course by graduation in the class of ISSii. 
From his youth he was associated with his father 
in business, becoming his active assistant,, and in 
the year ISiJO was admitted to a partnership. This 
is now the only nursery business in Bureau county 
and one of the most important enterprises of this 
character in northern Illinois. The nur.<eries of 
the firm are ])leasantly situated about a quarter of 
a mile south of the city limits of Princeton and 
in point of estal)lishinent the business is undoubt- 
edly one of the oklest in the west or northwest, 
while the volume of trade also gives it precedence 
in that direction. They are growers of a great 
variety of fruit, shade and ornamental trees, shrub- 
bery, snuill fruits and hardy flowering plants, but 
make a specialty of evergreens, in whicli they 
])robai)ly have the largest and finest assortment 
and conduct the most extensive trade of anv nur- 
sery in the state. 

In 1891 Guy A. Bryant was united in niarriase 
to Miss Louisa Miles, who was born in Princeton. 
Her father, William i\Iiles, was born near Bath, 
Steul)en county. New York, July 26, 1822. His 
grandfather, Isaac ]\Iiles, was a soldier of the 
Revolutionary war, having served for two years 
as a mendier of a regiment from Connecticut, of 
which state he was a native. William Miles ac- 
ijuired his education in the common schools, and 
afterward became acquainted with the lumber 
trade and eventually became an expert in his 
knowledtic of lumber. He was married Mav 19. 



PAST AND PUESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



539 



1844, to Miss Naucy A. Parker, also a native of 
Steuben county, New York, where she was reared 
to womanhood. In the family of Mr. and Mrs. 
Miles were seven children: Harriet M., Lucius 
P., George, William, Edward, Louisa and James. 
Following his marriage Mr. Miles embarked in 
the lumber business and throughout his entire life 
was connected with tliat trade. He owned consid- 
erable land in Iowa and Illinois and was very 
successful in all his undertakings. His political 
allegiance was given to the republican party, of 
whose principles he was a strict adherent. He 
died February 22, 1S9G, and his wife survived 
him nntil January 1, 1899. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bryant have been born five 
children : Arthur Guy, who died in infancy ; Miles 
William, born February 10. 18!)4; Louis Ralph, 
iiorn November 26, 1895; Elizabeth Parker, born 
November 13, 1898; and Robert Beach, born 
March 4, 1900. The parents are members of the 
Presbyterian church. Mr. Bryant belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity, in which he has taken the de- 
grees of chapter and commandery. His political 
allegiance is given to the republican party and he 
has served for six years, fror; 1900, as a mem'Der 
of the city council from the first ward. He is a 
young man of Inisiness acumen and enterprise, a 
worthy representative of a family long distin- 
guished in Bureau county for loyalty in citizen- 
ship, activity and progi-essiveness in business and 
reliability in all life's relations. 



HENRY THACKABERRY. 

Henry Thackaberry dates his residence in this 
county from 1852. Therefore events which to 
many others are matters of history are to him 
nuitters of personal experience or observation. 
He has watched many changes and noted with 
interest the progress that has occurred during 
the long years of liis connection with the county. 
He has now advanced far on life's journey, but 
appears to be a man of much younger age and 
in spirit and interests seems yet in his prime. 

He was born in the citv of Queens, Ireland, on 
the 18th of August, 1S2I," and is a son of William 
and Elizabeth (Christian) Thackaberry. The 
father's birth occurred in 1784 and the mother 
was born in 1800. They were reared and mar- 
ried on the Emerald isle, and about 1834, when 
their son Henry was a youth of ten years, they 
removed from Ireland to England. It was largely 
in the latter coiintry that Henry Thackaberry 
acquired his education, and be remained a resident 
of England until the latter ])art of the year 1851, 
when he determined to seek a home in the new 
world, and made arrangements for leaving the 
"merrie isle." 

He sailed on the 5th of November and landed 
at New York on Christmas day of that year. He 
first went to Chesterville, I'ennsylvania, where he 



lived with his brother, who had previously come 
to this country, until the 5th of April, 1852. He 
then left the Keystone state and on the 5th of 
May following arrived in Princeton. He has since 
been a resident of this county, and for three 
years made his home upon a farm north of Prince- 
ton. Subsequently he took up his abode in Fair- 
field township, aiul for twenty-one years has re- 
sided in New Bedford. He was for a long period 
one of the active, energetic and capable farmers 
of the county, carefully operating his land and 
deriving therefrom a good income as the reward 
for the labor which he bestowed upon the fields. 
While now living retired, he is still the owner of 
two hundred and forty acres of good land on .-sec- 
tions 29 and 31, Fairfield township, worth from 
one hundred to one hundred and twenty-live dol- 
lars per acre. 

Mr. Thackaberry was uuuried in August, 1851, 
in St. George's Episcopal church. Hanover 
Square, London, to Miss Jane Mearns. of ^lout- 
rose, Scotland, and it was only a few months 
later that he started with his bride for the new 
world. Unto them have been born three children, 
of whom one is now deceased. The others are: 
P^lizabeth, who was born May 9, 1855, and is 
now the wife of W. E. Booth, a merchant of New 
Bedford, Illinois: and .\lexander, whose birth 
occurred November 18, 1857, who is a traveling 
salesman living in Sioux Palls, South Dakota. 

Mr. Thackaberry is a member of the Epi-scopal 
chnrch, and of Yorktown lodge. No. 655, A. F. 
& A. M., exemplifying in his life the beneficent 
spirit of the craft. His political allegiance is 
given to the democracy, which party he has c(m- 
tinuonsly supjiorlod since casting his first presi- 
dential ballot after becoming a naturalized .\meri- 
can citizen. Although he inheritcci a little ])rop- 
erty he is largely a self-made man, his success 
resulting mostly from his own labor and careful 
management. A laudable ambition led him to 
seek his home in America and ho has not been 
disappointed in the hope that caused him to cross 
the Atlantic, for here he has found good oppor- 
tiinities and has steadily worked his way upward, 
until now in the evening of life he can enjuy a 
well earned rest, his former toil having brought 
to him a competence suflricient to surround him 
now with many of life's comforts. 



C. W. ABBOTT. 
Clement W. Ablmtt. a retired farmer living in 
Sheffield, but still ownini; good farm ])roperty in 
Bureau county, was born in Ogden, Monroe county. 
New York, December 13, 1825. his parents being 
Calvin and Charlotte (Clement) Abbott, ooth na- 
natives of Vermont. At the usiirJ age Clement W. 
Ahbott began his education in the country school 
at Ogden, New York, but his advantages were 



540 



PAST AND PKKSKXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



largely limited to instruction in the ••'I'lirt'c' Ji's." 
After leaving school he worked at the carpenter's 
trade for ten years in the east and in September, 
1854, came to the middle west, settling in Henry, 
Illinois, where he sj)ent the winter working in a 
wagon shop. In the spring of 18r)5 he removed to 
Mineral township. Bureau county, and took up his 
abode upon a farm, continuing actively in agricul- 
tural life for forty years or until 1894, when he 
removed to Sheffield, where he now resides. In 
18.')4 he purchased his farm, hecoming owner at 
that time of one-half section, to which he after- 
wards added one luiiidred and fifty-five acres 
about twenty years later, lie made stock-raising 
and feeding the principal features of his business 
and became well known as an enterprising and 
successful stockman, readily and correctly esti- 
mating the value of stock so that he was enal)led 
to make judicious purchases and ])rofitable sales. 
Thus he prospered year by year and rose from a 
humble financial jmsition to one of allluence, so 
that now, with a handsome comoetencc, he is 
enabled to live retired in tlie enjoyment of the 
fruits of his former toil. 

On the 6th of May, 1857, Mr. Abbott was mar- 
ried to Miss Martha M. Battey, at ShelTield, who 
is represented elsewhere in this work, a daugliter 
of llajor Silas Battey, and their children are: 
Fred W., who was born May 2.'i, IS.VJ, and died 
January 20, 188fi; Calvin B., who was born Aug- 
ust 1, 1863, and died April 28, 1882 ; Herman E., 
horn Jlay 10, 1865; and llattie C, who was born 
DeccTiiber 19, 1870, and died February 5, 1888. 

IMr. Abbott is a member of the Unitarian church 
at Sheffield and was first identified with the whig 
party, later becoming one of the founders of the 
republican party, lie was assessor for the town 
of Mineral for tive years and was elected and served 
on the county board of sujicrvisors for six years, 
his cajiability and fidelity indicating his keen in- 
terest in the welfare and progress of the countv 
as conserved by its jmblic officials, while in other 
ways he has given his support to those matters 
which constitute civic virtue and civic i)ride. He 
is a self-made man and still takes an active inter- 
est in business affairs. 



ROLLA I.KE HUSSELL. 
It is a usual thing to speak of a man who in 
mercantile and the industrial circles has worked 
In's way upward from obscurity to prominence as 
a self-made man, but the term is equallv applic- 
able in the professions, where advancement de- 
pends even more entirely upon individual effort. 
owing to the fact that not through gift or inheri- 
tance can one secure the cpialities which are re- 
quisite to success in any ])rofessional line. Mr. 
Russell has indee,! been' the architect of his own 
fortunes and has builded wisely and well. Today 
he hears an excellent reputation as a shong and 



aide lawyer, witli comprehensive knowledge of the 
])rinciples of jurisprudence, in the application of 
which to (jtie.stions in litigation he is seldom at 
error. 

Born in Shelby county, Illinois, November 21, 
ls6l, upon a farm, he is a son of Daniel Eckert 
Russell, a luitive of Loudoun county, Virginia, 
anil of Isabelle (Allbert) Russell, of Bucking- 
ham county, Virginia. The father was only a 
vear old when taken by his parents to Ohio and 
in is."i:i he went to Shelby county, Illinois, where 
he engaged in farming and stock-raising. During 
the later years of his life he was an invalid and 
then retired from active business cares, passing 
away in 1S88 at the age of fifty-five years. His 
.sons were thus left to face the world alone with 
the possibilities of success or failure before them 
as they should recognize and improve or neglect 
o])portunities. 

RoUa L. Russell acquired some education in the 
country schools and then, ambitious for more ad- 
vanced" education, worked his way through the 
high school by acting as assistant janitor. When 
he had completed his course there he became im- 
bued, as do so many young men, with the desire 
to seek a fortune in the west, and with one or 
two conij)anions made his way to Colorado and 
afterward to Texas. His experience in those 
states was one of hard struggle and is of interest 
as showing what determination and indefatigable 
energy will accomplish. lie arrived in Texas 
with only a few cents in his pocket but almost 
immediately found work with a farmer, in whose 
employ he remained for two years and who at 
the end of that time leased to ilr. Russell a farm, 
which he ])lanted to cotton. Unfortunately, how- 
ever the cotton crop was a failure that year owing 
to the excessive drought and j\Ir. Russell was 
again left without capital. He started to work 
once more at farm labor for seventeen dollars per 
month, being transferred to the dairy department 
at the end of two months, and so satisfactory was 
his service that his waives were raised to twenty 
dolbii's. al'terward to thirty dollars and later to 
thirty-live dollars p(>i' month. That he was most 
faithful and capable and that his service was ap- 
preciated is indicated by the fact that after a 
year and a ball", when settling up with his em- 
jdoyer, he was ])aid for the entire term at the 
rate of thirty-five dollars per month. During all of 
this time, as a dutiful son, Mr. Russell was as- 
sistinsr his mother and the family, who had been 
left in straightened circumstances through the 
lone: illness and death of the father. 

Returning to Illinois. Mr. Russell engaged in 
teaching school in Lee county and took up the 
study of law in the Collese of Law in Dixon. 
He was admitted to the bar by examimtion on 
the Kill of 'Mav, 1892, and the same year accepted 
the ]iosition of principal of the schools of Ohio. 
Illinois, where be remained for two years. He 
l!i(Mi ent<'red upon the active ]iractice of his pro- 




1{. L. KlSSKl.L. 



PAST AND I'KESKM' UF UL'KKAi: UOl .\TV. 



.-)43 



fession in connection witli E. U. Overman in 
Henderson county, under tlie tirni fit.yle ol Over- 
man & Kussell. In March, 18SJ5, he returned 
to Oliio, Illinois, and took charge of the Ohio 
Herald, which he published for two years. He 
then sold out and came to Princeton, where he 
has since continued in the practice of law. His 
reputation has been won through earnest, honest 
labor and his creditable standing at the bar is a 
merited tribute to his ability. The predominant 
characteristic of his life is strength and the aim 
of his eloquence is to convince. He has won many 
notable cases while a practitioner in liureau coun- 
ty and now has a large and distinctively repre- 
sentative clientage. 

Mr. Russell was married November 21, 1895, to 
j\riss Helen McLean, a native of New Jersey, and 
they have three sons, William McLean, liobert 
Lee and Paul. Mr. Russell is a member of the 
board of trustees of the ilethodist Protestant 
church and is interested in the moral and in- 
tellectual progress of his city to the extent of 
giving active and hearty co-operation to many 
movcuicnts for advancement along those lines. 
Ho belongs to Princeton lodge. A. F. & A. M., 
and in an active career he has achieved both 
character and success, advancing as he has done 
from a humble position in the business world 
to a place of considerable prominence in the legal 
profession. 



I 



MARTIN ZEARING. 

JIartin Zearing. cashier of the Farmers & 
^liners Bank at Ladd. the success and growth of 
the institution being attributable in no small de- 
gree to his efforts, was born in Westfield town- 
ship, Bureau county, April "Hj, JSGG, and is a 
rpprescntative of one of the distinguished families 
of this part of the state. His father, the Hon. 
Louis Zearing. was a native of Cumberland county, 
Pennsylvania, and came to Bureau county in 1835, 
when this was a frontier district in whicli the w'ork 
of civilization and improvement had been scarcely 
begun. The homes of the settlers were widely 
scattered and much of the land was still unculti- 
vated. He secured a farm which he developed into 
a highly improved ])ro()erty and as tiie years 
passed by he prospered in his undertakings and 
became one of the leading and ]iros]ierous agricul- 
turists of the community. He also took a promi- 
nent and influential part in ])ublic atfairs ami 
filled many local oflices of trust, while for a num- 
ber of years lie represented his district in the 
state senate and left the impress of his individu- 
ality upon many legislative enactments whicli he 
fostered. His wife bore the maiden name of .Tean 
Cochran and was a native of Scotland. 

Ifartin Zearing supplemented his preliminary 
education. ac(piired in the public schools, by a 
course in a business college and through the period 



of his boyhood and youth remained upon his fath- 
er's farm, rentlcring active assistance in its culti- 
vation when not busied with his te.Kt-books. He 
left home in iXdO, when about twenty-four years 
of age, and accepted the position of ijookkeeper in 
the Farmers & Miners Bank. Later lie was made 
assistant cashier and has occupied Iiis i)resent posi- 
tion -since 189 1. The i)ank was estalilished in 1890 
and has been a very prosperous institutiun from 
the beginning. Its success is largely due to the 
efforts of Mr. Zearing, who is a very eflicient and 
popular cashier, and during his connection with 
the institution the deposits have increased from 
thirteen thousand to two hundred and twenty 
thousand dollars. He is thoroughly conversant 
with the banking business and is an attentive, 
obliging official, of good business <|ualifications. 

On the 11th of September, 1895, .Mr. Zearing 
was united in marriage to Miss Alva Harvey, a 
daughter of Leroy Harvey, of Galesburg, Illinois, 
and they have three daughters : Dorothy A., born 
August"20, 1896; Helen M., June 30, 1898; and 
Jean, June 8, 1901. The parents are members of 
the Presbyterian church and Mr. Zearing is a 
Mason, belonging to Levi Lusk lodge. No. 270, 
A. F. & A. M., and Peru chapter. No. GO, R. A. 
M., of Peru. His political views accord with the 
princi]>les of the repulilican party and while not a 
politician in the sense of otfice seeking he is in- 
tere.sted in the success of his party and keeps wrll 
informed on the questions upon which the two 
great political organizations differ. In this coun- 
try, where position in the imsincss, political and 
social world, largely dejiend upon tiie individual, 
aside from environment or influence, .Mr. Zearing 
has gained a creditable place in his home com- 
munity as a representative of financial circles, and 
as one who in his relations with his fcllownien has 
gained warm personal regard. 



JOHN ]•;. JMLKV. 

John E. Riley, w^lio has recently sent in his 
resignation as postmaster of Mineral, where he is 
also conducting a restaurant and confectionery 
store, was born in Jlineral townshi]) and is a rep- 
resentative of one of the old and ])roniinent pio- 
neer families of this jiart of the state. He is a 
son of William Riley, who came with iiis parents 
to Bureau county at an early epoch in the devel- 
opment of this jiart of the state. E.xtended men- 
tion is made of him on another page of tiiis work 
in connection with the sketcii of Wilson Riley, a 
brother of our subject. 

John I"]. Riley acquired his education in the 
schools of l\rineral anil s])ent his younger years 
upon the home farm, where he was trained to 
habits of industry, economy and diligence. After 
attaining his majority he spent seven years as a 
farmer at Aurora, Nebraska, hut subsequently 
turned his attention to commercial pursuits, in 



544 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



which he has since i)een eugageil. For several 
years, from 1889 until 189G, he conducted a gen- 
eral mercantile store in :yiineral and on selling 
out that hii.-iness became projirietor of a rest<iur- 
ant, which he still conducts, also carrving a line of 
confectioners. He has a well a])i>ointed. neat and 
tasteful store and restaurant and is receiving a 
liberal share of the public patronage. He has 
also acted as postmaster at Mineral, having been 
appointed January 28, 1904, bv President Roose- 
velt. He lives ujion the old homestead farm and 
owns one hundred and tliirty acres of land which 
is rich and arable and which yields bounteous har- 
vests as a reward for the care and labor bestowed 
upon the fields. 

Mr. Riley hns always been a .stalwart repub- 
lican in his political views and is recognized as 
one of the active and influential workers in the 
local ranks of the party, doing all in his power to 
promote its growth and insure its success. He 
has many times been ap]iointed a delegate to the 
county and congressional conventions and his 
opinions carry weight in party councils. He has 
been honored with some local offices, serving as 
conimissioner for nine years and as school director 
for fifteen years, and he was formerly a iiRMulier 
of the town ])oard. 

In December. 1878. ^Ir. Riley was united in 
marriage to Miss Minnie Morton, a daughter of 
J. Morton, of Princeton. She died four years 
later, in 1882, leaving two children, Arthnr W. 
and Bertha B. The former is now engaged in 
business with his father in Mineral. On the 30tb 
of October, 1883, ^fr. Riley was again married, 
his second union being with ^liss ^lary Harrison. 
a daughter of James Harrison, a farmer living at 
Ne])onset. They have three ciiildrcii : Glen E.. 
with father on the farm : Ada ^I.. the wife of 
Frank Humphrey, a farmer of ^liiicral iiiwnshi]>; 
and Lottie E., at home. 

Jlr. Riley is a niendier of the Mddeiu WHod- 
raen of .Vmerica. but has never figured very pmnii- 
ncntly in fraternal circles, his attention being 
given more largely to his Ijusiness allairs and the 
political interests of the county. He is one of tliu 
representative men of .Mineral and in all that he 
does, whether of a pid)lic or ])rivale nature, has 
manifested a spirit of commendable enter)iri.se. 



Airniri; iii;v.\\f. 

.\rlbur Bryant, senior member of the firm of 
.\rtliur Bryant \- Sons, nurserymen, has for years 
been treasurer of the State" Horliculturar So- 
ciety, which position is indicative of the foremost 
place which he occupies in horticultural circles in 
Illinois. He was born October lo, 1834. in Prince- 
ton township, and the years of his residence in 
Bun-au county are tiierefore immy, antedating 
that of most of its well known and prominent men. 
His father was .\rlhur Hiynnt. Si-., a native of 



C'uinniington. Massachu.setts, born Novendjer 8, 
1803, and a son of Dr. Peter and Sarah (Snell) 
Bryant, whose second son w-as the celebrated poet, 
William Cullen Bryant. Arthur Bryant, Sr., was 
reared in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, ac- 
(luiring his early education in the common schools 
of the locality, while later he became a student 
in Williams College. He was admitted as a cadet 
til the West Point Military .Vcadeniy. but at the 
enil of a year was obliged to discontinue his 
studies ou account of an attack of inflammatory 
rheumatism. For a time he engaged in teaching 
at Round Hill, near Boston, and was later with 
his brother. William Cullen Bryant, in New York. 
His health being such that he was obliged to give 
uj) all hope of a military or medical career, he 
turned his attention to the west, hoping that the 
new and rapidly developing country would offer 
him good opportunities. He therefore made his 
way to Illinois, arriving in Jacksonville in 1830. 
Two years later he returned to ilassachusetts. 
where he married Miss Henrietta R. Pliimmer. a 
native of Berkshire county. Massachusetts, and a 
daughter of Edward Plmnmer. With his bride 
he again made his way to Jacksonville the same 
year, but in 1833 removed to Bureau county and 
s(!cured a claim on section 29, Princeton town- 
ship, being the first settler within the borders of 
that township. There he made a permanent home 
and in true pioneer style began life in a little log 
cabin. He at once undertook the task of clearing 
the hiiiil. which was partially covered with tim- 
ber, and soon transformed it into a highly cul- 
tivated tract. He was one of the first in this 
section to engage in the nursery business. He 
it was who, assisted by his younger brother, 
planted sugar maples along the roadside in his 
native town — the first trees that adorned the 
streets of Cummington, Massachusetts. Prince- 
loirs beauty, which is largely the result of its tine 
nlil trees, comes from the efforts of Arthur Bry- 
ant. Sr. It is said that I'xample is stronger than 
precept ami it was lir wlio set the example of 
planting trees and adorning the streets of the city 
and the roadsides by the farms. .\mid the hard- 
ships incident to frontier life with its multi- 
plicity of varied duties, he found time within two 
III- iliiic years after his arrival here to ]irocure 
and plant sugar maples along the highway, and to 
the number of trees which he set out the first 
year he added from time to time until Maple 
avenue, or Bryant avenue, as it has been variously 
crtlleil. became a landmark and now remains one 
of the monuments to his memory. As soon as the 
trees could he secured he commenced to plant an 
apple orchard and in 1845 established a nursery 
business, which has been continued in the Bryant 
name to the present time. A thorough botanist, a 
lover of nature, especially of trees and plants, he 
was always looking out for something new or rare, 
anil on the old homestead may now be found l)e- 
tween ciirlitv .-iinl niin'tv varieties of trees, many 




ARTHUR BRYANT 



PAST AND PUKSHXT OF BriiKAU COUXTV. 



54: 



of tlu'iu not common in the state, and most of 
them, except some of the native varieties, phmted 
and eared ior by him. He was one of the organiz- 
ers of the Northwestern Fruit Growers" Associa- 
tion and a prominent and influential memlier of 
the State Horticultural Society of northern Illi- 
nois, which societies he served as president and in 
various other otlicial cajiacities. He was also vice- 
president of the American Poniological Society 
and his opinions regarding cjuestions relative to 
tile nursery business were largely received as au- 
thority. His wife, was one of those vigorous pio- 
neer women to whom, as much as to the iiien, Illi- 
nois owes its ])rogrc'ss. Of a kind. syin])athetic 
temjierament, she had a keen love for nature and. 
surviving her husband for several years, she )>asspd 
her declining days amid the shelter of the friendly 
trees which she had watched over from their early 
planting. It was in the year 1882 that Arthur 
Bryant. Sr., passed away, while his wife survived 
until 18'J4. 

Environment and inliciiird tendencies com- 
bined to make it the natural iliiug that the sons 
of the Bryant family should i)ec-ome interested in 
the gi'ovving of trees. The eldest son, Arthur 
Bryant, is now the head of the nursery firm nf 
Arthur Bryant & Sou and is widely recognized 
as a prominent nurseryman and horticullurisl. 
known throughout the state in this connection and 
honored as one of the ablest re|)resentatives of the 
business to which be has given his entire atten- 
tion. 

Arthur Bryant, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord. acf|uired his early educatimi in the public 
schools and continued his study under the direc- 
tion of Rev. A. B. Church and .James Smith of 
Princeton. He remained at home until his mar- 
riage in 18G4 to iliss Elizabeth Hughes, a native 
of X'irginia and a daughter of Gcwrge Hughes, fn 
1875 Jlr. Bryant located on his present place, com- 
prising one hundred and sixty acres of ricli and 
prodiu-tive land, most of whic'li is devoted to the 
growing of nursery stock. The work of improve- 
Mieiit lias l)een carried forward here until it is one 
of the iiest nurseries in the state. It is ])leasaiitly 
and conveniently situated a mile and a quarter 
south of Princeton and about sixty acres is de- 
voted to nursery stock, fruits, shrubs, ornamental 
trees, etc-. He also has. south of his liomestead. 
ninety-livu acres in nursery an<l orchard, and, west 
of town, has two hundred acres which are largely 
used for the growing of trees, ilr. Bryant has 
introduced the Salome apple, of which he is mak- 
ing a sj)ecialty and which because of its size, tjual- 
ity and favor is finding a ready sale, thirty men 
being upon the road as reprc>sentatives of the firm 
in the sale of this product and of the nursery 
stock. The farm is e<iiiipped with fine buildings 
and offices, having every modern convenience and 
accessory necessary to the successful conduct of 
the business along scientilic lines. Mr. Bryant is 
lioth progrc>ssive and prosperous and is continually 



broadening his knowledge concerning horticulture 
in its various ])hases. Few men are better in- 
formed concerning tlie best metliods of growing 
fruit, and while interested in all new theories his 
sound judgment readily recognizes adaptability 
and usefulness in these. He has for years been 
treasurer of the State Horticultural Society; lias 
also been its president and vice-jiresident and a 
memlx'r of its e.vecutive board. He has likewise 
Ijcen president and vice-president of the Northern 
Horticultural Society and was one of the three 
mendjers of the commission having in charge the 
horticultural exhibit at the World's C'oknnbian 
Exposition in Chicago in 18!l3. He has been and 
is a ]irolilie writer on horticultural subjects and 
has thus beconu' widely known throughout the 
count IT. 

Mr. Bryant takes a deep interest in the cause 
of education. He has been a mend)er of the school 
board and has also been supervisor of bis town- 
sliip. His religious faith is indicated by bis mem- 
bershi]) ill the Presbyterian church and his various 
relations are with such organizations and interests 
as stand for material, intellectual and nu)ral |)rog- 
ress. Beared to the business with which he is now 
connected, he has steadily advanced until he is 
recognized as one of the most prominent horti- 
culturists of Illinois and is also widely known be- 
vond the borders of the state. 



ALFltED LUNGKEN. 

Alfred Lungreii. a fruit-grower residing on sec- 
tion 6. Leepertown township, where he has a well 
improved farm of eighty-four acres, was born in 
Bureau county, March I'i. IS.")!!, his parents being 
Charles and Mary (Kapp) Ijungren. The mother 
now resides in Des Moines, Iowa, with her daugh- 
ter, Mrs. JIary Allmart, but the father passed away 
in 18G3, at the age of forty-live years. He was 
born in the western part of Sweden, near Stock- 
holm, and c-ame to Bureau county, Illinois, about 
li fly-live years ago, at which time he purchased 
land in Princeton township, where he cMigaged in 
farming. I'nto him and his wife were born four 
children: Mrs. Anna Norden. who died at the age 
of thirty-six years; Selina, the wife of Ilcv. Pier- 
son, who died at the age of thirty years; Alfred, 
of this review, and Jlrs. Mary .Mlinart, of Des 
.Moines, Iowa. 

.Alfred Lungi'en was reared in Princeton town- 
ship, where he ivsided practically all of the time 
until he jiurchased his present farm twenty-two 
years ago. He pursued a public-school education 
and in early manhood was connected with farm 
labor. He spent about a year in Oregon but the 
middle west was a more congenial place of resi- 
dence to him and he returned here. He now has 
a finely inqimved farm atxl is making a study of 
horticultural pursuits. His attention is devoted 
mainly to fruit, including peaebes and apples. 



548 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAIT COUNTY. 



uliicli lie produces in large ijuautities aud of the 
finest varieties, having from thirteen to fourteen 
liundred peach trees upon his place. 

ilr. Liingrcn was married in 1883 to Miss 
Amanda Westerliiig, who was born November 1, 
18G1, in Sweden, and when an infant of eight 
mouths was l)rouglit to America by her 2)arents, 
August and Anna (Hansen) Westerling. After 
twelve years spent in New York state aud one in 
Michigan they came to Bureau county, Illinois, 
and the father, in response to the country's need, 
enlisted at Princeton in defense of the Union cause 
and was mustered in as a member of Company A, 
One Hundred and Furtj'-eighth Illinois \'olunteer 
Infantry at (^uincy, on the 31st of January, 1865. 
Following the close of hostilities he was mustered 
out at Nashville, Tenuessee, September 5, 18G5, 
and continued hi^ residence in Bureau county 
throughout his remaining days, jiassing away in 
Princeton, Deceudjer Isj, 1!)03, when seventj-oue 
years of age. His wife died July 13, 1900, at the 
age of sixt3'-tliree. Mrs. Lungren has two sisters 
in Princeton, Jlrs. Frank Keed and Mrs. Williani 
Ellis. She also has a sister and brother iu Chi- 
cago, Mrs. Archie McDonald and Albert West- 
erling. Mr. and Mrs. Lungren have one daughter, 
Leah May, born May 10, 'l!)01. 

Politically Mr. Lungren is independent, voting 
for meti and measures rather than for party. He 
served for one term as road commissioner but b;is 
never been a politician in the sense of office sgpk- 
ing. He belongs to the Lutheran church and is 
interested in all that pertains to general improve- 
ment and progress along material, social and intel- 
lectual lines. He has done much to further the 
fruit-raising interests of the county and is num- 
bered among the leading agriculturists of Leeper- 
town lownsbip. 



HENRY STABLER, 
llcury Stabler owns and operates a valuablr 
farm of one Inuulred and seventy-seven acres in 
Neponset township. He is one of the native sons 
of this township, having been born March 31, 
18.')it, u\Hm the farm of his father, Robert Joseph 
Stabler. His mother bore the maiden name of 
Martha Hrambles and they wore well known farm- 
ing peo|)le of this jmrtion of the county, repre- 
sented elsewhere in this work. The son was edu- 
cated in the public schools and when not busy with 
his text-books aided in the work of the fields. 
When twenty-five years of age he started out in 
life on his own account and the occupation to 
which he was roared he has made his life work. 
He at first had sixty acres of land and later be 
[jurchased one hundred and .■;eventeen acres, con- 
stituting a valiuiltle farming ])ropertv, for the soil 
is rich and productive and responds readily to 
the care and cultivation which is bestowed upon 
it. He has greatly improved liis r(>sidence, mak- 



ing it one of the model farm jiroperties, and he 
has recently completed a fine barn with concrete 
foundation and every modern convenience. He 
has also built a good corn crib and everything 
about his place is in keeping with modern ideas of 
progressive farming. He raises good grades of 
stock, including cattle, horses and hogs, and he 
has now one hundred and eighty-five hogs upon 
his place. 

Mr. Stabler was married, February 13, 1884, 
to Miss Alice J. Bumphery, who was born in 
Henry county, Illinois, July 1, 1863, a daughter 
of J. P. Bumphery, who is mentioned elsewhere 
in this work. There are three children of this 
marriage; (Heun, born November 25, 1884; Laura 
E., July 26, 1887; and Ruby L., January 5, 1896. 

Mr. Stabler and his wife attend the services of 
the Jlethodist Episcopal church, of which she is 
a member and to the support of which he con- 
tributes. He has never cared for public office or 
sought to figure prominently in any public light, 
preferring to concentrate his time and attention 
upon his business affairs, and as the years have 
gone by he has met with a gratifying measure of 
success. His entire life has been passed in this 
county and that he has lived honorably at all 
times is indicated by the fact that many of his 
stanchest friends are those who have known him 
from his boyhooil and are familiar with his life 
historv. 



WILLIAM MAY. 

William ^lay is engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising on section 16, Selby township, where 
he owns and operates a finely improved farm of 
two hundred and thirteen acres that he luirchased 
in 1902. He has been closely identified with agri- 
cultural interests in his locality for many years 
and is one of the native sons of the township, 
his birth having occurred about a mile and a half 
south of Hollowayville, on the 18th of March, 
1848, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. John 
George ^fay. The mother died during the early 
boyhood of her son William and the father passed 
away a number of years later. Both were natives 
of (Jermany and came to Bureau county at an 
early day, casting in their lot with the pioneer 
settlers who were aiding in reclaiming this region 
for the uses of the white race. For a time they 
resided in Peru, La Salle county, and subsequently 
took up their abode on a farm in Selby township. 
Bureau county. In the family were four sons and 
two daughters: I^eonard, a resident of Peru; 
William ; Henry, living in Selby township ; Jacob, 
whose homo is in Berlin township ; Sirs. Barbara 
Lang, of Berlin townshi)i; and I\rrs. Annie Leyes, 
of Hall township. 

In the township where his birth occurred Will- 
iam Mav was rean>d and his education was ac- 
<piir(>(l in the school.-; of Hollowavville. He started 
out in life (in his own account in 1870. when about 




Mi;. AM) .M1!S. I1I<:XRY S'l'AI'.LKi;. 



PAST AXn 1'1!I-:SEXT OF lU'RHAI" COI-XTV. 



551 



twenty-two years of ago and lias always Ik'oii en- 
gaged in agricultural purrsuits, depending upon 
tlic soil for his living and bringing to Ijear in its 
cultivation j)raeti(al knowledge and keen discern- 
ment. He purchased liis present farm in l!)()'v' 
and year by year the lields l)ring fortli bounteous 
harvest, for he uses modern scientific methods of 
farming, the practical value of which he lias proven 
in the actual work of the fields. 

Mr. May was married in this c-ountv to Miss 
Philopena llalde, who was born in Selbv town- 
ship, a daughter of Oeorge and Lena Halde. 
I'nto Mr. and Mrs. May have been born five chil- 
dren, all natives of this county: George, who is 
married and resides in Sclby township: Mrs. Annie 
Fiste, of Selljy township: William, who is mar- 
ried and follows farming in Berlin township ; 
Joseph and Philip, who assist in the operation of 
the home farm. 

The jiarents are meiiiliers <>f the German Lu- 
theran church and in jiolitics ilr. ilay is a demo- 
crat, but while he is never remiss in the duties of 
citizenship, he does not seek or desire office. Pur- 
suing the even tenor of his way, watchful of the 
interests of his farm, making the best use of his 
advantages, he is conducting his business inter- 
ests in a manner jjrodiu-tive of good financial re- 
sults. 



THOMAS BUEDEN. 

'Chomas Burden is now living retired, but still 
resides upon his farm in Fairfield township. He 
is one of the most extensive landowners of the 
county, his holdings embracing eighteen hundred 
acres, which lie leases to various parties. He first 
came to Bureau county in 1850 and, being pleased 
with the country and its prosjjects, he decided to 
make his home here and located on his present 
fai'in on section 10 in 1852. Here for more than 
a half a century he has continuously lived and 
throughout this entire time has maintained a most 
unassailable reputation as an honorable business 
man. He was born in Queens county, Ireland, in 
18;i(i, and was seventeen years of age when he 
crossed the .\tlantic to the new world, settling first 
in Xew York. While there he w-orked on the rail- 
road between Syracuse and Rochester and laid the 
first T rail in that state, such rails being used to 
rejilacc the old strap rails of the first roads. 

In tlic fall of 1848 he ]iroceeded westward to 
Chicago and thence to Klgin, Illinois, whore he 
was employed on the construction of the old Chi- 
cago iS: Galena Railroad, while at a later date he 
also worked on the Chicago, Burlington & (Juincy, 
the Hock Island and other railroads. He had come 
alone to this country, his father having died in 
Irelan<l. At a later date his mother and other 
members of the family crossed the Atlantic and 
lived in Oswego, Now York, but from the time 
when he made the vovaye to the new world Mr. 



lUirden has depended entirely upon his own re- 
sources. As stated, he arrived lirst in Bureau 
county in 1850 and two years later purchased his 
present home farm on section 10, Fairfield town- 
ship, on which he erected a log house about ten bv 
twelve feet in dimensions. His railroad work 
brought him the capital that enabled him to be- 
come the owner of land. He carefully saved his 
earnings and pre-empted his homestead, which cov- 
ers the northwest quarter of the section. He has 
added to this at different times and he is now 
the most extensive landowner in Fairfield town- 
ship, while his realty holdings are among the larg- 
est in the county. He has followed farming since 
securing his pre-em])tion claim aliout 1854 and lie 
has been largely interested in stock-raising, mak- 
ing a specialty of full blooded L'uriiam cattle. For 
a great many years he hauled his grain to Ster- 
ling, a distance of eighteen miles. He has brought 
his land under a high state of cultivation and has 
four residences and sets of farm liiiildings upon his 
large acreage. At the present writing he is practi- 
cally living retired save for the supervision which 
he gives to the management of his property, but 
for many years he did much manual toil and he 
has borne a very helpful and imj)ortant part in 
reclaiming the prairies from ther wild condition 
and converting them into fine farms. 

Mr. Burden was married in La Salle, Illinois, 
to Miss Eleanor Fitzgerald, of Bureau county, 
who was a native of Queens county, Ireland, and 
who as a young girl went to Canada, whence she 
accompanied her parents on their removal to this 
state. Subsequently her parents came to Fairfield 
township. Bureau county, where they spent their 
remaining days, ller father died more than 
thirty-five years ago, while her mother passed away 
in 188G. Mr. and ilrs. Burden long traveled 
lilVs journey happily together, but were sejiarated 
by the death of the wife on the 15th of .\]iril. 
1901, when she had reached the age of si-vonty- 
one years. 

Mr. Burden has eight living children: George, 
a resident farmer of Fairfield townsiiip, who mar- 
ries] Rosanna Wisley. wiio died tour years ago, 
leaving ten children: Charles, a jiartner of the 
lirni of Burden Brotliers, of Taiiijiico. who mar- 
ried Kate Coiiroy and iias seven children ; John, 
who manages tiie home place: Mary, who is the 
widow of Jose])h Clync and lives upon the home 
farm : Emma, the w ife of William JlcCabe, super- 
visor of Gold township, by whom she has three 
children: William, who is also a member of the 
firm of Burden Brothers, of Tamnico. and was 
married to Margaret llarly: Elizabeth, the wife 
of William Graham, of Sterling, Illinois: and 
Xcllic, the wife of Pichard Kelley, a farmer of 
Fairfield townsiiip, by whom she has two sons. 
There were also two children who died in in- 
fancy: Katie and one who died unnamed. 

Politically Mr. Burden is a democrat and has 
served as comnii.ssioner and in some other local 



552 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



offices, iilthough lie has never sought or desired 
political preferment, his business interests hav- 
ing made close claim upon his time and attention. 
In addition to ao<iuiring extensive property inter- 
ests in this county he also is tiie owner of four 
hundred and tliirty acres of land in Whiteside 
county. He lias a fine residence in the village of 
Tampico and he holds memijership in the Catholic 
church there. The life record of ,Mr. Burden may 
well serve as a source of inspiration and encour- 
agement to others, for when he came to the United 
States he was empty handed, possessing only a 
strong heart and unfaltering determinatiou. He 
was ambitious to succeed, however, and scorned no 
honest work that would yield him a living. On 
railroad construction ho made his start and as the 
years jiassed lie invested largely and judiciously in 
land until his present holdings make him one of 
the wealthy residents of Fairfield township. 



progress and improvement, withholding his aid 
and co-operation from no movement that he be- 
lieves will prove of general good. He has resided 
continuously in this county for almost half a cen- 
turv and has therefore been a witness of much of 
its growth. 



KXOS M. HAYES. 

Enos M. Hayes, living in New Bedford, was 
born in Putnam, Illinois, August 7, 1853, and 
has been a resident of Fairfield township since 
1857, when he accompanied his parents on their 
removal to Bureau county. He is a son of An- 
drew J. and Nancy (Brown) Hayes. His father 
was born in Indiana, July 29, 1820, and his 
mother's hirth occurred in the same state, Febru- 
ary 28, 1830. They arrived in Illinois in the 
'30s and, as stated, became residents of Bureau 
county in 1857. 

Enos M. Hayes acquired his education in the 
district schools of Fairfield township and in that 
locality was reared to farm lalior and was con- 
nected with agricultural interests there until 1894. 
when he came to New Bedford, where he has since 
lived, his attention being given to various business 
enterprises. 

On the 13th of March, 1872, Mr. Hayes was 
married to Miss Nettie Failing, who was born in 
Irotjuois, Illinois, September 10, 1855. She, too, 
was brought to Bureau county in her childhood 
days and her early education was acquired in the 
public schools of Wyanet, while later she became a 
high-.school student in Princeton. Eight children 
have been born of this marriage, of whom one is 
now deceased. Those still living are: l^aura M., 
born October 30, 1874; Percy J., May 25, 1880; 
Lena M., November 30, 1884; Roweiia E.. August 
1, 1886; Irvin A., May 13, 1889; Melva M., .Mav 
15, 1893; and Barnal C, October 2, 1899. 

Mr. Hayes exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the republican 
party and is interested in its success and keeps 
well informed on the issues of the day. His fam- 
ily are all members of the Church of Christ. He 
is now living in comfortable circumstances in New 
Bedford. For five years he .served as constable of 
Greenville township and is interested in public 



LEWIS JAMES HOLMES. 

Lewis James Holmes operates a valuable farm 
of two hundred and fifty-five acres, of which he 
owns one hundred and sixtj'-five acres. This is 
situated in Macon township and in its well im- 
proved condition there is indication of the care- 
ful supervision of the owner. 

Mr. Holmes was born in Macon township, Au- 
gust 7, 1860. His parents were Lewis and Sarah 
(Coate) Holmes. The father was born in Wind- 
ham county, Connecticut, August 10, 1814, and 
was the only child of Thomas and Jerusha 
Holmes. He was reared upon a farm, acquired 
a common school education and I'emaiiicd with 
hi.~ parents until he attained his majority, assist- 
ing in the cultivation of the farm, subsequent to 
which time he worked in the woolen and cotton 
manufactories of Rhole Island and Massachusetts 
until 1838. He then went to Oneida county. New 
York, and spent a year workng on the Erie 
canal, after which he was again connected with 
woolen manufacturing interests in ^ladison coun- 
ay, where he remained until 1848. He then came 
to Illinois, settling on the present site of the 
village of Providence, having purchased a quar- 
ter section of land there before leaving the east. 
He did not like the location, however, as he de- 
sired to live where there was some timber, and 
he purchased a quarter section of land from the 
government in Macon township at a dollar and a 
quarter per acre. There were no improvements 
upon it and his first dwelling was a log cabin. 
By industry and thrift he not only added much to 
his original tract of land but also had a com- 
fortable residence and good buildings with mod- 
ern improvements. The journey westward was 
made by way of the lakes to Chicago, thence by 
canal to I^a Salle and on to ^lacon township. In 
1850 he bought eighty acres and as bis financial 
resources increased he added to his property un- 
til at one time he had si.\ hundred and fifty acres 
of land. He was one of the pioneer settlers and 
broke the wild prairie and did other arduous work 
connected with the development of a new farm. 
His entire life was devoted to farming and stock- 
raising and bis capable business maiuigciuent is 
indicated by the excellent results which followed 
his efforts. 

Lewis Holmes was twice married, bis first union 
being with ^liss Hannah Lee. wbom he wedded 
in Connecticut in 1837. Unto this marriage were 
born six children: 'Mary, the wife of I. W. Eaton, 
a r<'sident of Buda ; William IL. who is married 
and resides in South Dakota: Eiuina L.. (be wife 



TAST AXi) i'KESKXT OF lill.'KAU COL'NTY. 



553 



of Henry White; Galuslia Tj., who was Iwrn Feb- 
ruary 31, 1847, and is living in this county; 
Lewis B., who was born May 1, 1849, and died 
Maroli 21, 185!); and lOllen .)., wlio was l)orn De- 
cember 5, 1853, and died February 18, 1858. 
Havinji lost his first wife, Lewis Holmes, Sr., 
married Miss Sarah Coate, of England, on the 
25th of September, I860, and they had three 
children, of whom George W. and Lewis James 
are living, while a daughter, Dell, who was the 
second child, was born Novenilier 3, 18G1, and died 
November 10, 1881. The death of the wife and 
mother occurred November 29, 1898, eight weeks 
prior to the demise of her husband. He passed 
away at his home in Maeon township January 21, 
1899, at tiie age of eighty-four years, five months 
and eleven days. In politics he was a repiililican 
and served as assessor for forty yeai's. He was also 
school director and trustee and was a firm friend 
of the public schools. He lived an upright life 
and had the respect and esteem of all who knew 
him. His wife, who was born in Essex county, 
England, August 25, 1827. came to America in 
the fall of 1854, landing in Sheffield, after a 
voyage of six weeks and three days. She was 
formerly a member of the Church of England. 
Mrs. Holmes had a kind word for every one and 
was always ready to lend a helping hand to those 
in need. In the community she was mourned as 
a true friend and in the family circle is greatly 
missed. It can truly be said of her that those 
who knew her best loved her most. 

Lewis James Holmes pursued his education in 
the public schools and was reared upon his fa- 
ther's farm in Macon township, early becoming 
familiar with the duties and laliors that fall to 
the lot of the agriculturist. He began farming 
on his own account when twenty-eight years of 
age and his time and energies are now given to 
the further development and improvement of two 
hundred and fifty-five acres of land, of which he 
at present owns one hundred and sixty-five acres. 
In all of his work lie is energetic and determined, 
carrying forward to successfid completion what- 
ever he undertakes. 

On the 5th of April, 1888, Mr. Holmes was 
united in marriage to l^fiss Henrietta Sanfleben, 
who was born in Germany, May 7, 1865, and i.s a 
daughter of Henry and Christiana (Dahl) San- 
fleben, who were likewise natives of that country 
and came to the United States in 1868. Tliey 
located near Neponset, Illinois, and the fatlier 
worked out as a farm band. Later he boiigbt 
ninety-two and a half acres of land and subse- 
quently purchased one hundred and sixty acres 
north of Kewance. In 1901 he purchased a resi- 
dence in Neponset, where he and his wife are 
now living, having put aside the more active 
cares of a business career, ^fi'. Sanfleben is a 
democrat, having given his allegiance (o the par- 
ty since becoming a naturalized American citizen. 
Fnto him and his wife have been born four cliil- 



dren: Louisa, Charles. Mrs. Holmes and Henry. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Holmes has 
been blessed with nine children: Lewis H., Eva 
B., Sarah C, Lizzie IL, Grace M., Ruby M., 
Bessie M., George W. and CecH E. Mr. Holmes 
votes with the republican party and has served as 
school director for the past seven years. His 
interest in everything pertaining to the welfare 
of the community is indicated by his efforts to 
])romote public progres,s and advance the material 
development of the county. His entire life has 
been passed in Macon town.ship and the con.sensus 
of public opiuion regarding him is altogflln-r fa- 
vorable. 



FWANK GEBECK. 

Frank (iebeck is a representative of the farming 
interests of Concord township. His parents. Con- 
rad and Christina (l)uvwald) Gebeck, came to 
Buda, Illinois, in July, 1857, from Brunswick, 
Germany. They were farming people and spent 
their remaining days in Bureau county, identified 
with its agricultural interests. The father's d&ith 
occurred in June, 1801, while his wife passed 
away February 27, 1883. 

Frank Gebeck acqured his preliminary educa- 
tion in the district schools and afterward continued 
his studies in Sheffield. He spent his youth upon 
the home farm, working with his father through 
the period of his boyhood and after eom])leting his 
education until the time of the father's death. 
He still resides on the old home place but has 
added many acres to the farm, making purchase 
from time to time until within the boundaries of 
the old homest(>ad are now comprised one hundred 
acres. IL; has been very energetic and capable in 
his farm work and the fields have been iinnight 
uiulcr a high state of cultivation and return to 
him golden harvests for the care and labor he be- 
stows upon them. There are good buildings and 
modern equipments on the farm and none of the 
accessories of a model ))lace of the twentieth cen- 
tury are lacking. On the contrary everything in- 
dicates the spirit of enterprise which dominates 
the owner an<l has made him a successful agri- 
culturist. 

As a coni])anioii and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. Gebeck chose Jliss Jfelissa Winslow, of Buda. 
to whom he was married on the 1st of June. 1.S92. 
She is a daughter of Gardner and Cliristina Wins- 
low, who were farming people of (his county. The 
voung couple now have three children: Charles 
Havmond, born January 5, 1894: Fred Bryan, 
born iNovcmber 22, 1S95: and Hazt-l Bertha, Sep- 
tember 19, 1897. 

In his political affiliation Mr. (icbeck is a demo- 
crat, always giving .stanch allegiance to the ])arly 
and its principles. He liolds membership in the 
(i(>rnuin Lutheran church and tlii' cause of educa- 
tion has found in him a warm and stalwart friend 
dniin>i iiis twentv-one vears' service as a sciinol 



55i 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



director, in which time he has labored effectively 
and earnestly to uphold the standard of the schools 
and promote their efficiency. Spendiug his en- 
tire life in this locality, he is well known as a 
representative of its farming interests and his 
succe.'is is larjrely attributable to his earnest labors. 



EDWARD TINLEY. 

For nearly a half century Eilward Tinley, now 
deceased, was a well known business man of Bu- 
reau county. He was a native of Soutliwall, Eng- 
land, born SejJtember 22, 1833, and was a sou of 
Samuel and Sarah Tinley, both of whom were 
natives of the same country. 

Samuel Tinley was engaged in the grocery and 
bakery businei^s in his native country for many 
years. Wishing to better his conditiim, and know- 
ing of the possibilities in the United States for 
one in limited circumstances, he resolved to make 
this country his future home. xVccordingly. in 
1848, he came with his family and first located 
near Frankfort. Illinois, where he bought a farm 
and engaged in its cultivation for live years. He 
then moved to what is now known as Tinley Park, 
which was named in his honor, and ho was made 
station agent of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pa- 
cific Railroad, which position he filled for twenty- 
four years, when he resigned and for two years 
lived a retired life in that village, or until his 
death at the age of seventy-four years. In the 
same village the death of his wife occurred many 
years ago. Of their children, but two are now 
living: Samuel, who lives in Nebraska; and 
Charles, residing in Chicago, who is a passenger 
conductor on the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific 
Railroad. 

I'Mward Tinley was but fifteen years of age 
when he came witli his parents to the United 
States. In his native country he attended the 
public .schools and received in them the founda- 
tion of an education that was supplemented in 
the school of experience in after life, he being 
what might well be termed a self-educated as well 
as self-made man. He was a close oliserver of men 
and events and put the knowledge thus obtained 
to a practical use. 

On his arrival in this country, Edward Tinley 
assisted his father in farm work for a time, after 
which he went to Tinley Park, where, on March 
29, 1851, he entered the employ of the railroail 
company, first pumping water at their tank in 
that place, and then as switchman, baggageman 
and assistant to his father as station agent. In 
18.56 he went to DePue, where he served as station 
agent. 

While still living in Tinley Park he was mar- 
ried, September 22, 1855, to Miss l)orcas A. Kit- 
tell, at Mendota. Illinois. She is a daughter of 
Rev. Ephraim and Hannah Xittell. Ilcr father 



was one of the pioneers of Du Page county, Illi- 
nois, where he engaged in farming and also in 
preaching the gospel as a minister in the Baptist 
church. He was well and favorably known to 
the people of Du Page and adjoining counties 
and was respected for his sterling worth and his 
labors of love in the gospel ministry. He made 
De Page county his home until his death. His 
wife also died in that county. 

There were no children born to ilr. and Mrs. 
Tinley, but they partially reared several, includ- 
ing Sarah Bansor, who was Mr. Tinley "s cousin; 
and Gardner L. and Loretta H. Kittell, children 
of Warren Kittell, who was a brother of Mrs. 
Tinley and died at Memphis, Tennessee, June 
17, 1861, while in the Union service. Mr. and 
Jlrs. Tinley also reared Jessie Stephens, a daugh- 
ter of Sarah Bansor Stephens, and she became the 
wife of Frederick A. Tyng, a contractor of South 
Ottawa, Illinois, where his death occurred in the 
summer of 1906 by drowning, a son also losing 
his life at the same time and in the same way. 
Mr. Tyng was born and reared in Providence, 
Bureau countv. His widow still resides in South 
Ottawa. 

After marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Tinley moved to 
Trenton, now De Pue, Bureau county, where he 
became station agent for the Chicago, Rock Island 
& Pacific Railroad, which position he held for 
many years to the satisfaction of the patrons of 
the station and the traveling public. The duties 
of that position did not require his entire time, 
so he engaged in other lines of business from 
time to time, and was quite successful as a busi- 
ness man. In lSi;() be engaged in buying and 
shij)j)ing grain. He also, about the same time, 
entered into jjartnershij) with Jai-ob Bernhard & 
Hassler in the general mercantile trade and con- 
tinued in that line for several years, adding ma- 
terially to his bank account. For some years af- 
ter^vard he engaged in the lumber and coal busi- 
ness in connection with merchandising, being al- 
ways a very busy man. 

While residing in Dc Pue. .Mr. Tinley served as 
])ostmaster, notary ]ni])lic. justice of the peace, 
school director and a member of the towMi board. 
In every position filled, he served with entire sat- 
isfaction to his constituents, and with credit to 
himself. In politics he was always a stanch re- 
pulilican, attaining his majority and rights as an 
.\merican citizen about the tinu^ the republican 
party came into existence. lie conscientiously 
voted that ticket until 1892, when ho voted for 
(i rover Clevelaiul, who then was for the second 
time elected to the j)residency. Unlike many oth- 
ers he did not leave his party, but as a free Ameri- 
can citizen exercised his right to vote as he 
thought best. Sociallv he was a member of De 
Pue lodge, I. 0. 0. F." and Princeton lodge, A. F. 
!.'(• .\. M. In early lif(> he united with the Melh- 
iiilist Prntestnnl clinrrb and was identilied with 




(^^ i/vc^^-^ ci s^ CyM ^"L-ju^ 




^ZM-<2<cW ^ 7x.^^i-^ 



PAS']' AN'D PKKSKXT Ol' HI l.'KU COINI^ 



559 



iliat body until the iluuvh brokf up, after wliitli 
lie and liis wife attended the churches which they 
found most couvenient. 

For more than twenty years before his death 
Jlr. Tink'v was in poor healtli and in 1895 sokl 
his business interests in De Pue and decided to 
travel for both pleasure and health. He and his 
wife visited many points of interest both in Amer- 
ica and abroad. In 1876 they visited Niagara 
Falls. Butfalo, New York city, Washington, Phil- 
adelphia and the Centennial Exposition. In 1878 
they crossed the Atlantic and traveled through 
England, going to Liverpool and Manchester, the 
birthplace of Mr. Tinlcy. They also visited 
Soutlnvall and the cathedral where he was chris- 
tened in the Episcopal church; Newark, where 
his parents were living when they started for 
.Vuierica ; Nottingham, Jjincoln, London, Exeter 
and beautiful Torrpiay were also visited. In 
France they attended the Paris exposition and 
went to ])laccs of interest surrounding. They af- 
terward traveled to Brussels and in C4erniany took 
a trip down the Khine to Cologne, seeing Bingen ; 
liheinstein Castle, two hundred and sixty feet 
above the river; Mayence and Strausburg, where 
they saw the famous clock; also Heidelberg, with 
its university and castle; and Baden Baden, where 
they enjoyed the famous baths. Continuing on 
their way they traveled througli Switzerland to 
Lucerne and went up the cog railroad on ilount 
l.'igi. \\here the fog obscured the view, which 
should have extended for one hundred miles. They 
also visited Zurich and Geneva, with the sky above, 
the blue water beneath apd the snow capped 
mountains, making a scene of beauty almost in- 
descrii)able. From Geneva they proceeded by 
coach to Chamouny, a distance of about sixty 
miles, and then on mules made their way up 
Mount Blanc to Moutanvert, a height of five thou- 
sand three hundred and sixty-six feet. Leaving 
the mules there, they walked down the mountain 
to Mer-do-Glace (sea of ice), which resembles 
gentle waves frozen. At one place they crossed a 
strip of ice well hacked to prevent slipping. The 
strip was about six feet wide with large crevasses 
on each side four or five feet wide and of great 
depth, so that when a stone was thrown into one, 
several seconds would elapse before it reached the 
bottom. On one side towered Mount Aiguille du 
Dru to a height of twelve thousand live hundred 
and seventeen feet ; on the other side Aig du 
Moine, eleven thousand two hundred and fourteen 
feet — a sublime scene. After walking some dis- 
tance the jiarty proceeded down Mamais Pas. 
For a short distance the path is made of steps 
hewn in the rock, of various widtlis and de])ths, 
and an iron rod is attaclied to the rocks to which 
one may cling for safety, as the glacier is a hun- 
dred or more feet down and the rock is nearly 
perpendicular. The face of the rock also extends 
upwards several hundred feet, as the steps are cut 
on the side of the mountain, and at inters'als 



water from melting snow above dashes across the 
steps. At the chateau, the parly may again 
mount the mules, which make their way over a 
narrow path, turning very sharp corners. Mr. 
'J'inley and others of the party walked down, but 
Mrs. Tinley rode. They afterward visited Berne 
and the bear pits and several other points of inter- 
est and later returned to Paris and England. In 
1889 they again crossed the Atlantic, visiting rel- 
atives in various towns in England and also going 
to the English lakes and to Scotland, visiting 
lulinburgh, Glasgow and the birthplace of Rob- 
ert Burns near Alloway kirk. The house is still 
.■^landing and has a roof of thatch two feet thick. 
The bed stood in a recess of the living room and 
there was one pane of glass at the head of the 
bed and on the other side four small lights. A 
large fireplace was on the side of the room oppo- 
site the bed and on one side of it some shelves 
contained a few pieces of the crockery once in 
possession of the poet's mother. Mr. and Mrs. 
Tinley also went to Melrose .\.bbcy and Abbots- 
Inrd, the home of Sir Walter Scott, and after vis- 
iting London and Paris again returned home. In 
the fall of 189-1 they went to California and 
Oregon and in 1895 visited the City of Mexico, 
returning liy way of New Orleans and down the 
gulf to Florida. In 189G they visited Nassau, 
i?ahama Islands. About 1898 they went to Can- 
ada, going through the Lachine rapids in the 
St, Lawrence river, to Montreal and Quebec, and 
after returning to the United States went up 
Mount Washington and to Portland, Maine, and 
to Boston. On visiting Canada again they went 
from Quebec to the Chicoutino Falls, then down 
the Saguenay river into the St. Lawrence and up 
that river to Quebec and to Montreal by rail. This 
was the last extended trip Mr. Tinley made, and 
in all their travels tiiey said they never saw any- 
thing as grand as Niagara Falls, 

Mr. Tinley returned lo Chicago to live a retired 
life, making his home in various hotels, including 
the Southern, Saratoga, Morrison and Plaza. In 
1903, while residing in tJie last named hotel, he 
was taken seriously ill, and there died June 2, 
1903, By his request his body was cremated at 
the crematory near Graceland cemetery, on the 
Saturday following. The ashes were placed in 
a small receptacle that had been prepared under 
his direction. The receptacle was sealed aiul sent 
to the relatives. On Thursday, June 11, the 
ashes were conveyed to Princeton, and on arrival 
at the depot the funeral party was met by rep- 
resentatives of the Masonic- order, who acted as 
an escort. Princeton an<l Bureau Masonic lodges 
and Boyal .Vrch Masons accompanied the funeral 
cortege to the cemetery, and arriving there the 
b(>auliful Ma.sonic burial service was read over 
the remains, after which tliey were placed in the 
larger receptacle prepared for them. The cere- 
monv was witnessed by many people from the 



oUO 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



county at largo who had gathfivtl to pay tribute 
to tlie memory of a good man. 

In the life of such a man as Edward Tinley 
there is much that should be an encouragement 
and incentive to those wlio come after him. With 
but limited education, with no advantages of 
wealth or intlucutial friends, he ]iursued the even 
tenor of his way, doing the work that came to his 
hand, and doing it well. That success should 
crown his efforts is not to be wondered at, and 
that same success will crown the efforts of any 
one who will work as he worked, being guided at 
all times by the divine principle of honor and 
integrity and following the teachings of the golden 
rule. 

Since the death of her husband, Mrs. Tinley 
has traveled extensively all over this country, and 
still spends much of her time in that way. In 
1905, however, she determined to make Prince- 
ton her future home, and there purchased a large 
and handsome brick residence on South Main 
street, where with her nephew and niece, and the 
lattor's children, she now resides. Her house is 
always open to friends and relatives, many of 
whom partake of her hospitality from time to 
time, and who delight to be in her presence. She 
traveled life's journey with her husband for many 
years, partaking with him of its joys and sor- 
rows, much mori- of the former than of the latter, 
however, and in death her ashes will doul)tless be 
mingled with his, and in the resurrection she will 
rise with him to enjoy the bliss of an eternal life 
where sorrow and death sliall never come. 



CAPTAIN ERASTUS DEXNISON BILL. 

Captain Erastus Dennison Bill, deceased, was 
a representative of a picturesque maritime ex- 
perience when viewed in the light of the present 
improvements in navigation, for he was one of 
the very last of the old-time seamen who cir- 
cumnavigated the globe under canvas. He 
passed away at Sheffield, December 2.3, 190."), hon- 
ored and respected by all who knew him, and it 
is meet that his history be given a place in this 
volume, for during many years he was widely 
and favorably known in Bureau county. His birth 
occurred at Groton, Connecticut, May 13, 1836. 
He came of an ancastry distinguished for loyalty, 
his father having served as a soldier in the war 
of 1812, while his grandfather was a soldier of 
the Revolutionary war. Ills mother was a daugh- 
ter of Colonel Benjamin Adam Gallup, who also 
won distinction by his valor as a defender of 
the colonial cause in the war for independence, 
joining the army when he was only sixteen years 
of age. 

Believing that he would find a seafaring life 
congenial, Captain Bill made his first vovage on 
the whaling sliip. Citizen, sailing from Sag Har- 
b H-. Long Island. He was a seaman for fourteen 



years and won promotion from time to time un- 
til he became first officer on one of the finest 
clipper ships sailing from New York. After a 
two-years' cruise on one occasion they brought 
home thirty-seven hundred casks of oil. 

On leaving the sea Captain Bill became a 
resident of the middle west and was identified 
with mercantile interests in Ottawa, Illinois, prior 
to the establishment of his home in Sheffield. 
Later he removed to Plymoiith, Indiana, but 
finally returned to Bureau county and lived in 
retirement upon a farm near Sheffield until his 
death. In his business career he won the success 
which comes through close application and per- 
sistent, earnest effort. He did not engage in 
speculation or place his trust in any fortunate 
combination of circumstances but labored dil- 
gently and perseverngly for what he acquired and 
enjoj'cd. In addition to his farming interests in 
Bureau county he was also agent for an insurance 
company. 

Captain Bill was married twice. On the 1st of 
September, 18.57, he wedded Ada Mary West, of 
Plymouth, Indiana, a daughter of Dr. Charles 
and Ada Mary (Messenger) West, who were origi- 
nally from Massachusetts and became residents 
of Indiana about 1845. They are still living at 
about seventy years of age. Captain Bill had a 
family of nine children. Emma Frances became 
the wife of Frank M. Littlefield, of Dorchester, 
Nebraska, February 20, 1884. Charles Dennison 
married Theresa Keese, of Green Mountain, Iowa, 
September 28, 1892. Henrv Avery was married 
October 16, 1896, to Bessie" McCarroll, of Green 
Mountain, Iowa. Albert Edward wedded Lena 
Octavia Cummings, of Shellicld, March 7, 1901. 
Bertha Curtis Ijccame the wife of James Mitchell, 
of Utica, Illinois, May 4, 1898. Fred Arthur now 
operates the home place and rents one hundred 
and twenty acres adjoining, making his home with 
his mother. He is a veteran of the Spanish- 
American war, having enlisted in the navy. May 
24, 1898, as ordinary seaman on the steamship 
Uncus, a dispatch boat. He was in the Havana 
blockade and was discharged in August, 1898, and 
retired on account of illness. Fannie Louise was 
married November 8, 1899, to Allen 0. Stetson, 
of Sheffield. Laura Eva became the wife of Bert 
Norris, of Tiskilwa, April 1, 1901. Hattie Ada, 
who was the second in order of birth, and who 
died September 6, 1890, was the wife of Homer 
Thomas, to whom she was married November 8, 
1883. 

In his political views Captain Bill was an in- 
dependent and always kept informed on questions 
and issues of the day, so that he was able to sup- 
port his position by intelligent argument. He 
never souglit otTice but was school director for 
many years. He was naturally a fluent speaker 
and one of the l)est posted men in his community 
on iiiiitlers of current interest. He held member- 
ship in the Congregational church, in which he 






•y. 




PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



5ti3, 



acted as deacon, and his life was in harmony with 
his professions. His was in many respects an 
eventful and interesting career. Long before the 
Spanish- American war or before Commodore 
Dewey had captured Manilla Captain Bill had 
walked the streets of that island city and for a 
few months he was in California among the 
miners who sought gold on the Pacific coast fol- 
lowing its discovery in 1848. He visited Japan 
and China before their ports were open to for- 
eign trade and was also at the Sandwich islands 
before the influence of civilization had scarcely 
taken root there. He visited many other ports 
of the globe and retained to the last many inter- 
esting recollections of those early days and the 
varied experiences which they brought to him. At 
all times he manifested the good qualities of a 
considerate neighbor, a faithful friend, a devoted 
husband and father and an upright, conscientious 
citizen. Thus, when he passed away, in the seven- 
ty-ninth year of his age, he left behind him a 
name which is honored and respected, and he well 
deserved a place upon the pages of the history of 
his adopted county. He left a valuable and well- 
improved farm of eighty acres, whereon his widow 
and son make their home, but he cared not to ac- 
cumulate wealth. He was kind-hearted and lost 
considerable by being too easy with those indebted 
to him. 



ULYSSES G. HAYDEN. 

Ulysses G. Hayden, a representative member 
of the Bureau county bar and a leader in repub- 
lican circles, is practicing in Priuceton where, in 
recognition of his skill and broad professional 
learning, a liberal clientage is accorded him. He 
was born in Kentucky, on the 28th of February, 
1868. His father, Robert W. Hayden, was also 
a native of that state and a representative of an 
old Kentucky family. The mother, who bore the 
maiden name of Jennie Reeve?, was likewise born 
in Kentucky. Robert W. Hayden was a farmer by 
occupation, following that pursuit throughout his 
entire life save for the period of the Civil war, 
when he joined the Union army and served 
throughout the entire period of hostilities as a 
defender pf the national government. He died 
February 20, 1906, at the age of seventy-seven 
years. 

Ulysses G. Hayden, whose name forms the cap- 
tion of this review, pursued his "ducatif^n in Ken- 
tucky. His elder brother, Elijah, was engaged in 
farming in Bureau county, Illinois, and because 
of this Ulysses G. Hayden came to this state about 
1886 and continued his education in Princeton 
high school. On completing his course there he 
engaged in teaching school for several years in 
Bureau county and was a capable educator, who 
imparted clearly and concisely to others the 
knowledge that he had acquired. At length he 
entered a law office in Chicago, having in the 



meantime devoted his leisure hours to the study 
of law while connected with the system of public 
instruction. He afterward attended the Chicago 
Law School and the law school of the Northwest- 
ern University, from both of which he was grad- 
uuated with the degree of Bachelor of Law. He 
then pursued a special law course in Hlinois Col- 
lege of Law and was admitted to practice before 
the Supreme court of Hlinois, also the United 
States district court and the United States cir- 
cuit court. He entered upon the active work of 
the profession in Chicago and at the same time 
practiced considerably in Princeton and in other 
states, including Indiana. Alabama, Ijouisiana and 
Kentucky. He located in Princeton in 1904 and 
has since been a leading member of the bar with 
a large and distinctively representative clientage. 
He throws himself easily and natural into the ar- 
gument in the trial of a caus^ There is no 
straining after effect, but on the contrary a pre- 
cision and clearness in his statement and an acute- 
ness and strength in his argument which speaks 
a mind trained in the severest school of investiga- 
tion and to which close reasoning is habitual and 
easy. 

Mr. Hayden is recognized as a leader in repub- 
lican circles, doing active and effective work for 
the party, in the success of which he is deeply 
interested. He is now serving as an alderman of 
the fourth ward. 

On the 7th of June, 1894, Mr. Hayden was 
united in marriage to Miss Cora M. Riley, a 
daughter of Joseph Riley, of Princeton, and they 
have two children. Leta M. and Glenn R. Mr. 
Hayden is a member of the Princeton Masonic 
lodge and of Peace Lodge, I. 0. 0. F. He is 
likewise afTiliated with other societies, is a mem- 
ber of the Chicago Law Institute and of the Jlelh- 
odist Protestant church, in the work of which lie 
takes an active and helpful interest, serving at 
the present writing as superintendent of the 
Sunday school. He occupies a beautiful home on 
North Main street, which he erected in 1905. His 
nature is kindly, his temperament genial and his 
ideals high. In political tliought and action he 
has always been indepenilent. carrying out his 
honest views without fear or favor and his life 
has been one of continuous activity, in which has 
been accorded due recognition of labor. 



HANS SANDBERG. 

Hans Sandberg is one of the extensive land- 
owners of Bureau county and is a self-made man 
whose prosperity has come as the direct and legiti- 
mate outcome of his own labors and perseverance. 
He was born in Sweden, June 9, 1857, a .son of 
Hans and Matilda (.Tohnson) Sandberg. The 
father was born in Sweden in August. 1823, while 
the mother's birth occurred in that co\intry in 
June. 1824. She is still living but the fatlior 



564 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



passed away in 1903. at the age of eighty years. 

Hans Sanrlberg, whose name introduces this re- 
view, spent the lirst twenty-four years of his life 
in the land of his nativityand there acquired his 
education, but thinking to improve his financial 
condition in the new world, he crossed the Atlantic 
in 1881, locating in Putnam. Illinois, where he 
lived for three years. On the expiration of that 
period he went to Bureau Junction in Bureau 
county, where he also spent three years, after 
which he removed to Walnut, where he has since 
resided. That his life has been one of untiring 
activity and enterprise is indicated by the fact 
that he is today the owner of six hundred acres 
of land worth one hundred dollars t)er acre, of 
which three hundred and twenty acres lies on sec- 
tions 18 and 19, Walnut township, while two hun- 
dred and seventy-three and one-half acres is on 
section 30, Greenville township. He had about 
eight hundred dollars when he came to America 
and that he is now one of the substantial residents 
of Bureau county is due to his hard work and his 
frugality. His industry and enterprise have won 
him the admiration and respect of all who know 
him and his husiness record is such as any man 
might be proud to possess, for he has always been 
prompt in meeting his financial obligations, in 
keeping his engagements and in performing any 
task that has devolved upon him. 

On the 24th of April, 1889, Mr. Sandberg was 
married to Miss Sophia Johnson, who was born 
April 25, 1861. By a former marriage he had one 
daughter, Mary, whose birth occurred September 
25, 1886. Mr. and Jlrs. Sandberg are members 
of the Swedish Lutlieran church and his political 
allegiance is given to the republican party. He 
has never had time for secret societies nor for 
active search for office, preferring always to leave 
political service to others, while he has devoted 
his time and energies to the management of a 
business which in the course of years lias brought 
him an excellent financial return, making him 
one of the prosperous, prominent and respected 
residents of Walnut and Bureau countv. 



ANDREW F. B. OLSOX. 
Andrew F. B. Olson, deceased, was a self-made 
man, whose life record in its persistency of pur- 
pose and honorable effort, is well worfliy of emula- 
tion. He was born in the south part of Sweden, 
at Christianstad, February 6, 1832, and was 
reared upon a farm. His parents, however, were 
very poor, and he had to earn his own living. 
When only seven or eight years of age he attended 
geese and sheep, and as soon as he was old enough 
he drove a team on farm, receiving only his board 
in compensation for his services. Feeling that 
he had litUe opportunity for advancement in bis 
native land he borrowed the money from his oili- 
est brother to come to America and arrived in 



Princeton on the 11th of July, 1857. He then 
remained a resident of Bureau county up to the 
time of his death. Here he was first employed 
bv S. S. Newton at fourteen dollars per month, 
and later was an employe of Amos Bacon. De- 
sirous to engage in farming on his own account, 
he incurred an indebtedness in order to purchase 
eighty acres of land, which he bought in 1864. 
He worked hard, and when his unremitting labor 
and perseverance enabled him soon to discharge 
his financial obligation, and as the years passed, 
his financial resources increasing, he added to his 
property from time to time until he was the owner 
of six hundred and forty acres of valuable and 
productive land. He started out empty-handed, 
and as the years passed, won a most gratifying 
measure of success. He overcame all the diffi- 
culties and obstacles in his path by determina- 
tion and energy and his business integrity was 
ever unassailable. 

On the 30th of January, 1862, Mr. Olson was 
united in nutrriage to iliss ilary Christine John- 
son, who was born in Smaland, Sweden, January 
3, 1844, and came to Princeton in 1853, with her 
parents, Nels and Inga Johnson, also natives of 
Sweden. Her father, who was a watchmaker and 
farmer by occupation, died at the age of ninety- 
six and a half years, and her mother at the age of 
eighty-four. Mrs. Olson was reared and educated 
in this county and still lives upon the old home- 
stead left to her by her husband. They became 
the parents of eleven children, namely: Ella H., 
who was born November 5, 1862, was married 
June 16, 1S85, to Arthur C. Larrison, a merchant 
residing in Rock Island, Illinois. Nels G., a farm- 
er, who was born May 20, 1864, was married 
Jilarch 12, 1896, to Miss Mary Fletcher, of Con- 
cord, who died leaving three children, and he sub- 
sequently was married June 30, 1904, to Miss 
Helen Pottorf, by whom he has one child. Albert 
0., born June 28, 1867, in Wyanet township, was 
married JIarch 12, 1896, to Miss Emma Nelson, 
and has two children. Edward C, born January 
20, 1870, was married October 20, 1892, to Miss 
Minnie Oloffson, of Manlius township, and they 
have four children. Nettie E., born April 21, 
1872, became the wife of Henry Owens Miles, of 
Concord to\raship, November 14, 1894, and died 
in January, 1901, leaving two children. Esther 
B. v., born October 8. 1875, was married Janu- 
ary 2-1, 1905, to John C. Pettee, a resident farmer 
of Wyanet township. Fredolph R., born March 
15, 1877, is farming on the old homestead, which 
property he owns. Jennie A., born !March 6, 
1879, is at home. Julia J., horn March 28, 1882, 
was married February 7, 1906, to William R. Wes- 
sell, of West Bureau, a farmer by occupation. 
Mabel R., born February 26. 1S8.5. and Nellie 
W.. i)()rn June 29. 1887. are both at home. 

Tlie death of Mr. Olson occurred June 28, 1896. 
Ill' was a member of the Swedish Lutheran 



I'AST AM) I'liESEXT OF BLIJEAU L'ULNTV. 



565 



cluirch at Wyanet, to which his widow also be- 
loiiiis, and he served as a deacon of the churcli 
while at Princeton. Durinjr tlio lon-i years of 
his residence in Bureau county ho <rained the un- 
qualified regard and confidence of his fellowmen 
by reason of an upright life, by well directed in- 
dustry, by deference for the opinions of others and 
bv a kindly and genial spirit. He was a very 
successful farmer and stock-raiser, and his prop- 
erty is still owned by his heirs, to whom he left 
not only a goodly estate, but also the priceless 
heritage of an unlaniishod name. 



THOMAS JEFFERSON FIFIELD. 

Thomas Jefferson Fifield, actively connected 
with general farmins at intervals throughout his 
entire life and continuously since 1870 and also 
conducting a life and fire insurance agency for 
many years, makes his home in Concord township. 
It was in this township, on the 13th of Julv, 18-!-!:, 
that he began his life record, his parents being 
Samuel and Eurena G. (Stevens) Fitield. The 
father came to Bureau county in 1840 and took 
up the occupation of farming here. The mother 
arrived in this county in 1836 and belonged to a 
family of farmers who came from New Hampshire. 
Thus in both the paternal and maternal lines Mr. 
Fifield is descended from an agricultural ancestry. 
His father continued in active connection with the 
farming interests of this community up to the 
time of his death, which occurred March 23, 1869. 
He was a prominent man in his community and 
his fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and 
ability, called him to public office. He served as 
assessor, collector, postmaster and school director 
and in the midst of an active and useful life 
passed away at the age of fifty-two years. His 
wife long survived him and died on the 20th of 
ifarch, 1902. In their family were nine children, 
all of whom were born in the old family residence 
upon a farm in Concord township, and all are now 
living with the exception of three. 

Thomas J. Fifield was educated in the schools 
of Buda anil in Lombard Collese at Oalcsburg, Il- 
linois, where he completed his more specifically 
literary course. He then prepared for the respon- 
sibilities of a business career by a course of study 
in Eastman's Business College of Chicago, from 
which he was graduated in the year 1870. In 
early manhood he engaged in teaching for four 
years and then entered mercantile circles at Buda, 
where he conducted a store for two years. Later 
he devoted three years to general agricultural pur- 
suits, when be again entered commercial life at 
Buda as a lumber merchant, conducting a yard 
for three years. Since 1890, however, he has re- 
sided continuously upon his farm, which he has 
successfidly conducted and he now has a good tract 
of land which he has brought under a high state 
of cultivation, the fields beinir well tilled, wliilc 



the buildings are all kept in good repair, lie like- 
wise maintains an insurance agency, writing both 
life and fire insurance, and for manv years he has 
represented a number of the old substantial com- 
panies. 

On the 10th of December, 1874, occurred the 
marriage of Mr. Fifield and Miss ilary Augusta 
Mosher, of Buda, a daughter of Eliiah Moslier, a 
merchant of that place. The children born of this 
marriage are: May Victoria, a graduate of the 
schools of Buda and now a student in Lombard 
College at Galesburg, Illinois; and Clicster Mosher, 
who was born January 9, 1882, and, having grad- 
uated from the Buda schools, is now assisting his 
father on the farm. 

The home property comprises three hundred and 
sixty acres, constituting one of the large and valu- 
able farms of Concord township, whereon the 
owner is successfully engaged in the raising of 
grain and stock. He and his family are members 
of the Union church and are prominent in the 
community, the members of the boui^ehold occu- 
pying an enviable position in social circles. Mr. 
Fifield was equipped by good educational training 
for a business career and, making the best pos- 
sible use of his opportunities, he has advanced 
along substantial lines until he is accounted one 
of the men of affluence in Concord township with 
a record which is as creditable for its honesty as 
for its success. 



JOHN J. SWEENEY. 

John J. Sweeney, filling the oirue of justice of 
the peace and notary public in Spring Valley, 
where he is engaged in the fire insurance and real 
estate business, claims Ireland as the kind of his 
birth, his natal day being June 24, 1853. When 
two years of age he came to the Ignited States 
with his parents, who settled in Illinois. The 
early education of the son was obtained in the 
public schools of this state and he afterwards at- 
tended Niagara University in New York, where 
he completed his college course. 

On leaving school he returned to La Salle coun- 
ty, where he was living at the time he went east 
to continue his studies, and following his return, 
was elected to the otTice of town clerk of Dim- 
mick township, and subsequently township col- 
lector. He taught school in Bureau and La Salle 
counties for about fifteen years and proved an 
able educator, imparting with clearness and con- 
ciseness to others the knowledge he had acquired. 
He was also for several years identified with jour- 
nalistic interests, acting for two years as city edi- 
tor of the Ottawa Fire Trader. He wiis also re- 
]iorter and editor for several years of the hi .*>(i//t^ 
Demucrat and uie La Salle Deinoiint-rrei^x. For 
a few years he resided in the northern peninsula 
of ■Michigan, where he also engaged in the daily 
iicwspajicr business, and in the spring of 1892 



5G(i 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



he came to Spring Valley as editor of the Spring 
Valley Sentinel, which he edited for two years, 
while later he was connected with newspaper work 
here in different capacities. In 1900 he was 
elected justice of the peace for Hall township and 
has since presided over the justice court in Spring 
Valley, being re-elected in IKO.J. Hi., decisions 
are based upon the equity and the law in the case 
and are strictly fair and impartial, few of his 
opinions having ever been reversed. His course 
therefore has "won golden opinions from all sorts 
of people." He also acts as special correspondent 
for metropolitan papers, including leading jour- 
nals of New York, Chicago and St. Louia.. and as 
above stated, is engaged in the 'eal estate and in- 
surance business, having a good cuentate in these 
lines. 

Mr. Sweeney is recognized as one of the promi- 
nent representatives of democracy in the eastern 
part of Bureau county, and has taken a very ac- 
tive and prominent part in promoting this party's 
interests. He lias served as a member of the 
Democratic County Central Committee a long 
time and at this writing is the nominee of his 
party for the office of county judge of Bureau 
county. 

On tlie 17th of April, 1892, Mr. Sweeney was 
married to Miss Kit Cronyn and their children 
are: Lucille, born March 8, 1S94; Gerald, July 
29, 1895; Helen, January 2, 1899; Cyril, June 
10, 1900; Mildred, January 5, 190.5, and James 
Allan, August 7, 1906. The parents are com- 
municants of the Catholic churcli and occujjv a 
prominent social position in Spring Valley. Mr. 
Sweeney has a very wide acquaintance and his 
leading personal qualities are such as make liim 
popular wherever known. 



Al.HEirr \V. HOYDHN. 

Aliiprt \V. Boyden belongs to the little grouji of 
distinctively representative business men who 
have been the pioneers in inaugurating and build- 
ing up tlic chief business cntpr)iriscs of this section 
of the country. He early had th'j sagacltv to ap- 
preciate the eminence which the future had in 
store for this great and growing western country 
and, acting in accordance with the dictates of his 
faith and judgment, he has garnered, in the full- 
ness of time, the generous harvest which i.s the 
just recompense of energy, integrity and enter- 
prise. Ho is now connected with many extensive 
and important liusiness interests and he makes 
his home in Slieffield, where his opoiations as a 
lianker, general merchant, lumberman and grain 
dealer extend to many of the thriving towns of 
this part of the state. 

A son of Dr. Wyatt and Elizabeth (Woodbury) 
Boyden, he was liorn in Beverly, Massachusetts, 
May 34, 183.3. His father was a practicing phy- 
sician of Beverly and. intending that liis son 



should be a farmer when he was old enough, Al- 
bert \V. Boyden was consequently placed u])on a 
farm, where he was employed during tlie summer 
seasons. He also acted as clerk in a bank for 
some time and received there business lessons 
which have been of value to him in his later ca- 
reer. In September, 1853, attracted by the l>road- 
er opportunities of the new and rapidly developing 
west, he came to Illinois, clerking for a time in 
Chicago and later for the Stevens lirm in Tis- 
kilwa. He then secured a farm north of Shef- 
field, on which he took up his abode, biit he did 
not lind agricultural life congenial to him and 
determined to concentrate his energies along other 
lines of business activity. Accordingly he removed 
to Sheffield in the fall of 1858. and entered into 
business life, where he was destined to achieve" 
success — the success which comes through close 
application, unremitting diligence and a keen in- 
sight into business possibilities and conditions. 
After clerking for three years for the firm of Scott 
& Porter, engaged in general merchandising, he 
purchased the interest of the junior partner and 
tlie firm style, Scott & Boyden, was then assumed. 
In 1870 Mr. Boyden sold out to tlie firm of Scott 
& Company and joined H. C. Porter in a general 
merchandising and banking business. This was 
continued by the firm until October, 1875, when 
the death of Mr. Porter occurred and on the 1st 
of January, 1876, through the formation of a 
new partnership, the firm name was changed to 
Boyden & Dewey. Tliese gentlemen remained in 
active business connection until 1889, when the 
partnership was dissolved, Mr. Dewey retaining 
the general mercantile establishment as his share 
of the business, while Mr. Boyden took charge of 
the bank with his son, George W. Boyden, as his 
partner and assistant under the style of A. W. 
Boyden & Son. 

Our subject is a man of resourceful business 
ability and his far-sighted sagacity and wise coun- 
sel have proven important elements in the suc- 
cessful control of many business undertakings. 
Following the death of his former partner, Mr. 
Porter, he was for many years secretary and treas- 
urer of the Sheffield Mining Company. He lias 
also become closely connected with mercantile, 
lumber, grain and itanking interests in the. town 
of Mineral under the style of E. J. Ely & Com- 
pany. He was for many years a partner of the 
firm of F. D. White & Company, of Sioux Rapids, 
Iowa, and as a partner in the firm of Lindner & 
Boyden he is associated with banking, the grain 
traile and elevator interests at liuda. He operates 
in Tiskilwa as a lumber merchant under the style 
of II. E. Curtis & Company, and as a grain dealer 
at Annawan, Illinois, with J. C. Dewey & Com- 
pany, and is also interested in the Bank of .Vnna- 
wan. He is pre-eminently one of the successful, 
capable and entcrjirising business men of Biiicau 
county. 

Mr. liovden wns married on the .'d of .Vpril. 



ft 





c 



I'AST AMI n.'HSENT OF BUKKAI (Ol NT^ 



.'.(;!) 



18o(i, to Kllcii 1\. Wubb, who was horn in Skow- 
hegan, Maine, April 18, 1837, a daughter of Jo- 
seph B. and Martha (Weston) Webb, wlio came 
to tliis county in 1851. Mrs. Boyden died July 
25, 1892. The following children were born to 
Mr. and Mrs. Boyden : George W., born January 
3, 1858, is a partner of his father in all his enter- 
prises and resides at Shellield; William C. Boy- 
den, born April 6, 1864, is a graduate of Harvard 
College and now a member of the law firm of Matz, 
Fisher & Boyden, of Chicago; Martha F., born 
July 21, 18G6, is the wife of John H. Finley, 
formerly president of Knox College, Galesburg. 
Illinoi?, and now president of the College of the 
City of New York. Charles W., born July 31, 
1872, and educated at Harvard College, is in busi- 
ness with his father at Sheffield. Albert A. Boy- 
den, born April 10, 1875, is a graduate of Har- 
vard College and one of the editors of the Ameri- 
can JIagazine, Xew York city. 

In politics a prominent and pronounced repub- 
lican, Mr. Boyden has labored effectively for the 
interests of his party in this section of the state. 
In 1884 he was nominated by the republican con- 
vention of the twenty-fifth district as candidate 
for the state legislature and was elected in No- 
vember of tliat year. He is an active member 
of the Congregational church, generous in its sup- 
port and manifesting a spirit of benevolence in 
his relations to the poor and needy. To him there 
has come the attainment of a distinguished posi- 
tion in connection with the business interests of 
this portion of Illinois and his efforts have been 
so discerningly directed that he seems to have 
realized the full measure of success. A man of 
distinct and forceful individuality, of broad men- 
tality and mature judgment, he has left and is 
leaving his impress upon the business world. For 
years he has been an important factor in the up- 
building of various towns of Bureau county and 
in the ]iromotion of enterprises winch add not 
alone to his individual prosperity but also ad- 
vance the general welfare and prosperity of the 
city in which he makes his home and of the vari- 
ous towns in which he has business connections. 



JOHN C. WHITE, M. I). 
Dr. John C. White, president of the Bureau 
County ^fcdical Society and a successful practi- 
tioner at Seatonville, was born in Coldstream, 
Scotland. May 18, 1846, a son of John and Fran- 
ces C. (Waite) White. Dr. White was educated in 
the schools of Edinburgh and of London, Eng- 
land. He graduated from the ]?oyal College of 
Surgeons with the class of 18G7 and from the 
Koyal College of Pliysicians in the class of 1868, 
and equipjied by splendid training for the onerous 
and important duties of his profession he entered 
upon the active work as a physician and surgeon. 
since which t'nie lie lias (illcil many iin|MirlMnl 



places of trust in the line of iiis profession. lie 
was at one time house surgeon at Westminster 
Hospital, also house pliysician in tiie same insti- 
tution and junior house surgeon. He was assist- 
ant medical officer in tlie Stockwell Sniallpo.\ Hos- 
pital and was surgeon to iier nuijesty's Emigra- 
tion Commissioners for India and resident med- 
ical officer of the Koyal Kent Dispensary. As sur- 
geon for the emigration commissionersDr. Wlute 
traveled e.xtensively in the East and West Indies 
and to various other parts of the world. 

Coming to the United States in 1882, he re- 
mained in New York city until 1884, after which 
he spent tw^o years in Chicago. He then removed 
to Bureau county, settling in Spring Valley, wiiere 
he remained until Seatonville was incorporated in 
1889. Since that time he has practiced continu- 
ously in the latter place and for twenty years has 
been a resident of Hall township. He is at this 
writing, in 1906, president of the Bureau County 
Medical Society — a position which indicates the 
place which he holds in the regard of his fellow 
members of the fraternity. He is likewise a mem- 
ber of the American Medical Association, the Illi- 
nois State Medical Association and the Northern 
Central Medical Society. An earnest and discrim- 
inating student, he has carried his investigations 
far and wide in^o l!,e realms of medical and surg- 
ical science, continually jironioting his skill ami 
efficiency through reading and study, and that he 
is one of the most iible members of the medical 
fraternity in Bureau county is indicated bv his 
liberal patronage and the lienors which have been 
conferred upon him by his professional brethren. 
He is medical examiner for the Illinois Life In- 
surance Company, and in addition has a large jiri- 
vate practice, which is making constant demands 
upon his time and attention, yet leaves him oppor- 
tunity for active co-operation in those interests 
which tend to benefit his fellowmcn and promote 
the welfare of town and county. 

In 1872 Dr. While was married to Miss Hannah 
Merrick, and they have one daughter. Jfary Fran- 
ces, who is married and resides in England. Dr. 
White takes a very deep and helpful interest in 
church and religious work and is a member of the 
First Congregational church of Seatonville, in 
which he is serving as deacon. He is also one of 
the board of directors of the Illinois Home Mis- 
sionary Society. A republican in jiolitics he keeps 
informed on the questions and issues of tlie day 
and gives hearty co-operation to those legitimate 
movements for promoting the growth and insur- 
ing the success of his party. He is, however, op- 
posed to anything like misrule in municipal af- 
fairs and stands at all times for good government. 
He lias served as justice of the peace for twelve 
years and notary juibiic: for sixteen years. 

A prominent Mason, lie became a member of 
Dalhousie lodge, No. 860. A. F. v^- A. M.. in Jjon- 
don. England, and on the 11th of May, 1875, in 
1,1'iiilon. lie was presented with a testimonial by a 



570 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



committee of the Royal Masonic Institute for 
Girls in recognition of his services as steward at 
the eighty-seventh anniversary festival, at which 
seven thousand two luindred and sixty-nine pounds 
sterling were raised for tiie institute. The lord 
mayor, Rt. Hon. David Henry Stone, occupied 
the chair on the occasion of the presentation and 
the Doctor prizes highly the beautiful illuminated 
address which he then received. He joined the 
Odd Fellows society in London in 1874, and be- 
came a member of Sheridan lodge. No. 198, K. P., 
in Spring Valley. He was the first chancellor 
coiiiniander of the lodge and served for two terms. 
Ho afterward assisted in founding the Knights of 
Pytliias lodge at Ladd and also Harrison lodge. 
No. 403, K. P., at Seatonville, and is serving for 
his fourteenth term as keeper of the records and 
seals. He has been for seventeen years surgeon 
and assistant surgeon for the Third Regiment of 
the uniformed rank of the Kni'ihts of Pythias of 
Hlinois. It will be seen that Dr. White is a man 
of well grounded character, not so abnormally de- 
veloped in any one direction as to become a genius, 
but with his native talents and energies exercised 
to their full strength, with the result that his life 
has lieen of benefit to his fellowmen, his activities 
touching many lines of general interest and at the 
same time proving a source of individual profit. 
He has done effective work in fraternal and church 
circles and is the loved family physician in many 
a household in Hall township. 



M. J. GREENER. 

M. J. Greener is the owner of one of the model 
farms of Bureau county and a prominent repre- 
sentative of stock-raising interests. Ho has, more- 
over, been a leader in those lines of activity af- 
fecting the general interests of society, and has 
co-operated in many movements for political, in- 
tellectual and moral progress. He lives near 
Seatonville. and is numbered among the native 
sons of Bureau county, his birth having occurred 
in Sell)y township, December 20, 1848. His 
father, J. G. Greener, was born in Byron, Ger- 
many, and when twenty-five years of age came to 
the United States, attracted "by the broader busi- 
ness opportunities of the new world. He ar- 
rived in this county in 1836 and cast in his lot 
with the early pioneer settlers. For many years 
thereafter he engaged in farming, which pursuit 
he made his life work. In polities he was a re- 
publican, and was a man most highly respected 
by all who knew him. His life was so upright and 
honorable that he was known to all his neighbors 
as "honest John." He died in the year 1893, 
leaving a comfortable competence and an untar- 
nislied name as the result of a life of activity and 
business integrity. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Marilla Jane Savage, and was born in 
Putnam county, Illinois. 



M. J. Greener pursued his education in the 
schools of Bureau county, and when he put 
aside his text-books became connected with the 
saddlery inisiness in Hollowa3Tille, where he re- 
mained in active trade for eighteen years. In 
1893 he purchased a farm on section 18, Hall 
to^vnship, consisting of eighty acres of land, to 
which he afterward added eighty acres on section 
7. He has made it a model farm, on which he 
has a fine residence and other buildings. It is 
supplied with all modern cquipnients and is in- 
deed a valuable property, constituting one of the 
attractive features of the landscape. In addition 
to the cultivation of the fields he is likewise rais- 
ing fine stock, making a specialty of Durham 
cattle and Poland China hogs. He is a member 
of a stock company owning a very valuable im- 
ported French stallion. He is also well known 
as a raiser of fine poultrv, and he has niuch fruit 
upon his place. In fact, there is no better im- 
proved farm in the county, and its improvements 
are all in keeping with the most progressive spirit 
of the age. 

In 1875 Mr. Greener was united in marriage to 
Miss Emma Hassler, a daughter of Charles Sass- 
ier, an old resident of Bureau county. In the 
family were nine children, but two of the number 
are now deceased — Emma, who died at the age 
of nine years, and a son who died in infancy. The 
seven still living are Charles, Frederick, Harry, 
Lena, Clark, M. J.. Jr., and Hattie. 

Mr. Greener is a member of Bureau County 
lodge, No. 112, A. F. & A. M., and Princeton 
chapter, R. A. M., and is thoroughly in sym- 
pathy with the teachings and tenets of the craft. 
In politics he has been a life-long republican, and 
has taken a deep interest in the welfare of the 
county, to the extent of giving hearty co-opera- 
tion to every movement which he deems will prove 
of public benefit. He has been a delegate to many 
county conventions and is an earnest champion of 
republican principles, although not an office- 
seeker. He holds membership in the Congrega- 
tional church, in the work of which he takes an 
active and h('l)iful part. He has served as deacon 
and has always devoted much of his time and en- 
ergy to church and Sunday-school work. He is 
thus interested in the material, political, social 
and moral progress of his communit}', and his 
influence is ever on the side of right, improve- 
ment and progress. 



SINO E. WINSER. 
Sino E. Winser, a representative agriculturist 
of Hall township, whose farm of four hundred 
and sixty acres is a model property, was born in 
this township, June 19, 1849. His father, James 
Winser, was a native of Hawldiurst, Keni county, 
England, born August 24, 1816. The paternal 




MK. AND MRS. M. J. (ilJEENEK. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



573 



grandfather, Kdward Winser, was also a native of 
the same localitv and at one time was a resident 
of Bureau county, Illinois, hut spent his last days 
in Henry county, this state. James Winser left 
England on the 18th of September, 1841, and 
made his way direct to Bureau county. He worked 
for Robert Scott and others for several years and 
then removed to Lvingston county, Hlinois, where 
lived his brother-in-law. There Mr. Winser lo- 
cated a claim but afterward returned to Bureau 
county and purchased land on section 30, Hall 
township, on which he took up his abode in 1850. 
As the years passed he became a successful and 
prosperous farmer and stock-raiser and the home 
farm of four hundred and si.xty acres was a model 
one, equipped with modern conveniences and pro- 
ducing fine crops as a result of the care and labor 
bestowed upon the fields. In 1872 James W^in- 
ser returned to his native country, making the trip 
in twelve days, although when he first crossed the 
Atlantic it required six weeks to complete the 
voyage. On the 12th of August, 1848, he was 
married to Miss Serena Munson, who was born on 
the 19th of September, 1832, in W'arren county, 
Indiana, a daughter of Sino and Sarah (Fenton) 
Munson, the former a native of New York, and 
the latter of Ohio. Unto Mr. and Mrs. James 
Winser were born four children : Sino E., Will- 
iam B., Mrs. Nancy I. Campbell and Mrs. Isabel 
S. Miller. 

Sino E. Winser, born in Hall township, spent 
his boyhood and youth in his parents' home and 
pursued his education in the public schools. He 
early became familiar with the duties and labors 
that fall to the lot of the agriculturist and has al- 
ways carried on general farming, having now a 
good tract of land in Hall township, which he has 
brought under a high state of cultivation. His 
Ijolitical allegiance is given to the democratic 
party, of which liis father was also a stalwart ad- 
vocate. 



ANDREW CARPER. 
-Vndrew Carper is the owner of an excellent 
farm property comprising three hundred and ele- 
ven acres of well improved land in Macon town- 
ship, and his success in his business career is at- 
trilditable entirely to his own labors. Moreover 
he is entitled to representation in this volume as 
one (if tiie veterans of tlie Civil war. for he de- 
fended his country in the darkest hour of her his- 
tory. His birth occurred in Bedford countv. 
Pennsylvania, October 17, 1842, and his education 
was affordeil by the public schools. His parents 
were Philip and Elizabeth (Bassler) Carper, the 
former a native of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, 
born December 4, 18]'l. while the latter was born 
in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, September 17, 
1824. The father was a son o( Samuel Carper, 
who was of German parentage and was born in 
Virginia. He died, however, in Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania, August 3, 1861, at the age of 



eighty-lhree years, twp months and twenty-seven 
days. His wife, Mrs. Christina Carper, who was 
born in Lebanon county, Pennsylvania, died in 
1SG4 at the age of eighty years, ten months and 
twenty-three days. 

Philip Carper was reared to the occupation of 
farming and always followed that pursuit as a 
life work. He was married in Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania, to Miss Elizabeth Bassler, who died 
September 25, ]S45, leaving three children: Eliza, 
who was born November 8, 1840, and became the 
wife of John Burke, while on the 6th of May, 
1901, her death occurred; Andrew, of this review; 
and Samuel B., who is living in Macon township. 
.Vfter losing his first wife the father married Han- 
nah Emerson, who was born in Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania, February 4, 1808, and died April 2, 
1900. For a number of years after attaining his 
majority Philip Carper continued to reside in the 
Iveystone state and in the spring of 1852 emi- 
grated westward to Fulton county, Illinois, where 
he resided until the spring of 1853. He then re- 
moved to Concord township. Bureau county and 
in 1854 removed to Macon township, where he 
followed farming, and in 1855 he purchased one 
hundred and thirty-seven acres of land on which 
was a log cabin. Subsequently he erected thereon 
a frame residence which now stands as the handi- 
work of one of the pioneer settlers of the county. 
He first bought military land and he had at one 
time two hundred and ninety-seven acres. His 
life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits 
and through his intense and well directed activity 
he gained a goodly measure of success. His early 
political allegiance was given to the whig party 
and after its dissolution he became a stanch re- 
publican. He was a member of the Brethren 
church and also assisted in supporting the Church 
of God. He passed away in Macon township, 
February 23, 1894, after a long residence in this 
county, during which time he won a place among 
the leading, substantial and honored pioneer resi- 
dents. 

.Vndrew Carper, whose name introduces this 
review, was a lad of ten years when he came with 
his parents to Jllinois and he remained with them 
until twenty-one years of age, assisting in the ar- 
duous task of developing a new farm. He then 
began farming on his own account, first buying 
eighty acres of land, while later he added a tract 
of forty acres. Eventually, however, he sold that 
property and bought one hundred and sixty acres, 
winch he cultivated and improved for some time. 
.\t length he sold his second farm and bought 
one hundred and ninety-nine acres where he now 
resides. lie has added to his land as opportunity 
lias oiTered and as his financial resources have per- 
mitted until he is now the owner of three hun- 
dred and eleven acres, constituting a well im- 
proved and valuable farm. He is engased in gen- 
eral farming and stock-raising. Practically the 
only interru])tion to his business career was dur- 
ing the period of the Civil war, when in response 



074 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



to the country's call lie enlisted ou the 8th of 
September, 1864, as a member of Company H, 
One Hundred and Fort.v-sixth Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry, at Bunker Hill. Illinois. He was mus- 
tered in at Peoria, thence went to Springfield and 
was afterward ordered to Quincy, where he did 
provost duty until the time of President Lin- 
coln's assassination, when he was ordered to 
Springfield, the regiment being in line at Lincoln's 
funeral. He was mustered out in the capital city. 
July 8, 1865. 

In 1876 ^Ir. Carper was married to ^liss Sarah 
Wilds, who was born March 27, 1855, and died 
llarch 23, 1896. They were the parents of seven 
children: William A., born October 22. 1877; 
Charles A., who was born August 29, 1879, and 
died March 22, 1883 ; Philip Thompson, born No- 
vember 30, 1881: Mabel A., January 24, 1884; 
Benjamin F., July 22. 1886; Edward, December 
29, 1888; and Forrest, June 20, 1892. For his 
second wife ilr. Carper chose Sarah H. Stratton, 
who first married Archie Mead and foUowiiiii; his 
death she became the wife of Mr. Carper on the 
3d of June, 1896. She was born October 20, 1862, 
a daughter of Edward and Caroline (Robins) 
Stratton. Her father was born in Ohio and died 
in 1904, at the age of seventy-five years, while his 
wife, a native of New Jersey, is now living in 
Buda at the age of seventy-three years. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Carper were born three children : 
Frederick P.. born Julv 7. 1897: John L., April 
17, 1898: and I^Iuriel E.. July 20, 1900. 

Politically Mr. Carper is a stalwart republican, 
thoroughly in sympathy with the principles of the 
party, yet not an office seeker. Fraternally he is 
connected with the Modern Woodmen of America. 
In his boyhood Mr. Carper was very fond of hunt- 
ing and had ample opportunity to indulge his 
love of that sport, for there was much wild game 
in the county, including deer, prairie chickens 
and wild turkeys. In the spring his father would 
send him out with a gun to drive oi5 wild brant 
and geese which were feeding on the fields of grain. 
He has for many years witnessed the changes that 
have occurred here, the transformation that has 
taken place and the substantial growth and im- 
provement of the county and as the years have 
passed he has borne iiis fidl share in the work of 
substantial improvement <ind develojiment, espe- 
cially along asricultural lines. 



HARRY U. BAILEY. 
Harry U. Bailey, editor and owner .f the Bu- 
reau County Republican, was iinrn February 1', 
1869, in Princeton, his parents being Mr. and Mrs. 
J. W. Bailey. He attended (he public schools and 
the high school in Princeton and also took a 
course in a commercial school in Quincv. Mr. 
Bailey has always given his time to newspaper 
work and has never been otherwise engaged. Upon 
leaving school he commenced work in the office of 



the Republican, then owned by his father and 
Charles P. Bascom, under the firm name of Bailey 
& Bascom. He commenced at the bottom of the 
mechanical department and in a few years was in 
charge of that department. With a desire to fur- 
ther prepare himself for the work of editing a 
newspaper he went to Iowa and purchased a county 
seat newspaper and a few years later sold the paper 
and went to Chicago for experience in the editorial 
department of a daily newspaper and there for 
nearly two years he was employeil by the city 
editor of the Chicago Tribune. It was on the 
7th of October, 1889, that jMr. Bailey went to 
Iowa, and at that ime he purchased a half inter- 
est in the Cerro Gordo County Republican, pub- 
lished at Mason City, and three months later his 
brother William J. Bailey, then publishing the 
Gazette at Spring Valley, Illinois, sold his paper 
at the latter place and purchased the other half 
interest of the Cerro Gordo County Republican. 
In March, 1890, they commenced the business of 
publishing ready prints for country weekly papers 
under the name of the Mason City Newspaper 
Company and in this venture they were very suc- 
cessful. In January, 1893, they sold the business 
of the newspaper company to the Western Union 
Newspaper Company, which company purchased 
the business in behalf of the other companies in- 
terested in the ready print business. 

While residing at Mason City Mr. Bailey was 
married on the 19th of November. 1891, to Miss 
Jennie E. Colver, daughter of ilr. and Mrs. J. H. 
Colver, of Ladd, Illinois. In November, 1892, 
Mr. Bailey and his brother sold the Cerro Gordo 
County Republican and the following year re- 
moved to Chicago, where he commenced his work 
with the Chicago Tribune. In ilay, 1894, Mr. 
Bailey came to Princeton and established a bureau 
for reporting current news for several counties for 
the Chicago daily paners. On July 22, 1896, oc- 
curred the death of Charles P. Bascom, and on 
the 5th of September following Mr. Bailey pur- 
chased from his estate his interest in the Bureau 
County Republican, and engaged in the publica- 
tion of the paper in partnership with his father, 
under the name of Bailey & Son. This partner- 
ship continued until the death of his father on 
May 22, 1903, and shortly after he purchased from 
the estate his father's interest in the paper and 
since that time has been conducting the business 
himself. His father published the paper for a 
period of forty years and previous to that time 
was in the newspaper business in Ohio. Both his 
father and his grandfather made their life's work 
the publishing of newspapers and were never en- 
gaged in any other business. Mr. Bailey is a trus- 
tee of the Methodist Episcopal church, a director 
of the Citizens' National bank and a member of 
the Princeton city council. The standing of the 
Republican is well known in Princeton and Bu- 
reau county and the long experience of Mr. Bailey 
in the newspaper field qualifies him for the inter- 



PAST A,\D TKESENT OF BUREAU COUN'J'Y. 



ests which now chiiin his attention. The paper is 
well worthy the liberal patronage wliith it re- 
ceives in both the circulating and advertisinir de- 
partnients. 



WILSOX W. DRAPER. 

Wilson \V. Draper is engaged in the conduct of 
a livery business in Walnut, where he has nuide 
his home since 1903. He was born in Greenville 
township, this county, August 12, 1880, and, hav- 
ing spent his entire life in this part of the state, 
is therefore well known to a large number of its 
citizens. His parents were Dennis D. and Viola 
T. (Wilson) Draper. The father was born July 
24, 1850, in Greenville township, which fact indi- 
cates that the Drapers are among the pioneer fami- 
lies of the county. His wife's birth occurred Sep- 
tember 19. 1852." 

Wilson W. Draper at the usual age began his 
education in the district schools near his father's 
home and therein mastered the branches of learn- 
ing which qualified him for life's practical and 
responsible duties. He was reared to farm life 
and no event of special importance occurred dur- 
ing the days of his boyhood and youth to vary for 
him the routine of a rural existence. His time was 
divided between the duties of the schoolroom, the 
pleasures of the playground and the work of the 
fields. After attaining man's estate, however, he 
determined to follow some other pursuit than that 
of agriculture and, removing to Walnut in 1903 
when twenty-three years of age, he established a 
livery barn, which he is now conducting. He has 
a first class stable, in which he keeps a number of 
good horses and some fine vehicles, and his earnest 
desire to please his patrons has been one of the 
salient features in the very gratifying success 
which has attended him in his business atfairs. 

On the 30th of March, 190^, occurred the mar- 
riage of Jlr. Draper and Miss Verna B. Johnson, 
who wi;s born May 7. 1883, in this county. Tiiev 
are both members of the Mystic Workers of the 
World and of the Royal Xeighbors of America, the 
latter being the ladies' auxiliary of the Modern 
Woodmen, with which Mr. Draper is identified, 
his membership being in camp Xo. 17. His polit- 
ical allegiance is given to the republican party. A 
young man, energetic and enterprising, his clo.se 
application to his business, combined with his in- 
du.stry, has resulted in a gratifying success. 



A. L. STEELE. 
A. L. Steele, now living retired from active 
business, his home being at Xo. 226 West Soutli 
street in Princeton, was born in Erie county, Xew 
York, near BuiTalo, on the 8tli of March, 1827. 
His parents, Danfonl and Lydia (Abel) Steele, 
were natives of Williamstown, Vermont, and went 
to the state of Xew York in 182G, settling in Erie 



county. The father was a carpenter by trade and 
died when only thirty-three years of age. The 
mother afterward came to Hlinois, where she re- 
sided until her death, which occurred in 18G1, 
when she was sixty years of age. Both the Steeles 
and Abels were old families of Xew^ England and 
were of Scotch-Irish descent. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Danford Steele were born three children : Henry 
D., who is now- residing in Denver, Colorado; A. 
L., of this review; and Leonore, wlio died in Do- 
ver, this county, in 1851. 

A. L. Steele was reared in the state of his nativ- 
ity and was a young man of twenty-one years when 
he came to Illinois in 1848, settling at Dover, Bu- 
reau county, where he worked at farm labor until 
1850. Then on account of poor health he entered 
a store in Dover, where he was employed until 
1859. He afterward engaged in business on his 
own account in connection with C. D. Hubbard, 
proprietor of a general store at Dover, which tiiev 
conducted under the firm name of Steele & Huli- 
bard. Each partner invested five hundred dollars 
and they incurred an indebtedness of six thou- 
sand dollars in order to stock their store, but this 
was entirely discharged within four years. Dur- 
ing his long business career Mr. Steele never sued 
a man nor sent a statement if within a day's ride 
of a debtor. He was always, however, a good col- 
lector and was equally prompt in discharging ev- 
ery financial obligation. Men who had business 
relations witli him trusted him and on no occa- 
sion did he ever betray in the slitiiitest degree tiie 
trust reposed in him. After a partnership of four 
years Mr. Steele purchased Mr. Hubbard's interest 
and continued the business until 1892, when he 
sold his property and disposed of his stock. He 
then purchased land in southwestern Minnesota 
and also erected his present comfortable residence 
in Princeton. The years have brought him suc- 
cess as a reward of his earnest, persistent labor, 
careful numagement and keen business discrimi- 
nation and with a handsome competence he retired 
to private life to enjoy in well earned rest the 
fruits of his former toil. 

On the 28th of Xovember, 1852, was celebrated 
the marriage of A. L. Steele and iliss Susan Zear- 
ing, the wedding ceremony being performed in 
Dover. She was born in Cumberland county, 
Pennsylvania. April 2, 1829, a daughter of Martin 
and Saraii (Shafer) Zearing, who were natives of 
Pennsylvania and were of German and Swiss de- 
scent. They became pioneer residents of Bureau 
county in 1836 and soon afterward located on a 
farm in Berlin, wliich is now the property of David 
S. Zearing. 'J'hey continued to reside in lierlin 
until called from this life, the fatiier dying in 
July, 1855, at the age of sixty-one years, while 
his wife survived until 18G9 and passed away at 
the age of .seventy-three years. Mrs. Steele was the 
sixtli child in a family of twelve children, of whom 
two daughters and four .«ons are living, namelv: 
Martin R., a resident of Princeton : Louis, who 



5T(i 



VAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



lives in Ladd, this county; David S., of Prince- 
ton; John M., of De Kalb county, Missouri; and 
Mrs. Sarah Foster, of Chicago. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Steele has been 
blessed with six sons: Charles D., who is at the 
head of the collection department of Swift & Com- 
pany, in Chicago; George, a resident farmer of 
Dover township; John A., who is engaged in the 
hardware and grocery business in Gunnison, Colo- 
rado ; Dick, who is in the office of the secretary of 
state in Springfield, Illinois; Louis L., who is en- 
gaged in the hardware business in Galesburg ; and 
Dr. H. D. Steele, of Princeton, who is mentioned 
elsewhere in this volume. There were also three 
daughters in the family but two died in infancy, 
while Lottie L., who became the wife of William 
J. Bailey, of Chicago, died August 13, 1890, at 
the age of twenty-three years. Mr. and Mrs. 
Steele celebrated their golden wedding anniversary 
four years ago — a most delightful occasion, which 
was participated in by many friends. 

Politically Mr. Steele is a republican and al- 
though never an office holder or an aspirant for 
political honors he has always taken an active in- 
terest in politics, realizing tlic obligations as well 
as the privileges of citizenship and doing all in 
his power to secure the adoption of the principles 
which he deems most conducive to good govern- 
ment. In 1855 he became a member of the Odd 
Fellows society and was secretary of the local 
lodge for many years, but withdrew from the or- 
der about six years ago. Mrs. Steele has been a 
member of the Baptist church tor the past lifty- 
five years and they arc a most highly esteemed 
couple of Princeton, their circle of friends being 
almost co-extensive with the circle of their ac- 
quaintance, wliile in many incidentvS they have 
gained the warmest personal regard of those with 
whom they have been associated by reason of their 
possession of sterling traits of character. Mr. 
Steele figured for many years as a prominent, 
leading and successful business man of Bureau 
county and although he started out in life in a 
very humble capacity he worked his way steadily 
upward and his history is another illustration of 
that fact that labor finds its sure reward and that 
the record which the American people hold in 
highest regard is that of the self-made man. 



WILiJAM HASSLER. 
William Hassler, who is engaged in general 
farming in Berlin township, was born in Bureau 
county, April 11. 1867, and is the eldest son of 
Jacob and Elizabeth (Lintz) Hassler. The 
father was also a native of this country, while the 
mother's birth occurred in Germany and from that 
country she came to .\merica when a little maiden 
of seven summers. Establishing their home in 
Bureau county, their son, William Hassler, was 
reared upon the old homestead farm and early 



became familiar with the duties and labors that 
fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He worked 
in the fields through the summer months and in 
the winter seasons attended the public schools. 
Having arrived at years of maturity he chose as 
a companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss 
Maggie Piper, whom he wedded on the 4th of 
September, 1894. She was born January 13, 
18G4, a daughter of Hiram H. Piper. Unto this 
marriage two children were born but are now 
deceased. 

Mr. Hassler is a democrat in his political views 
and stanchly advocates the principles of the 
party, while his religious faith is indicated by his 
membership in the German Lutheran church. He 
manages one hundred and sixty acres of choice 
land and promises to be one of the leading farmers 
of the county. He also owns eighty acres on sec- 
tion 6, Ilall township, inherited from his father. 
If honesty, thrift and push will accomplish re- 
sults Mr- Hassler, with the start that he has al- 
ready made, will make a success. He has already 
made a creditable record, owing his success en- 
tirely to his perserverance and energy and his life 
tluis far illustrates what may be accomplished 
through the exercise of those qualities which have 
long been recognized as essential factors to pros- 
perity. 



EDWIN CHAPMAN STUDLEY. . 

Edwin Chapman Studley, who is engaged in 
general farming in ^fineral township, wliere he 
owns and operates three hundred and fortA'-four 
acres of rich land, annually gathering therefrom 
good crops, is a native .son of the township in 
which he still resides, having there first opened his 
eyes to the light of day on the 24th of March, 
1861. He is a son of Christopher C. Studley, a 
retired farmer residing in Neponset, who owns 
in this county a valuable farming property. He 
represents one of tlie pioneer families of Illinois, 
Ids gi-andparcnts, William and Ann (Cha])man) 
Studley, having located in that part of Morgan 
county which is now included in Scott county, 
Illinois, at a very early day, while Christopher 
C Studley became one of tlic first settlers of 
Neponset township. Extended mention is made 
of the father on another page of this work. 

To the common school system of the county Ed- 
win Chapman Studley is indebted for the educa- 
tional advantages he received. He was reared 
ui)on the home farm and in his youth remained 
with his father, afterward renting part of his 
father's land for a number of years. He lias al- 
ways followed the occupation of farming and his 
early practical experience in the fields well quali- 
fied him to take up agricultural work on his own 
account after he had attained his majority. He 
continued to rent land from his father for some 
time and carefully saving his earnings was at 
length enabled to purchase property for himself 




WILLIAM HASSLER 



I 




MRS WILLIAM HASSLER 



I'AST AMI 



"i;i:SKXT OF BlKKAl COIXTY 



.181 



and to liis original lioliliiigs lie lias added from 
time to time until he is now the owner of three 
hundred and forty-four acres of good land in 
Mineral township, constituting an excellent farm 
because of the many improvements 'vhieh have 
been placed upon it and the highly cultivated con- 
dition of the fields. He also owns one hundred 
and sixty acres of land in South Dakota. 

Mr. Studley was united in marriage to Miss 
fitta Elizabeth Kiley, the wedding being celebrated 
on the 1st of January, 1883. She is a daughter 
of Oliver Perry Eiley, a farmer and a representa- 
tive of an old family of ^Mineral township. Mr. 
and Mrs. Studley have become the parents of 
four children: Abbie Blanche, Grace. Ethel Oliver 
and Christopher Edwin, the last named born 
N'ovember 21, 1898. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Studley have the warm re- 
gard of many friends in their locality, being held 
in high esteem by all who know them. He has 
served as school director for the past nineteen 
years and liis labors have been far-reaching and 
beneficial in behalf of public education. He has 
also been i-oad commissioner for five years and 
believes in good highways and in progress along 
various lines resulting in benefit to the general 
community. In his business life he has displayed 
unfaltering perseverance and diligence and, more- 
over, is found thoroughly reliable in all trade 
transactions, so that his success is worthily won 
and justly merited. 



GEORGE EACKLEY. 

George Rackley, of Jlalden, was born in Orange 
county, Vermont, in 18"<?1, and canio to Bureau 
county, Illinois, with his parents in 183G, where 
he lived until his death on November 3, 1006. 
(Jeorge Rackley was a man who would give diar- 
acter and stability to any community. In his ac- 
tive years he took part in all the ]nililic entcr- 
jii-ises of the county, was for many years siijier- 
visor of Berlin townshi]i and for six years cliair- 
nian of tlie board. He made no display of his 
talents. I)ut when the time came to act he was 
found ready to sustain his honest convictions, 
both by his voice and his vote. Deceit and in- 
trigue were foreign to his nature. He had an 
opinion upon the question of public policy and 
was ready to express it at the proper time and 
filacc. The writer has known him for more than 
thirty years and during that time has s(>en liini 
called to decide upon many questions of contro- 
versy and never did he know him to hesitate or 
hold back his opinion for the sake of policy, 
but like a strong and just man Ik^ decided for the 
right as he saw it. It brings a pang of sorrow 
to us to know that his useful life is ended. One 
after another of the noble men and women who 
liave helped to make this county and state what 
it is are passing away and all that is mortal is 



laid away under tiie eold clods of tiie valley 
and hillside. Yes, they rest from their labors, but 
their works follow them. For nearly seventy years 
Mr. Rackley was a citizen of this county and now 
in this year, lOOG, just as the bligliting frosts 
of autumn arc covering the ground with nature's 
decay the summons come and that familiar form 
that has stood like the giant oak for so many years 
yic'lds to the common lot of all the generations and 
nnw sleeps in the silent city of the dead. 



i.Awsox (Tirns iiortnrroN. 

Lawson Curtis Houghton, giving his time and 
attention to his farming interests and the raising 
of hor.ses. makes his liome in ShetKeld and is 
classed with the men whose industry and keen 
discrimination form the liasic element in their 
success. Born in Windham county, Vermont, on 
the SSd of October, ISiJl, he is a .son of Rufus 
Henry and ^lartha (Wilcox) Houirhton, the form- 
er a farmer by occupation. The Houghton family 
in Bureau county has also been represented by 
Horatio Nelson Houghton, who came to Illinois 
from Vermont in 1SG5 and here engaged in busi- 
ness extensively and successfully. He loaned 
money to the farmers of Bureau county and in his 
dealines was always just and relialilc. He often 
assisted them in such a way as to enable them to 
secure a clear title to their farm by the timely as- 
sistance which he gave them in making loans which 
were repaid upon easy terms. His advice and 
counsel often proved a beneficial element, for he 
was sound in his judgments and was always will- 
ing to assist others in this way. While conduct- 
ing his business interests he also availed himself 
of the opjiortunities otl'ered for judicious invest- 
ment and became the owner of more than one 
thousand acres of valuable land. He also had 
many other business interests and at one time — 
]irior to the Civil war — was extensively engaged 
in the ice business in Memphis, Tennessee. .Vt 
bis old liniiip in Halifax. Vermont, he served as a 
selei'tman during the )ieriod of the war. He died 
.lanuary :!1. isittj. 

Lawson C. Houghton acquired his education in 
the public schools of his native county and engaged 
in farming with his father, gaining practical ex- 
perience in asricultural pursuits through the act- 
ive assistance which he rendered on the home farm. 
He came to Shellield in lS!tO and opened an imple- 
ment and lumber business which he conducted un- 
til 18!):!, since which time he has devoted his at- 
tention to his farm, whereon be raises horses, cat- 
tle, hogs and sheep, being one of the leading stock- 
rai.sers of his part of the county. He is also en- 
gaged in making investments in lands, which is 
proving an im|iorlant and profitable branch of his 
liusiness, and be has large landed interest in Illi- 
nois, also sixteen hun<lred acres in Kansas, one 
hundred and sixty acres in Minnesota, and a simi- 
lar amount in Nebraska. 



582 



PAST AXD PKESENT OF BIKKAU lOUXTY. 



Mr. Houghton was united in marriage to Miss 
ilarv E. Vaughn, a daughter of John and Fran- 
ces Vaughn, of Windham county, Vermont, the 
wedding being ccleljrated in June, 1880. They 
now have three children: Nelson Vaughn, Low- 
ell Curtis and William Kenneth. 

In his political views ilr. Houghton is a re- 
publican and has served as councilman of Shef- 
field, while in all community affairs he is deeply 
interested. The extent of his business interests 
makes him a leading resident of SheiReld and his 
keen discrimination and unfaltering enterprise 
constitute the foundation upon which he has 
buildcd liis success. 



CLEMENT HAKKIXGTON. 

The agricultural interests of Bureau county in 
former years found a worthy representative in 
Clement Harrington, who engaged in farming in 
Bureau townsliip. where he now, in the enjoy- 
ment of the fruits of his former toil, is living 
retired in a pleasant home at No. 224 South 
Church street, Princeton. His birth occurred in 
Bureau township, September 8, 1858, and he rep- 
resents one of the old families of this county. 

His paternal grandparents were Jonathan and 
Lydia (Anderson) Harrington, both natives of 
Kent county, Delaware, the former l)om in 
November, 1794, and the latter in November. 
1807. In their family were four sons and four 
daughters, including Nathan A. Harrington, now 
of Wyanet, Illinois, who was born in Farmington. 
Kent county, Delaware, October 19. IS.'il. He 
was reared to farm life and for many years de- 
voted his time and energies to the tilling of the 
soil. The year 1855 witnessed his arrival in Bu- 
reau county and he worked out by the monfli on 
a farm in the summer seasons while in the winter 
he taught scliool for several years, being one of 
the capable early educators of the county. In 
ISfiO he made investment in eiglitv acres of land 
and began life for himself on a farm, where lie 
carried on general agricult\iral pursuits and stock- 
raising and also fed stock to a considorablc extent. 
He has added to the eiglity acres lie (iist purchased 
until he now owns eiglit Innidred and fifty-three 
acres of good land in Bureau township, becoming 
one of the extensive landowners of this county. 
His life should .^erve as a .source of emulation 
and inspiration to others, showing what mav be 
accomplished through determined purpose and un- 
faltering energy when guided by sound j\)dgment. 
He lived upon his farm until '1894. when he en- 
tered upon a well earned rest and removed to 
Wyanet, where he owns a beautiful home on ^lain 
street, his farm, which he rents, bringing to him 
an excellent income. His political allegiance is 
given to the men and measures of the republican 
party and he has served in nearly all of tlie town- 
ship offices, having been .«upervisor for three 



years, township clerk, assessor, road commissioner 
and justice of the peace. In all of these positions 
he ha.s discharged his duties with promptness and 
fidelity and no trust reposed in him, whether of 
a public or private nature, has ever been betrayed. 

Nathan A. Harrington was married in this 
county, November 22, 1857, to Miss Margaret E. 
Sapp, a daughter of Hezekiali and Mary Jane 
(Bosket) Sapp, early settlers of Bureau county 
from Dehnvare. Mrs. Harrington w'as born in 
the latter state, June 8, 1837, and by her marriage 
became the mother of six children, live of whom 
are living, while Ora, the second child, born Oc- 
tober 27, 1860, died September 17, 1803. The 
others in order of birth are as follows : Clement, 
of this review; Adelbert, who was born July 30, 
1864, and is living in Valparaiso, Indiana ; Luella, 
who was born April 3, 1807, and is the wife of 
.\lbert Wilson, of Bureau township; Lydia M., 
who was born December 36, 1869, and is the wife 
of Willard Harrington, of Wyanet township; and 
Ada, who was born August 28, 1872, and is the 
wife of Mr. Tonkinson of Bureau township. The 
mother passed away July 23, 1892, and on the 
0th of January, 1895, Nathan A. Harrington was 
again married, his second union being with Mrs. 
Susan Carter, of Delaware. He attends the Metho- 
dist Episcopal church 'and is a man of many good 
traits of character, being thoroughly reliable, 
kind-liearted and considerate to all who appeal 
to him in times of distress. His standing in the 
community is most excellent and he well deserves 
mention in this volume as a representative citizen 
of Bureau county. 

(Jlement Harrington was educated in the com- 
mon schools of Bureau county and was reared to 
the work of the farm, early becoming familiar 
with the duties and labors that fall to the lot 
of tlie agriculturist. He chose farming as a life 
work and continued actively in the tilling of the 
soil until 1901), when he removed to Prinecton. 
He now owns two hundred and forty acres of fine 
land in Bureau township, which is devoted to 
general farming and stock-i'aising, polled Durham 
and shorthorn cattlp being chiefly raised. 

]\Ir. Harrington was united in marriage in 1877 
to Miss llattie M. Lysinger. who was horn on 
the farm which her husband now owns in Bureau 
tow-nship, her father being Isaac Lysinger, who 
came from Bedford coxint}', Pennsylvania, and 
settled in this county in pioneer times. Both he 
and his wife are now deceased. Unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Harrington have been born six children: 
Mollie, the wife of B. J. Moyers, a resident of 
De Kalb county, Illinois; N. Earl, who nuuried 
Blanclie Spratt and lives upon his father's farm; 
Vcrna, who married Virgil White and resides in 
^lanlius township, this county; Cliff, deceased; 
Kait and MiUlred K., both at home. 

Mr. Harrington votes with the repul)lican party. 
His fellow townsmen, recognizing his worth and 
ability, have fre(|uently called hiui to public otfice. 



Hm 






^^H/j|gH 


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^HH / ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H 



clk:\i i:\-r iiaimmxctox. 



1 



PAST AND i'KESKXT UF HI KKAU fOL .N'l'Y. 



585 



He has served as school director, as trustee, as 
supervisor, as townsliip treasurer tliree terms and 
for some time as justice of the peace and in the 
discharse of his ofFieial duties lias always been 
found prompt, accurate and reliable. Because of 
his wife's ill health he left the farm, removing 
to Princeton. He rents his land to his son, but 
still gives personal supervision to its improve- 
ment. He lias in Princeton a beautiful two-story 
residence at No. 224 South Church street, where 
he and his family are now pleasantly located. 



JOHN IIEKBEKT F1!ANKLIN. M. D. 

Dr. John Herbert Franklin, who has studied 
under the most eminent surgeons of the country 
and is a learned and able representative of the 
medical profession in Bureau county, now prac- 
ticing in Spring Valley, was born in Lexington. 
Illinois, October 25, 1868. His father, James 
Xelson Franklin, was a banker of Lexington and 
also a farmer of that section of the state. His 
birtli occurred in Indiana and in 1837 he came to 
Illinois, settling in McLean county, where he still 
resides. He married Miss Sarah P. Chase, a na- 
tive of this state and a daughter of Eev. Samuel 
P. Chase, a prominent minister of the Methodist 
church. Her father was a native of New Or- 
leans and before the war was an extensive slave 
owner, but becoming convinced of the unright- 
eousness of this practice, he removed to the north 
to make his home in a state where the influences 
of slavery were unknown. He therefore estab- 
lished his home in Illinois and he became a lead- 
ing member of the Methodist clergy. 

Dr. Franklin, educated in the country schools 
of McLean county, afterward became a student in 
a high school at Lexington and subsequently at- 
tended the Illinois Wesleyan University of Bloom- 
ington and the University of Chicago, from which 
he was gi-aduated in 1888. With broad general 
knowledge to serve as the foundation upon which 
to rear the superstructure of professional learning, 
he matriculated in Bush ]\le(lical College and after 
a thorough course was grail iiated in the class of 
1S'J2. He then addcil to theoretical training the 
broad practical experience gained by a year's ser- 
vice in the Presbyterian Hospital of Chicago, 
where he came under the direct instruction of Dr. 
Nicholas Senn, one of the most renowned sur- 
geons of America. In 1894 he removed to Wicii- 
ita. Kansas, whore he engaged in practice for two 
years and while there acted as surgeon for the 
Santa F(^ Bailrond Company. He afterward lo- 
cated for practice at Peoria, Illinois, where he re- 
mained until 1899, when he came to Spring Val- 
ley. He makes a specialty of surgery in his prac- 
tice and operates in all the neighboring hospitals, 
his ability in tliis line being widelv reco'jnizcd by 
the profession as well as tlu' general public. 

Dr. Franklin was married to Mi.ss Florence Fav 



I'izter, of Pratt, Kansiis, who died in 1898, and 
I he following year he wedded Florence Edna Cam- 
eron, of Farniingtou, Illinois, by whom he has two 
children, Donald and Kuth, Socially he is con- 
nected with the Masonic fraternity and the Elks, 
and his religious faith is indicated by his mem- 
bership in the Congregational church. Everything 
that tends to bring to man the key to that com- 
plex mystery which we call life is of interest to 
him and his reading and investigation along the 
line of his profession have been constant and 
varied, bringing him broad and con-prehensive 
knowledge. He is furthermore a member of the 
American Medical Association, the Illinois State 
Medical Association, tlie North Central, the Tri- 
State, the Mississippi Valley and the Bureau 
County Medical Societies. He has received the 
benefit of instruction from some of the most emi- 
nent surgeons of America and, ambitious for ad- 
vancement, he combines a true love of scientific 
research with broad humanitarian principles and 
in his chosen field of labor has gained more than 
local distinction. 



JOHN A. GUSTAVSOX. 

John A. Gustavson, of Princeton, who since 
1004 has been interested in coal lands in William- 
son county, Illinois, the mines being now operated 
extensively and successfully, is a native of Swe- 
den, in which country his birth occurred in the 
year 18G3. The days of his boyhood and youth 
were there passed and in 1884, when a young man 
of twenty-one years, he came to America, making 
his way at once to Princeton. For some time he 
engaged in farming and in 1899 made his first 
purchase of land, comprising one hundred and 
I'orty-cight acres. He devoted his energies to gen- 
eral agricultural pursuits until 190 J, when he sold 
the farm and removed to Princeton, building a 
beautiful home on South First street, which he 
now occupies, it being one of the fine residences of 
the city. He also owns another dwelling adjoining 
his home place and since 1904 he has been inter- 
ested in the development of coal lands in Wil- 
liamson county, being one of a coniininy formed 
of six men. They own four hundred and fifteen 
acres of coal lands. The mines are being profit- 
ably worked, turning out one thousand tons of 
coal per day, and Mr. Gustavson handles both an- 
thracite and bituminous coal at the depot in 
Princeton. He is a man of good business ability, 
sagacious and far-sighted, who has turned his op- 
portunities to the best account and has worked his 
way steadily upward from a humble financial posi- 
tion to one of affluence. 

Mr. Gustavson was united in marriage to Miss 
Josephine Spake, a native of Bureau county and a 
(lauglitei- of Mr. and Mrs. Ti. M. Spake, early set- 
tlei's of this county, who arrived here in IS.'ii, hut 
both are )iow decea.sed. In his nolitieal allilialion 



58C 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUREAU fOUNTY. 



Mr. Gustavson is a republican and fraternally is 
connected with the blue lodge of Masons, while re- 
ligiously he is identified with the Swedish Lu- 
theran church, lie came to America with limited 
capital and for years devoted his entire time and 
concentrated all his energies toward the super- 
vision of the active details of his business, having 
the heart to resolve, the understanding to direct 
and the hand to execute all of its various transac- 
tions. A man of keen perception, of business sa- 
gacity and unbounded enterprise, he has become 
a factor in agricultural and industrial circles in 
his adopted county and is today enjoying the fruits 
of well directed labor. 



WILLIAM C. BROKAW. 

William C. Brokaw, conducting a grain business 
at Kasbeer, Bureau county, where he is also inter- 
ested in a general store, besides having landed pos- 
sessions in South Dakota, is a native son of this 
county, his birth having occurred on the 5th of 
February. 18.")2. His parents are George D. and 
Diana (Smith) Brokaw, the former boi-n in Bel- 
mont county, Ohio, the latter in Deerfield, Massa- 
chusetts. The father removed fi-om Ohio to Bureau 
county, Illinois, settling near Princeton, the year 
of his arrival being 1840, while the mother had 
come to this county from her native state with her 
parents in 1833. In their family were ten chil- 
dren, of whom our subject is the second in order 
of birth. 

William C. Brokaw was reared in Bureau county 
and received his education in the district schools 
of Ohio township. After putting aside his text- 
books he started out in life on his own account by 
following the occupation of farming. He contin- 
ued in farming pursuits until about seventeen 
years ago, when he engaged in the busines of buy- 
ing and selling grain at Kasbeer. He has been 
very successful in this venture, and by the careful 
management of his business interests, his straight- 
forward dealing and practical methods has built 
up a large and lucrative trade, until he is now 
numbered among the substantial merchants of his 
village. Year by year he has prospered and he is 
not only adding to his individual prosperity but 
is aiding in the development of his community by 
furnishing a market for the farmers who have 
products for sale, for he always pays the highest 
market price for the grain which he buys. He 
confines his attention not alone to the grain trade, 
for he is also interested in the live-stock business 
and sells gasoline engines, in which line he has 
been very successful. He is interested in a general 
store at Kasbeer, which, however, is managed by 
his sons, and they also own the building in which 
the business is carried on. Beside his mercantile 
interests in Kasbeer Mr. Brokaw also owiis four 
hundred and eighty acres of land situated in South 
Dakota. 



On the 13th of September, 1877, Mr. Brokaw 
was united in marriage to Miss Mary M. Neff, who 
was born in Schuyler county, Illinois, November 
\2. IS.")';, a daughter of John J. and Savannah 
(Bimm) Neff, the former born in Pennsylvania, 
and the latter in Indiana. In their family were 
ten children, of whom ilr.s. Brokaw is the third in 
order of birth. She received her education in the 
schools of Bureau county. Unto our subject and 
his wife have been born three children : Edgar L., 
born May 28, 1878; Charles D., October 4, 1883; 
and Eugene N., December 19, 1889, and the last 
named was the first child born in the village of 
Kasbeer. 

Mr. Brokaw gives his political allegiance to the 
republican party, and in his religious faith is lib- 
eral being identified with no particular denomi- 
nation. He has taken an active interest in local 
affairs and has been called by his fellow towns- 
men to a number of offices, serving as township 
collector for one year and as school director for six 
years, while for eight years he acted as postmaster 
at Kasbeer, and in all these positions he has proven 
himself loyal and trustworthy, filling each posi- 
tion in a very creditable manner. He is truly a 
self-made man. having attained to his present 
financial position throuffh his own well directed 
efforts. Though starting out on his own account 
with little or no capital he has through his in- 
dustry and determination accumulated extensive 
interests. He has througli his own personal efforts 
as well as his mercantile interests helped to make 
the village what it is today and is numbered among 
its most substantial and influential citizens. He 
and his wife are prominent socially and have a 
host of warm friends both in Kasbeer and Bureau 
i'ounl\'. 



THOMAS J. LOCKWOOD. 

Thomas J. Lockwood, deceased, whose well spent 
life made his example worthy of emulation, was 
born in Olcan, Cattaraugus county, New York, 
April Hi, 1827. In early life he engaged in lum- 
bering, and the year 1855 witnessed his arrival 
in Bureau county, Illinois, where he resided until 
the outbreak of the Civil war. He watched with 
interest the progress of events in the south, and 
feeling that his first duty was to his country he 
enlisted in 18G2 and served as second lieutenant 
of Company C, Ninety-third Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry. He was wounded at the battle of Cham- 
pion Hills, Mississippi, and lost the sight of both 
eyes, which occasioned his discharge in 1864. He 
received a pensicm of seventy-two dollars per 
month, which, however, was only a slight compen- 
sation for the great loss which he sustained. 
Though totally blind he was very successful in his 
business affairs and he erected one of the best busi- 
nes blocks in Buda. He always had the interest 
of his town uppermost and it was largely owing to 



PAST AMI I'UKSEXT OF BI'ltKAT COrNI'V 



587 



his determination, [H'ogrcssive spirit and unl'alter- 
ing perseverance that Buda now has its excellent 
waterworks and electric light plants. In his death, 
which occurred September 18, 1!)00, the city and 
Bureau county lost one of it.s most progressive 
and valuable residents. 

Mr. Lockwood was married at Xew Bedi'ord, 
Illinois, on the 3d of January, 1873, to Mrs. Ann 
Eliza Gibson, a daughter of E. II. and Mary Ann 
Baxter. She is still living in Buda and is an active 
member of the First Baptist church, in the worl; 
of which she takes an active and helpful part, 
serving as president of the Ladies' Aid Society. 
She has also been president of the Woman's Club 
at Buda and takes an active interest in all that 
pertains to the good of the town. She still owns 
a clothing store in Buda and hires a man to run il. 

In his religious faith Mr. Lockwood was a Uni- 
tarian. His life was actuated by honorable pri,i- 
ciples and characterized by manly conduct, lie 
was always loyal and progressive in his citizenship, 
manifesting the sanu^ spirit of fid'^lity which he dis- 
played, when on southern battle-fields he followed 
the old flag. In his relations with his fellowKitn 
he was straightforward and in all life's relations 
he made a record which won for him the unqnali- 
fied esteem and confidence of his fellowmen. His 
death was the occasion of deep and wide-spread re- 
gret to all with whom he had coine in contact and 
his memory is yet cherished by those who knew 
him. 



EPHEAIM ATKINSON. 

No history of Walnut would be complete with- 
out mention of Ephraim Atkinson, who for many 
years figured prominently in business circles here. 
He was for more than two decades a leading mer- 
chant of the to^vll but is now practically living re- 
tired. Throughout his long connection with the 
business interests he gained the respect and re- 
tained the confidence of all with whom he was as- 
sociated and it would be difficult to find in Walnut 
one who is held in more genuine regard than he 
whose name introdtices this review. 

A native of Ohio, his birth occurred near the 
city of Chillicothe on the IGth of December, 1839, 
his parents being John JI. and Olive (Palmatcr) 
Atkinson, the former a native of Pennsylvania 
and the latter of Maine. Their son Ephraim was 
a lad of thirteen years when he accompanied his 
parents on their removal from the Buckeye state 
to Illinois, the family liome being established in 
Limerick. A year later they removed to the An- 
drew Poss farm and subsequently took up their 
abode at Dad Joe Grove. AMien four years had 
passed Ephraim Atkinson became a resident of 
Bed Oak, where he lived for several years and then 
removed to Walnut, where he has since resided. 
His education was largely acquired in the district 
schools and for many years his was an active busi- 



ness career, in which he i-ontributed to the com- 
mercial prosperity and upbuilding of Walnut as 
well as to his individual success. Establishing a 
store in the town, he was there engaged in mer- 
chandising for twenty-two years and Ills business 
was one of the well known features in the commer- 
cial life of the village. He always carried a large 
and carefully selected line of goods, his prices were 
reasonable and in his dealings he was strictly fair 
and honest, basing his business principles upon the 
rules which govern industry, economy and strict 
and unswerving integrity. Thus he made an un- 
assailable reputation in business circles. On ac- 
count of ill health he has retired from merchan- 
dising and is now enjoying a well-earned rest and 
the fruits of his former toil. 

On the 2d of February, 18G2, Mr. Atkinson was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary Whitver, who was 
born June 20, 1834. They traveled life's journey 
together for more than forty years and were then 
separated by the death of the wife, who passed 
away on the 29th of May, 1903. She was a lady 
of many good traits of heart and mind and was 
held in the highest esteem by all who knew her, 
the circle of her friends being co-e.\tensive with 
the circle of her acquaintances. The four children 
born of this marriage are also deceased. 

In his political afllliation Mr. Atkinson is a stal- 
wart republican, thoroughly in sjTnpathy with the 
principles of the party. He has served as township 
collector for si.Kteen years and has filled other po- 
sitions of public trust, the duties of which have 
been promptly and faithfully discharged. He be- 
longs to the Church of Christ in Walnut and is 
also a memljcr of Walnut lodge. No. 722, A. F. & 
A. M.. exemplifying in his life the teachings of the 
former and the tenets of tlie latter. He has helped 
to make the history of Walnut, leaving the impress 
of his individuality upon its commercial activity, 
its material progress and its moral advancement. 
He has always stood in support of those interests 
which are a matter of civic virtue and of civic 
pride, has given his influence on the side of right, 
justice and truth, and in all life's relations has 
manifested a fidelity to high i)rinciplcs which have 
made him worthy tlie esteem which is uniformly 
accorded him. 



WILLIAM ZENE GRAY. 
William Zeiie (iray, who owns and operates a 
farm of seventy-five acres in Mineral township, has 
Ijcen a resident of this county for more than a half 
century, coming from Peoria, Illinois, in 1854. He 
had gone to Peoria in 1850 from Harrison county, 
Ohio, in company with his parents, William Henry 
and Susanna (Van Bibber) Gray. Tlie father 
was a farmer by occupation and followed that pur- 
suit both in the Buckeye state an<l in Illinois. The 
son, W. Z. Gray, was b(n-n in Harrison county, 
Ohio, February 24. 1843, and was therefore only 



588 



PAST AND PRESENT OF lirK'HAl^ COUNTY. 



about soven years of ago at the time of the re- 
moval of the family to this state, and was a youth 
of eleven years when they came to Bureau county. 
He acquired a common-school education and 
through the summer months worked at farm labor, 
assistmg his father in the improvement of the old 
home property. He came to Mineral township in 
18G(), when a young man of about twenty-three 
years, and started out life on his own account by 
renting land, which he cultivated until his labors 
had brought him sufficient capital to justify his 
purchase of a farm on Green river about twenty- 
two years ago. There he carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits for some time, but subsequently 
sold that property and bought his present farm of 
seventy-five acres in Mineral township. Here be 
hai* since resided and has placed his land under a 
high state of cultivation, also adding many modern 
equipments in the way of good buildings and the 
latest improved farm machinery to facilitate the 
work of the fields. 

Mr. Gray was married on the 1st of January, 
1865, to Miss Susan Martin, of Mineral, Illinois, 
a daughter of Pev. William E. and Susan Martin, 
the father a minister of the Methodist church. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gray lost one child in infancy. A 
daughter, Nellie, survives and is the wife of 
Thomas E. Truedson, a farmer residing at Gold 
town.^hip. The wife and mother jiassed away 
April 28. I!i04. and lier death was deeply regret- 
ted by many friends as well as by her immediate 
family, for she possessed many good traits of char- 
acter and her kindly spirit, generous disposition 
and innate culture won her the esteem of all with 
whom she was brought in contact. 

Mr. Gray is a republican in his political views 
and keeps well infoiTnod on the questions and 
issues of the day. so that he is able to support his 
position by intelligent argument. Ho has served 
as township road commissioner and proved a capa- 
ble officer, but has never been active in the sense 
of office seeking, his business ad'airs making full 
demand upon bis time and ent'rgies. He has for 
a long period been an interested witness of the 
growth and development of the county as modern 
civilization has wrought its changes, replacing the 
conditions of pioneer life with all of the evidences 
of progress and improvenumt known in agricul- 
tural and commercial circles at the present day. 



KING J. AND .]. II. DxVLE. 
King J. and J. H. Dale, constituting the firm 
of Dale Brothers, are well known farmers and 
stockmen of Fairfield township, making a spe- 
cialty of the breeding of sliorthorn cattle. They 
also raise good horses, favoring Englishshire. 
These brothers operate three hundred and seventy- 
four acres of rich and productive land, of which 
tluee hundred acres constituted the home place 



of their father, Thomas Dale, and they also have 
other land which they have purchased. 

King J. Dale was born in Whiteside county, 
Illinois, in 1862, and is a son of Thomas and Eliza 
(Spargo) Dale. The mother still resides upon 
tlie old homestead in Fairfield township, but the 
father passed away in 1899 in his seventy-seventh 
year. A native of East Kent, England, he came 
to America in 1850 and spent some time in New 
York. He also traveled in the central west before 
choosing a permanent location. He was one of the 
early residents of the county and for a long period 
a successful farmer and stockman. He came to 
Princeton in 1854 and assisted in getting out the 
ties for the Chicago, Burlington iS Quincy Pail- 
road. Later he located on section 36, Fairfield 
township, where he carried on farming until his 
death. In his farming operations he prospered, 
being watchful of his business opportunities, care- 
ful in management and displaying keen sagacity 
in the control of his interests. In all of his busi- 
ness affairs he was straightforward and reliable 
and he was classed with the representative agri- 
culturists of his community. His wife was born 
in Cornwall. England, and in her maidenhood 
came to Bureau county, giving her hand in mar- 
riage to Mr. Dale in Princeton. They lived on a 
farm near Princeton a few years, and then in 1861 
removed to Whiteside county, where they lived for 
seven years, their home being near Tampico, and 
on the expiration of that period they located on 
what is now the old home property in Fairfield 
township. Mr. Dale owned about seven hundred 
acres of land in Manlius and Fairfield townships. 
Mrs. Dale favors the Methodist Episcopal church. 
She was one of the fifteen children of Stephen and 
Elizabeth (Richards) Spargo. To her husband 
she was a faithful companion and helpmate on 
life's Journey and since his death she has lived 
u[)on the old homestead, being higldy esteemed 
throughout the entire community. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Dale were born the 
following named : Elizabeth, the wife of James 
.\. Nicholas, a resident of Manlius township; 
Thomas H. and John R., who are living in the 
same township; William C, of Fairfield township: 
King J., of the firm of Dale Brothers; Emma, the 
wife of Newton Cole, a resident of Princeton; 
James If., of the firm of Dale Brothers; Jennie 
L., the wife of Charles McCullough, of Manlius 
township; Carrie L., the wife of E. A. Fisher of 
Manlius township; i\Ta7'y K., at home; and Pris- 
cilla S.. the wife of G. F. Hartz, of ^lanlius 
townshij). 

The Dale Brothers are men of excellent business 
capacity and enterprise. They were educated in 
the district schools and reared to farm work and 
now have charge of the estate left by their father, 
comprising three hundred and seventy-four acres 
of valuable and ]iroductive land in Fairfield town- 
ship. They till the soil, which brings forth good 
crojis, iuiil they are ])r(iniinently known as breed- 




THOMAS DALE 



I'Asr AM) i'i;i:si-;.\T of miiKAi: coiN'rv 



".!»1 



ers and raisers of stock, especially shorthorn cat- 
tle, while their horses are largely of the English- 
shire breed. Their business has reached extensive 
proportions and the intense and well directed ef- 
forts of the brothers are bringing to them a very 
gratifvincr measure of success. 



SAMUEL B. I'ARPEH. 

The name of Carper has long ligured conspicu- 
ously and honorably in connection with farming 
interests in Macon township, and he whose name 
introduces this review is one of the leading agri- 
culturists of this community, where he has lived 
from boyhood days. He was born in Bedford 
county, Penn.«ylvania, August S-1, 1844, and is a 
son of Philip and Elizabeth (Bassler) Carper, 
mention of whom is made on another page of 
this work in connection with the sketch of Andrew 
Carper, a brother of our subject. 

Samuel B. Carper attended the public schools 
of Pennsylvania and of Illinois, and was also a 
student in Iron City College at Pittsburg. He 
was a young man of only twenty years when on 
the 8th of September, 1864, he responded to his 
country's call for aid and joined Company H of 
the One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois A'ol- 
unteers at Bunker Hill. He was mustered in at 
Peoria and thence went to Springfield and after- 
ward to Quincy. Illinois, where he was engaged in 
provost duty until the assassination of President 
Lincoln, when the regiment was ordered to Spring- 
field for military duty at the time of the funeral. 
He was then mustered out at Springfield, July 
8, 1865. 

Mr. Carper returned to his home and aided in 
the work upon his father's farm, being thus en- 
gaged up to the time of his marriage, which was 
celebrated on the 1st of February, 1870, Miss 
Catherine Zink becoming his wife. She was born 
in Princeton. July 10. 1848, a daughter of Henry 
and Jane (Chaney) Zink. Her father, a native 
of Stonerstown, Bedford county, Pennsylvania, 
died in October, 1848, at the early age of thirty- 
three years. His widow, who was born in the 
same county near Huntingrton. in the year 1832. 
was of German descent and died at the ripe old 
age of seventy-nine years. They were married in 
Pennsylvania in 184-1, and had two children, the 
elder being William D. Zink, who was born June 
11. 1846. and died January 24, 1880. He was 
married to Elizahetli Wooding, of Kansas, and 
thoy had three children, two sons and a daiighter, 
but the parents are both now deceased. Their 
children are: Buritt TL, who is living in Idaho; 
PVances, a stenographer in St. Louis, Misso\iri : 
and William Ti.. wlio is living in Kansas. ATrs. 
Zink. the father of Afrs. Carper, was of Scotch 
lineage and was a wagonmaker by trade. His 
political Allegiance was given to the whig party. 
In 184-5 he came with his family to Illinois. 



settling in Fulton county, and in 1S46 they re- 
moved to Princeton, where the death of Mr. Zink 
occurred, llis wile \Vas a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. After living in Princeton 
for fourteen years she married Abraham Clark, 
and they became the parents of two children, 
Elinore and Arthur. Mr. Clark was a farmer 
by occupation, and on selling his land removed to 
Buda, where he conducted a meat market for 
about three years. He then went to Adel, Iowa, 
in 1867, and there carried on farming through- 
out his remaining days. Both he and his wife 
died in Iowa. His political endorsement was 
given to the men and measures of the republican 
party. 

Tlie year 1853 witnessed the arrival of Samuel 
B. Carper in Illinois, and soon after his marriage 
he began farming for himself on eighty acres of 
•and. In 1877 he erected the residence which 
he now occupies and he has made all of the im- 
provements upon his farm, including the erection 
of substantial buildings and the planting of tine 
shade aiid fruit trees. He is now cultivating one 
hundred and si.\ty acres of land, which he owns, 
;;nd he i.s also a breeder of high grade cattle, hogs 
and horses, feeding his own stock and making 
shipments to the city markets. His business in- 
terests are to him a gratifying source of income, 
for he is watchful of opportunities pointing to 
success and utilizes his advantages to the best of 
his ability. 

Unto Jlr. and .Mrs. Carper have been born six 
children, namely : Leora A., who was born Octo- 
ber 31. 1870, and died March 21. 1895; Ida J., 
born February 26, 1873 ; Samuel A., who was 
born February 7, 1875, and died April 9, 1895: 
.\nna May, born May 17. 1878: Marv Edith, born 
June 22,' 1882: and William Howard, July 5. 
1S85. Mr. Carper is a republican and keeps well 
informed on the questions and issues of the day. 
yet has never cared for public office. He served, 
however, as justice of the peace of hi.? township 
for one term. Fraternally he is connected with 
French Grove camp. No. 196. M. W. A., at Buda: 
with the Yeoman of America; and with Emory 
post. G. A. R., at Buda; and in these organiza- 
tions has the esteem of his brethren, who recog- 
nize in him many sterling traits of character. 
His residence in the county covers a long period, 
entitling him to mention with its earlv settlers. 



AUGUST HASENYAGER. 
.\>igust Hasenyager is a partner in the firm of 
Fisher & Hasenyager, proprietors of a meat mar- 
ket in Walnut. He is one of the enterprising 
young business men of this town and is one of 
its native citizens, having been born here April 
15. 1874. His parents were Fred and Anna 
(Barman 1 Hasenvager. The father was born in 
Germany in 1829 and died on the 1st of January. 



5!f> 



PAST -VXD PKESEXT OF BLUKAC COIXTY. 



1904, at the age of seventy-five years, while his 
wife, also a native of Germany, is still living. 
They crossed the briny deep to the new world in 
the early '50s, and after residing for a short time 
at St. Louis, Missouri, came to Princeton, after 
which they established a permanent home in this 
county. The father was a farmer by occupation. 

In the district schools of Walnut township 
August Hasen3'ager acquired his education. His 
boyhood and youth were passed uneventfully, 
but after attaining his majority he entered busi- 
ness life, and is today a wide-awake, alert and 
representative merchant of the village of Walnut. 
where as a member of the firm of Fisher & Hasen- 
yagcr he is conducting a well appointed meat 
market. They have a fine trade and their patron- 
age is annually increasing. It is their aim to 
carry a large line of first-class meats, and by 
reason of their fair prices and straightforward 
dealing they have secured a business which is 
already profitable and which is steadily growing. 

On the 16th of January, 1895, Mr. Ilasenyager 
was married to Miss Lizzie Fordham, who was 
born November 13, 1873, in Walnut township. 
Like her husband, she, too, was educated in the 
district schools, and she has become the mother 
of two children : Arthur W., born Januarv 30, 
1807; and Ethel F.. born October 12, 1899. 

Mr. Hasenyager is an independent voter, cast- 
ing his ballot for men and measures rather than 
for party. He belongs to the Mystic Workers of 
America, and is well known in his village and 
township as a wide-awake, energetic business man 
of genial disposition and cordial manner — -quali- 
ties which have rendered him popular with a 
large circle of friends and acquaintances. 



JOHN ZINK. 
John Zink, for almost half a century a resident 
of Bureau county, where as a progressive and en- 
terprising farmer he was widely and favorably 
known, was born in Bedford county, Pennsyl- 
vania, August 23, 1813. The family was estab- 
lished in Pennsylvania at an early epoch in its 
development, the grandparents being John and 
Elizabeth (Howe) Zink, both of whom were 
natives of that state. The father of our subject, 
Samuel Zink, was a native of the Keystone state, 
born ,\ug\ist 11, 1788. At an advanced age he 
went to Ohio, settling in that state in 1841, and 
in 1814 he came to Bureau county, Illinois, where 
he joined his son George, who had arrived a year 
previous to that date. He then remained a resi- 
dent of Bureau county until his death, which oc- 
curred February 15, 1866. His political allegiance 
was given to the republican party. His wife, who 
bore the maiden name of Catherine Hannawalt, 
was born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, 
August 26, 1789, and died February 10, 1886. 
She was of German extraction, and both she and 



her husband were members of the Methodist 
church. 

No event of special importance occurred to vary 
the routine of farm life for John Zink in his boy- 
hood days. He was one of a family of eleven chil- 
dren, wliieh fact brought with it some advantages 
and some disadvantages. He shared with the 
others in the labors of the farm and acquired a 
district school education. There are always many 
pleasant recollections associated with a childhood 
where the family is a numerous one, the spirit of 
cheer and joy abounding in such a household. 
Mr. Zink was still single when in 1844 he came 
with his parents and the family to Bureau county. 
Soon afterward he purchased a farm near Buda, 
in Macon township. Few roads had been laid out, 
and there were still tracts of broad prairie that 
was uncultivated and covered with the native 
grasses. All grain was hauled to Chicago as the 
nearest market, as there was no railroad facility 
for shipment at a near point. As time passed by 
and invention brought improved machinery Mr. 
Zink kept abreast with the progress of the times 
and cultivated his farm according to more mod- 
ern methods than were in vogue in pioneer days. 
His first purchase of land comprised eighty acres, 
to which he added from time to time as his finan- 
cial resources increased, iintil he owned over two 
hundred acres of valuable land, which he operated 
until his life's labors were ended in death. He 
was a man of strong, rugged constitution, enjoying 
good health until his last illness, and thus he res- 
olutely carried forward the work of the farm and 
brought it under a high state of cultivation. 

On the 5th of September, 1847, Mr. Zink was 
married to Miss Elizabeth Thompson, who was 
born in Huntingdon county, Pennsylvania, No- 
vember 2, 1816, and who came to this county with 
her parents in 1845, settling near Buda, where she 
died November 27, 1859. Four children had been 
born of this marriage; Mary, the wife of Reuben 
Smith, of Buda; John A., who is a retired fanner, 
living in Ramona, South Dakota; Harriet, who 
died at the age of three years, and Christian Win- 
field Scott, a farmer of Elliott, North Dakota. 

After losing his first wife Mr. Zink was again 
married, in Ohio, on the 7th of March, 1865, his 
second union being with Miss Elizabeth Sensel, 
who was born in Knox county, that state, August 
22, 1835. Her girlhood days were spent in that 
state. In the paternal line she is of English 
lineage and in the maternal line of French descent. 
Her parents were John and Catherine (Scluiehlcy) 
Sensel, both natives of Hagerstown, Maryland, 
where they were reared and married. They be- 
came residents of Knox county, Ohio, when it was 
still a new and undeveloped region, settling there 
during its pioneer epoch. There the father fol- 
lowed fanning up to the time of his death, which 
occurred when he was sixty-six years of age, while 
his wife passed away at the age of seventy-four. 
They were both consistent and devoted members 




mi;. AM) MRS. JOHN /ASK. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



595 



of the Lutheran church, and wore highly esteemed 
residents of their coniiiiunity. Mr. Sensel was a 
son of Peter Sensel, who came from Germany to 
America and served for seven years in the Revo- 
lutionary war. 

Unto John and Elizabeth Zink were born six 
children: James L., who died in infancy; George 
E., who is mentioned elsewhere in tliis volume; 
Catherine E., the wife of W. A. RufI, a resident 
of St. Paul, Minnesota; Samuel H., a farmer of 
Macon township, Bureau county; Margaret Jane, 
who died at the age of tour years; and .Vhuctla M., 
the wife of C. E. Blaine, of Tower City, North 
Dakota. 

Mr. and Mrs. Zink were members of the Meth- 
odist chuch, in which the latter is still active. He 
continued his farming operations here until his 
death, which occurred April 2, 1892, when he 
was seventy-eight years of age. He was a strong, 
robust man, never ill until the illness which ter- 
minated his life. On the contrary, he was ever 
active, energetic and enterprising, and what he 
acquired came to him as the reward of his earnest 
labor and perseverance. His name was a synonym 
for business integrity, and his life was character- 
ized by high principles, so that those who knew 
him instinctively paid deference to him as a man 
of uprightness and honor. Mrs. Zink is still en- 
joying good health at the age of seventy-one years, 
and now makes her home with her children. 



planted by the flocks and herds of the modern 
farmer. The diange was great, yet he had 
strength of character sufficient to enable him to 
step into the stream of progress and move grandly 
on, looking for and fully believing that there 
were great things in store for this country and 
this people. 



JESSE EMERSO.X. 
Jesse Emerson was one of the early settlers 
of this county, having come here with his father 
in 1836 at the age of twelve. He spent his early 
years upon the farm, attending the country schools 
and afterwards a private school in Princeton. He 
spent some time in teaching and while thus en- 
gaged he commenced the study of law. He also 
acted as clerk in one of the stores at Buda and 
finally opened a store of his own. During all 
these changes he found time to continue the study 
of his chosen profession and in 1858 was admitted 
to the bar and from 18G0 spent most of the time 
in his law practice. In 187-3 he was elet'ted county 
judge and fdled that office for four years, when 
he again resumed his ])ractice. Judge Emerson 
was a plain, unassuming man, a man who pos- 
sessed iiiori' than average aliility in many ways. 
He was a safe counselor and would lead a client 
out of a law suit rather than into one. He was 
one of the old residents and was respected for 
his honest and obliging ways. He lived to see 
great changes in all his surroundings. Wien he 
came here this was a part of Putnam county and 
was sparsely settled. The deep, rich soil of most 
of the county bad never been disturbed i)y the 
white man, and he lived to sec these barren 
prairies covered with the products of civiliza- 
tion. He lived to see the deer and the wolf sup- 



CHARLES HENRY FABER. 

Charles Henry Faber was born December 18, 
1862, on what is now the old homestead farm in 
Clarion township, where he still resides. He is 
descended from German ancestry, his parents, Pe- 
ter and Margaret (Mueller) Faber, having both 
been born in Germany. The year 1850 witnessed 
their arrival in Bureau county, Hlinois, and they 
east in their lot with the early settlers. Mr. Faber 
provided a livelihood for himself and family by 
following the occupation of farming, to which he 
devoted his energies until his death, which oc- 
( urrcd in Mendota, Illinois, September 13, 1885. 
His widow still survives at the age of seventy-seven 
vears and makes her hone in Mendota with her 
youngest daughter, Mrs. Y. C. Schaller. 

Charles H. Faber of this review had seven 
brothers and two sisters : George, who is now a 
butcher in Paw Paw, Illinois; Henry, who was 
principal of schools in California, Oregon and 
McHenry county, Illinois, and died in 1900; Gil- 
bert, assistant cashier of the First National Bank 
at Mendota; John C, who was a merchant in Wal- 
nut township. Bureau county, and is now deceased; 
Bertha, the wife of Rev. George Hueter, of Rocky 
Ridge, Ohio; Christian, a cattle buyer of Paw 
Paw. also associated with his brother George in 
the meat business : William C, a breeder of fine 
rneing stock at Paw Paw : Fred G.. also of Paw 
Paw; and Emily, the wife of V. C. Schaller, who 
is engaged in the carri.age business in Mendota. 

Charles Henry Faber supplemented his prelimi- 
nary education, acquired in the common schools, 
by studv in Mendota College, completing his course 
in 18??. He then returned to the old homestead 
to engage in farming and has remained here con- 
tinuously since. He today owns and operates two 
hundred and thirty-five acres of land which is 
valued at the highest market price, and his well 
improved farm is indicative of the care and su- 
pervision which he bestows upon his place. 

On the 17th of February, 188^. Mr. Faber was 
married to Miss Margaret Truekenbrod, who was 
born June 30, 1861 and is a daughter of Henry 
and Catherine (Billhorn) Truekenbrod, both na- 
tives of Germany. They came to Bureau county 
with the early settlers and through the explosion 
of a lamp Mrs. Truekenbrod was burned to death 
in 1868. Mr. Truekenbrod is still living and is 
now retired in Mendota. 

'I'h(> marriage of Mr. and ^[rs. Fnlier has been 
blessed with I'nur cbildren : F.lla K.. .\gne> iv, Fli)r- 
ence M. and Clement F The parents are members 



596 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF lUJJEAi; eUl'MTY. 



of the Lutheran church and in his political views 
Mr Faber is somewliat liberal, voting for candi- 
dates rather than party at local el'-'clions, while at 
national elections he usually supports the demo- 
cratic party. He has, however, voted the republi- 
can ticket when he believed that its candidates were 
better qualified for office than those of the opposi- 
tion. He has been township collector for two years 
and justice of the peace for eight years and in the 
discharge of his official duties has been most con- 
scientious and zealous. Fidelity in public affairs, 
reliability in business life and friendship and ge- 
niality in social relations have made Mr. Falier a 
man respected by all who have the pleasure of his 
acquaintance. 



THEOBALD J. HEITZ. 

Theobald .1. Ileitz, a resident of Selby town- 
ship, where excellent farming interests return him 
a gratifying financial reward for his labors, lives 
on section 10. He owns three hundred and 
thirty-four and a half acres of fine farming land, 
all in Selby township, but not all in one tract. 
He was born upon the farm which is now his 
home, his natal day being September 22, 1848. 

His parents were Gottlieb and Eva (Foute) 
Heitz. The father, a native of Baden, Germany, 
was born in 1800, and was there reared to the 
age of eighteen years, when he rcnoved to Byron, 
Germany. For si.x years he was a soldier of the 
German army. While living in Baden he served 
for one year in the war with the French, and 
afterward was with the army for five years. He 
resided in Byron until 1847, and was married 
there, subsequent to which time ho engaged in 
farming and the raising of cattle. Attracted by 
the opportunities of the new world and hoping 
to enjoy better advantages for the acquirement 
of a comfni table living for his family, he crossed 
the Atlantic in 1841, accompanied by his wife 
and their seven daughters, settling on section 10, 
Selby township, where he purchased land fron; 
John Bushon. Here he carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits until his retirement, and be- 
came known as one of the enterprising, leading 
and prosperous agriculturists of his conimunity. 
During the last forty-five years of his life h<; 
lived retired, and died at the age of eighty-eight. 
In community affairs he was deeply interested, 
and assisted in building the Evangelical Lutheran 
church of Selby township, of which he was a most 
active and helpful member. His life was lumor- 
able. his actions manly and sincere, and his upright 
life gained him an enviable position in ]iublic 
regard. His wife was born in Hesse-Darmstadt. 
Germany, in 180.">. and remained a resident of 
Bureau county from 184 7 until her death in 1888. 
She passed away about four months prior to her 
husband's demise. In their family were eleven 
children, of whom three died in <'!irlv life, while 



eight reached years of maturity. Catherine be- 
(■ame the wife of Conrad Weissenburger, and died 
in Nevada City, California, in 1899, leaving seven 
childien, four sons and three daughters. Chris- 
tina became the wife of Joseph Gessepele, and re- 
sided in Selby township until her death about 
twenty years ago. She had four children by her 
first marriage, and later she became the wife of 
Ferdinand Werling, by whom she had six chil- 
dren, three sons and three daughters. Magdalena 
Heitz became the wife of Casper Hage, and re- 
moved to Peru, Illinois. Following the death of 
her first husband she married Peter Smith, who 
passed away some years ago. She still makes her 
home in Peru, and has two daughters and a son 
living and has lost one daughter. Barbara is the 
wife of Samuel Heitz, residing at Depue, this 
county, and they have eight children, four sons 
and four daughters, who are yet living, and have 
lost two. Mary became the wife of John Balzer, 
who died at their home in Peoria, Illinois, leav- 
ing two sons and three daughters, and Mrs. Balzer 
now resides in Chicago. Caroline is the wife of 
Jacob Sessler, of southern Illinois, and they have 
seven children. 

Theobald J. Heitz, the other member of the 
family, was reared on the home farm in Selby 
township, where he has spent his entire life. He 
started out on his own account, practically empty- 
handed, and has been very successful. In early 
manhood he began operating a corn sheller and 
soon afterward a thresher, and he has continued 
in the latter business for the past forty years, 
being probably the oldest thresher in this part 
of the state. He first operated the home farm of 
sixty-seven acres on shares, and finally through his 
industry and economy secured a sufficient capital 
to make purchase of the property. Since that 
time he has added various tracts until he now 
has an extensive acreage and is accounted one of 
the prosperous agricidturists of the community. 
He has made' all of the present fine improvements 
on the home farm on section 10 and also on his 
farm on section 4, Selby township, and all who 
know aught of his history recognize that he is a 
man of sterling purpose, whose indefatigable 
energy and honorable dealing have been strong 
features in his business career. 

Mr. Heitz was iiuirried in Princeton to Miss 
Christina Irich, who was born in Hesse-Darm- 
stadt, Germany, in 1847, and came to America 
with two brothers and a sister in 1861. She is a 
daughter of Conrad and Christina (Hoppe) Irich. 
Her father died in Germany and the mother after- 
ward came to the United States and for fifteen 
years lived with ilr. and Mrs. Heitz, passing away 
in their home about lS8(i or 1887, when seventy- 
seven years of age. Mrs. Heitz was one of eight 
children, six sons and two daughters, but these, 
however, were born of the father's first marriage. 
Those who rame to America were Adam, Louis, 
John, William, Catherine and Mrs. Heitz. Of 



PAST AMI I'HKSKXT OF RUHHAU COT-XTV. 



597 



these William died at the homo of his sister Chris- 
tina, and the others are all yet living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ueitz are the parents of seven 
children. Mary, the eldest, became the wife of 
Charles Lange, and died at her home in Selby 
township in 1904, at the age of thirty-five years, 
leaving three children, David, John and Harry, 
while a son and daughter had passed away. Chris- 
tina is the wife of .lohn Krhart, a farmer resid- 
ing near Seatonviile, in Hall township, and they 
have three sons and a daughter, John, Edward, 
William and Tina, while two sons and a daughter 
are deceased. Catherine is the wife of E. Grant 
Searl, of Selby township, and they had three 
children, but only one, Ira, is now living. Emma 
is the wife of William Hojipc, of Peru, Illinois, 
and they have one son, Adoliih. Lena, at home, 
is the widow of John Bohn, and they resided in 
Selby and Dover townships. They had one child, 
John. Jacob married Miss Lizzie Dedrich, by 
whom he has a daughter, Pearl, and their home 
is upon a farm in Selby township. 

Politically, Mr. Heitz is a democrat, and is now 
serving for the fifth year as road commissioner. 
He has also been school director for thirty-three 
years and was pathmaster. His official duties 
have ever been discharged with promptness and 
fidelity and he stands for progressive citizenship 
at all times. Both he and his w'ife are members 
of th(> German Evangelical church of Selby town- 
ship and are most worthy residents of the com- 
munity. Mr. Heitz has spent his entire life upon 
the old homestead farm and his has been a most 
creditable record, for, starting out on his own ac- 
count empty-handed, he has worked his way stead- 
ily upward to success through the persistency of 
purpose and energy which never fail to win a 
desirable financial reward. 



\VILL1.\M i;[('K. 

William Puck is one of the citizens of worth in 
Fairfield township, where for the past eleven years 
he has served as assessor, and the fair and im- 
paitial as well as prompt manner in which he has 
discharged his duties is manifest in his long con- 
tinuance in the office. His business interests are 
those of a farmer and stock-rai.ser, and his farm 
is on sections and l(i, Fairfield township, where 
he owns one hundred and sixty acres of land. This 
has been well improved, largely by Mr. Puck, who 
has resided upon this place since March, ISHi). 
He had formerly made his hom(> near Thomas, in 
Fairfield township, and his residence in this town- 
ship altogether covers a period of twenty-six 
years. 

Mr. Ruck is a native of Dover township, born 
in IS.-i.T. his father being George Puck, who died 
in April, ]'.>02, at the age of seventy-nine years. 
He came to liureau county in 18.')8, and after 
working for a year in liover township at farm 



labor be removed to Fairfield township and pur- 
cha.sed eighty acres of land near the village of 
Thomas. To this he added as iiis financial re- 
sources increased, until he owned three hundred 
and sixty acres in Fairfield township and one 
hundred and sixty acres in Tampico townsliip, 
Whiteside county. His life furnishes an excellent 
example of business activity and integrity. He 
served for many years as highway commissioner, 
and gave his ]iolitical allegiance to the democracy. 
.\s a man and citizen he enjoyed to the fullest ex- 
tent the confidence, good will and respect of all who 
knew him. His wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Elizabeth Stallard, was born in (Moucestershire, 
England, which was also the birthplace of Mr. 
li'iick. They were married in that country, and 
one child liad bi'cn born unto them ere their 
emigration to the new world. For a brief period 
they tarried in New York, but soon afterward 
came to this county. Mrs. Puck survived her hus- 
liand for about four years and died in January, 
190G, at the age of seventy-eight. This worthy 
couple were the parents of nine children, seven 
of whom are yet living, and all were reared upon 
the old home farm in Fairfield township. These 
are: Mrs. Annie Goembel, of Prophctstown, Hli- 
nois : A\'illiam, of this review; Fred, now a retired 
farmer, living in Tampico; Mrs. Alice Kopp, of 
Audulion county, Iowa ; John, of Bailey, Michi- 
gan; Joseph, of Kenton, Michigan, and Lottie, 
who is living in Peoria. Charles and Mrs. Bessie 
Howlett, also of this family, both passed away 
several years ago. 

William Puck was reared in Fairfield township, 
\\ here he has spent the greater part of his life, and 
the work of the farm early became familiar to him 
anil has been to him a source of livelihood since he 
attained man's estate, lie was married in Ke- 
wanee, HIinois, to Jliss Elizabeth Moon of Henry 
county, HIinois, a da\igliter of Mr. and Mrs. 
Stephen Moon, early residents of this stale. Her 
father died in 1872, but her mother is still living. 
In their family were six children: Scth, who 
resides in Annawan, Illinois: Thomas, whose home 
is in Henry county; Mrs. Ellen Booth, also of 
IleniT county: Hannah, at home: and Mary, the 
wife of Fred Puck, of Tampico, a brother of our 
subject. Unto Mr. and .Mrs. William Puck have 
been born two sons: E^ugene W., who at the age 
of twenty-two years is an electrician in Pock 
Island, Illinois, and (Jeorge Stephen, who was 
eighteen years of age on the .'ith of October, lOOG, 
and is attending Brown's Business College at JIo- 
line. Illinois. 

Politically Mr. Puck is an independent prohi- 
bitionist, who believes firmly in the principles of 
the party, but knowing how impossible it is to elect 
its can(iidates, he frequently votes for the best 
candi<lates of other parties. He has served for 
eight vears as highway commissioner of Fairfield 
township, and has for years been a school trustee. 
Matters relating to the i)ui)lic welfare and those 



598 



PAiST A\D PRESENT OP BUKEAU COUNTY. 



interests whicli are of general moment elicit his 
attention and receive his indorsement. Socially 
he is connected with the Modern Woodmen camp 
at Yorktown, and the I'amily are all members of 
the Christian church there. They are prominent, 
too, socially, and have many warm friends in this 
part of the sUite. 



LOREXZO J. KENDALL. 

Lorenzo J. Kendall, to whose intense and well 
circles in Bureau county, was born in St. Johns- 
directed energy is attributable the present en- 
viable position which he occupies in financial 
bury, Vermont, May 15, 1857, and in 1861, when 
a little lad of four summers, was brought to Bu- 
reau county, Illinois, by his mother, his father 
having died when the sou was but six months old. 
His parents were Lorenzo and Kosamoud (Lang- 
maid) Kendall, likewise natives of the Green 
Mountain state. The mother still survives and is 
living with a daughter in Kansas City, Missouri. 
She has a third interest in the estate left by her 
husband, who went to California in 1849 and 
spent some time in the gold fields of that state, 
buying land in this county witli his earnings on 
the Pacific coast. There were tliree children of 
that marriage, one of whom is deceased, while 
Emma A. is the wife of L. A. Laughlin, a lawyer 
of Kansas City. 

jjorenzo J. Kendall, residing in Bureau county 
from the age of four years, acquired his early 
education in the district schools and it was sup- 
plemented by study in Princeton high school, from 
which he was graduated in the class of 1878. 
After completing his own education he engaged 
in teacliing school for ten years, acting for six 
years as principal of the La Moille schools and for 
one year as principal in the Ohio schools. At 
length, jiutting aside (lie duties of the profession, 
he turned his attention to merchandising and be- 
came a dealer in lumber and coal at Tampico, Illi- 
nois, where he remained actively in business for 
nine years. On the expiration of that period he 
came to La Moille and accepted the position of 
casliior in the Norris it Woods bank, where he re- 
mained until 1904. In July of that year he 
formed a partnership with W. C. Norris. becom- 
ing one of tlie successors of tlie firm of Norris & 
Woods, and is now cashier of the bank. Tliis i- 
one of the strong and reliable financial institutions 
of this part of the county and its business policy 
is such as neither seeks nor requires disguise but 
will bear tlie closest investigation and scrutiny. 
Mr. Kendall took a most active interest in the 
erection of the new bank building. He is a man 
of good Viusiness enterprise and capacity, who has 
been watcliful of opportunities pointing to suc- 
cess and has steadily worked his way upward. In 
addition to his banking interests he has one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of choice land, the original 



cost of which was five dollars per acre, but which 
is today worth one hundred and fifty dollars per 
acre. 

Mr. Kendall was married in 1888 to Miss Har- 
riet J. Burnett, who was born in Bureau county, 
Illinois, June 7, 1862. She was educated in the 
public schools of this county, supplemented by 
a course in Knox College in Galesburg, Illinois. 
Her parents were Jeremiah Y. and Olive (Smiths 
Burnett, who were natives of Schoharie county, 
New- York, and in 1860 became residents of La 
Moille, Bureau county, Illinois. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kendall have one of the handsome homes of La 
Moille. Both hold membership in the Congrega- 
tional church, in the work of which Mrs. Kendall 
takes a most active and helpful part. She is serv- 
ing as one of the trustees and as treasurer of 
the church and her father was at one time deacon 
therein. 

Mr. Kendall belongs to La Jloille lodge, No. 
383. A. F. & A. M., to the Koyal Arch chapter, 
and to Tampico Garrison, No. 102, Knights of 
the Globe. His views upon the temperance ques- 
tion are indicated by his active and earnest sup- 
port of the prohibition party. He is now chair- 
man of the county central committee of that 
party and is the nominee on that ticket for state 
senator. He has given the support of the ballot 
to that party for twenty-foiir years and does all 
in his power to promote temperance principles and 
secure the abolition of tlie liquor traffic, believing 
ibis to be one of the most dominant issues before 
tlie people of the country today. He is a man of 
strong ]riii-]iose, firm in support of his honest con- 
victions and unfaltering in his allegiance to what- 
ever he believes to be right. He has served a3 
mayor of La Moille and is now the only original 
member of the .\llen school fund left. He today 
occupies an enviable position in financial circles, 
to wliich he has attained hy his energy and enter- 
prise. After years of honest and successful effort 
he occupies the present position of trust in wliich 
he is now foimd, being accorded a place among the 
leading and prominent businc'^s men of La 'Moille. 
Both he ami his wife occupy an enviable social 
position and their many good traits of character 
have ni'ide them loved and esteem'cd by all with 
whom fliev have eonie in eontact. 



.loiix 11. LrTH]':K. 

John IT. iiiiiher. purchasing agent foi- the 
Spring Valley Coal Company, and also agent for 
the Town Site Company, virtual! v controlling the 
real estate market at Spring Valley, is a man of 
keen business discrimination and enterprise, who 
has won a creditable place as a representative of 
the business interests of his adopted city. He 
was born in Somerset, Massachusetts, October 19, 
186.'?, his parents beinff John H. and Josephine 
A. (Brown) Lutlu^r, the former a native of Mas- 



1^1- :! 






I 



NORRIS AND KENDALL BANK. 



PAST AXD PRESEXT OF BLUEAT COINTV. 



(503 



sachust'tts aud tliu latter of Ixliode Islaud. Ke- 
nioving to the middle west in 1870, the lather 
established his homo iu Sycamore, Illinois, where 
he engaged in the manufacture oi flax. He died 
in 1905, at tlie advanced age of seventy-eight 
years. 

John H. Luther, a youth of seven summers 
at the time of the arrival of the family in Illi- 
nois, pursued his education in the successive 
grades of the Sycamore public schools, and after 
completing the high school course became a tele- 
graph operator aud employe of tlie Northwestern 
Eailroad Company, with which he was connected 
for thirteen successive years. In 1893 he became 
connected with the Spring Valley Coal Company, 
and, removing to this town, he entered upon a 
clerkship and has been advanced from time to 
time, until he is now purchasing agent for the 
company. He is also agent for the Town Site 
Company, the original owners of the town lots, 
controlling virtually all of the property on the 
market. 

In 1884 Mr. Luther was married to Miss Mary 
E. Waterman, a daughter of William Waterman, 
a pioneer of De Kalb county. His wife bore the 
maiden name of Mary A. Scott, and both were 
natives of Herkimer county, New York. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Luther were born three children: 
William A., born September 17, 1886, in Syca- 
more ; Evelyn, born in Carrollton, Illinois, in No- 
vember, 1888; and Lorenzo, born in Troy Grove, 
Illinois, December 14, 1891. 

Mr. Luther is a member of the Congregational 
church, in which he is serving as trustee, and ir 
the work of which he is actively and helpfully in- 
terested. He is a man of good business capacity, 
who has steadily progressed through the exercise 
of his native talents. Each promotion has come 
to him in recognition of his able service and large 
responsibilities now devolve upon him in connec- 
tion with the positions he is filling. 



JOHN H. WEISSENBURGER. 
John H. Weissenburger, an enterprising farmer 
and stock-raiser, owning a well improved tract of 
eighty acres, situated on section -I, Hall town- 
ship, is a native son of Illinois, having been born 
in Putnam county, June 16, 18.50. a son of George 
and Eva (Hahn) Weissenburger, both natives of 
Bavaria, Germany, where they wore reared and 
married. In 1847 the father emigrated with his 
family from Geimany to the United States, ho])ing 
he might enjoy better business opportunities liere 
than wore afforded in his native land. He first 
settled in Bureau county, where he remained for a 
short time, but later removed to Putnam county. 
In 1857. however, he again returned to Bureau 
county, locating in Westfield township, where lie 
engaged in general agricultural pursuits for a 
time, and then removed to Hall townsliip, w^here 



he )iiirchasetl the farm on which our siiltject now 
resides. Here the mother passed away iu 1862, 
when about lifty-two years of age. The father 
afterward removed to La Salle county, about 1894, 
and died there two years later, at the venerable age 
of eighty-eight years. Both he and his wife held 
membership in the Evaugelicai Lutheran church 
of Selby township. In their family were five sons 
and two daughters, namely: Conrad, born April 
5, 1836, is now a retired farmer, living in ilarshall 
county, Iowa. Catherine, born September 19, 
1837, became the wife of Oliver Reginald, and 
resided in Putnam county, Illinois, but is now 
deceased, having passed away in 1889. Eva, born 
April 19, 1838, is the wife of William Keutzer, 
and resides iu Dimmick township. La Salle county. 
George, born July 30, 1810, resides in Hall town- 
ship. Bureau county. A'alentine, born October 30, 
1841, is a resident of Ladd. Louis, born May 12, 
1846, is a resident of Peru, Illinois. John H. 
completes the family. 

Jolin II. Weissenburger, the youngest member 
of his father's family, was practically reared in 
Hall township, being but seven years of age when 
brought by his parents from Putnam county. He 
was reared in the usual manner of fann lads, as- 
sisting in the work of the home fann and during 
the winter months pursuing a common school ed- 
ucation. He has always followed the occupation to 
which he was reared, working on the home farm 
until his marriage, when he removed to a farm in 
Westfield township, where he remained for three 
years, subsequent to which time he purchased the 
home farm on section 15, Hall township, to which 
he removed and which has since continued to be 
his home. Here he has added many modern im- 
provements, and is engaged in general agricultural 
pursuits, in which he is meeting with desirable suc- 
cess. In addition to the cultivation of the fields 
he is also engaged in raising stock of the best 
grades, and this branch of his business is also 
proving remunerative. 

Mr. Weissenburger has been twice married, his 
first union being with Miss Catherine Dorn, wliom 
he wedded du the 14th of March, 1871. She be- 
came the mother of two children: .Tcnnie E., born 
May 29, 1873, and John H., Jr., born Miuxh 14, 
1877. The latter married Miss Justina Hassler, 
and resides in Westfield township, while th? sister 
is engaged in teaching. The wife and mother 
passed away September 30, 1883, at the age of 
thirty-one years and three months. 

For his second marriage Mr. Weissenburger 
chose Miss Elizabeth Werner, whom he wedded 
on the 4th of February, 1886. She was born in 
Bavaria, Gernuiny, October 22, 1863, a daughter 
of Charles and Catherina (Keihler) Werner, wlio 
emigrated from Germany to the ITnited States in 
1865, locating in Perry county, Indiana, where the 
father purchased a farm and engaged in general 
agricultural pursuits. This continued to be Iiis 
home until 1876, when he removed with his family 



604 



PAST AND PKESEXT OP BUREAU COUNTY. 



to Selby township, Bureau county, Illinois, wliere 
he remained lor four years, and then removed to 
Westfield township, and later to Hall to^Tiship, 
where his death occurred in 1899, when he had 
reached the advanced age of seventy-seven years. 
His wife survived until December 24, 1901, when 
she was called to her final rest, having also reached 
the age of almost seventy-seven years. In their 
family were thirteen children, of whom two died 
in infancy, the others being: Charles, a resident 
of White county, Illinois; Philip, a resident of 
Bureau county ; Christian, a resident of the Indian 
Territory; Jacob, of Canada; Louis, residing in 
Westfield township. Bureau county; Catherine, 
who became the wife of William Geringer, but is 
now deceased, having passed away in August, 1894, 
at the age of thirtj'-si.x years; Adam, of the Indian 
Territory; Elizabeth, now Mrs. Weissenburger ; 
Louisa, who became the wife of William Gerin- 
ger, but is now deceased, having met her death in 
a railroad accident at Chicago ; Johanna, the wife 
of Henry Weissenburger, residing in Marshall 
county, Iowa ; and Ilenr}', also of Iowa. The mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. Weissenburger has been 
blessed with a daughter and son: Lillian, born 
January 11, 1887, and Alfred, born May 25, 1892, 
both at home. 

In politics Mr. Weissenburger is a democrat 
where national questions are involved, but at local 
elections votes an independent ballot, supporting 
the men whom he regards as best qualified for 
office, without considering party afFiliation. He 
has been called to a number of township offices, 
having served as assistant supervisor of Hall town- 
ship for six years. He has also served as school 
director, and for the past thirteen years has been 
highway commissioner, doing effective work in the 
improvement of the highways. Fraternally he is 
an Odd Fellow, being identified with lodge No. 
803, at Ladd, and he and his wife are members 
of the Evangelical Lutheran church. 

Having spent almost his entire life in this coun- 
ty, covering a period of nearly a half century, Mr. 
Weissenburger is familiar with the progress that 
has here been made, having given substantial aid 
to many movements for the betterment of this sec- 
tion of the state. He has been successful in his 
business affairs, as is evidenced by his well im- 
proved farm, and he is today numbered among the 
enterprising and progressive farmers of Hall town- 
ship, whore he has a wide and favorable acquaint- 
ance. 



GEORGE P. PETTEE, SR. 
George P. Pettee, St., a retired farmer, resid- 
ing on East Peru street in Princeton, was born 
in Rutland county, Vermont, February 25, 1832, 
and is a son of George W. and Eleanor (Wrisley) 
Pettee, both of whom were natives of the Green 
ilountnin state. The parent's never came to Illi- 
nois, always remaining in the east. George P. 



Pettee was reared in the Green Mountain state, 
and being a farmers son became familiar with 
the work of field and meadow. He acquired his 
education in the common schools, and in 1855, 
at the age of twenty-three years, came to Bureau 
county, Illinois. The Chicago, Burlington & 
Quinuy Railroad had just been completed through 
the coimty. 

On his arrival here he rented a tract of land 
near Princeton, upon which he lived for a year 
and a half, and then bought eighty acres on sec- 
tion 10, Concord township. With resolute pur- 
pose and unfaltering diligence he carried on the 
work of the farm and as the j'ears passed he added 
to his property until he now owns three htmdred 
and si.xty acres of fine land in Concord township 
and also three hundred and twenty acres in Ne- 
braska. He put all of the improvements upon 
his farm and there are some fine maple trees which 
have grown from the seed that he planted. His 
place is supplied with excellent farm buildings 
and the land is highly cultivated. He erected the 
residence on his farm and altogether has one 
of the best farming properties of the county. 
While actively engaged in the care of the farm he 
also carried on live stock business, raising cattle, 
hogs and horses for the market. Thus year by 
year he prospered and at length with a handsome 
competence he retired in 1900, removing to 
Princeton, where he purchased a fine home on 
East Peru street. He now rents his land, which 
brings him a good income. 

On the 8th of July, 1856, Mr. Pettee was 
united in marriage to Miss Margaret Sinnott, 
also a native of Vermont, in which state they be- 
came acquainted. She came to Illinois about 185 1 
with her parents, Michael and Johanna (Bryant) 
Sinnott. By the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pettee 
were born five children : Mamie, living at home ; 
George P., who is cashier of the bank at Scaton- 
ville and resides in Princeton ; John C, who is 
living on a farm near Wyanet; Allie A., who 
died in 1890 : William J., who is residing in Chi- 
cago, where he conducts a shoe store and is also 
engaged in the insurance business. 

The parents are members of the Congregational 
church, and on the 8th of July, 1906, they cele- 
brated their golden wedding, about one hundred 
of their friends being present, on which occasion 
they received many substantial tokens of the es- 
teem in which they are uniformly held and alto- 
gether the occasion was a most enjoyable one to 
nil who participated therein. In his political affil- 
iation Air. Pettee was a st^nlwart democrat, cast- 
ing his first presidential ballot for James Bu- 
chanan in 1856, but he is now independent in 
politics. He served as school director for many 
vears and the cause of education finds in him n 
warm and stalwart friend but he has never sought 
or desired other offices. When he came to Illinois 
he had no capital but resolutely set to work to 
achieve a competence and has been very success- 




G. I'. I'ETTEl-:. SK. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUIJEAU COUNTY. 



607 



fill. In business lie possesses excellent judgment 
and his enterprising spirit has made him a pros- 
perous citizen, while his genuine personal worth 
and devotion to the public good have caused him 
to be numbered among the useful and desirable 
residents of his adopted county. 



HAKVEY M. TEIMBLE. 

Harvey Marion Trimble, who resides at Prince- 
ton, Illinois, was born near \Yilmington, in Clin- 
ton county, Ohio, January 27, 1842. His father's 
name was Mathew Trimble, and his mother's 
maiden name was Lvdia Thatcher. The family 
home was removed from Ohio to Illinois, and lo- 
cated on a farm near Princeton, in Bureau county, 
Illinois October 25. 1<^43 and remained there un- 
til 1867, when it was changed to Princeton. 

The subject of this sketch was the sixth son. 
He has two sisters and one brother younger than 
himself. His education was obtained in the com- 
mon schools, supplemented by a partial course at 
Eureka College, Illinois. He quit college to enter 
the army. He enlisted as a private of Company 
K. Ninety-third Illinois Infantry, August 21, 
1862, was promoted to sergeant major of the regi- 
ment on the 8th of September of the same year 
and became adjutant of the regiment April 13. 

1864. He served as acting assistant adjutant gen- 
eral of the First Brigade. Third Division, Fif- 
teenth Army Corps, from March 28. 1865, until 
the ?6th of April following and of the Second 
Brigade Fourth Division, Fifteenth .Armv Corps, 
from April 26, 1S65, to May 31, 1865. 'He was 
mustered out near Louisville, Kentucky, June 23. 

1865, and was finally discharged at Chicago on the 
6th of July of the same year. 

While executing orders received from his com- 
manding officer on January 13. 1863, while on a 
scout, he was captured by the enemy, near Ridgc- 
way, Tennessee, and remained a prisoner fourteen 
days, being released on January 27, 1863, which 
was the twenty-first anniversary of his birth. He 
rejoined the regiment January 30, 1863, near 
Memphis. Tennessee. During the entire period of 
his service, he was on every march (except about 
ten miles, when he was a prisoner), and in every 
battle and skirmish in which the command partici- 
pated. In August, 1863. Colonel Putnam recom- 
mended him to the governor of Illinois, for pro- 
motion to a captaincy. He had no intimation of 
the recommendation until several days had elapsed 
after it was made. When he learned of it, he 
promptly declined the promotion, and so wrote to 
Governor Yates, and the commission was not 
issued. 

On January 27, 1864. hiciitonant Colonel Bus- 
well gave him a military album, inscribed as fol- 
lows: 



"Headquarters y3rd 111. Inf'ty. Vols., 
"Huntsville, Ala., January 27th, 1864. 
•'Har\ky M. Trimblk, Sergeant Major 93rd 111. 
Inf'ty. 
"Allow me to present to you, on this, your 22nd 
birthday, this album, as a slight token of respect 
for your manly courage at the battles of Jackson, 
May ]4th; Champion Hill, May 16th; Siege of 
Vicksburg, from Mav 19th to July 4th, and Tun- 
nel Hill, November" 25th, 1863. Also for your 
gentlemanly and soldierly bearing and strict at- 
tention to dutv, whether in Camp, on the March or 
Field of Battle. 

"N. C. BUSWELL, 

" fjt. Col., Comd'g Regt." 

On being relieved from duty as acting assistant 
adjutant general of the brigade, the brigade com- 
mander issued and presented to him the following 
complimentary order: 
"Head Quarters 2nd Brig., 4th Div., 15th A. C, 

"Near Washington, D. C, May 31st, 1865. 
"General Orders No. 11. 

"Lieut. H. M. Trimble, having, at his own re- 
quest, been relieved from duty as A. A. A. General 
of this brigade, the general commanding desires 
to express his pleasure at the manner in which he 
has performed his duties and his high apprecia- 
tion of him as an efficient officer, in office, camp 
and field. 

"By order of 

"Brig. Gkn. Wm. T. Cl.\rk, 
'•'I. B. Stanfopd, Capt. and A. A. A. Gen. 
"To Lieut. H. M. Tnmble, Adjt. 93d 111. Vol. 

Infty." 

On his return home, in the employ of the clerk 
of the circuit court, he arranged and indexed all 
the cases previously disposed of in that court. 
On December 4, 1865, he was appointed deputy 
clerk of the circuit court of Bureau county, Illi- 
nois, and served in that capacity until November 
20, 1867, when he resigned. 

On October 9, 1866. he was married to Miss 
Margaret S. Dakin. They have five sons, namely : 
Winfred K., Cairo A.. Robert C, Harvey D. and 
Perry D.. and six grandchildren, as follows: Win- 
fred F.. Clara E.. Margnrct V., Cairo D., Cairo W. 
and Robert C, Jr., children of the three oldest 
sons, respectively. 

Immediately after the close of the war. he re- 
sumed the study of Inw, and was admitted to the 
bar. licensed as an attorney and counselor at law, 
on November 20. 1867, and lias been in regular 
practice continuously ever since, at Princeton, Illi- 
nois. 

He was master in chancery of the circuit court 
of Bureau county, bv successive appointments, 
made by Judge Edwin S. Leland, from April 1, 
1868. until December 26, 1877, at which latter 
date his resignation of the office, dated December 
3. 1877 was accepted. 

He was elected as a member of the board of edu- 
cation of school district No. 1, in Princeton town- 



G08 



PAST ASD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



ship, April 6, 1878, for one year, to fill a vacancy, 
and was re-elected, for terms of three years each, 
successively, April 5, 1879, April 1, 1883, April 
4, 1885, April ~, 1S88, April 18, 1891, and April 
21, 1S94. and served continuously until April 17, 
1897. And he served as secretary of that board 
of education from April 12, 1880, until April 17, 
1897, being elected each year by the board. 

He was elected as a member of the board of 
education of the Princeton high school district. 
June 7, 1881, for two years, to fill a vacancy, and 
was re-elected, for three years, June 5, 1883, and 
served until June 1, 1886. 

On February 27, 18.86 he was appointed by the 
mayor and confirmed by the city council, as one 
of the first board of directors of the public library 
and reading room of Princeton, Illinois (the Mat- 
son library), and served until July 1, 1888, assist- 
ing in the organization of the library. 

He was four times elected county judge of Bu- 
reau county, Illinois, to wit, November 6, 1877, 
November 7, 1882, November 3, 1886, and No- 
vember C, 1894. He was commissioned as county 
judge, December 1, 1877, to date from December 
3, 1877, and December 1, 1882, to date from De- 
cember 4, 1882, and December 6, 1886, to date 
from then, and November 21, 1894, to date from 
December 3, 1894. He served continuously as 
county judge from December 3, 1877, until De- 
cember 4, 1890, and again from December 3, 1894, 
until June 18. 1897. He resigned the office June 
8, 1897, and the resignation became eifective June 
18, 1897, when he was commissioned as circuit 
judge. 

He was elected pre.'^ident of the Bureau County 
Soldiers' Association at the date of its organiza- 
tion on July 8, 1896, and re-elected, at the first 
annual reunion, October 15, 1896, for the term of 
one yenr. He was elected commander of Ferris 
post, No. 309. Grand Army of the Republic, De- 
partment of Illinois, located at Princeton, Illi- 
nois, December 9, 1896, and was installed Janu- 
ary 13, 1897 (just thirty-four years after he was 
captured by the Confederates), for the term of 
one year. 

On June 7, 1897, he was elected circuit judge, in 
the Thirteenth judicial circuit of Illinois, com- 
posed of the counties of Bureau, La Salle and 
Grundy. He was commissioned as circuit judge 
June 18, 1897, for the term of six years, and took 
the oalh of office on that day. Since the expira- 
tion of his term June 18, 1903, he has practiced 
law in Princeton. 



SAMUEL MILES KNOX. 
Samuel Miles Knox, cx-judgo nf the county 
court of Bureau county, is as widely known as 
any man in the county, his business interests for 
a period of twenty-five years bringing him in con- 
tact with thousands of people. He is a native of 



Juniata county, Pennsylvania, born November 11, 
1826, and is the son of John and Eunice Ivnox, 
the former of whom was born in Lancaster. Penn- 
sylvania, and a son of Hugh Knox, a native of 
Scotland. The latter was also a native of Penn- 
sylvania, daughter of Samuel Pauling, who was a 
soldier in the Revolutionary war, serving in the 
regiment known as "Congress Own" and com- 
manded by Colonel Moses Hazen. He enlisted 
December 11, 1776, and served until 1781. Sam- 
uel Pauling's ancestors came from England to 
Philadelphia with the Penn colony. Both are 
now deceased. 

The boyhood and youth of our subject were 
spent upon his father's farm in his native county, 
and his literary education was completed in Tus- 
caiiira Academy, teaciiing during the winter 
months in order to be able to attend school in 
the summer. Having a desire to enter the medical 
profession, he studied for two years, still teaching 
during the winter months, but on account of a 
lack of means to complete his course he tem- 
porarily abandoned it. Seeking employment, with 
a view of replenishing his purse, he was for three 
years engaged in different localities in selling the 
German history of the United States. x4s a book 
agent he was quite successful, and as fast as he 
accumulated a little money he would loan it tc 
some responsible farmer in Bureau county. When 
he desired to resume his medical studies he was 
persuaded to take payment in corn at twenty-five 
cents per bushel. When ready to ship his corn 
a difficulty arose in the way of securing cars for 
that purpose. Cars were very scarce, and he con- 
cluded the quickest way out of the difficulty would 
be to go to Chicago, purchase a couple of car- 
loads of lumber for the Pond Creek station on 
the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railway, and 
unloading fill with grain for shipment back. This 
he did, and, making a fair profit on both lumber 
and corn, concluded to embark in the lumber and 
grain business at Pond Creek. 

Mr. Knox remained at that place but a short 
time and then removed to Wyanet, where he con- 
tinued in the same business and also in general 
merchandising. He also received the appoint- 
ment of postmaster of the place, being the first 
to fill that position. In 1857 ho commenced 
reading law with Charles Barry, having given up 
the notion of becoming a physician. .\ year or 
two later he sold out his luisiucss in Wyanet, and 
in 1861 removed to Princeton and read law with 
Milton T. Peters until he was admitted to the 
bar in the fall of the same year. In 1861 he was 
elected county judge of Bureau county, and 
served the term of four years in a very acceptable 
manner. The year previous ho was the democratic 
candidate for the legislature but was defeated. 
Mr. Knox, in comjiany with J. T. Taylor, made an 
extended tour in Europe, sailing in 1867 and 
returning in 1868. 

Judge Knox contiinicd in the practice of law 



I 





PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



(ill 



until 1876, but for about four years previouti 
gave little attention to it, having in 1870 com- 
menced ilealiuj;- in real esUite in connection witli 
the land department of various railroads. For a 
time he was with the Missouri, Kansas & Texas 
Railroad, and later with tlie L.eavenworth, Law- 
rence & Galveston Rdlroad. In 1S73 he became 
connected with the Chicago. Burlington & Quincy 
and the Burlington & Missouri River land de- 
partment, operating principally in Illinois and 
Indiana, selling lands owned by these companies 
in Iowa and Nebraska. In the settlement of 
these respective states Judge Knox was instru- 
mental in locating many thousands of permanent 
settlers. The plan juirsued was by getting up 
excursions and showing the lands, selling them at 
a reasonable price on long time with low interest 
and crediting the amount of the railroad fare on 
the purchase made. It is said that he disposed of 
more land in Iowa and Nebraska for these roads 
than other of tlie twenty agencies. From 1875 
until 1880 the sales of his office averaged about 
twenty thousand acres per month, some months 
running up to fifty thousand acres. Some land 
in Iowa, which he sold from five to ten dollars 
per acre, is now worth from one hundred to one 
liiuulri'd and fifty dollars per acre. 

In 1880 Jlr. Knox took the agency for the 
Union Pacific lands, and did much effective work 
for tliat road, his o]ierations extending up the 
I'latte river. His sales for this road were also 
quite extensive, especially during the years 1883, 
1883 and 1884. The excursions under his super- 
vision were always popular, the judge taking spe- 
cial pains to make everyone comfortable. Famil- 
iarizing himself with the lands by personal visits 
to each locality, spending days in driving over 
them, he was always prepared to give the intended 
settler such advice and suggestions as were desired. 
No one was deceived by him and made to pur- 
chase that which did not suit his taste or not suit- 
able for the purpose intended. 

During all these years the judge had an eye 
to his own interests, and from time to time made 
investments in lands in Kansas and Nebraska, 
some of which have proven quite profitable. In 
Allen county, Kansas, he has about five thousand 
acres divided into farms, which he has rented. He 
also owned in Nebraska about fifteen thousand 
acres, most of which has been sold to actual set- 
tlers on long time. In 189.5 he dissolved his 
connection with the Union Pacific, and again ac- 
cepted a position with the Chicago, Burlington & 
Quincy Railroad. The country is now pretty well 
settled along the lines of the road, for which he 
has been employed, therefore as great a volume 
of business may not be transacted in the future 
as in the past, yet the energy and familiarity of 
our subject with the business will develop all 
there is in it to the ])rofit of the road and tlie 
perfect satisfaction of those with whom he deals. 

Judge Knox and iliss Hannah IT. Weaver were 



united in marriage December 31, 1851, at Wyanet. 
She is a native of Pennsylvania and a daughter 
of 01)adiah and Elizaljcth (lleimbarh) Weaver, 
who came from Allentown in that state to Bureau 
county with her parents in 1814. By this union 
five children were born: Anson H.. a farmer in 
Bureau county; Mary, wife of Justus M. Stevens, 
of Princeton ; Emma L., deceased ; Ada L., de- 
ceased; and Samuel F.. an attorney of Chicago, 
living at Highland Park. Both daughters were 
well educated, having finished their course in 
Europe, Ada L. spending five years in Dresden 
and Paris. 

The life of Judge Knox alfords an example of 
what can be accomplished by one having the de- 
termination to do. Coming to Bureau county a 
poor medical student, without means to finish 
his course, he commenced work in a calling de- 
spised by some, but as honorable as any, one which 
some of the greatest heroes and statesmen for 
a time followed, and with the means thus obtained 
laid the foundation for the success in life which 
he has attained. In social circles, as well as in 
business affairs, the judge stands well in the esti- 
mation of all. Fraternally he is a Mason and has 
taken all of the degrees including the thirty- 
second. In politics he is a democrat. 



ALBERT R. UMHOLZ. 

Albert R. Umholz, editor of the Bureau County 
Record, published at Princeton, was born in Mon- 
ticello, Illinois, February 14, 1880. His father, 
August Umliolz, was a native of Zurich, Switzer- 
land, and a son of Archibald Umholz. August 
Umholz erected the first building ever put on the 
grounds of the Illinois University. He married 
Miss Caroline Salheim, a native of Germany, and 
died in the year 1898. 

Albert R. Umholz was educated in the public 
schools and entered the newspaper field at eight 
vears of age by working after school hours and 
in the periods of vacation as errand boy in a 
newspaper oflice. In 1893 he left school, being 
then but twelve years of age. and secured a posi- 
tion in the printing office of the Piatt County 
Bulletin, where he remained for two years. Wlien 
only fourteen years of age he began the publica- 
tion of the Tvesdale News at Ivesdale, Illinois, 
and after a vear he sold the paper, accepting the 
position of foreman on the Piatt County Repub- 
lican, acting in that capacity for four years. \ 
year later he established a job printing business 
on his own account, which he conducted continu- 
ouslv and successfully until the 10th of February. 
1901. when he formed a partnership with his 
brotlicr. F. E. UmlKilz. and purchased the Bureau 
Countv Record from S. E. Beede. In 190.'^ the 
luisiiu'ss was incorporated under the state laws. 
The brother afterward went to California, and 
Mr. Umholz. of this review, purchased the con- 
trolling interest and has since continued the pnb- 



Olv' 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



lication of the Record. The paper was not in a 
prosperous condition when he took charge, but 
under his management it has become a leading 
journal of the county, with a large circulation and 
good advertising patronage. It is devoted to the 
dissemination of general and local news, and is a 
stalwart champion of many progressive measures 
which have had a direct bearing upon municipal 
progress and improvement. 

On the 29th of July, 1900, Mr. Umholz was 
married to Miss Hattie Eshelman, a daughter of 
Wendell Eshelman, of Monticello. They started 
in school together, went through the primaries 
together, and the acquaintance of early childhood 
continued until they had attained adult age and 
were married. They now have two children: one 
son. Daryl. and a daughter, Arva Ruth. 

Mr. Umholz belongs to the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, Ben Hur and several other so- 
cieties. He has never been an aspirant for public 
office or public notoriety of any kind, and be- 
lieves that a man may be a good citizen without 
being an active politician. He stands for all that 
is progressive in citizenship, and is a champion 
of those measures which are matters of civic 
virtue and civic pride. He is yet a young man 
and has attained creditable success for one of his 
years. Dependent upon his own resources from 
practically the age of eight years, his life has 
been marked by consecutive advancement and his 
native ability and unfaltering perseverance have 
brought him to the creditable position which he 
now occupies as a representative of the business 
life of his adopted county. 



J. F. McWILLIAMS. 

J. F. McWilliams, who for nineteen years has 
resided at his present home on section 5, Leeper- 
town township, where he owns and operates a fine 
farm of ninoty-two acres, is serving for the ninth 
year and fourth term as supervisor of the town- 
ship and because of his activity in public life and 
agricultural circles is numbered among the lead- 
ing residents of this part of the county. He was 
born in Morpan countv. Ohio, April 3. 1843, a 
son of William F. and Mary (Van Wy) McWill- 
iams, who came to Illinois in .\pril, 1S.')7, settling 
at Alaldcn, Bureau county, where they resided un- 
til called to their final rest. The father engaged 
in farming and secured a tract of land and good 
home there. Roth he and his wife were natives 
of Ohio, having been born in Belmont county. 
The father died in 1883, at the age of seventy-two 
years, while his wife passed away in March, 1887. 
They were the parents of four children : Mary A., 
the deceased wife of H. H. Piper, of Berlin town- 
ship, tills county; S. A. and W. II.. both residents 
of Shenandoah, Iowa; and J. F., of this review. 

The last named is now the only one of the fam- 
ily living in Bureau county. He was in his fif- 



teenth year when he came from Ohio to Illinois, 
and for three years he was a student in Dover 
Academy, acquiring a good education whereby he 
was qualified for teaching, which profession he 
followed for twenty-eight years, while for the past 
nineteen years he has engaged in farming. He 
began teaching in 1865 in Bureau county and 
within the period of twenty-eight years devoted to 
that profession he taught for five winter terms in 
^lontgomery county, Kansas, where he also owned 
and operated a farm. He was a capable educator, 
imparting clearly and readily the knowledge that 
he had acquired and the public-school interests of 
the county were promoted through his effective 
labors. For nineteen years, however, his attention 
has been given to general agricultural pursuits 
and he is now the owner of ninety-two acres of 
rich and productive land on section 5, Leeper- 
town township, where he has carried on general 
farming, having placed his fields under a high 
state of cultivation, so that he annually harvests 
good crops. 

Mr. ]\[cWilliams was married in this county to 
Miss Mary E. Miller, who was born at Springtield, 
Ohio, in 1845, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Day- 
ton Miller, both of whom died in the Buckeye 
state. They had a family of twelve children, of 
whom four came to the west, three being residents 
of Bureau county and one of Kansas. The mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. McWilliams has been 
lilessed with three children: Charles D., who re- 
sides in Leepertown ; Bertha A., of Chicago, who 
is a stenographer by profession and has traveled 
extensively for the past few years; and William 
F., at home. They also lost two children: Lulu 
B., who died at the age of thirteen months ; and 
Ada B., who died at the age of twelve years. 

In politics Mr. 'McWilliams has alwavs been a 
democrat. He has served as assessor and collector 
and in fact has filled all of the offices of the town- 
ship save that of justice of the peace. His duties 
have been discharged with promptness and fidel- 
ity and with a sense of conscientious obligation, 
lie belongs to Princeton lodge, No. 587, A. P. & 
\. M., and he is well known in the city and 
throughout the surrounding country, his business 
interests having brought him a wide acquaintance 
while favorable regard has ripened into warm 
friendsliip and he is one of the most highly es- 
teemed residents of this community. 



JOHN G. PRENDERGAST. 
John G. Prendergast resides in Berlin township, 
where he operates a farm of two hundred and 
forty-nine acres, and in its control he displays 
thorough familiarity with the best methods of 
tilling the soil. A native of New York city, he 
was born July 5, 1877, and dates his residence in 
Illinois from" the 28th of August, 1881. His 
parents were Thomas and Bridget (Shanley) 




Mli. AM) ilKS. J. F. McWILIJAMS. 



PAST AND PIUJSEXT OF BLUEAU CUUNTV. 



GJ.-) 



Preudergast, natives of Ireland. The father came 
to the United States in 1S69 and the mother a few 
years later. In their family were si.x children, of 
whom the subject of this review was the lirst born. 
At the usual age he entered the coimiion schools, 
and therein mastered the branches of learning that 
fitted him for the duties which come with a busi- 
ness career. After leaving school he began fann- 
ing, and has continued in that occupation to the 
present time, bringing to bear in his work the 
practical experience and knowledge which he 
gained in his boyhood while assisting his father 
at farm labor. He now operates two hundred and 
forty-nine acres of excellent land and annually 
harvests good crops. Each year he adds to his 
capital, and he expects soon to invest his money 
so that he can engage in the cultivation of a farm 
of his own. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. Prendergast chose Miss Helen Thielen, to 
whom he was married in Kewanee, Illinois, Febru- 
ary 11, 1903. She was born in Chicago, No- 
vember 26, 1875, and their union has been blessed 
with one child, Helen M., born December 6, 1903. 
Mrs. Prendergast is a daughter of Paul and Mary 
(Gillett) Thielen, the former a native of Ger- 
many and the latter of Illinois. They had nine 
children, of whom Mrs. Prendergast was the third. 
She completed her education in the high school 
at Kansas City, from which she was graduated, 
and for five years she was a successful teacher of 
Bureau county. 

Mr. Prendergast belongs to Arlington lodge, No. 
3111, M. W. A., and in his political views is a 
democrat, while his religious faith is indicated 
by his membership in the Roman Catholic church. 
He is a self-made man, and his diligence and busi- 
ness integrity are qualities which have brought him 
a good start in life and which will win for him 
still greater successes in the future. He and his 
wife live in one of the best neighborhoods in Berlin 
township, and their excellent qualities have gained 
for them the friendly regard of neighbors and of 
all by whom they aro known. 



ADAM CARPER. 
Adam Carper is the owner of Pleasant View 
farm in Macon township, a valuable property 
which in its excellent appearance indicates the 
careful supervision and practical methods of an 
enterprising owner. Long years have passed since 
he came to the county, for during more than a half 
century he has resided within its borders. His 
birth occurred in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, 
on the 10th of January. 1838, his parents being 
John and Catherine (Smith) Carper. The father, 
also a native of the Keystone state, was born June 
11, 1807. His entire life was spent upon a farm 
and his educational advantages were very limited. 
Tn 1854 he came to Tiureau county and purchased 



eighty acres of land in Macon lownsliip. whereon 
he made his home until his death. His wife, also 
a native of the Keystone state, died in Illinois at 
the age of about forty-live years. Both were faith- 
ful members of the Church of God, and Mr. Carper 
gave his political support to the whig party until 
the organization of the new republican party, 
when he joined its ranks and continued to follow 
its banners until his demise. In the family of 
this worthy couple were nine children, of whom 
six are yet living: Jacob S., a resident farmer 
of Bureau county; Henry, who follows farming 
in Clay county, Nebraska; Adam and Frederick, 
who are prosperous agriculturists of Macon town- 
ship; Christina, the wife of John Ilanley, of 
Buda; and John, a merchant of Buda. One 
daughter, Elizalieth, became the wife of David 
Yount, of Macon township, and died May 22. 
1901, while Christopher, who was a farmer of 
Macon township, died April 16, 1902. 

Adam Carper was reared in Pennsylvania to the 
age of sixteen years and acquired a common school 
education. Although his privileges in youth were 
somewhat meager, he has kept in touch with the 
progress of the times through reading and ob- 
servation, and is now a well informed man. He 
was early trained to the work of the fami, and 
lessons of industry and integrity were instilled 
into his mind, and in later years have borne rich 
fruit. He came with his parents to Bureau coun- 
ty when a young lad and assisted in the cultiva- 
tion and improvement of the home farm until 
thirty-two years of age, also spending aliout twelve 
years of that time as a thresher in Macon and 
surrounding townships. The first tract of land 
which he purchased comprised eighty acres on 
section 28, Macon township, which constitutes a 
part of his present farm. He was able to make 
only a partial payment, but he worked persistently 
and energetically and soon was able to discharge 
his fuiaiicial obligations. He also made good 
improvements and eventually extended tlie bound- 
aries of his place by an additional purchase of 
eighty acres. He now has an excellent tract of 
land, covering a quarter section in Macon town- 
ship, and the place is well named Pleasant View 
farm. It is equipped with good buildings, includ- 
ing a very pleasant residence, which he erected, 
together with all the other accessories of a model 
farm of the twentieth century. 

On the 18th of November, 1869, was celebrated 
the marriage of Adam Carper and Miss Mai-y 
Kegarice, a native of Huntingdon county, Penn- 
sylvania, born March 18, 1846, and the seventh in 
a family of eleven children, whose parents were 
John and Margaret (Inscho) Kegarice. Of this 
family seven are now living. Jacob, who was a 
retired farmer of Scranton, Towa, died August 15, 
1906. The others arc : Philip, a mason by trade, 
who resides at Payton, Iowa; Barbara, widow 
of Robert Spencer, of Peoria; Mrs. Carper, wife 
of our subject; Sallie, wife of Ezra Osborne, n 



Glli 



PAST AXU PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



fanner of Creston, Iowa; Margaret, wife of Wil- 
liam Suter, of West Virginia; Susan, wife of 
George Ernie, a farmer of Belwood. Pennsylvania; 
Nancy, wife of 1. M. Rol)erts, a grain dealer of 
Douglas, Nebraska. John Kegarice was a native 
of Pennsylvania, born December 10, 1811, and 
died August 30, 18T8. He was a blacksmith iiy 
trade, andalthough receiving but a common school 
education, engaged in teaching. He was a member 
of the Seventli Day Adventists. and politically was 
a stanch republican, but originally was an old-line 
whig. Mrs. Kegarice was a native of New Jersey, 
born June 20, 1813. and died October 16, 1882. 
She was reared in Pennsylvania, and was also a 
member of the Seventh Day Adventists. After 
the death of her husband she came west and made 
her home with her daughter, Mrs. Carper. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Carper were born seven 
children, of whom four survive. Myrtie is now 
the wife of Eichard W. Eobinson, a prosperous 
farmer of Macon township, and their children are 
Harry J., Mary Rose, Mildred and Myrtie Dell. 
Mr. Robinson is a native of Illinois, was educated 
in the common schools of Macon township and 
also pursued a business course in Davenport, Iowa. 
Politically he is a democrat, and is a member of 
the Church of God. John Irving is a graduate 
of Barkcyville Academy, of Pennsylvania, of the 
class of 1893, and of Findlay College, Ohio, of 
the class of 1896. In one year he completed a 
course in Barkeyville Academy, which usually re- 
quires two years, and in two years at Findlay Col- 
lege he completed the work that usually required 
three years. He is now engaged in the real estate 
business in Des Moines, Iowa, and was married 
August 10, 1898, to Alma Markee, and they have 
two children, Gerald and Dorothy. Josie, bom 
September 27, 1876, was married November 30, 
1899, to Bert Bartlett, and they have two chil- 
dren: Clarence Adam and Mary Darline. The 
other members of the Carper family were Mar- 
garet, Ira, Jacob Elmer and one who died in 
infancy. 

Age conferred upon Mr. Carper the right of 
franchise at the time when Abraham Lincoln was 
a candidate for the presidency, and to him Mr. 
Carper gave his support. He has always been a 
stalwart republican, and has been a delegate to 
various county conventions, where his opinions 
have frequently been a decisive factor in party 
councils. His wife adheres to the faith of the 
Church of God, her membership being in what 
is known as the Bunker Hill church. In various 
church activities she is deeply interested, is a 
member of the Ladies' Foreign Missionary So- 
ciety and for some years was an earnest worker 
in the Sunday school. The family home is an 
attractive and hospitable residence, situated in the 
midst of a fine farm, which is the visible evidence 
of Mr. Carper's life of intense and well directed 
activity. He started out for himself empty- 
handed, but has steadily and persistently worked 



his way upward, overcoming all obstacles and dif- 
liculties in his path. Determination and honor- 
able purpose will always win success, and Mr. 
Carper has made for himself an honorable name 
as well as a comfortable competence as the years 
have gone by. 



THOMPSON A. ZINK. 

Thompson A. Zink, who for more than two 
decades conducted a meat market in Buda, and is 
numbered among the reliable and enterprising 
business men of that town, was born September 
12, 1850, his parents being George and Catherine 
(Thompson) Zinic, natives of Pennsylvania. On 
leaving the Keystone state the father removed to 
Ohio and thence came to Illinois in 1843, and the 
mother in 1845. They were farming people, and 
were among the early pioneer residents of this part 
of the state, which they aided in reclaiming for the 
purposes of civilization. 

Thompson A. Zink was reared under the parent- 
al roof, amid frontier conditions, and at the usual 
age began his education, passing through suc- 
cessive grades until he was graduated from the 
high school of Buda. Ilis training at farm work 
was not meager, for he early took his place behind 
the plow and assisted in other labor in connection 
with the development and improvement of the 
fields. He continued farming with his father for 
five years after completing his education, and then 
started out in life for himself. Subsequently he 
established a meat market, opening a store at 
Buda in 1881 and conducting it with constantly 
growing success until December, 1905. He had a 
very liberal patronage, and derived therefrom a 
gratifying income. He is the owner of a good 
farm of one hundred and si.xty acres in Macon 
township, which he rents, and in his home place 
in Bulla has about twelve acres, whereon he is en- 
gaged in the raising of poultry. 

Jlr. Zink was married to Miss Maggie Russell, 
of Buda, a daughter of Arnold and Mary (Stone) 
Russell, farming people, who removed from Penn- 
sylvania to Illinois in 1861. The marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Zink was celebrated March 15, 1877, and 
has lieen blessed with three children: Mary H., 
who is a graduate of tlie Buda high school ; Estelle 
M., at home; and Gail R.. who was born April 24, 
1880, and died April 20, 188(1. 

Mr. Zink is a man who always has the courage of 
his convictions, and his position upon any matter 
of public moment ic never an equivocal one. In 
politics he is a stalwart republican, and for three 
terms has served as alderman of Buda, exercising 
his oflicial prerogatives in support of those meas- 
ures which work for general improvement and 
pernuinent good. Fraternally he is a Mason, and 
has served as past master and as junior warden 
in Buda lodge, No. 399, A., F. and A. M. His 
residence in this county covers a long period, 



PAST AND PKHSE.VT OF PrnKAT COUXTV. 



01 r 



during which time he has witnessed many of tlie 
changes that have occurred and the transforma- 
tion that has taken phice as business interests have 
been introduced and as the worlc of improvement 
has been carried forward, winning for Bureau 
county a foremost position among the leading 
counties of this great commonwealth. 



JACOB HAXLEY. 

Jacob Hanley owns and operates a farm of two 
hundred and seventy-six acres in Macon town- 
ship and is engaged in the raising of black Gallo- 
way cattle. A native of Pennsylvania, he was 
born in Blair county, July 25, 1844, and acquired 
a public-school education in that state. His par- 
ents. Christian C. and Barbara (Snowbarger) 
Hanley. were both natives of Blair county, Penn- 
sylvania, where their marriage was celebrated on 
the 1st of September, 1836. For fifty-nine years 
they traveled life's journey happily together as 
man and wife. The father was born May 5, 1811, 
and the mother was born in June, 1822. His life 
was devoted to agricultural pursuits and for many 
years he served as supervisor of roads, doing much 
to improve the public highways in his locality. 
Both he and his wife were members of the Dun- 
kard church and died in that faith, Mr. Hanley 
passing away in Taylor township, Blair county, 
September 1, ISS-t, while his wife survived until 
October 7. 1904. They had become the parents of 
eleven children, of whom seven are now living : 
Christina, the wife of Christ Markey, of Blair 
county, Pennsylvania: Susan, who is the widow of 
Peter Kurtz and lives in the same county; Mar- 
garet, the wife of Peter Hite. of Blair county ; 
John S., of Buda, Illinois: Jacob; David C, living 
in Blair county, Pennsylvania : and Andrew S., 
whose home is in Blair county. 

Xo event of special importance occurred to vary 
the routine of farm life for .Jacob Hanley in the 
days of his boyhood and youth. He worked in the 
fields when not occupied with the duties of the 
schoolroom and early became familiar with the 
mctliods then in vogue of carrying on the task of 
plowing, planting and harvesting. In 1866 he 
came to Bureau county, Illinois, and 1871 he be- 
gan farming on his own account. In the fall of 
1874 he purchased eighty acres of land, to which 
ho has since added until he is today the owner of 
two hundred and seventy-six acres of valuable land 
in Macon townsliip, of which twenty-three acres 
is covered with timber. In 1899 he built the 
greater part of the residence which he now occu- 
pies, having in that year erected all of the newer 
portion. He has modern equipments upon his 
place that facilitate the work of the fields and 
everything about his farm is in keeping with ideas 
of ])rogres?ivc agriculture. lie makes a specialty 
of the raising of l)lack Gallowaj' cattle. 



In early maniiood Mr. Hanley responded to the 
country's call for military aid" and on the 13th 
of February, 186.5, joined Company B of the One 
Hundred and Xinety-second Regiment of Penn- 
sylvania Volunteers, to serve for a year or during 
the war. He was at the front until August 24, 
186.'), when he received an honorable discharge. 

On Christmas day of 1873 he was married to 
Jliss Catharine Ilorton, who was born in Bedford 
county, Pennsylvania, August 31, 1847, a daughter 
of Eli and Mary (Hamilton) Horton, who were 
likewise natives of the same county, the former 
born April 14, 1824, and the latter December 23, 
1823. On the 4th of November, 18.54, Mr. Ilorton 
came to Illinois, settling in Macon township, 
where he first farmed forty acres of land, living 
in a log cabin. ^Ho was one of the earliest settlers 
of Macon town.'hip and aided in reclaiming the 
wild land for the uses of civilization. Later he 
i)ought more land from time to time and built a 
frame house, in which he and his wife spent their 
remaining days, his attention being successfully 
given to general farming. He .served as a school 
director for a number of years and he stood for 
general progress and improvement along many 
lines. He held membership in Buda lodge, 
A. F. & A. M., and ho also belonged to the Metho- 
dist Episcopal church, of which his wife was a 
member. He voted with the whig party until its 
dissolution and then joined the ranks of the re- 
pulilican party, on whose ticket he was elected 
road commissioner, wliile for a considerable period 
lie served as school director. He pa.ssed away 
April 24, 1894, and was survived by his wife until 
the 15th of February, 1898. They had a family 
of eight children, of whom five are yet living: 
^fts. Hanley: Allen, of Princeton: Thomas, of 
Wyanet township: Lavica, the wife of Jefferson 
Osborn, of Clay county, Nebraska : and Charity 
B., the wife of TIet Couch, of Keith county, Ne- 
braska. 

By their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Hanley have 
become the parents of five children, of whom four 
still survive: Eva May. born in April, 1876; 
William E., Fcbruarv 8." 1878: Chester G., March 
I, 1880: and Lena E., l>orn :March 3, 1884. 

In connection with his other business interests 
Mr. Hanley is one of the directors of the Neponset 
and Macon townships Farmers' Insurance Com- 
pany, with which he has thus been associated for 
the past twenty years. He has served as school 
director for the past eighteen years and for six 
years has been road commissioner, filling the posi- 
tion at the present time. No public trust repo.sed 
in him has ever been betrayed in the slightest de- 
gree. On the contrary he is true to all his duties 
and obligations of citizenship as well as of private 
life. He belongs to Buda lodge. No. 575, I. 0. 
O. F., and to Emory post. Xo. 198, G. A. R., of 
Buda, and through the latter lie maintains pleas- 
ant relations with his old army comrades. Such 
is the life historv of Jacob Hanlev, a man secure 



618 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



in the esteem of his fellowmen by reason of the 
many excellent traits which he lias displayed and 
by his devotion to a high standard of principles. 



BENJAMIN LORD SMITH. 

Benjamin Lord Smith, deceased, was one of 
the first settlers of Princeton, locating liere in 1835 
when there were but seven houses in the town. 
He w-as one of the first merchants and he also 
held county offices. From that time to the present 
the family has figured prominently in the public 
life of the county and the son, Selby L. Smith, is 
now president of the largest bank in Princeton. 
The name in this locality has become synonj'mous 
with commercial integrity and progress, and no 
history of the community would be complete with- 
out mention of him whose name introduces this 
review and who in pioneer days aided in laying 
broad and deep the foundation for the present 
upb^iilding and prosperity of the county. He was 
born on a farm near Utica, New York, September 
15, 1806. His father, Benjamin Smith, first 
wedded Abigail Piatt, who died in the state of 
^iew York on the 20th of June, 1805. He after- 
ward wedded Abigail Cooper Lord, likewise a na- 
tive of the Empire state. Benjamin Smith was 
born in that state, July 18, i:6i), and throughout 
his business career carried on farming, continuing 
in that occupation up to the time of his death, 
which occurred July 11, 1816, while his second 
wife survived until May 1, 1833. 

Benjamin L. Smith, a son of the second mar- 
riage, was reared to general agricultural pursuits, 
assisting in the work of the home farm when not 
occupied with the duties of the schoolroom. He 
pursued his education in the country schools near 
Utica and the fact that he was in poor health in 
his boyhood days induced him to come to the west. 
He remained at home, however, until after his 
marriage, which was celebrated on the 15th of 
September, 183G, Miss Catherine Sceley becoming 
his wife, She, too, was a native of New York, 
born March 26, 1816. Her parents were also 
farming people and both died in the east. Four 
children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith. 
Caroline L., who was born April 7, 1839, died Au- 
gust 13, 1843. Laura Ann, born February 25, 
1812, remained at home with her parents and 
cared for them in their old age. She still resides 
in Princeton and owns one of the fine residences of 
the city, which she recently erected at No. 30 East 
Peru street. Nathan, born August 5, 1843, died 
February 26, 1844. Selby L., born December 15, 
1847, is president of the State Bank of Prince- 
ton and is represented elsewhere in this work. 

On account of the condition of his health Mr. 
Smith, on the day succeeding his marriage, started 
westward, covering the broad expanse of country 
lietween New York and the Mississippi valley in 
I wagon. They were four weeks upon the road, 



after which Mr. Smith visited se\eral of the cent- 
ral states and finally chose Princeton, Illinois, as 
a favorable location, taking up his abode here in 
the fall of 1835. Soon afterward he established a 
dry-goods store, which he conducted for a few 
years, ami then purchased a farm a short distance 
cast of Princeton. He gave his time and energies 
to general agricultural pursuits for several years 
but he found the arduous duties of farm life too 
great a drain upon his health and energy and 
again took up his abode in the city. Soon after- 
ward he was elected county clerk of Bureau coun- 
ty and held that otfice for eight years, discharging 
liis duties in a most prompt and capable manner. 
He then retired from active business life, spending 
Ills remaining days in Princeton, his death occur- 
ring August 23, 1900, when he had reached the 
venerable age of ninety-four years and eleven 
months. His wife passed away July 10, 1904. at 
the age of eight3"-cight years. They had traveled 
life's journey together for the remarkable period 
(if sixty-five years, sharing with each other in the 
joys and sorrows, the adversity and prosperity 
which checker the careers of all. 

In politics Mr. Smith was a stanch democrat, 
thoroughly in sympathy with the principles and 
]iolicy of the party. By investing his money in 
town and country property in the early days when 
)irices were low he became very well-to-do owing 
to the appreciation of land and real-estate values. 
lie possessed broad business judgment and keen 
discrimination, as was indicated by the judicious 
])lacing of his investments, which in course of 
years made him one of the most substantial resi- 
dents of Princeton and Bureau county. He w^as, 
moreover, a man of high ideals as exemplified in 
his straightforward business career as well as in 
his relations with his fellowmen, and wherever 
known he was held in the highest esteem. As a 
pioneer resident and representative citizen he was 
widely and favorably known in the county and 
his name should he inscribed among those who 
were the founders and promoters of her best inter- 
ests in an earlv dav. 



MELCIIERT D. GARTEN. 

^lelchert D. Garten, an enterprising farmer of 
Ohio township, where he owns tliirty-two and 
seventeen hundredths acres of land, situated on 
section 25, was born in that township, ilarch IS, 
1864. lie is a son of Azariah D. and Emily F. 
(Browning) Garten, the former born in 1830, and 
the latter in 1833. both natives of Indiana, whence 
they removed to Illinois in the early '50s, being 
among the first settlers of Bureau county. In 
their family were boi-n seven children, of whom 
the subject of this review is the fifth in order of 
birth. 

^Iclohnrt D. Garten received a common-school 
education, and after putting aside his text-books, 









(X^yylA^vy^ Ck (3Vi v37^i^ 



xT^tti, 



I 




i-.y^^ttf^ 2$ . oT*^*^^^ 



r.\Sl- ANT» I'UK^iRXT OF i'.IK'KAC COrXTV 



G23 



started out in life on his own account. He now 
owns and operates thirty-two and seventeen liun- 
dredlhs acres of land, situated on section 25, Ohio 
township, which is a valuable tract, being today 
worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred 
dollars per acre, lie inlicritcd some of this prop- 
ertv, but by hard work and good raanagenient has 
added to and improved liis property until he ha.s 
made it an excellent piece of land, on which he is 
carrying on general agricultural pursuits, annually 
harvesting crops, for he is thoroughy familiar with 
the best methods of cultivating tlie soil and caring 
for the crops. His wife al.<o inlicrited a tract of 
forty acres, situated on section 2, Ohio township, 
so that together they have a good farm property. 

On the 1st of February, 1894, Mr. Garten was 
united in marriage to Miss Emma S. Compton. 
who was born in October, 1873, a daughter of 
David and Sophia Compton, both natives of Ohio, 
whence they removed to Illinois, settling in Bureau 
county at an early day. Mrs. Garten was reared 
and educated in this county and is the youngest of 
the five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. David 
Compton. Mrs. Garten is an excellent lady, pos- 
sessing many sterling traits of character, and by 
the careful management of the household affairs 
has proved to her husband an able assistant. 

In his political views Mr. Garten is a repub- 
lican, but is not active in the work of the party, 
although he is conversant with the political issues 
of the day. He and his wife hold membership in 
the Methodist Protestant church at Ohio. Al- 
though they have come into possession of some of 
their property through inheritance, they have dis- 
played marked ability in the management of their 
business affairs so that they have been enabled to 
add to their interests from time to time and are 
thus meeting with gratifying and merited success. 
They are highly respected young people and the 
hospitality of the best homes in the county is 
cordiallv extended to them. 



.TA1\IES J. MOEAX, M. D. 

Dr. James J. Moran. one of the younger and 
more successful members of the medical fraternity 
practicing in Spring Valley, was born in Scotland, 
July 2, 187.5. Ilis father, Patrick Moran, was 
also a native of that country, but was born of 
Irish parentage. He wedded j\Iiss Mary Mc- 
Manus, likewise a native of Scotland, and in the 
year 1881 he brought his family to the United 
States, settling first in Braidwood, Illinois. He 
was a minor and followed that pursuit in his new 
location. In 1886 he left Braidwood and came to 
Spring Valley, tlion a recently founded town, and 
again he engaged in mining. He still resides in 
Spring Valley. 

Dr. Jloran was only about six years of age at 
the time of the emigration of the family to the 
new world, and his education, begun in the schools 



of Braidwood, was continued in the higli school of 
Spring Valley, from which lie was graduated in 
the class of 1891. For several years thereafter he 
engaged in teaching school in this county, at 
Spring Valley and ]\Iarquette, but regarded this 
merely as an initial step to other professional 
labor, for it was his desire to become a member of 
the medical fraternity and while teaching he de- 
voted much time, outside of the schoolroom, to the 
study of medicine. In 1900 he entered the North- 
western University at Chicago, as a student in 
tlie medical department, from which he was gradu- 
ated with the class of 190.5. He (lien located for 
practice in Spring Valley, where he has already 
met with very flattering success, having a practice 
tliat many an older physician might well envy. 

In 1899 Dr. Moran was united in marriage to 
^liss Aura H. Barrowman, a daughter of Thomas 
I'.arrowmau, of Will county, Illinois. They now 
have two sons: Tliomas L., born March 13, 1900; 
and James II., Imrn March 10, 1903. Dr. Moran 
belongs to tlie Modern Woodmen camp and other 
.-ocieties and is a member of the Roman Catholic 
church. He has a bright future for he is attentive 
to the duties of his profession, has comprehensive 
knowledge of the principles wliicli underlie active 
practice and is unusually correct in the diagnosis 
of a case. Moreover, he is personally popular and 
has many warm friends in Spring Valley, where 
the greater part of his life has l>een passed. 



HARRY C. BOOTH. 

Harry C. Booth, superintendent and treasurer 
of the Illinois Third Vein Coal Company, oper- 
ating at Ladd, has for a number of years been con- 
nected with the development of the coal fields of 
Bureau county — one of its leading sources o^ 
wealth. Ho was born in Newarlc New Jersey, 
.\pril 10, 1864. His paternal grandfather, George 
Booth, still lives in New Jersey, at the advanced 
age of ninety-four years, and is a reprosenta(i\e of 
an old family of English descent that was founded 
in America in 1607. His son, George C. Booth, 
also a native of New Jersey, married Charlotte 
('urtis, a native of New York. Both are at present 
living. 

In the public schools of his native city Harry 
('. Booth began his education, and later continued 
his studies in Bryant & Stratton Business College, 
in Newark. He entered upon his business career 
in connection with clerical and office work in New 
York city, and at the age of eighteen years went 
upon the road as a traveling salesman, being thus 
engaged for a number of years. Each change 
which he made was a step in advance, bringing 
him a broader outlook in the business world and 
greater opportunities. At length he became con- 
nected with the Spring Valley Coal Company, and 
he worked his way oteadily upward, beginning with 
the very humble wage of a dollar and fortv cent* 



G24 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



per day. Gradually he was advanced from one 
position to another until he became sales agent for 
the company, one of the most important positions 
to be filled in connection with the conduct of its 
business. When the Illinois Third Vein Coal 
Company was organized, August 2C, 1901, he came 
to Ladd as superintendent and treasurer, which 
constitutes his present connection therewith, and 
in the performance of his duties in this capacity 
he has contributed in no small measure to the 
success of the enterprise. 

In November, 1894, Mr. Booth was united in 
marriage to Miss Jennie L. Davies, a native of 
Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, and thev have one son, 
Harold, born February 8, 1897. Mr. Booth is a 
member of the Masonic lodge at Spring Valley and 
the chapter at Peru. He is a member of the Con- 
gregational cliurch, and has taken a most active 
and'' helpful interest in the cause of education, 
serving now as president of the board of education 
of Ladd, while his efforts have been potent ele- 
ments for advancement along material, political 
and moral lines in Ladd. 



HENRY W. IMMKE. 

Henry W. Immke is one of the oldest pho- 
tographers of Bureau county, located on North 
Main street in Princeton, where he has a large 
and splendidly equipped studio, scarcely surpassed 
in its appointments in the state. He has been in 
business in Princeton since 186G and has been 
located in the northern part of the city since 
1867. Ilis capability as well as the years of his 
continuous connection with the photographic in- 
terests jilace him foremost among the representa- 
tives of the art and he today enjoys iiuich more 
than local reputation. 

Mr. Immke was born in the province of Hessen, 
Oerniaiiv. in the village of Wendershausen, March 
9, IS.'W, Ills parents being Jolin and K. Christina 
(Apel) Immke. Tbe paternal grandparents were 
Jolm Henry and Anna K. (Y^aeger) Immke. The 
father was an expert weaver of damask linen, pos- 
sessing .skill of such superior order that he was 
employed only by wealthy people. He was born 
January 7, 181 f. and died in 1848, at the com- 
liaratively early age of thirty-six years. Both he 
and his wife were members of tlie German Re- 
formed church. Mrs. Immke was born January 
28, 1818, and died in Waako in the province of 
Hanover, near Gottingen, Germany. March 31, 
1896, at the age of seventy-eight years. Henry 
W. Immke is tlie eldest of their five children, the 
others being as follows: Maggie, the wife of 
William Blume, who resides near Worthington, 
Minnesota ; Henry, who is living near Pontiac, 
Livingston county, Illinois; Mary, the widow of 
Fred Wisthuff, who followed farming near Chats- 
worth. Livingston counfy: and M. Elizabetli. who 



died at Odell, Livingston county, in 1873, at the 
age of twenty-four years. 

In the schools of his native land Henry W. 
Immke acquired a good education and in 1855, at 
the age of sixteen years, he crossed the Atlantic 
to America, making his way direct to Peru, Illi- 
nois, where for eight years he was employed as a 
farm hand. Feeling that he might enjoy better 
business opportunities in other fields of labor he 
took up the study of photography under the late 
S. M. Fassett, of Chicago, who had one of the 
largest and best equipped galleries in the United 
States during the period of the Civil war. Under 
his direction Mr. Immke learned the business and 
in September, 1866, he located in Princeton, 
where he purchased an interest in the gallery of 
W. H. Masters and has since been identified with 
photography in this city. The partnership con- 
tinued for about five and a half months, when it 
was dissolved, ^tr. Immke establishing his studio 
in the north end of Princeton, while Mr. Masters 
remained in the south end. Mr. Immke has since 
been successfully engaged in business, doing all 
kinds of work along his line. He is an artist of 
more than ordinary ability, of which fact incon- 
trovertible proof is given in his pictures. A few 
years ago he photographed a group of old settlers 
in which are over four hundred faces in a frame 
forty-four by fifty-six inches. As a work of art 
this i.? an interesting study, being a faithful like- 
ness of those honored pioneers who came to Bti- 
reau county when it was little more than wihler- 
ness. The picture, too, plainly indicates that it 
was executed by a master hand and Mr. Immke 
deserves great commendation, not only for the ex- 
cellency of this woi-k. Init more for tlie enterprise 
and generous public spirit with which he per- 
formed this difficult undertaking. He keeps in- 
formed concerning the latest ])rocesses which have 
improved and revolutionized the methods of pho- 
tography and is not oidy thoroughly versed in the 
technical side of his art. but also has the keenest 
appreciation for efTects of ligltt. shade and color 
as well as ])ose. His work is certainly of a most 
artistic nature and has gained for him a liberal 
patronage, which ])laees him among the leading 
])hotographers of this part of the state. 

On the 29th of May, 1864. Mr. Immke was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary R. Steinbrook, 
who was born in iluskingum county. Ohio. July 
1.3. 1843. Her fatlier. Henry Steinbrook. was 
born in Lancaster county. Pennsylvania. October 
1. 1796. Init in his youth was taken liy his ])arents 
to ^luskingum county, Ohio, where lie afterward 
engaged in farming and later gave his attention 
to the manufacturing of .«alt and to coal mining. 
Ho was, however, a wheelwright by trade. In 
1821 be married Sarah IjelTler. who was born Jan- 
uary 28. 1806. and died in April. 1892. while his 
death occurred 'May I. 1873. Fourteen children 
were born to thcTn. of whom thi-ee died in in- 
fancv. Till' cilliers wercv Samuel, llcnr\', Sni'ah, 



'S- 



>: 



K 







PAST AND PRESENT Of BUREAU COUNTY. 



627 



I 



Catherine, Peter, Caroline, Margaret, Anna, Eliza- 
beth, Mary R., George and Matihhi. :\Ir. and 
Mrs. Iminke became the parents of four oliildren, 
of whom two are living. Henry William Immke, 
Jr., born March 20, 186.5, married Martha S. 
Slavens, of Kansas City, Missouri, a daughter of 
Judge L. C. Slavens. They had two children: 
William Luther; and Martha, who died at the age 
of four montlis. Henry W. Immke, Jr., is con- 
nected with the firm of Ha.^kins & Sells, of New 
York city, as public accountant. R. Minetta 
Immke, born January 24, 1867, is now the wife of 
Fred H. Bacon, of Canton, South Dakota, by 
whom she liad four children : Neva, Amelia, 
Freda and Alberta, but the last named is now 
deceased. Pansy M. Immke, born January 13, 
187.5, became the wife of Walter A. Williamson, 
who is in the employ of the large grocery house 
of Reid, Murdock & Co., of Chicago. She died 
February 18, 1902. leaving one daughter, Mary 
Immke. LeRov S., born April 2, 1881, died 
March 6, 1893. " 

Mr. Immke has always been deeply interested in 
educational affairs and has done effective service 
in behalf of public instruction while serving as a 
member of the school board. Both he and his 
wife are earnest members of the Presbyterian 
church, contribute generously to its support and 
take an active and helpful interest in its work. 
^Ir. Immke has never had occa.sion to regret his 
determination to seek a home in the United States, 
for in the new world he has found the business 
opportunities he has souglit and has won success, 
by his thorough understanding of the business 
which claims his attention, by his close applica- 
tion and reliable methods. He has also made 
steady advancement in his art and his position is 
not only that of financial success, but of artistic 
prominence as well. 



THEODORE J. BERGE. 
Theodore J. Berge, a farmer and stock-raiser, 
living on section 17, Fairfield township, was born 
in Tazewell county, Illinois, in 1862, and is a son 
of Andrew Borgc. who now owns and occupies a 
farm in Fairfield township. The father was born 
in Hessen Cassel, Germany, and came to America 
in 1861. He made his way westward to Peoria by 
boat and located in Tazewell county, Illinois, where 
he resided continuously until his removal to Bu- 
reau county. Hir wife, who bore the maiden name 
of Mary Muensterman, was also born in Hessen 
Cassel, Germany, and they have now reached the 
ages of sixty-eight and sixty-four years, respective- 
ly. In their famiU were nine children, of whom 
Theodore J. Berge is the eldest. Three brothers 
now reside in Lincoln, Nebraska, two of whom are 
lawyers, while one is engaged la the real estate 
business. G. W. Berge, who is a niemlier of the 
bar there, was a caiididate for governor of the state 



on an independent ticket in 1901. \uolher brother 
is living in Kausis City, Missouri, and two sisters 
are residents of Minnesota, the family thus being 
widely scattered. 

Theodore J. Berge was largely reared in tliis 
county, whither he accompanied his parents on 
their removal from Tazewell countv in his boyhood 
days. The public schools afforded him his educa- 
tional privileges, and he early became familiar 
with the occupation of farming, which he has fol- 
lowed to the present time, now owning and op- 
erating a well improved tract of land of two hun- 
dred and eighty acres on sections '6 and 17, Fair- 
field township, and also owns property in Minne- 
sota and Kansas. He carries on general farm 
work and stock-raising, and his close application 
and unremitting diligence constitute the salient 
features in his success. 

Mr. Berge was married in this county to Miss 
Sabine E. Salzman, a native of Germany, and 
they now have four children, all of whom were 
born in Fairfield township, namely: Olga, Emma, 
Regina and Rudolph. In his political views Mr. 
Berge is independent, keeping well informed on 
the questions and issues of the day, and not con- 
sidering himself bound by party ties. He has 
served for sixteen years as a collector, and is now 
school treasurer, and the public luties thus de- 
volving upon him have been discharged with 
promptness and fidelity. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Modern Woodmen of America at 
Yorktown, and his religious views are indicated 
by his membership m the Lutheran church. 



JOHN G. ANDERSON. 
Among the citizens of foreign birth living in 
Bureau countv is numbered John G. Anderson, a 
native of Sweden. He first opened liis eyes to the 
light of day on the 17th of March, 1863, and is a 
son of Swan and Sarah (Johnson) Anderson, both 
of whom were natives of Sweden, in which country 
they were married in October, 1858. The year 
1866 witnessed their arrival in Illinois, at which 
time they took up their abode in Princeton. Mr. 
Anderson worked at farming and railroading, 
continuing a resident of the county seat up to the 
time of his death, which occurred February 15, 
1867, at the age of thirty-three years The mother 
of our subject is now living in Huda in her sixty- 
seventh year, having been born May 3, 1839. By 
her first marriage she had five children, but only 
two are now living, the elder being Matilda J., 
who was born March 25, 1860, and is the wife of 
Herman Lundgrcn Having lost her first hus- 
band, Mrs. Anderson was married to Samuel A. 
Johnson, who v as born in Sweden and diad Febru- 
ary 26, 1900, at the age of sixty-five years There 
were six children by that marriage, of wliom four 
survive, namely: Hilma, Nellie, Ida and Minnie. 
The parents were members of the Congregational 



628 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



church, and for thirty- two years ilr. Johusou was 
in the employ of the Cliicago, Burlington & Quincy 
Eailroad Coinpany, acting as section boss for twen- 
ty- two years. 

" John G. Anderson was only three years old when 
brought by his parents to Bureau county, Illinois, 
and he attended the public schools until ten years 
of age, when he began earning his own living by 
working in a grist and planing mill at Galva. 
where he remained for about three years. He then 
secured emplovment as a farm hand during the 
summer and attended school during the winter 
months, being u.us engaged until twenty years ol 
age, with the exception of a period of a year and 
a half, which was passed in the Ho.xton steam- 
heating works at Kewanee. He beg-an farming on 
his own account about the time he attained his 
majority, and when his labor and economy had 
brought him sufficent capital he bought seventy- 
iive acres of land in Macon townsb^p. He is now 
cultivating one hundred and fifty acres of excel- 
lent farming land near Buda. and derives there- 
from a desirable incoi"" 

On Christmas day of 1889 Mr. Anderson was 
married to Miss Auiiie E. Crisman, who was born 
in Macon township, July 22, 18(55, a daughter of 
William and Elizabeth Crisman. Mr. and Mrs. 
Anderson now have two children: Kuth E., born 
April 22, 1893, and William C, April 23, 1902. 
The parents are members of the Baptist church, 
and politically Mr. Anderson is a republican. Al- 
most his entire life has been passed in this county, 
and the success he has achieved has come as the 
direct reward of his own labors. Starting out for 
himself when only ten years of age, he has been 
the architect and builder of his own fortunes, and 
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. 



MICHAEL RYAN. 

Michael Rvan, to whom has been vouchsafed a 
well earned retireu.ent from active business life, is 
now living in Sheflu'ld, where he has remained for 
a numlier of years, having put aside the more ar- 
duous duties of a business career. He was born 
in the village of Gloucester, King's county, Ire- 
land, on the 1.5th of August, 1819, and was reared 
to farm life, remaining at home with his parents 
until thirty-two years of age. On crossing the 
.\tlantic to.Vmcrica in 1S51 he joined his brother, 
then living in Scher.ectady, New York, an'l he lirst 
earned his living in the new world by working in a 
brickyard at nine shillings per day. He managed 
to save a little money, but his first wages were sent 
home to his mother, and he later paid the passage 
of a niece from Treiand to New York. For a year 
he was employed in an engine manufa'-tory at a 
wage of a dollar per day, and the .suocernling two 
years were devoted to railroad work in Ohio, after 
"which he returned to Schenectady. New York, 
where he was employed at general labor f.)r twenty 



dollars per month l-y a firm eugagdd in the lumber, 
coal and hardware business. For seven years he 
i-emained in that employ — a fact which indicates 
that he was faithful to the duties intrusted to him 
and was thoroughly reliable at all times. 

On the 22d of Fobruary, 1856, Mr. Ryan wedded 
Miss Catherine O'Hare, a native of County Down, 
Ireland, who was brought to the United States 
when ten years of fge. They have one son, Wil- 
liam. In 18G0 Mr. Ryan came to Illinois making 
his way to Priucet'-n, where resided his wife's sis- 
ter. To provide for the support of his family he 
worked at farm labor until 1862, and then, putting 
aside all business and personal cc/nsideration, he 
joined the army in defense of the Union cause, 
enlisting on the 2d of August of that year as a 
member of Company I, Ninety-third Illinois Vol- 
unteer Infantry, under Colonel Putnam of Free- 
port. Illinois. He remained in the service until 
honorably mustered out, August 26, 1865. With 
liis company he took part in the battles cf Yicks- 
Inirg, Fort (iilison. Raymond, Jackson and Cham- 
pion Hill. During the siege of Yicksbnrg, which 
lasted six weeks, every day or two he was in the 
rifle pits, and on the 22d of May was in the charge, 
after which he was on patrol duty. After a thirty 
days" furlough he I'cjoined his regiment and took 
part in the battle of Missionary Ridge, where 
Colonel Putnam was killed, and after that en- 
gagement only thijteen men of hi? company were 
fit for duty. The division then went with Mc- 
Pherson to Huntsville, Alabama, to guard rail- 
roads, but was ordered back to Chattanooga to 
guard a train on its way to join Sherman In an 
engagement at Dailon, Georgia, in July 1864, his 
knee and back were severely injured from a ball, 
and he was sent \'> the field hosoital at Chatta- 
nooga. As soon as able for service he was placed in 
the Veteran Reser e Corjis and did guard duty at 
the hospital until h'« discharge. He now receives 
a pension, as he has never recovered from the in- 
juries sustained at the last active engasrement in 
which he participated. 

Following liis military service Mr. Ryan at once 
made his way to Princeton, and the succeeding 
year took up his abode on a small farm in Maulius 
township, where he still owns one hundred and 
sixty acres of rich and productive land He also 
has eighty acres :"n Concord township, and his 
farming pro))erty is the visible evidence of his life 
of thrift and entoiprise. For tweuty-se>'en years 
he made liis home upon his first purchase, but for 
a long period before leaving the farm he left the 
active work to others, on account of his health. 
He, however, gave personal supervision to its man- 
agement, and his business affairs were so capably 
conducted that he gained a goodly measure of 
success, and is now in possession of a co.nfortable 
competence. lie resided upon his farm until about 
1892. and erected there a fine residence. In the 
year mentionod hiwever. he removed to Ottawa, 
where he purchased property which he still 



I'AST AM) I'l.'KSKXT UF lU 



\r COIXT^'. 



629 



owns. Then he removed from Ottawa to ShelTield, 
where he and Lis e?liiiial)le wife still reside. 'I'liej' 
are devout members of St. Patriek's Catholic 
ehiireh, and have been generous oontributors lo 
its support. Politically Mr. Kyan is a republican, 
and while never an otfice seeker he has always been 
interested in those questions which afl'ect the wel- 
fare of county, state and nation. He has now 
passed the eighty-seventh niilestouc on life's jour- 
ney, being thus one of the venerable citizi'>ns of the 
county, and in a review of his record it will be 
found that throughout the entire period of his 
manhood he has displayed most commendable traits 
of character — honesty in business, fidelity in cit- 
izenship and trustworthiness in friendship. He 
can therefore look back over the past without re- 
gret, and he receives the veneration and respect 
which .should over be accorded to one of bis years, 
whose life has been worthily passed. His son 
William, who man.iges the pro]>erty, and is at 
home, is also a republican, ami a member of the 
Catholic church. 



MacCLAKEV WEEKS, M. D. 

Dr. ilacClarey ^^'eeks, a reprejeutati\e of the 
medical fraternity in J^add, practicing along mod- 
ern scientific lines, was born in Chicago, March 29, 
1871, and is a son of Charles B. and Irene (Rice) 
Weeks, both of whom were natives of Illinois. The 
father was born in Lockport, and is a lawyer by 
profession. He is now residing in the Indian Ter- 
ritory, but iiis wife passed away in 1894. 

Dr. Weeks pursued a public school education in 
Kansas, to which state he removed with the family 
in 1878 when a vouth of but seven years. After 
completing a public school course he pursued the 
stud}- of stenography, and for a numbe; of years 
was employed as a stenogra[)hor in offices in the 
west. Later he took up the study of medicine, and 
was graduated from the Northwestern University 
of Chicago, coiiipleting the medical course with the 
class of 1902. He then located for practice in 
Spring Valley. He had previously gone to that 
place in 1893, at which time he entered tin' emplov . 
of the Spring Valley Coal Companv as a stenog- 
rajdier, retaining his connection tlterewi<h until he 
went to Chicii'o to enter upon preparation for the 
profession in vhici he is now' engaged. Follow- 
ing his graduation he was associated in practice 
with Dr. Franklin, of Spring Vall,v, for two years, 
and in 1905 he removed to Ladd, where he has 
since remained. Here he has built up a good 
patronage and has demonstrated bis abilitv to suc- 
cessfully cone with the intricate problems which 
continually confront the physician in his efforts to 
check the ravages of disease and r.^store health. 

Dr. Weeks was married in 189fi to Miss Martha 
Nelson, a daughter of James Nelson, oiie of the 
early residents of Bureau county. Two children 
grace this union: Herbert Nelson, born March 



12, 1902, and Dorothy, born February 1, 1904. 
Dr. and Jlrs. Weeks are well known and prom- 
inent socially, and their own home is the scene of 
many delightful social functions. The Doctor is 
a member of Dalzell lodge, No. 805, A. F. and 
A. M., at Spring Valley, and is in hearty spu- 
pathy with the principles and tenets of the craft. 
His time and attei.tion, however, are given most 
largely to his professional dutiea, which he per- 
forms with a sense of conscientious obligation, and 
in his administration of remedial agencies he ha? 
shown himself thoroughlv famili>r" with moderr 
methods of pijctice. 



CHAb'LES W. FOK'DHAM. 

Charles W. Fordbau!, who for .fortv-one years 
has been a resident of Walnut township, and has 
s]ient his entire life in this county, was born in 
Wyauet township on the 20th of November, 1857. 
His parents were Charles and Elizabeth (Morgan) 
Fordham. The father's birth occurre<l in Cam- 
bridge.shire, England, in December 1825. and the 
mother was born there on the 13th of November, 
1S29. They became residents of Illinois in 185(5, 
settling in Wyanet township, and the father re- 
mained a resident of Bureau county until called 
to his finad rest; his death occurring "in September, 
1902. His widow still survives. 

Charles W. Fordham was a you'.h of eight years 
at the time of the removal of the family from 
Wyanet to Walnut township. Through the sum- 
mer months he aided in the work of the fields on 
the home farm, and in the winter seasons pursued 
his education in the public schools. He has always 
carried on general agricultural ]iursuits, finding 
in that line of life ample opportunity 'or the e.\- 
ercise of his native talents an<l energies. He is 
now the owner of two hundred acres of choice land 
which would oomn and the highest market price. 
It is situated on sections 21 and 28, Walnut town- 
ship, and constitutes a very valuable farm, which 
Mr. Fordham has acquired through hard work and 
good management. 

On the 25th of February, 1877, Mr. Fordham 
was united in marriage to Miss Florence Ferris, 
who was born February 27, 1S59 Tli(\v luive be- 
come the parents of two cliildren: Delia B., born 
March 5, 1878, and Sylvia B., born February 11, 
1880. Mr. Fordham exercises his right of fran- 
(hise in support of the men and measures of the 
republican parly, and is thoroughlv in svnipathy 
with its principles aiul policy. Ife keeps well in- 
formed on the important issues whidi divide the 
two great parties, i.nd is thus able to support his 
political position bv intelligent arirumcnt. In re- 
ligious belief the family are orlhodox. Mr. Ford- 
ham is a member of the Masonic lodge, No. 722, 
and also holds niemltership relations with the Mod- 
ern Woodmen of .\merica. He has been school 
director for a numl)er of years '^^^(i nt'scssor for 



(i3U 



I'AST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



several years, and matters relating to the general 
welfare ami tlie ui>building of the eouuty reeeive 
his indorseineut and co-operation His life has 
been eharaeterized by unfaltering diligence, whieli 
is always one of the essential concomitants of suc- 
cess, and it has been through this means that he 
has l)econu' one of the substantial farmerb of Wal- 
nut towii.sliiji. 



ANTHONY MURRASY. 

The life record of few men better illustrates 
the value and sure rewards of character than does 
tiiat of Anthony Morrasy, who for many years 
was a prominent and honored resident of Shellield. 
Deprived in his youth of many of the advantages 
which most people regard as essential to success 
in life, he nevertheless developed his native talents 
and energies, made the best use of his opportuni- 
ties and by determined purpose, unfaltering per- 
severance and real strength of character he worked 
his way steadily upward, gaining simultaneously 
success and an honored name. 

A native of Ireland, Mr. Morrasy was born in 
the County of Cork on the 25th of November, 
1825, and when but eighteen months old was 
brought to the United States by his parents, 
who settled upon a farm near Baltimore, Mary- 
land. After a few years they removed to Wash- 
ington county, that state, and the father died 
when his son Anthony was but twelve years of 
age. There were six children in the famil}', and, 
being in humble financial circumstances, the young 
boy found it necessary to seek employment, which 
he soon obtained with a distant relative of the 
family. After two years he accompanied his em- 
plo)-er to Ohio, and when a year had passed in 
that state they started for Missouri. After travel- 
ing nearlv all suminer thev found themselves, in 
August, 1840, at Peru, Illinois. In 1841 Mr. 
Morrasy, not being able to make a definite con- 
tract as to wages with his employer, tied tip all 
of his earthly possessions in a handkerchief and 
loft the place which to him had become a home 
to seek employment. After two days of lonely 
wandering (lie fifteen year old boy came at night- 
fall to a little log cabin, where he obtained food 
and lodging. During the evening and the stic- 
ceeding morning he made himself so useful in 
doing chores that the gentleman of the house 
became interested in him and proposed to employ 
him for six months at a wage of six dollars per 
month, and the succeeding six months he was to 
work nights and mornings and Saturdays for his 
board while he attended school. In the follow- 
ing spring Mr. Morrasy secured employment on 
the soiith side of the Illinois river at a town 
opposite La Salle and thus he worked altogether 
nine months for six dollars per month. From 
the first year's wages he was enabled to buy a 
young colt worth twentv-four dollnrs. Tlip second 



year he saved enough to purchase anotiier colt, 
and trading these for three yokes of oxen he thus 
drove across the country to California in 1850. 
In the meantime, covering a period of six or seven 
years, he had saved enough money to purchase 
ten acres of timber laud and to make a third 
payment on eighty acres of prairie land, yet 
up to this date he had at no time received more 
than fifteen dollars per month. 

Starting for the Pacific coast, he made the long 
and arduous journey across the prairies of the 
middle west, over the hot stretches of sand and 
through the mountain passes, until he gained the 
Golden state. He was fairly successful in his 
operations on the coast and in the year 1853 
he returned to Illinois, where he purchased two 
hundred acres of land in Gold township, consti- 
tuting the present farm of his son. Prank W. 
Jlorrasy. 

In the year 1853 Mr. Morrasy made a second 
overland trip to California, driving a herd of 
cattle, from the sale of which he received a good 
profit. After working in the gold mines for a 
short time he returned to his farm in Gold town- 
ship in the year 1854, and for nearly a half 
century was identified with the agricultural de- 
velopment of Bureau county. Of the privations 
and hardships of those pioneer times, the long 
days of toil, the nights devoid of ease, the endur- 
ance of storms, cold and heat, the fording of un- 
bridged streams, the breaking of the prairies, 
these and a hundred other obstacles which Mr. 
Morrasy met and overcame, only those who are 
left of his early associates in Gold township can 
fully tell. In the making of roads, the build- 
ing of bridges and schoolhouses, the draining of 
the swamp lands, Mr. Morrasy bore his full share 
of the burdens, and in many of those enterprises 
he was an able leader. In a public way Mr. 
Morrasy served his town as supervisor for upward 
of twenty years and represented this district for 
two terms, 1887 and 1889, in the house of repre- 
sentatives of the Illinois legislature. In posi- 
tions of trust he was ever found to be a man of 
absolute integrity, faithful in his duties and un- 
yielding in his devotion to tlie cause of truth and 
justice. 

Mr. Morrasy was married to Miss Esther A. 
Alexander at Randolph, Portage county, Ohio, 
April 19. 1858. She was born at that place in 
1837, and is still living, enjoying good health. 
To them three children were born: Robert D. 
Morrasy. who now lives at Dorchester, Nebraska ; 
Frank W. Morrasy, ex-supervisor of Gold town- 
ship; and Mary Irene, deceased. 

Mr. Morrasy held membership in the Sheffield 
Unitarian church and was a constant attendant 
upon its services until prevented by the infirmities 
of old age. Tie was always an eager listener and 
was interested in all those things which promote 
the refinements and nobler aspirations. In 1853 
he joined the TMasoTiic lodge. No. 13. of Nevada 



PAST Ai\D PRESENT OF lU KEAU COUNTY. 



G33 



City, California, aiul iu 185-1 dimittud lo Ames 
lodge, No. 14-J, A. E. & A. M., of Shellield, of 
which at the time of his death he wari the oldest 
member. He held all of the chairs iu tlie order, 
and at all times was an exemplary representative 
of the craft. Eetiriiig from his farm iu 1887, 
he became a resideut of Sheffield aud practically 
spent his remaiuiug days iu the enjoyment of a 
well merited rest, the supervision of his properly 
interests beiug largely left to his sou Frank. 

The Bureau County Tribune, speaking of his 
political associations, said : "In the passing of 
Anthony Morrasy, democracy lost one of its 
stanchest friends, advocates and defenders; and 
one who was never at a loss to give reasons for 
the faith that was in him. He was a democrat 
because he believed the common people are the 
salt of the earth, and the only foundation on which 
a republic can endure. Thrifty and prosperous 
himself, he had no toleration for the slothful and 
improvident, but he believed in a free field and 
fair opportunities for all. He was most radically 
opposed to special privileges for the rich, and 
therefore to the so-called 'economic system' with 
a high sounding name, but which instead of pro- 
tection for the American workingman, is but a 
subterfuge and a method of dicker, barter and 
sale between politicians and w-ealth, and by 
which the politicians secure the support of wealth 
in return for license to plunder the entire people. 
Mr. Morrasy was a thinker and a man of action, 
and prompt and determined in the execution of 
his purpose. He was a Jacksonian democrat. 
Party was much more than a mere sentiment to 
him — not the party name or the party organiza- 
tion, but the old democratic creed, as familiar to 
him as his own name, was to him a living princi- 
ple, pointing along the only pathway by which the 
common people had ever obtained liberty and re- 
lief from the insolent exactions of wealth and the 
oppressions of 'rule by divine right.' He thor- 
oughly believed that 'Eternal vigilance is the price 
of liberty.' and that strict construction and rigid 
adherence to the principles of democracy as taught 
by the fathers of the republic is the only safe 
course for the common people and the only bul- 
w-ark against the greed of wealth and the secret 
plottings of a purse proud aristocracy which dis- 
owns it? country to dwell among titles and kneel 
at the foot of a throne. And he would tolerate 
no heresies in even his own well loved party. In 
the old days Mr. Eckels used to say of Mr. Mor- 
rasy, 'that he was one of the most meaty talkers 
he had ever known.' Mr. Morrasy was quite an 
able speaker, and in conversation he had a re- 
markable faculty of saying a great deal in a few 
words — of stating a proposition or expressing an 
opinion tersely, directly and to the point and 
with a peculiar originality all his own. With 
more favorable opportunities and under more be- 
nign conditions during his youth, he would have 
been a man of mark bevond the bounds of his 



county. Personally, his methods were, yes and 
no. He would or he wouldn't, and you knew 
which as soon as he decided. Between man aud 
man the golden rule was the line he hewed to, 
and he was therefore a good citizen, neighbor, 
husband and father. As well as he loved democ- 
racy Mr. Morrasy lived the last seven years of his 
life and died a man without a party. After a long 
life spent in active participation in all the efforts 
of deuiocracy he positively refused to countenance 
the free silver movement, and withdrawing from 
the party, mourned as a father over a wayward 
child while warmly resenting any intimation that 
he was not a democrat." 

Although men differed from Jlr. Morrasy in 
opinion, all who knew him respected him because 
of his fidelity to his honest convictions. He had 
the unqualified confidence of those with whom 
he was associated in his business relations and 
his life was actuated by liigh principles and 
manly purpose. He certainly deserved much 
credit for what he accomplished. He started out 
on his own account penniless and eacii forward 
step in his career was the result of careful thougiit 
and study concerning the situation and of able 
use of his opportunities. Such a life record 
should serve as a source of inspiration and en- 
couragement to all who read it. He passed away 
October 2), 1903, when almost seventy-eight years 
of age, leaving behind him a valuable estate as 
the visible evidence of a life of thrift and enter- 
prise and also the untarnished name which is 
rather to be chosen than great riches, and today 
upon the roll of Bureau county's honored dead is 
engraved the name ol" .\uthonv 'Morrasv. 



CHARLES L. PENDLETON". 

Charles Tv. Pendleton, a farnu>r, residing on sec- 
tion 29, Princeton township, was born in this 
county, September 23, 1839, his parents being 
A. B| and H. N. (Loomis) Pendleton, who were 
natives of Connecticut. The father was born De- 
cember 29, 1807, and the motlier May 7, 1815. 
They were married October S, 1835, and in 1838 
came to Bureau coimty, Illinois, from Tolland 
county. Connecticut. By trade the father was a 
carpenter, but during the greater part of his resi- 
dence in Bureau county devoted his energies to 
fanning, and made substantial progress financially 
in that undertaking. He died June 21, 1879. and 
for a long period was survived by his wife, who 
passed away May 30, 1898. They were the par- 
ents of four children, of whom ^Itrv aud Erastus 
died when young, while a son and danghttr reached 
vears of maturity. The latter, Harriet, born 
March 2G, 1851, was married December 28. 187L 
to W. AY. Powell, of Putnam county, and died 
February 25, 1888, at the age of thirty-seven yeara. 

Charles L. Pendleton, the only surviving mem- 
ber of the family, was reared and educated in 



(;:u 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



liis native county, where he has always resided, 
and his training a: farm labor in his youth well 
qualilied him to take up the same line of business 
when he reached man's estate. Tie was associated 
with his father in general agricultural pursuits, 
and he is now the owner of one hundred and sixty- 
si. x acres of land in his home farm, besides other 
farmmg property. In connection with the tilling 
of the soil and the production of the crops to which 
it is best adapted, he has always been engaged in 
the stock business, breeding, feeding and ship- 
ping, and he still handles some stock, both horses 
and cattle. He is watchful of every opportunity 
pointing to success, and manifests keen discrim- 
ination in business -iffairs, combine.! with e.xeellent 
executive ability. 

In 1882 was celebrated the marriage of Mr. 
Pendleton and Mrs. Sarah Bennett (nee Vaill), 
who was born in Wethersfield, Illinois, a daughter 
of the Rev. William F. Yaill, deceased, who con- 
tinued in the ministry nntil his death, which oc- 
curred when he was about eiglity-tivo years of 
age. Thus was ended a long li'!e of usefulness 
crowned with the honor and respect of his fellow- 
men because of his devotion to the welfare and 
moral advancement of his race. Mr. and Mrs. 
Pendleton have tw^ children: Porter, living in 
I'eoria, Illinois, and IT. Grace, at home, and by 
her former marrirge Mrs. Pendleton had a son, 
William D. Bennett, now living in Los .\ngeles, 
California. 

Mr. Pendleton is a republican, and the family 
are members of the Congregational church. Tlieir 
home is pleasantly located about two miles south 
of the courthouse in Princeton, and here Mr. Pen- 
dleton is carrying on farming and stock-raising 
with good success, his ability and energy having 
gained him place with the representative agri- 
culturists of this p:\Tt of the state. 



CLARENCE H. DELANO. 
Clarence 11. Delano, conducting one of the old- 
est established mercantile enterprises of Prince- 
ton, but with a record which fully sustains the rep- 
utation that has always been attached to the fam- 
ily name, was born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, 
and is a son of John II. Delano, pioneer merchant 
of Princeton, represented elsewhere in this work. 
He was an only son, and was educated in the pub- 
lic schools of Princeton, to which city his parents 
removed in 185.5. On the completion of his edu- 
cation he joined his father in business as a sales- 
man in the store, and in 1876 was admitted to a 
partnership under the firm style of Delano & Son. 
Under the able management of Clarence H. De- 
lano the business has grown and developed until 
he now carries one of the most select and extensive 
lines of goods in this section of the state. His 
store is a credit to the city, and is a commercial 
enterprise which contributes to general prosperity 



as well as to indivdual success. He is also a di- 
rector of the First National Baiili. 

In ISSG Mr. Delano was married to Miss Lizzie 
McConihe. a daughter of L. II. McConihe, of 
Princeton. Four children have been born unto 
them : Martha I., John H., Robert C. and Isabella 
il. The parents are members of the Methodist 
church and are advocates of all that tends to ad- 
vance material, intellectual and moral progress. 
Mr. Delano is president of the school board and a 
man of many admirable qualities, being genial and 
public spirited as well as progressive, alert and 
enterprising in his business life. He is spoken of 
as "a worthy son of a worthy sire," and his name 
stands not only as a synonym for business suc- 
cess here, but also for business integrity. 



JA]\IES GRAHAM 

James Graham is now practicallv living retired, 
but still resides upon his farm of two hundred and 
eighty acres, lying on section 2, FairfieVl town- 
ship. For many years he was identified with farm- 
ing and stock-raising. He came to Bureau county 
about 1850. His bii'th occurred in Queens county, 
Ireland, eight v-three years ago, and when a young 
man he crossed the Atlantic to the new world, 
establishing his home in New York, I'ving for 
some years in Ithica. In his native country he 
had learned the business of sorting wool and he was 
thus engaged in Ithica, working in a factory there 
for a number of years. Consideration of the busi- 
ness outlook and the opportunities which he 
thought were before him in the west led him to 
the determination to seek his fortune in the west 
and accordingly he came to Illinois, settling in 
Bureau county. He bought a farm of fort}' acres 
in Fairfield township, to which he has added until 
it has reached its present acreage. For a long 
period he was active in the work of the fields and 
also successfully engaged in stock-raising and thus 
as the years passed by his financial resoui'ces grad- 
ually increased and now with a comfortable com- 
petence he is living retired, the fruits of his for- 
mer toil supplying him with all of the comforts 
and many of the luxuries which go to make life 
worth living. 

Mr. Graham was married in the state of New 
York to Miss Ma:y Ann Sterling; who died in 
11)01. at the age of about seventy-seven years. She 
was a native of northern Ireland, born in County 
Antrim. Mr. and Mrs. Graham became the par- 
ents of three children, two daughters and a son: 
Mrs. Caroline Adams, who is residmg in Fair- 
field township; Eli/Mbeth, who became the wife of 
Peter Burke, a resident of Whiteside county, and 
died a numl)er of years ago, leaving three daugh- 
ters and two sons; and Alfred J., who operates the 
home farm. He married Miss Mary J. Wisely, 
who died in 1!)03, leaving one son, Alfred Leo, 
now eleven years of age. They had also lost a 




C. H. DELANO. 



PAST AND I'lJKSRXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



fi37 



ilaiighter, Ellen, who died wheu only nine months 
old. 

Politically Mr. Graham lias always voted the 
democratic ticket since he became a naturalized 
American citizen, lie ha.s served as school di- 
rector and in other township offices. He was reared 
in the Cliurcli of England but joined the Catholic 
clmrch about five years ago. He ha.? now traveled 
far on life's journey and can look back over the 
past without regret, for he has always been a man 
of strong purpose and of higli princijiles. en- 
deavoring to do to others as he would have thciu 
do to liim, and finding tliat while following 
straightforward business niethod-s lie could at the 
same time acliieve a measure of success such as is 
desired by all who enter business life. He now 
receives the veneration and respect which should 
ever be accorded to one of his years and it is with 
pleasure that we present to our readers this record 
of liis career. 



DENNIS BRADY. 



Dennis Brady, living in Macon town.«hip, came 
t(i Illinois in 18-50 and to Bureau county in IS-jl. 
Although his residence here has not been continu- 
ous through the intervening period, he has resided 
upon his present farm since 18GS. He was born 
in County Armagh, Ireland, September 10, 183."), 
and is a son of Francis and Nancy (O'Neil) 
Brady, who were likewise natives of the Emerald 
isle. They were married in that country, and on 
a sailing vessel went from Belfast to New York 
citv in 1828, arriving at the Atlantic port after 
eight weeks spent upon the water. They then 
proceeded up the Hudson river to Albany and by 
canal and team to Eochester, New York, where 
the father worked as a brickma«on and stonemason, 
having mastered the trade in his native country. 
Later, wjien his capital was sufficient to enable 
him to purchase a farm, he invested in land at 
the raoutli of the Gnncsee river, where lie lived for 
a long period. He was a member of the Roman 
Catholic church, and gave his political support to 
the democracy. Unto him and liis wife were born 
four children, three of whom survive, namely : 
Denni-s, Mrs. Nancy Lynch, and Francis, who is 
living in California. Having lost her first hus- 
band, tlie mother became the wife of Tliomas 
McManus, now deceased, and unto them were born 
four children, of wliom two sons and a daughter 
are yet living. 

Dennis Brady was only three years old when 
brought to the United States by his parents, and 
hi.« education was acquired in the public schools 
of New York. He remained a resident of the 
east until twenty-five years of age, when, in the 
fall of 1850, he journeyed westward to Illinois, 
eventually reaching La Salle. He was both a 
brickmason and ])lasterer by trade, and worked 
in La Salle through tlie summer of 1851. He 



then removed to ludiantown, now Tiskilwa, Bu- 
reau county, and subsequently went to Henry, 
j\Iarshall county. In the spring of 1852 he made 
his way to St. Louis, Missouri, afterward to Vicks- 
burg, and on to New Orleans, where he was em- 
ployed on the government custom house, then in 
course of construction. He afterward engaged in 
steamboating, and made a trip up the Cumberland 
river to Nashville. Subsequently he returned to 
New Orleans and afterward proceeded up the Mis- 
sissippi and Ohio rivers to Cincinnati. He was 
then again at St. Louis, and worked on the grading 
of the Illinois Central Railroad at a time when 
the dirt was conveyed in wheelbarrows, for the 
modern machinery of the present time was then 
unknown. Mr. Brady, however, was tlie first man 
to use a scraper for grading purposes. In the fall 
of 1853 he returned to New York, where he re- 
mained until the spring of 1854. He next made 
his way to Iowa City, Iowa, and at a later date re- 
turned to Indiantown, where he was engaged at 
his trade. He afterward again went to the Empire 
state, and, following his marriage he returned to 
Indiantown. Since 1868 he has lived upon his 
present farm, comprising three hundred and twen- 
ty acres of rich and productive land. He has now 
a well improved property, and in 1891 he erected 
thereon a fine residence. He breeds shorthorn 
Durham cattle and also Poland China hogs and 
Norman liorses, shipping his cattle and hogs to 
the Chicago market. 

On the 22d of December, 1854, Mr. Brady was 
married to Miss Emily Mo.xon, who was bom in 
Doylestown, Bucks county, Pennsylvania, January 
24, 183G, the wedding being celebrated in Ciuir- 
lotte, New York. ilrs. Brady was a daughter of 
John and Martha (Aldous) Moxon, both of whom 
were born in England, where their marriage was 
celebrated July 3, 1813. They had six children, 
all born in England with the exception of Mrs. 
Brady. The father, whose birth occurred June 
28, ITSG, died July 20, 1878, while his wife, wlio 
was born May 27, 1787, died A\igust 21, 1829. 
They came to this country in 1823 by sailing ves- 
sel and look up their abode in Doylestown, Penn- 
sylvania, removing thence to tlie state of New 
York. The father purchased a farm, which was 
partially improved, in Monroe county, New York, 
jind at one time was the owner of two good farm 
properties. He held the office of school director 
for a number of years and was supervisor of the 
county poor for a considerable period. His interest 
in public affairs was deep and sincere, and was 
manifest by tangible support given to many move- 
ments that proved of public good. His political 
allegiance supported the democracy, while both he 
and liis wife were baptized in the Clmrch of Eng- 
land. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Moxon were born si.x 
children, of whom three still survive. Charlotte, 
the eldest, is the widow of Ca[>tain E. S. Church, 
and resides in St. Louis. .Mfred wedded Mary 
r>1ovd and is now living in Kansas. 



638 



PAST AXD PKESEXT OF BUREAU COL'XTY. 



Unto Mr. and ..Irs. Brady have been born eiglii 
children, of whom Hve still survive, as follows: 
Edward B., Frederick C, John D . Martha E. and 
Arthur B. The family are well known in the 
community as prominent, influential and respected 
citizens. Mr. Briidy is a democrat, and has served 
as school director for eight or tvvelve years, but 
has not been active as a politicia.i in the sense of 
office seeking. He has now passed the eighty-first 
milestone on life's journey, and Lis has i)een an 
honorable and upright career, characterized by 
diligence, by perseverance and by unwavering in- 
tegrity. While working at his trade he visited 
many sections of ;his country, but in jnore recent 
years he has resided upon his favm, and although 
now in the evening of life he yet gives ]iersonal 
supervision to his place and its improvements, 
seeming in spirit and interests yet in his prime. 
Akhnugh born across the water, he has ever been 
loyal to the stars and stripes, and Las dejp attach- 
ment for the institutions of the countrv. 



KOYAL VICTOR C VSS. 

Royal Victor Cass, who follows farming and 
stock-raising in Concord townsh'p, annually feed- 
ing and handling a large number of hogs, cattle 
and horses, was born at Arlington, Bureau county, 
June 17, 18.37. his parents being Isaac Hill and 
Hannah W. (Blcxham) Cass, who came to Illi- 
nois the former about 1850 and the latter in 
1S.")3. The father was a grain buyer, who engaged 
in business at Wyanet for some years and later 
turned his attention to the hardware and grocery 
trade. 

Royal V. Cass spent the days of hi.; boyhood 
and youth under the parental roc f , and was edu- 
cated in the schiols of Wyanet and Princeton. 
When twenty-two years of age he went to Harper 
county, Kansas, where he remained for a year, and 
then worked for one year on a cattle ranch for the 
T.J Kansas City Cattle Company. He afterward 
went to Cawley county, Kansas, where his father 
owned large interests, and there engiged in fann- 
ing for seven years. In ISOO he returned to Con- 
cord township, where he bought nis present home. 
Ho has a good farm, on which he has a modern 
residence and all conveniences that render rnrai 
life pleasant and facilitate the wirk of the fields. 
There are good barns and other substantial out- 
buildings, and the farm is divided into fields of 
convenient size by well kept fences. He raisc\'5 
stock and feeds and markets large UMnibers of 
hogs, cattle and hor.ses annually, this branch of 
his business ])roving very prorital)le. He has be- 
come well known as a stock-raiser and dealer, and 
in his business is meeting witli very gratifying 
success. 

As a companior and helpmate for life's jourmw 
Mr. Cass chose Miss Emma M. Darling, whom he 
wedded on the 11th of October, 1883, at Akron, 



Kansas. She is a daughter of Wilhud Darling, a 
farmer, and they have become the parents of six 
children: Asa F., Mamie M., [saac H. Mattie 
Hannah, Mary and Edith Victor, all at home. 
In his political views Mr. Cass is a stalwart re- 
publican, but without aspiration for office. He 
belongs to the Congregational church, and is a 
school director, the cause of education finding in 
him a warm and stalwart friend. He withholds 
his support from no movement calculated to prove 
of general good, and as a citiz,-u and in social 
and business relations has made a creditable record. 



MARSHAL E. PRUTSMAX. 

Marshal E. Pratsman is the owner of one hun- 
dred and fifty-seven acres of choice land adjoin- 
ing the village cf Kasbeer. He purchased this 
property in ISiHi, and has made his hom,. thereon 
since 15)01. It is equipped with modern acces- 
sories and improvements, and indicates in its pres- 
ent fine appearance his careful supervision and 
progressive methods. A native of Bureau county, 
Mr. Prutsman wss born April It, 18.59, and is a 
son of W. R. and Mary (Adams; Prutsiiian, like- 
wise natives of this county. In thci- iamilj' were 
three children, of whom Marshal E. is the eldest. 
He is indebted to the public school system of the 
count}' for the educational privileges which he en- 
joyed and which prepared him for life's practical 
and responsilile duties. He was reared to farm 
life, early becoming familiar with the work that 
falls to the lot of the agriculturis: as he plows and 
plants his fields and harvests his crops. 

Having arrived at years of maturity, Mr Pruts- 
man was married on Christmas dav of 1883 to 
Miss X'ora Adams, who was born in Illinois, De- 
cember 11. ISG.j. a daughter of Robert and Amanda 
(Sill) Adams, tht former a nati.o of the state of 
Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. They came 
to Bureau count\ with their respective parents in 
their childhood days and were married here Eight 
children were born unto them, and Mrs. Prutsman 
is the eldest of the family. She, too, acquired a 
common school education, and remained under the 
parental roof until her marriage. Four children 
have been born of this union: Ray 0., who was 
liorn September 23, 1S8(), and lied August 13, 
1905; Harold C, born July 29, 1895; Winifred 
B., who was born August 18. 1899. and died April 
1, 1904, and Orletha M.. born June .5, 1906. 

The family are members of tlii Alethodist Prot- 
estant church, and in politics Mr. Prutsman is a 
prohiljitionist — associations whirh indicate much 
of the c-haractcr of the man and his devotion to 
high and honorable principles. Throughout his 
business career he has carried !■ fanning, and 
now owns one hundred and fifty-seven acres of 
choice land adjoining the village of Kasbeer, 
valued at from uno hundred and seventy-five to 
two hundred dollars per acre. T^e is entirely a 



PAST AND IMJESKNT OF lUlfHAT' COrXTV 



(;39 



solf-inaflc man, scartin^ out in i:e empty haiulcil, 
witlioul assistaiKc from auj' source. In 1899 he 
puivhased his present farm, anJ two years later 
took up his abode thereon. He now rents his 
hmd and practicaJly lives retired, leaving the active 
work of the fields to others. Tliere "re excellent 
buildiuss upon the place and fin'j shade trees, and 
the farm is splendidly located. This excellent 
family enjoys life to the fullest extent, and are 
numliered among Bureau county's best citizens. 
The life record of Mr. Prutsman should serve 
as a source of encouragement and inspiration to 
others, showing what may be acoomplislied when 
one has the will to dare and the courage to do, for 
it has been in this way that he ha? attained a 
gratifying measuie of prosjierity. 



DAVID L. iilLLEK. 

David L. Miller has been a most active and 
prominent factor in the promotion of the interests 
of the town of Manlius, and at the same time has 
successfully conducted outside business affairs, the 
extent and importance of which have made him a 
representative resident of the community. He 
was born March 21, 1861, in Manlius township, 
upon the present site of the village, and is a son 
of David Addison Miller, who came to Bureau 
county, Illinois, in IS.jO from Clark county, Ohio. 
It was in the latter county that he was born May 
2, 1827. He had no special advantages nor priv- 
ileges in his youth, and started out in life on his 
own account empty-handed. He chopped wood 
and worked at farm labor for some time in order 
to gain money sufficient to enable him to purchase 
land, but as the years passed he eventually amassed 
a comfortal)le fortune, having at one time about 
six hundred acres of valualile land. He wa.s also 
an extensive breeder of horses, cattle and hogs, and 
for years engaged in stock buying. He likewise 
did business as an auctioneer, conducting stock 
sales, in which connection he became very widely 
kno\m. He possessed the unfaltering purpose and 
keen business discernment that enabled him to 
carry forward to successful completion whatever 
he undertook, and he made a splendid record, not 
only by reason of his prosperity, Init also on ac- 
count of his business proliity and straightforward 
dealing. 

David .v. Miller was married in Bureau county 
to Miss Ovan<la Williams, and unto them was born 
one son, William W. Miller, who is now residing 
in Wyauel. .M'ler the dcalli of the wife and 
mother David .\. Miller was married to her sister, 
Amanda M. Williams, and they became the par- 
ents of six children, who are still living, as follows : 
Mary Ann, the wife of Joseph Kulp, of Prince- 
ton; Julia Delphie, the wife of Lyle P. Smith, of 
Manlius: David D. ; Owen .\lonzo: Maud May, the 
wife of 1,'alpli Foll.'tt: and Hcriha D.. who" is at 
home. Thev also lost two children. Air. Miller, 



coming to this county in limited financial circum- 
stances, steadily worked his way upward. Each 
year he made advancement toward the goal of 
prosperity, and the methods which he followed 
were such as would bear the closest investigation 
and scrutiny, so that his name became an honored 
one in business circles and all acknowledged that 
])is success was the fitting reward of his labor. 

David \j. Miller, reared in his parents' home, 
entered the public schools at the usual age, and 
when he had mastered the branches of learning 
therein taught he took up the business of farming 
and stock-breeding, thus taking his place in agri- 
cidtural circles as one who recognizes the obliga- 
tions that devolve upon the individual as he attains 
manhood. In connection with the tilling of the 
soil he engaged in business as a stock buyer, and 
has also bred stock, keeping fine registered and 
pedigreed horses and cattle. In July, 1905, when 
the town of Manlius was incorporated, he divided 
forty acres from the farm, and on that land the 
railroad built its property and laid out the town. 
He likewise became nuuiager of the Northwestern 
Elevator Company from the time its elevator was 
constructed, and thus successfully controlled the 
grain trade until his son, wishing to enter business 
life, became his successor in the management of 
the elevator. 

While his private business interests have claimed 
much of his time and attention, he has yet found 
opportunity to devote to matters of public moment, 
and has always stood for advancement am] prog- 
ress. In 1901, upon the formation of the drainage 
commission, he was made one of the commis- 
sioners, in which capacity he has since served, 
being elected at each succeeding election. He has 
also served as school director for twelve years and 
has fdled the office of alderman in Manlius, being 
chosen to the position upon the democratic ticket. 
He believes it to be the duty as well as the priv- 
ilege of every American citizen to exercise his right 
of franchise and to stand in support of those 
measures and principles which careful considera- 
tion and sound judgment indicate to bo a correct 
policy. 

Mr. Miller was married December 28, 1882, to 
Jliss Lizzie Bowen, of Walnut, Illinois, a daugh- 
ter of Burton and .Tulia Bowen, farming people of 
this part of the state. The marriage has been 
blessed with eight children, seven of whom are 
living: Burton B., born December 31, 1883, who 
is now manager of the Northwestern Elevator 
Company at Manlius, and who married Lulu 
Jones, of JIanlius, on the 10th of June, 190(;; 
Bertha L., at home ; Julian Stewart : Perry David ; 
Harold Foster: Dorothy Elizabeth; .\rmiiita Dora, 
who was born April 23, 1898, and died February 
2, 1899; and Donald Leslie, born September 12. 
1903. 

In every community are found men of enterprise 
and worth who recognize possibilities and are the 
leaders in those movements which bring about 



640 



PAST AXD PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



material prosperity and substantial growth along 
agricultural and commercial lines. Such a one in 
j\Ianlius is D. L. Miller, and while promoting his 
individual success he also advances the general 
welfare. 



FRAXK M. SKEFFINGTON. 

Frank M. Skeflington, the owner of valuable 
property interests and a man of considerable 
ability as a financier, was born in Westfield town- 
ship, May 12, 1855. His home is now on section 
27 of the same township, where he has lived 
continuously since 1896. His parents were Pat- 
rick and Nora (Stackpole) SkefTmgton, both na- 
tives of Canada, whence they came to Hlinois. 
Locating in Bureau county, their son, Frank M., 
was here born and reared and he completed his 
education in the schools of Arlington. Through- 
out his entire life he has followed farming and he 
is today the owner of two hundred and twelve 
and a half acres of valuable land on section 27, 
Westfield township. This constitutes the old 
homestead farm and is a well improved property, 
the fields having been brought under a high state 
of cultivation, while excellent improvements have 
been added in the way of substantial buildings. 
He was formerly the owner of eighty acres of land 
on which the Eochelle & Northern Railway Coal 
Company has located the town of Cherry, having 
a population of about eight hundred. 

Mr. Skeflington started out in life largely empty 
handed. At the time of his marriage he rented 
land from W. H. Neil, upon which he lived for a 
year, after which he removed to the Milner farm 
east of Arlington. There he resided for five years, 
during which time he purchased one hundred and 
thirty-two and a half acres of land known as 
the old Grundy farm. He made the purchase in 
1892 and took up his abode thereon in 1896. In 
1904 he sold eighty acres to the Rochelle Railroad 
Company for two hundred and thirty-one dollars 
per acre and tlie same year he bought of Hermas 
Gray one hundred and sixty acres for which he 
paid one hundred and seventy-five dollars per 
acre. He gave seventy-five dollars per acre for 
the old Grundy farm in 1892. His business ca- 
pacity is shown in his judicious investments as 
well as in the care which he bestows upon his 
property. 

On the 9th of February, 1888, Mr. Skeffington 
was united in marriage fo Miss Teresa Coakley, 
who was born April 1, 1856, a daughter of Cor- 
nelius and Mary Ann Coakley, both natives of 
Ireland. They came to this country in the early 
'50s and always lived in Hall township. Bureau 
of farming up to the time of his death. Mr. and 
county, where the father followed the occupation 
Mrs. Skeffington have become the paients of tlirce 
children, Joseph, Francis and Anna, and the fam- 
ily are communicants of the Catholic church of 
Arlington. 



Mr. Skefl:ington belongs to Woodmen lodge, No. 
3111, of Arlington, and in politics is a democrat. 
He is now serving as postmaster of the village of 
Cherry and he has lield tlie office of school director 
in Westfield townsliip for nine years, being the 
incumbent at the present time. His good qualities 
have been manifest in his progressive citizenship 
as well as in his private business interests, and he 
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished 
as a farmer, his success being attributable entirely 
to his own labors and the assistance of his estim- 
able wife, who has indeed been a faithful com- 
jianion and helpmate to him on life's journey. 
The fact that many of his warmest friends are 
those who have known him from his boyhood days 
to the present is an indication that he has always 
so lived as to win uniform confidence and respect 
and he deserves the admiration of his fellowmen 
by reason of what he lias accomplished in the 
business world. 



CHURCH OF THE IMMACULATE CON- 
CEPTION. 

For a number of years previous to the forma- 
tion of the present parish of Ohio the priests of 
Amboy and Dixon attended to the spiritual wants 
of the many Catholics living in the northern part 
of Bureau and the southern part of Lee counties. 
Mass was celebrated and the sacraments were ad- 
ministered at intervals in the Gugerty and O'Neil 
school houses and in the town hall. But in the 
year 1874 it was decided to build a church in the 
town of Ohio, and the work was undertaken by 
Father McDermott, who was at that time the 
pastor of Dixon. The exterior of the building 
was finished under Father McDermott's super- 
vision. 

On March 1, 1875, the Rev. P. J. Gormley as- 
sumed charge of the parish as its first pastor and 
took up the work of completing the church. He 
placed the stained glass memorial windows in the 
structure and also put in the handsome oak pews. 
The church was dedicated on November 14, 1875, 
by Bishop Foley, of Chicago, in whose diocese it 
then was. Father Gormley continued as pastor 
of the church till 1882, when he was succeeded by 
Rev. M. C. O'Brien. Father O'Brien labored zeal- 
ously for the interests of his flock, and to him is 
due the credit for organizing the Father Mathew 
Society, which has done so much good, and which 
still flourishes as a parish society. 

The first parochial residence was purchased by 
Father O'Brien, and continued to serve the vari- 
ous pastors who succeeded him till its destruction 
by fire in 1894. Father O'Brien's pastorate lasted 
till 1884, when Rev. J. A. Fanning assumed 
charge. Father Fanning made many improve- 
ments in the church during the four years of his 
pastorate. The church bell, the gift of a number 
of the parishioners, was placed in the tower in his 




I 



y^ 



C-i^ 



^ 




<V-v-z_ 



I 



i.f 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COrXTV. 



013 



I 



time. In 1888 the Rev. James O'Rourke was 
appointed to succeed Father Fanning. Father 
0"Rourke was a man of frail constitution, and in 
December of the vear of his appointment he was 
called to his reward. 

Rev. B. H. Corle}- came to the parish in 188!) 
and remained its pastor till 1893. The beautiful 
main altar which adorns the church was purchased 
by Father Corley. Rev. H. W. Finch succeeded 
Father Corlev in 1892, and was pastor of the 
church till 1899, when he died. Father Finch 
was the last pastor to occupy the old parochial 
residence. 

On March 12, 1899, Rev. R. F. Flynn, the pres- 
ent pastor, was appointed to the parish. During 
his pastorate he has erected the parochial resi- 
dence, a beautiful brick structure, which was built 
in 1899. St. Joseph's Academy, also a brick 
building, erected in 190.3. and used by the chil- 
dren of the parish as a free graded and high 
school, taught by Sisters of Mercy of Ottawa, Illi- 
nois, and also in 1904 established a Home for the 
Aged, which is likewise conducted by the Sisters 
of Mercy. The i)arish as at present constituted 
comprises about ninety families. 



IGXATIUS J. JAGODZIXSKI. 

Ignatius J. Jagodzinski, a popular, respected 
and leading citizen of Spring vallev, who has 
been called to several positions of public trust, 
serving for three terms as city tieasurer, is also 
a leading merchant of the town, 9rd is today 
owner of a most extensive mercantile enterprise 
here. He was Ijorn in Poland, a son of Francis 
and Catherine (.Sment) Jagodzinski, who were 
likewise natives of Poland. The father came to 
the new world when his son Ignatius was but six 
years of age, and established his home m La Salle 
county, Illinois. 

Ignatius J. Jagodzinski was educated in the 
public schools of La Salle county and in St. 
Francis Seminary, at Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and 
also in St. Viateur College. His education com- 
pleted, he engaged in the drug business for a short 
time, after which he was employed in the office of 
the county clerk and of the probate clerk in Ot- 
tawa for two years. On the expiration of that 
period he came to Spring Valley in 1888 and cm- 
barked in general nierchandisinj, estat.<!ishing a 
store, which has grown to be the most extensive in 
this place. He carries a large and carefully se- 
lected line of goods, and has a constantly growing 
trade, which is accorded him in recognition of his 
conformity to a high standard of commercial eth- 
ics as well as his reasonable prices. Mr. Jagod- 
zinski is also a director and vice president of the 
Spring Valley City Bank, and has the agency for 
steamships and for foreign banking and exchange. 
He is likewise agent for various fi:'c insurance com- 



panies, and his business iniercsis are -hus extensive 
and varied. They are likewise profitable, owing to 
his capable control and keen discernment. 

Mr. Jagodzinski has also figured prominently in 
political circles in Bureau county, and has done 
everything in his power to promote the advance- 
ment and prosperity of his city and section of the 
state. For three terms he has served as city treas- 
urer, and has filled other offices of public trust. 
He is a popular man, respected b/ all and his good 
qualities are many. 



FRANKLIN S. ROGERS. 

Franklin S. Rogers is one of the self-made men 
of Bureau county, who at an early age started out 
in life on his own account and tl.rough unremit- 
ting toil and business integrity has worked his way 
steadily upwai'd, gaining the respect of his fel- 
lowmen by his honorable method.? and at the same 
time winning a comfortable competence. He re- 
sides in La iloille towiishiji and is today the 
owner of six hundrt-d and seventv-five acres. He 
was born in Morgan count)', Ohio, February 27, 
1836, while his residence in Bureau county dates 
from 1866. His jarents were John and Susan 
(Antrim) Rogers, natives of Burlington, New 
Jersey. On leaving that state '.hey located in 
Ohio and afterward came to Illinois, where their 
remaining days were passed. In t::oir family were 
eight children: J. Antrim, Sarah W.. Franklin S., 
Hannah, William, Edwin, Mary and Charles. 

Reared in the state of his nativity, Franklin S. 
Rogers aequir 'd his education in the public .schools 
there, and when he put aside hi-; ti'xt-l)ooks be- 
came a factor in business life in connection with 
the hardware trade. He was married in Ohio in 
18.57 to Miss Rebecca J. Yocum, who was born 
in Belmont county, that state, in 1S;?9. She, too, 
was educated in the public .schools there, and was 
a daughter of Thomas and Saiah Yocum, who 
were natives of Belmont county, where tbev spent 
their entire li\es, dying at the place of their birth 
at a good old age. 

In the year 18(i6 Mr. Rogers brought his family 
to Illinois, settling in Bureau county. Tnto him 
and his wife were Itorn two daughters: Mrs. 
Susan W. Grisell and Mrs. Mary C. Grisell. .\fter 
coming to this state he turned his attv'ntion to 
farming, settling upon the place wher" he now 
lives. He first had eighty acres, but he owns alto- 
gether six hundred and seventy-five acres of choice 
land, of which thiH: hundred and twenty acres is 
in Iowa. In 1866 he purchased land at fifty dol- 
lars per acre, which is now valued at from one 
hiiiidre<l and seventy-five to two hundred dollars 
per acre. The place is improved with good build- 
ings and all modern e(|uipment8, and he is today 
one of the most substinilinl fnrriiers of the com- 
munity. 



G44 



PAST AXD PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Mr. Rogers was formerly a merrbeT of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, but his business 
interests have oecvjjied so much of his attention 
that lie has had no time for active identification 
with fraternal interests. In polrics he is a pro- 
hibitionist, having given his support for eighteen 
years to the party which embodies his ideas on the 
tem])eranco (|ue.stion. lie was reared in the faith 
of th(! Society of Friends or Qual:er», to which he 
still adheres, but is not a member o* any church. 
His life has been } cnorable, his action's manly and 
sincere and his principles wortliv of emulation. 
The years have brought him successes as the re- 
sult of his perseverance and industry, and in all 
of his business transactions he }ias been found 
thoroughly trustworthy and relial'le As a neigh- 
bor and friend he is held in high esteem, and he 
well deserves mention in this volume as one of 
the representative agriculturists o*' the county. 



HOWARD G. GIBBS. 



Honored and respected by all, there is no resi- 
dent of Princeton who occupies a more enviable 
position in mercantile and financial circles than 
Howard G. Gibbs, member of the hardware firm of 
H. D. Gilibs & Sons. It is true tliat he entered upon 
a business already established, but many a man 
of less resolute spirit would have failed in en- 
larging the scope and activities of the concern. 
His position in public regard is due not only to 
the success he has achieved but also to the straight- 
forward, honorable methods that he has ever fol- 
lowed and which place him in the front ranks of 
those men who while gaining prosperity also help 
to hold firm the public faith in business integrity. 

He was born in Princeton. November 25, 1863, 
a son of Ilenrj' D. Gibbs, who is too well known in 
Bureau county to need introduction to the read- 
ers of this volume, having for many years been 
closely associated with industrial and commercial 
life here. He is a native of Chenango county, 
New York, and came to Princeton in 1857. He 
accepted the position of manager of a tanning 
factory, which was then one of the leading indus- 
tries of the city and later he engaged in the coop- 
erage business, which he carried on until 1879, 
when he turned his attention to the hardware 
trade, establishing the store which has since been 
conducted as one of the leading mercantile enter- 
prises of the city. In 1890 he admitted his sons, 
Howard G. and Harrv A., to a partncrslup, under 
the firm style of H. D. Gibbs & Sons. The father 
is still active and takes an interest in the busi- 
ness which he established and which he has seen 
grow and prosper until it is now one of the most 
extensive in this section of the state. In early 
manhood he was married to Miss Nancy Windsor, 
a native of Chenango county. New York, in which 
state the werlding was celebrated prior to their 
removal to Illinois. 



Howard (i. Gibbs was educated in the grammar 
and high schools of Princeton and on putting 
aside his text-books joined his father in business. 
He mastered the trade in principle and detail and 
in 1890 was admitted to a partnership. He 
brought to the concern the enterprise, energy and 
ambition of a young man, which, added to the 
broad experience of the father, has made this one 
of the strong commercial combinations of Prince- 
ton. 

Howard G. Gibbs has also been active in munic- 
ipal affairs, wielding a wide influence on public 
thought and action. He has served for two terms 
as alderman of the second ward and for four years 
was supervisor of Princeton township. In .Vjjril, 
1906, he was elected chairman of the board of 
supervisors and is the present incumlient in the 
office. With a sense of conscientious obligation, 
he discharges his official dutie.", and brings to bear 
in their performance the executive force and keen 
discrimination of a practical business man. 

In 1887, Mr. Gibbs was united in marriage to 
Miss Mary K. \\'aldron. a daughter of Z K. Wal- 
dron, of Chicago, formerly a respected resident of 
Bureau county, of which he w-as a pioneer. He 
served at one time as sheriff of the county and 
has long been a res]iected and influential resident 
here. He is a native of New Y'ork, as is his wife, 
who bore the maiden name of Margaret Arch- 
bald. Mr. and IMrs. Gibbs are prominent socially 
and ilr. Git)lis has attained high rank in ilasonic 
circles. He belongs to Bureau lodge F. & A. JI. i 
to Princeton chapter. No. 28, R. A. il. ; to Orion 
council, R. & S. M. ; to Temple commnndery. No. 
20, K. T. ; and to the Order of the Eastern Star. 
He has held many offices in Masonry, was wor- 
shipful master of Bureau lodge for six years and 
eminent commander of the commandery for two 
years. He holds membership in the Congrega- 
tional ch\ir(h and is president of the Congrega- 
tional Church Club. His interest extends to those 
various movements which work for civic virtue, 
for progressive development in the city and for 
intellectual and moral advancement. The busi- 
ness policy he has ever followed has been that of 
straightforward dealing. His life typifies the spir- 
it of the age — the spirit of American progress. 
Prosperity has come to bin) as a natural sequence 
of industry and application and his success bears 
testimony to his rare judgment in business affairs. 



HARRY F. COREY^ 

Harry F. Corey is the owner of a valuable farm 
property of three hundred and twenty acres in 
Dover township, and is therefore numbered among 
the prosperous yt ung business men of Bureau 
county. Though he inherited a portion of his 
property, he has added to it, and has made many 
modern improvements, being todav accounted one 
of the progressive and highly re-:peeted farmers 




H. G. GIBBS. 



j 




HENRY D. GIBBS. 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUxNTV. 



(••49 



of the coiniiniiuty. His birth occurrod in this 
county, September 20, 187G. He was the only 
child born to Haniilton F. and Rachel (Martin) 
Corey, the latter 3 native of Ohio. The father, 
however, had beea previously married to Esther 
Mead, and unto them were born five children. The 
father was born '.n Cayujra county. New York, 
.lidy 1'. ISU. and in 1S35 emigrated t^. ilorsran 
county. Illinois, w.hence he came to linrcau county 
in 1850, locating in Ohio township. 

.\t the usual a^e Harry F. Corey entered the 
common schools of the county, wherein he nias- 
ieri>d the elementary branches oi' learning. His 
training at farm labor was not meager, and he 
early became familiar with the best methods of 
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. Tn early 
manhood he wedded Miss Frona Huffaker, the 
wedding i)eing celebrated on the I'-'th of July. 
18L>9. She was bovn in Bureau county, Deceniix-r 
31. 1874, and is a daughter of Cyrus and Anna E. 
(Sabin) Hulfaker. also natives of Bureau county. 
In their family were fourteen children, of whom 
Mrs. Corey was the third in order of birth, and she 
supplemented her early educational privileges by 
study in Dover Academy. The home of Mi-, and 
Mrs. Corev has be>-n blessed with one child. Hazel 
E.. born January 2. 1900. 

The family hon:e is an attractive residence, sit- 
uated in the mids: of a beautiful grov" of shade 
trees and surrounded by three hunjred and twenty 
acres of choice land, which i-esponds readily to the 
care and labor bcr,towed upon it. Mr. Corey in- 
herited a large share of his property from his 
father, but has added to it in numy ways, and is 
thoroughly in touch with the prDgressive spirit of 
the times. He keeps a fine autimobile and his 
farm in all its equipments is modern in every 
respect. Wliilc he leads a busy .ind active life, lie 
is relieved of the necessity for strenuous, uni-e- 
mitting labor, and has time fo;' the cultivation 
of those social and refining influences which de- 
velop character and add to the aesihctic and moral 
tone of the ■community. Roth he and hi.; wife are 
members of the Methodist I'role^lant church, and 
in politics he is a republican, but the honors and 
emoluments of office have no attraction for him, 
although in a private capacity he is never neglect- 
ful of his duties o[ citizenship, 'ind has given his 
aid and co-operation to many movements for the 
general good. Borh he and his wife are repre- 
sentatives of prominent old families of Bureau 
county, and with pleasure we pr'sent to our read- 
ers this record. 



CHARLES C. CON LEY. 
Charles C. Conley, who is engaged in rarining 
two hundred and forty acres of land in JIacon 
township, where ht is also breeding Norman and 
Percheron horses, was born in this townsliip, I ii - 
camber 3, ISO"). T!is parents were George \\'. and 



Tryphena (Sturtcvant) Conley. His maternal 
grandfather. Church Sturtcvant, was born at Cen- 
ter Harbor, New Hampshire, June 30, 1S(I7, was 
a son of Hosaiah and Sally (Paine) Sturtcvant, 
and was of Welsh lineage. Fami'y tradition has it 
that a widow and lier live sons came from Wales 
to America at an early day in th^j colonization of 
the new world and settled at Be.fast, ilassachu- 
setts. Hosaiah Sturtcvant was a Revolutionary 
soldier throughout the war for national inde- 
pendence, and, being captured at Stony Point, 
was imprisoned for a year in Ihe old sugar re- 
lineiy in New York city, but was finally exchanged 
and returned to liis home in Halifax. He subse- 
quently removed to New Hamj)s}iire, settling there 
in the midst of an unbroken wilderness. He took 
up his abode on an island of about three hundred 
acres in Squawin Lake and began the cultivation 
of the land with the assistance of hi? son, (Jhurch 
Sturtevant, who remained at Center Harbor until 
he was twenty-one years of age, during which time 
he attended the cdiimoii .schools and worked on 
the farm. He was married in March, 1827, to 
Hannah, daughter of Jerry Brown, of Center Har- 
bor, and in 1831 removed to I'eacham, \'eniiont, 
where he carried on agricultural pursuits. After 
about thirteen years he trailed his farm in Vermont 
for some wild prairie land in Illinois and started 
westward in June, 1844, settling in Osceola town- 
shij). Slaik counly. For five yeu's lie lived in a 
rented cabin and then built a barn, in which he 
lived for one winter and two summers. He bought 
the first lumber that was shipped on the Illinois 
canal, and built a part of his residence, to which, 
however, he made additions froiii time to time in 
later years. His home farm consisted of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land, 'nclosed with an 
osage orange hedge, and in addit'on to cultivating 
the fields he set on^ a line apjile .irchard. and also 
had many cherry tices ujjon liis place. LTnto Mr. 
and Mrs. Sturtevant were born eii;lit children, in- 
cluding Tryphena. who became M'-s. Conley. 

George W. Conley. father of Charles C. Conley, 
was born in Cayuga county, New York. June 2, 
1829, and died at his home in Huda. .\pril 21, 
1901. in his seventy-second year, lie was a son 
of Robert Conley, and was one of a family of 
eighteen children. In the spring of 18r)(t. at the 
age of twenty-one. he left his native heath and 
came to Illinois, settling in Osceola township. 
Stark county. This state was then the "far west." 
and many hardsli:ps and privations were to be 
borne in the country, which at that time was 
sparsely settled. The virgin sod was to be sub- 
dued, the cabin was to be built. l''e clearing made 
and roads and bridges had to be constnicted. 
There were a muititudc of hardships to be en- 
dured if the settler would enjoy the advantages 
known to the older east, and Mr. J^onley resolutely 
undertook the task before him. He wa.v married 
.Iiiiie 2, lS."i3, on his twenty-fourth birthday, to 
Trypliena .\. SturU'vanl. who was l)orn .it Center 



650 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Harbor, New Hampshire. March 11, 1828, and 
was the eldest of seven children. With her par- 
ents she emigrated from the old Granite state to 
Illinois in 1844, it requiring weeks to make the 
trip from New England. The fail following their 
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Conley removed to Henry, 
Illinois, settling on what is known as Crow 
Meadow, where they resided for three years, when 
in 1856 they bought a farm in Bureau county, 
south of Walnut Grove, in Macon township. For 
twenty-five years they resided there and then re- 
moved to Buda, where, with the exception of five 
years spent in Nebraska, they resided until called 
to their final rest. With these advantages they 
managed, through their economy and thrift, to 
gather a competence for their declining years and 
to leave a comfortable legacy ti; their children. 
Both Mr. and Mrs. Conley became members of the 
Methodist Episcopal church on the 8th of March, 
1873, and remained faithful to I'cs teachiags and 
to their professions, taking an active and helpful 
interest in church work and contributing gener- 
ously to its support. Mrs. Conley passed away on 
the 10th of February, 1901, at the age of seventy- 
tvs'o years, ten months and twenfv-nine days, her 
husband surviving her for only i brief period, as 
his death occurred on the 21st of \pril following. 
They were a mosi: highly esteemel couple, worthy 
the regard ot all who knew them and the respect 
which was so freely accorded them. They were the 
parents of nine children : Abbie, of Buda : Frank, 
of Princeton; Charles C. ; Berr, of Waco, Ne- 
braska : Mrs. Nettie Zink, of Buda ; and Isabella, 
Jerome, Edward and Ida, who have passed away. 
Of this number Edward died July 9, 1885, in 
Waco, Nebraska. He had been married in the 
previous spring and removed to the west with his 
bride. His remains were brought back to Bureau 
county for interment. The daugbter Isabella died 
April 8, 1896, at the age of forty two years. She 
was born in Henry. Illinois, and was a resident of 
Bureau county from 1856, while of the Methodist 
Episcopal church she was a consistent member 
from 18~3 until li(r death. 

Charles C. Conley, whose name introduces this 
record, attended ihe public schools in the winter 
months and worked on the home farm daring the 
summer seasons. His time was thus passed until 
he reached adult age, when he began farming for 
himself on one huiidred and twenty acres of land. 
At the present time he is farming two hundred and 
fortv' acres of land, and is accounted one of the 
enterprising agriculturists of the community, 
owing to his capable and progressive methods. He 
breeds some Norman Percheron horses, but his at- 
tention is chiefly given to the development and 
cultivation of the fields, although he is also en- 
gaged in the raising of Poland China hogs. 

On the 11th of January, 1889, was celebrated 
the marriage of Charles C. Conley and Miss Grace 
Smith, a native of Buda and a da ighter of Henry 
Smith. She died on her second weddin" anniver- 



sary, leaving one son, Charles S. Conley. On the 
30th of January, 1894, Mr. Ccnley was again 
married, his second union being with Lizzie F. 
Sowers, who was born in Perry county, Penn- 
sylvania, August !J6, 1865, a daughter of Eman- 
uel and Catherine (Fleisher) Sowers, likewise 
natives of Perry county, where the}' wera married. 
The father was born September 1, 1840, and the 
mother October 17, 1837. He is a carpenter by 
trade, and was for many years engaged in business 
as a contractor and builder, but at present is en- 
gaged in the insurance business. He has served 
as school director, is an advocate of political prin- 
ciples as expounded by the demii ratic l-art}', and 
is a member of the Lutheran church. Of his seven 
children six are now living: Mrs. Conley, Silas, 
Elsie J., Emma T., Carrie E. and Harry 0. Three 
children have been born unto Mr. Conley and his 
second wife: Hai'old S., born Alarch 11, 1896; 
Marion E., Mav 11, 1901, and Edna Mav, No- 
vember 27, 190.3. 

Mr. Conley voUs with the repu'ilican party, and 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. 
His life has been honorable and upright, his ac- 
tions manly and .«incere, and as a lifelong resident 
of ilacon township he has become widelv known, 
while his many g 'od qualities and sterling traits 
of character have gained him tho confidence and 
good will of all with whom hv has been associated. 



EDWARD GUITHER. 



Edward Guither, who owns, occupies and ope- 
rates a valuable farm of two hundred nnd sixty- 
seven acres in Walnut township, is one of Illinois' 
native sons, having been born in La Salle county, 
July 25, 1850. His parents were Henry and 
Barbara (Pope) Guither, both of whom were na- 
tives of Germany. They became residents of Lu 
Salle county in 1848 and the father followed farm- 
ing as a life work, thus providing for his family. 
A nimibor of years prior to hi? death ho removed 
to Walnut, where he retired from active business 
life, spending his remaining days in the enjoy- 
ment of the fruits of his former labor. He died 
June 18. 1905, while his wife passed away Sep- 
tember 15, 1888. 

Edward Guither, whose name introduces this 
record, completed his education in Naperville Col- 
lege after having studied in the district schools 
of Walnut township. He pursued his college 
course during the years 1872 and 1873 and after 
putting a.'iide his text-books began farming in Wal- 
nut township on section 1, where he ha.* since 
resided. .\s a companion and lielpmate for life's 
journev he cho.^e Miss Caroline Rapp, to whom he 
was married on the 20th of September, 1876. 
She was born June 16. 1853, in tliis county, a 
daughter of John and Barbara (Fauble) Rapp, 
both of whom were natives of Germany. They 
became early residents of this part of the state, 




fS^rr///// . ///////^ / 



y 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF HUREAU COUNTY. 



1)53 



where they arrived prior to 1850. They were 
farming people and lived near La Moille, Illinois, 
in Lee county, where they remained until called 
to their final rest, the father passing away Feb- 
ruary 5, 1861, and the mother, who was born 
June 19. 1833. died in 1884. Mr. and Mrs. 
Guither have a family of four children: Samuel 
W.. Cicdrge H.. Ezra P. and Florence A. M., all 
yet under the parental roof. The parents and 
children are members of the Evangelical church 
of Red Oak. The two sons. George and Ezra, have 
been attending college at Naperville. Illinois, and 
^Ir. Guither is providing all of his children with 
excellent educational privileges. The family is 
prominent sociallv and the hospitality of their 
own home is greatly enjo\ed by their many friends. 

Mr. Guither has always followed farming and 
now has a valuable property of two hundred and 
sixty-seven acres on section 1, Walnut township. 
where he raises the cereals best adapted to soil 
and climate and also some stock. His horses arc 
of the i^Torman breeds, his hogs Poland China, 
and he also raises pure blooded shorthorn cattle. 
He likewise owns an interest in a fine Belgian 
horse and he is one of the stockholders in the 
Walnut bank. He is accounted a man of sound 
business judgment, carefully controlling his in- 
terests and making safe and judicious investments. 
He has served as school director for a number of 
terms and the cause of education has profited by 
his efforts in its behalf. His home is a beautiful 
:\nd commodious residence standing in the midst 
of great pine trees, and there are other large and 
substantial buildings on the farm. He is regarded 
as one of the most enterprising agriculturists of 
this part of the county and is respected and es- 
teemed bv his neighbors and friends. 



WILLI.VM A. CRISMAX. 
William A. Crisjuan, of Macon township, dates 
his residence in Bureau county from 18^4, cover- 
■ ing a period of more than a half century. For 
many years he has been engaged in general agri- 
cultural pursuits and the raising of stock, and his 
success has come a^ the legitimate reward of per- 
sistent labor. He was born in Bedford county. 
Pennsylvania. February 13, 1851. and is a son 
of William and Elizabeth (Bowser) Crisman. The 
father's birth occurred at Denen"s creek, in Penn- 
sylvania, June 2G. 1825. He was the si.xth in a 
family of fifteen children, whose parents wen- 
William and Margaret Crisman. of Bedford coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, and his life history covered a 
period of almost ei;i;hty years, for he pas.sed away 
on the 9th of Fel'ruary. 1905. He wis a self- 
made and self-educated man. He had limited op- 
portunities for schooling, and at the age of seven- 
teen he left home to learn the millwright's trade. 
After serving an apprenticeship of four years he 
worked at his trac'e for two years in Waterside, 



Pennsylvania. On the 29th of April, 1848, he 
wedded Margaret Bowser, and they made their 
home in the east until April, 1S55, when Mr. 
Crisman brought his wife and three children to 
Buda, having in tho meantime made a prospitting 
tour through Illinois and Iowa. For three years 
he worked at the carpenter's trade in Buda, and 
then rented land for two j'ears. Finally he pur- 
chased one hundred end sixty acres of prairie land, 
on which he was able to make a small payment of 
one hundred dollare. He had a friend who aidetl 
him at this opportune moment, which enabled him 
to make the required improvements upon the place. 
By hard labor and strict economy he became one 
of the well-to-do farmers of Macon township, and 
as he was always dependent upon his own re- 
sources, the success he achieved wa,s justly earned. 
His political allegiance was given to the democracy 
in early life, his first presidential vote being cast 
for James K Polk. He voted with that party 
until the organization of the republican parly in 
185G, after which he remained an earnest advo- 
cate of its principles until his denth. He served 
as commissioner of his township for a number of 
years, and in him the public schools always found 
an earnest friend. He did effective service in be- 
half of public education, as a member of the 
school board and as school trustee for a period of 
fourteen years, and he always believed in employ- 
ing competent teachers. He was frequently a dele- 
gate to the county and state conventions of his 
party, and was recognized as one of the stalwart 
and leading republicans of Macoa township. At 
the time of his death he was a director in the 
Neponset and Macon Insurance Company. He 
held membership in the Buda BapHst church, and 
from the tirst manifested an active interest in 
every phase of church work, an interest that was 
intensified with the passing years. He was a mem- 
ber of the first building committee, and served two 
succeeding times when extensive repairs were 
made. He held the office of deacon with !;ut slight 
interruption from 1858 until the time of his death. 
In his material interests he prospered, and became 
the owner of four hundred acres, constituting a 
fine farm, pleasantly situated three and a half 
miles southwest of Buda. In 1885 Mr. Crisman 
was called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, 
who died on the 10th of October of that year. She 
was horn March 3. 1828, in Bedford county. Penn- 
sylvania, a daughter of John and Margaret 
(Hisong) Bowser. She was an excellent mother 
and a faithful and loving wife, ever ready (o make 
sacrifices for the wdfare of her family, "^hc, too, 
was a devout member of the Baptist church, and 
in her life displayed nuiny sterling traits of char- 
acter. Mr. Crisman survived until February 9, 
1905, and then, in the eightieth year of his age. 
was laid to rest in Hopeland cemetery In tlio 
family were eight children: Calvi'i. who is mar- 
ried and follows fanning in Macon township; Wil- 
liam A., who is marriecl and is ■\ fanner of llie 



634 



PAST ASD TKESEM' OF i'.LliKAU COUNTY. 



same township; N'iola, the wife of John Ober, 
residing on the old homestead; Mattie L. and Ar- 
thur v., twins; Can-ie, the wife of Lewis Akin, 
and Anna, the wife of John G. Anderson^ a resi- 
dent farmer of Macon township. 

William A. Cris-ian was only about three years 
of age when brougl'.t by his parents to Illinois, at 
which time the town of Buda contained only a 
few houses scattered along the line of the Cliieago, 
Burlington & Quincy Railroad, which hai but just 
been complete i Tiie father, a cavpentei hy trade, 
built one of the lir.^t frame houses in Buda, where 
he followed carpentering until his removal to 
Macon township. In his boyhood days William 
Crisman attended ihe public schiols through the 
winter months and in the summer season worked 
upon the home fav.n with his father, being thus 
engaged until 1875. when he beoan farming on 
his own account. He started with only sixty acres 
of land, but lit has added to this, and at the pres- 
ent time is farming a quarter section, on which he 
has made splendid improvements, having all the 
equipments of a model farm of the twen+ieth cen- 
tury. In 1903 he built a fine barn. He is a 
breeder of Poland China hogs, keeping on hand 
from fifty to one hundred head, a.^ni he also raises 
some shorthorn Dui'ham cattle. 

On the 10th of February, 187S, Mr. Crisman 
was married to Miss Alice K. Horton, who was 
born in Macon township, January 4, 185.5, a 
daughter of Allen and Margaret (Zink) Horton. 
Her father, the second son of Septimus and 
Wealthy (Foster) Horton, was born near the 
village of Stonerstowu, in Bedford county, Penn- 
sylvania, December 31, 1819, and died at his home, 
southwest of Buda. January 5, 1900, at the age 
of eighty years and live days. He was one of seven 
children, six sons and a daughter. The father, 
Septimus Horton, was iiorn in Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania. November 11, 1795, and died May 
20, 1831, while his wife, who was born April 9, 
1794, long survived him and died March 31, 1881. 
Septimus Horton le-irned the blacksmith's trade in 
early life, but made farming his chief occupation. 
He was a democrat in politics, and cast his last 
vote for Andrew Jackson. In October, 1822, he 
emigrated to Highland county, Ohio, wh.^re he re- 
mained until his death. 

Allen Horton, faiher of Mrs. Crisman, was only 
two years of age at the time of his parents' removal 
to the Buckeye state, the trip being made overland 
by wagon and rc(|uiring four weeks. When he 
was nineteen years of age he retui-ned to his birth- 
place in Pennsylvania, where he remained for a 
little more than a year, during which pi'i-iod he 
began learning the trade of a carpenter and joiner. 
He followed *hat occupation after his return to 
Ohio, and in 1840 he again went to Pennsylvania, 
but after a brief period once more took up his 
abode in the Bucke>e state. He had had biit lim- 
ited educational privileges. The log schoolhouse 
in which he obtained his primary educ-.tion was 



but si-xteen feet square and was built of round logs, 
the chinks being daubed with mud. It was heated 
by an old-fashioned fireplace, and the chimney 
was made of mud and sticks. Greased paper took 
the place of window glass, and all of the furnish- 
ings were very primitive, but in later years Mr. 
Horton had the opportunity of attending a much 
Ijetter school. He was married December ?2, 1842, 
in Licking county, Ohio, to Miss Margaret Zink, 
also a native of Bedford county, J'ennsylvania. 
She was born January 13, 1820, and removed to 
Ohio with her parents in 1842. ""hey bc'^-ame the 
parents of eight children: Alice C, now Mrs. 
Crisman; Addie, the widow of John W. MeClain, 
who now resides in Buda. These are the only ones 
living. Septir.'.ys I Horton, of tbi-i fa'iiilj', died 
at his home ;it Santa Cruz. California, where at 
the time of his death he was serving for the third 
year as a meniber rl the police force. Almost his 
entire life, hov.'cver. was spent in rail road mg. For 
one year he served as a soldier m tlie Civil war, 
and acted as one of the guards assigned (o watch 
over the body of the lamented I incoln after his 
assassination. He married Miss Anna Dolan, and 
thev had four children. Septimus Hor+cn was a 
member of the Inde)iendent Order of Odd Fellows, 
of the Grand .Army of the Repub'-c and the Mac- 
cabees, and was spoi en of by the Santa C'-uz paper 
as one of the best otBcers the town ever had. Other 
members of the fariily of Mr. and Mrs. Allen Hor- 
ton were Mrs. Cat'.'erine Carper, Mrs. Mary Car- 
per, Lola, Harvey and Samuel, '-ill of whom are 
now deceased. 

In the spring of 1844 Allen Horton came to 
Bureau county, where he arrived nfter a three 
weeks' trip in company with John and George 
Zink. After prosp-^cting for a time he finally de- 
cided to settle in Fulton county, where he resided 
until 1847, when he came to Macon township, Bu- 
reau county, where he made hi.-? home until his 
death. He had the honor of naming this township, 
was its first supervisor and represented it on the 
county board. He was also several times elected 
and served as township collector, and was school 
director of his dihtrict. His duties were ever 
promptly and faithfully performed, and he w'as a 
public-spirited man, aiding in the advancement of 
various interests in his town and neighborhood, 
it was about 1851 that he purchased a fann of one 
hundred and sixty acres on section 5, Macon town- 
ship, for which he paid a dollar and a quarter 
per acre. The land was entirely unimproved, and 
the first house built thereon was a loi; cabin. 
When the first survey of the Chijago, Burlington 
& Quincy Raili'oad was made the line went through 
a corner of the house, which was afterward moved 
to the present site, on the northeast quarter of sec- 
tion 8, Macon township, and converted into a barn. 
Mr. Horton was unusually successful in his busi- 
ness affairs, and became one of the substantial 
farmers of Macon township. His political sup- 
port was given to the whig party, and he cast his 



PAST AM) I'EESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



(;.").j 



firsl presidential vote for Henry Cay. He be- 
came a stanch champion of the ca^se of abolition, 
and when the repul :ican party was formed to pre- 
vent the further extension of slavery he Joined its 
ranks, and continued one of its advocates iiiilil his 
death. He !ield nienibov.^Iii]) in the Methcidist 
Episcopal church, as did his wife, and their (Chris- 
tianity was cvidenctd in their every-day life. A.s 
a citizen Mr. Horton was patriotic and law- 
abiding; as a Christian was conscientious, de- 
vout and pious; as a neighbor obUgin;,' and consid- 
erate; as a husband loviny-, faithful and true; 
and as a father kind, indul>^ent and tirni. He 
had no enemies, as he was ('V(!ry person's friend, 
and wlierevcr known he was uniformly loved. He 
survived his wife for only a few months, her death 
havino; occurred April 10, 1899. Mrs. Horton 
was a lady of jfcntle disposition, and her cheerful 
ways, lier kindness d' heart, her ch.arity and benev- 
olence and ner real goodness won for hci the love 
and respect of a wide circle of friends and neigh- 
bors. Only two of the children of Ihe family yet 
survive: Mrs. Crisnian and Mrs. Addie McClain. 
The latter was born December 1.5, 185S, and on 
the 15th of February, 1885, she gave her hand in 
marriage to John \V. McClain, who was born in 
Trough creek valley. Huntington county. Penn- 
sj'lvania, Marcli M, 1859. He cnvie t<.< Illinois 
about 1881, and wuh the exception of (^wMt years 
spent in Kansas, resided continuously in the vicin- 
ity of Buda. In his boyhood he became a member 
of the Methodist Episcopal chur'^h and lived a 
consistent Chiistian life. After an illness of about 
four years he passed away, July 1?. 189P. leaving 
a widow wdio -low reddes in Buda. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Crisman was 
blessed with a family of si.\ children : Traccy E., 
who was born December 12, 187?, and is now liv- 
ing in New Me.xico; Howard W , born March 30. 
1880 : Merton A., who was born Mav 23, 3 882, and 
died March 12, 188(j ; Myrle, who v/as born May 
23, 1884; Ada, who was born December 21, 1889. 
and died June 27, I'.lDG, and (Jlarence AV., born 
Xovember IG, 1893. The family have a pleasant 
honi( in Macon tov\nship, in the midst of a well 
developed farm, and in addition to thi.s property 
Mr. Crisman owns a half section o<' land 'n Barnes 
county. North Dakota, near Litchvillo, which he 
purchased in 1901. 

He exorcises his light of francliise in su])port of 
the men and incasuies of the repuljlicin party, and 
is a member of the Modern Woodmen of .\merica. 
For twenty years or more he has been a school 
director, and has d' ne effective work in behalf of 
the cau.se of public instruction hi;re, believing in 
the emjjloymf-nt of competent teachf rs air^ in u])- 
holding a high standard of education. He has 
long been a witness of the changes that have oe- 
eurred in Bureau county, for wh"n le came hen- 
Buda was but a tiny hamlet, and much of the land 
throughout the county was still undeveicped and 
unimproved. Now all has been conve-ted into rich 



and productive farms, dotted hen; end there with 
attractive and substantial homes; and all of the 
evidences of ^'ultu c, learning and :eli.,i'inent, as 
well as of business activity known to the older east 
are here to be found. The Crisman family has 
long figured prominently as upholder of the legal 
and politicil statu- of the count\ and promoters 
of its intellctua' and moral imr.io^-cment, and 
in this conno'tion William A. Ori'^nian '.ears an 
honorable record. 



EDMUND L. ANSTETH. 

Edmund Ti. Ansteth is classilied with the prom- 
inent farmers of Clarion township, where he owns 
and operates one hundred and eighty-nine acres of 
valuable land. He was born in this township, Jan- 
uary 28, 186G, his parents being Jacob and Lucy 
(Dayton) Ansteth, the former a native of Ger- 
many and the latter of Clarion township. Bureau 
county. The father is now living retired in Men- 
dota, but the mother passed away June 15, 1898. 
He became a resident of Bureau county in the 
early '50s, and at the age of twenty-six years he 
offered his services to the government in defense 
of the Union in the Civil war, becoming a mem- 
ber of the Fifty-second Illinois Regiment, under 
Captain Bowen. He followed the fortunes of his 
company throughout the period of hostilities, and 
was ever a brave and loyal soldier. He enlisted 
one night together with .seventeen other young men 
in the little German church in Perkins Grove. 
Clarion township, and was engaged in many de- 
cisive battles. After his return from the war he 
took up the occupation of farming, which he con- 
tinuously followed until recent years, when he put 
aside the more active work of the fields and is 
now living retired. 

Edmund L. Ansteth completed his education in 
the district schools of Bureau county, but has 
greatly broadened his knowledge through reading, 
experience and observation in later years. He ha.« 
always liccn a great reader, and is deeply interested 
in educational work. He was reared to the occu- 
pation of (he farm, and is today the owner of one 
hundred and eighty-nine acres of fine land, consti- 
tuiing one of the excellent farms of Clarion town- 
ship. Tliis he has secured entirely througli his 
own efforts, his close application, and his ability 
to plan and perform, combined with keen discern- 
ment in everything relating to agricultural inter- 
ests, have made him a prosperous farmer, and he 
is now classed with the leading representatives of 
agricidtural life in Bureau county. He raises the 
cereals l)est adajited to soil and climate, and also 
some cattle of mixed breeds. 

On the 24th of June, 1888, Mr. Ansteth was 
married to Miss Emma Shambaugh, who was born 
October 11, 18G9, a daughter of Peter and Elmira 
(Bash) Shambaugh. both of whom were natives 
of Ohio. Thcv came to Bureau co\intv in the 



656 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



early 'SOs, and the father began fanning here in 
order to provide for his family. He is now living 
retired, however, although he and his wife still 
occupy the old home farm. He, too, is a veteran 
of the Civil war, having seri-ed with an Ohio com- 
pany for three years during the period of hostili- 
ties for the preservation of the Union. The home 
of Mr. and Mrs. Ansteth has been blessed with six 
children : Koy, Arthur, Walter. Harvey, Pearl and 
Edith. Mr. Ansteth is a member of the Modern 
Woodmen camp at La Moille and of the Methodist 
church, associations which indicate much of the 
character of the man in his upright life and con- 
sideration for others. 



SAMUEL OBERG. 

Samuel Oberg, a retired fanner, residing near 
Princeton, still owns his farm of one hundred 
acres in Selby township, which is operated by his 
son. Selby Oberg, and also owns ten acres in 
Princetown township, located near the city of 
Princeton, on which he makes his home. He is a 
native of Sweden, born on the 29th of June, 1S3'2, 
a son of Johannes (John) Andreas and Christina 
(Larson) Oberg, who were fanning people in that 
countrv' and died there more than twenty years 
ago. In their family were seven children, four 
sons and three daughters, of whom John and Claus 
Oberg, and one daughter, Mrs. Gusta Xelson, the 
wife of Captain Xelson, all reside in Princeton. 
Claus Oberg is engaged in the meat business, while 
John is a farmer, of Arispie township. One 
daughter, Mrs. Annie Fairn, still makes her home 
in Sweden. One son, Andrew Johnson, also makes 
his home in Sweden and is now eighty years of 
age. Otto and Sarah arc deceased. 

Samuel Oberg was reared in liis native country, 
where he received but limited educational advan- 
tages. In 1864 he emigrated to America, lo- 
cating in Selby township. Bureau county, Illinois, 
where he purchased fifty acres of land which wa.s 
covered with hazel brush. As his financial re- 
sources increased he added to this tract until at 
one time he was the ouTier of four hundred and 
ten acres, but he has since sold three hundred 
and ten acres, so that he now has but one hundred 
acres. He has always engaged in general fann- 
ing, and for ten years conducted a dairy, selliag 
milk in Princeton, 

Mr. Oberg was married forty-seven years ago 
in Sweden to Miss Johanna Earn. Her father was 
a soldier in the Swedish army, and died in that 
country a number of years ago. Mrs. Oberg is 
now seventy years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Oltcrg 
are the parents of the following named: Albert, 
bom in Sweden, has resided in Jlinnesota for vhe 
past twenty years, where he is engaged in src-neral 
farming. He is married and has four sons and 
one daughter. Lavinc, born in Sweden, is a 
farmer, of Princeton township. He has lieen mar- 



ried twice, and by the first marriage has one son, 
and by the second marriage has a son and daugh- 
ter. Esther, born in Bureau county, is the wife 
of Alvin Johnson, a farmer, residing near La 
iloille. Bureau county. They have a son and 
daughter living. Selby, who is operating his 
father's farm in Selby township, was married in 
this county to Miss Amanda Axelson, who wa.s 
born in Sweden and came to America in the fall 
of 1889. She is a daughter of Axel and Johanna 
Axelson, and the former died in Sweden in 1894, 
while her mother now makes her home with ilr. 
and Mrs. Selby Oberg. They are the parents of 
two daughters, Grace and Hazel, both at home. 
William Oberg is now in Cuba, being in the em- 
ploy of the government, engaged in railroad build- 
ing. He is married and has one daughter. He 
resided for several years in Princeton previous to 
going to Cuba. Ida Oberg is at home. 

Mr. Oberg gives his political allegiance to the 
republican party, and holds membership with the 
Swedish Mission church, of which he was one of 
the organizers, and is one of the few surviving 
members of that organization. Mr. Oberg has re- 
sided in this county for forty-two years, and has 
helped to make it what it is today. He was for 
many years an active agriculturist, but since 1903 
has made his home in Princeton township, where 
he is now enjoying a well earn?d rest, l)eing one 
of the well known and highly respected citizens 
not only of that township but also of Bureau 
count v. 



GLEXXI S. PHILLIPS. 

Glenni S. Phillips is a self-made man, who, 
starting out in life on his own account empty- 
handed, has accumulated a vcrj- desirable compe- 
tence and is now the owner of an excellent farming 
property in Walnut township. He was born in this 
town.«liip, September 3, 1866, and is a son of 
Alonzo J. and Alzina Phillips. The father, a 
native of Warren countv, Pennsvlvania, was born 
August 28, 1833, and died October 10, 1897, at 
the age of sixty-four years. His wife was a native 
of Ohio. They became residents of Illinois in 
18.5T. settling in Walnut township, where for many 
years the father successfully carried on general 
agricultural pursuits, there residing until 1895, 
when he retired from active business cares and re- 
moved to the city of Princeton, where he made his 
home until he was called to his final rest, and 
where his widow yet resides. 

Glenni S. Phillips was reared on the old home- 
stead farm, under the parental roof, amid the re- 
fining influences of a good home. His education 
was acquired in the Bunker Hill district school, 
and his training at farm labor was not meager, for 
at an early age he took his place in the fields and 
followed the plow or the harrow and later aided in 
the task of cultivating and of harvesting the crops. 




MR. AND ilES. SAMUEL OBEBG. 



PAST AND I'liESENT OF BLliEAL LUL.NTY. 



tJ.'iit 



Throughout his entire life he has carried on gen- 
eral agriiultural pursuits, and is now the owner 
of a valuable property of two hundred and twenty- 
two and a half acres of land on sections "^S, 21 
and '2'i, Walnut township, worth from oiu> hun- 
dred and twentv-tive to one hundred and lifty dol- 
lars per acre. This is one of the best farms of the 
locality, being improved according to modern ideas 
of agricultural progress and development. Mr. 
Phillips also owns one of the best thre.'ihing and 
corn-sheller outfits in the county, and, in fact, is 
regarded as one of the most prosperous and pro- 
gressive farmers of his township. All modern fa- 
cilities and conveniences arc found upon his place, 
which is altogether attractive in its appearance be- 
cause of the air of neatness and thrift wiiich jior- 
vades it. 

On the 31st of May, 1893, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Phillips and Miss Anna L. Dunn, 
who was born May 21, 18T3. They have become 
the parents of three children : Hazel S., born Sep- 
tember 27, 1894; Inez E., February 21, 1901, and 
Iva G., January 16, 1906. 

Mr. Phillips gives his political allegiance to the 
republican party, and has served as school director 
for four years, but has not been active in politics 
in the sense of office seeking. He is, however, in- 
terested in all that pertains to national progress 
and local advancement, and in community affairs 
has taken a helpful interest. He belongs to Garri- 
son No. 81 of the Knights of the Globe, and his 
wife holds membership in the Methodist Episcopal 
church in Walmit. They are both well known in 
the county where their entire lives have been passed 
and where they have so lived as to win and merit 
the good will and trust of those with whom they 
have been associated. 



CHARLES W. GUNl'^El^. 

The name of Gunkcl is inseparably interwoven 
with the comme'vial history of ^'l!"irieid. and as 
represented by grandfather, father and son, it has 
always stood for business integrity and enterprise. 
For many years a general store was here con- 
ducted by the succeeding generations of the fam- 
ily, continuing from lSr)7 until IflOO. when Charles 
VC. (iunkel sold out, and is now living retired. 

His grandfather, George Gunkel was born in 
Butler county, Ohio, October IC, l.'^H, and was 
a .son of John and Catherine (Beakles) Gunkel, 
who wore natives of Pi-nnsylvania and were of Ger- 
man descent, (jeorge Gunkel wis reared upon a 
farm in Ohio to the ago of seventeen years, when 
he began learning tlie wheel wriL,'ht"s trade, which 
he afterward followed for nine yea-'s. He then 
took up carpentering, and was identified with 
building interests until after he came to this coun- 
ty. For two years after leaving Ohio he was a 
resident of Carroll county, Indiana, and subse- 
quently he resided in Tippecanoe county Indiana, 



until his removal to Bureau coun y in 1S5G. The 
following year lie erected a busin;;s.s liouse for liim- 
self in SholHeld and established a ge u-ral mer- 
cantile store, which he conducted until his death, 
making him the oldest business man of Shetlield in 
years of continuous connection with commercial 
interests. He also conducted a lumber business for 
a number of years, and was thus an active factor 
in the trade circles of the town, while his reputa- 
tion in business circles placed him among the fore- 
most of those who have the un(|u ililicd contidence 
of the trading public. Moreover he was both the 
architect and builder of his own fortunes, for he 
-started out in life empty-handed, placing his de- 
["■ndcnce upon lis energy, firm rusolution and 
willingness to work. 

George (iuukel was married in Indiana. Febru- 
ary 2-J, 1837, to Miss Sarah Islev, who was born 
near Dayton. Ohio, while her parents were natives 
of \'irginia and of German descent. They had 
iwo children: Daniel A. and Catherine, the latter 
the widow of Charles H. Boyden and a resident 
of ShelHeld. Th- mother died May 14, leSo. and 
the father's death occurred in Novcmbei of the 
same year. 

Daniel .\. (iunkel, who became his father's suc- 
cessor in business, was born in Indiona, July 21, 
1840. and was educated in the public scliools of 
that state and of Sheffield. He then joined his 
father in business, and after t'le latter's death 
conducted the store until his d^ith, maintaining 
his place as a leading and representative merchant 
of the city. He built a two-story brick block in 
1888, twenty-six by one hundred feet, upon the 
site of his father's store, and he kept in touch 
with the trend of modern jirogress along commer- 
cial lines. He was a valued and prominent mem- 
ber of Ames lodge, .Yo. 142, A., F. and A. M., 
in which he filled all the chairs, and he also 
held membeisbi]) with the Modern Woodmen of 
.\merica. 

Daniel .\. (iunkel was married January 1, 1865, 
to .Viinie .V. HIake, of Concord, Xew Hampshire, 
who was born December 11, 181.", a daughter of 
Charles W. Blake, a merchant of Boston, Massa- 
chusetts, and of Concord. New .'lampshire. Mr. 
(iunkel departed 'his life February 23, 1895, and 
bis wife die<l March 5. 1906. 

Charles \V. (junkel, their only son, born Sep- 
tember 25, 1867, was educated in the ShetTield 
schools and a business college at Davenport, Iowa, 
and thus qualified for the responsibilities of a busi- 
ness career he joined his father in the store, which 
they conducted together until the do'th of Daniel 
A. Gunkel. He was afterward with a partner for 
two years, at the end of which time the stock was 
divided and Mr. (iunkel carried on general mer- 
chandising alone until 1900, when he retired from 
the trade, his attention now being devoted to the 
su])ervi8ion of his invested interests. 

On the 2d of September, 189(1, was celebrated 
the marriage of C. W. Gunkel and Miss Ada 



660 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



Sophia Wood, of SheiHeld, who was born Jxily 
21, 1869, a daughter of Jasper Wood, mentioned 
elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. Gunkel 
now have one child, Woodwar.1 William, born 
April 15, 1894. Mr. Gunkel is a Mason, belong- 
ing to Ajnes lodge. No. 112, at Sheffield, and to 
the chapter No. 28 and commandery No. 20, at 
Princeton. He is now treasurer of the lodge, hav- 
ing succeeded his father, who had filled tlie posi- 
tion for }'ears. Unlike in detail and environment, 
owing to the changing conditions of the times, 
there has nevertheless been much that is similar 
in the lives of the three Gunkels who have been 
so prominently identified with the commercial ac- 
tivity and the growth and prosperitv of Sheffield. 
All have been reliable, enterprising business men, 
interested in the development of the city to the 
extent of giving hearty co-operation to many move- 
ments for the public good, and they have MTOught 
along lines worthv of emulation. 



JOSEPH A. BKIGHAM. 
Joseph A. Brigham, now living in Princeton, is 
a retired farmer and a representative of a pioneer 
family of 1832. His birth occurred in Dover 
township. Bureau county, in 18G1, his parents 
being .Joseph H. and Jane Elizabeth (Mercer) 
lirigham. the former a native of New Hampshire, 
and the latter of Ohio. In 1832 Joseph II. Brig- 
ham with one of his brothers and their father, 
Joseph Brigham, came to Putnam county. Illi- 
nois, where they lived until after the Black Hawk 
war. In 1833 they removed to Bureau county, 
where .loseph Brigham, Sr., secured a farm of one 
Imndrcil and sixty acres from the goveriunent. 
This land is still in possession of the family, being 
now owned by Joseph Brigham of this review. 
The journey to Illinois from New Hampshire had 
been made by team and canal, and they were eleven 
weeks upon the way. Joseph H. Brigham was 
then a youth of ten years. The country was at 
that time a vast prairie and wilderness and only 
here and there had the seeds of civilization been 
planted, as some venturesome settler or pioneer 
had made his way through the borders of civiliza- 
tion in the older east and taken up his abode upon 
the frontier to aid in reclaiming it for the uses 
of the white race. Joseph Brigham, Sr., w-as at 
one time a member of the legislature in New 
Hampshire and was a prominent and influential 
citizen well fitted for loailcrship. lie left the im- 
press of his individuality upon the early develop- 
ment of this section of the state and through his 
farming interests contributed to its material prog- 
ress. Joseph IT. Brigham, reared upon the fron- 
tier amid i)inneer environments, was educated in 
the common schools, enjoying such advantages as 
were to be had at that time. He sjient his entire 
life from the age of ten years upon what is known 
as the old Brigham homestead and there his death 



occurred October 11, 1898, when he was seventy- 
si.\ years of age, for 1823 was his natal year. He 
became the owner of the old home farm, where 
his father settled, and he lived upon that place 
from 183.3, when the house was built there, until 
his death. He erected the residence which is now 
standing and also a large brick dwelling, which 
is one of the finest country homes in the county. 
The farm is well improved and its boundaries have 
been extended until it now comprises three hun- 
dred acres of very rich and productive land, being 
considered one of the best farms of the county. 
It lies on sections 22, 27 and 26, Dover township, 
and no equipment of a model farm is there lack- 
ing. In his political allegiance Joseph H. Brig- 
ham was always a republican, unfaltering in his 
advocacy of the principles of the party, and he 
held all of the township offices, including that of 
supervisor. In early manliood he wedded Miss 
Jane Elizabeth Mercer, who came to Illinois from 
Ohio (luring the pioneer epoch in the history of 
this state. This union was blessed with seven 
children, four of whom survive, namely : Sylvester, 
who is retired and lives in Princeton; Mrs. Sarah 
Ivissick, whose home is north of Princeton: .lo- 
seph A. ; and Mrs. Eliza Bartley, of southern Kan- 
sas. The mother of these children died in 1871 
and 5Ir. Brigham afterward married Carrie Dun- 
Imr, of Bureau county. Illinois. They became the 
pari'uts of two children: Charles, now of Iowa; 
and Curtis, of Kansas. 

Joseph A. Brigham, whose name introduces this 
record, was reared upon the home farm, completed 
his education in the Princeton high school and 
throughout his entire life has followed farming 
and stock-raising, with the exception of a year 
or two spent in Chicago, where he was engaged in 
the real estate business. He is a breeder of fine 
Hereford cattle, Jersey red hogs and fine draft 
horses. He employs a man upon the farm, which 
is located four and a half miles from Princeton, 
but he gives to the work his personal supervi- 
sion, and is an active, energetic agriculturist of 
sound Inisiness judgment and progressive spirit. 

In January, 18!)(), Mr. Brigham was uuirried to 
Miss Martha Virden, a daughter of p]dward IJoe 
and .Vnna (Thompson) Virden. The father was 
born in Norwich, Muskingum county. Ohio, March 
23, 1836, and is a son of Jerome and Sarah 
(Fleming) Virden. both of whom were natives of 
Ohio. The father was for years engaged in the 
shoe business in his native state but later became 
a contractor on the Baltimore iv: Ohio Kail road, 
doing work along the hills of the Ohio river. 
Upon the completion of the contract he removed 
with his family to Mount Pleasant, Iowa, making 
the journey by team, and there he and his wife 
died many years ago. Edward Koe Virden sjjent 
his boyhood and youth in Ohio, and in 1S.t4 ac- 
companied his paients on their removal to Mount 
Pleasant, Iowa, .\fter a year, however, he came 
tci Princeton on a visit to his uncle. K. Laird, a 



i 




LJ.A BRIGHAM. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BrUEAU COUNTY. 



uu;j 



druggist oi' that L-ity, aiul derided to reiiiaiii. lie 
secured a situation as clerk in the hardware store 
of A. S. & E. C. Chapman and continued in (heir 
employ for six years. Later ho purciiased an in- 
terest in the store and al'lerward became sole 
proprietor, conducting tlie business successfully 
until he sold out in 1S7G. In 1SG2 he enlisted in 
the army for one hundred days' service as a mem- 
ber of Company A, Sixty-ninth Regiment of Illi- 
nois Volunteers, and was commissioned lieutenant. 
On the expiration of that period he returni'd home 
but in 18(J4 he raised a comi)any at Princeton, 
which became Company A, One Huudred and 
Thirty-ninth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. lie 
was commissioned captain of this company and 
with tlie regiment was mustered into service at 
Peoria in June, 18G4. He was actively engaged 
in duty in Jlissouri and Kentucky, following Gen- 
eral Price, who was nuiking a raid through those 
states. He served out his term of enlistment and 
returned home, having been mustered out in No- 
vember, 18()4. In ISTG Cajitain Virdcn and Cap- 
tain Clark Grey purchased the controlling interest 
in the Farmers National Bank at Princeton, which 
had been organized a year or two before. Mr. Vir- 
den became president and Captain Grey cashier. 
The dividends of the bank had about ])aid for the 
original stock and Captain Virden surrendered 
his presidency in lSil4. He also dealt in real 
estate quite largely ami was the owner of between 
five and six thousand acres of land in Kansas and 
Nebraska, together witli about three hundred acres 
in Bureau county, Illinois. Politically he was a 
stanch republican and was a mcmiier of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity. 

On the -.'(ith of April, ISGO, Mi', \irden was 
married to Miss Anna Thompson, of Cambridge, 
Ohio, and the marriage was graced with four chil- 
dren, but their only son, E. L., died at the age of 
seventeen years. The daughters are: Nellie R., 
the wife of Charles Sapp, of Wyanet township, 
Bureau county ; and Martha and Mary, twins, the 
former the wife of ilr. Brigham. Mr. Virden 
died July l!t, ISiOl, and liis widow is still living 
with her daughtei' Mary in Princeton. He was 
a man of excellent Inisiness capacity, reliable and 
straightforward in all his dealings, and in citizen- 
ship in days of peaci' he manifesteil the sauie loy- 
alty which he displayed when upon the battlelielils 
of the south. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brigham have one daughter, Dor- 
othy May, born March IS, 1898. They liold mem- 
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church, in 
which he is acting as an usher, as a nieml)er of the 
church board, as assistant su[)erintendent of the 
Sunday school and as president of the l']|)worth 
Tjcague. He is an untiring and zealous worker in 
the church, doing much for its advancement, 
growth and influence, and his lai)ors arc eiVective 
and far reaching. In politics he is a republican 
and is now .serving as alderman of the fourth 
ward in Princeton. He is a man of broad mind 



atid liiieral thought, who recognizes that man's 
activities should touch the various interests of so- 
ciety, and he has thus become a factor in the ma- 
terial, ])olitical and moral i)rogress of his com- 
munity. He resides at No. 22G Elm street, in 
Prineeton, where he owns one of the beautiful 
homes of the city. 



ALBERT BONNELL. 

Among the representatives of the farniing inter- 
ests of Bureau county is Albert Bonnell, who was 
born iu La Moille, August 1, 1856. His parents 
were Silas and Mary Ann (Smith) Bonnell. The 
father, whose birth occurred in Bedford county, 
Pennsylvania, came to Bureau county in 18.51, 
bringing with him his family. He had been mar- 
ried in 1842 to Mi.ss Mary Ann Smith, also a 
native of Bedford county, and as the years passed 
ten children were born unto them, of whom Albert 
is the seventh in order of birth. The father and 
three of the sons served in the Civil war, and only 
one returned, the others giving their lives in de- 
fense of the Union cause upon the altar of their 
country. 

Albert Bonnell, reared in the county of his 
nativity, is indebted to its public school system for 
the educational privileges he enjoyed in his boy- 
hood and youth. He was early left fatherless, and 
in his minority his portion was largely that of hard 
and unremitting laljor. After he attained man's 
estate he sought a companion and helpmate for 
life's journey, and was married to Miss Julia A. 
Craft, who was born in Stark county, Illinois, 
February 15, 1858, and died on the 10th of May, 
1881. They became the parents of two children, 
of whom one died in infancy, while Mrs. Ida Ross 
still survives. 

In order to provide for his family Mr. Bonnell 
followed farming, and is now the owner of one 
hundred and lifty and a half acres of choice land, 
upon which are sultstantial buildings, standing in 
the midst of fine shade trees, which add to the 
value and beauty of the place. His farm com- 
prises one of the fine locations of the county, and 
is attractive in its neat and thrifty appearance. 
Mr. Bonnell is now engaged in raising I'oland 
China hogs, and also buys and feeds cattle, using 
the products of his fields in this way. 

He votes with the republican parly, and in re- 
ligious faith is a Methodist, belonging to the 
church of that denomination in La Moille. Truly 
a self-made man, he gained his start in the busi- 
ness world by working by the month as a farm 
hand, and after making purchase of land he 
labored diligently and jiersistently, allowing no 
obstacle to bar his path if it could be overthrown 
by industry and determination. He is today one 
of the leading and prosperous farmers of the coun- 
ty, and is a man trusted and esteemed by friends 
and neighbors. He is assessor of his township at 



C64 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



the present writing and has been school director 
for a miinber of years. The cause of education 
finds in him a warm and stalwart friend, and he 
withliolds liis support from no movement for the 
general good. He has ably fought life's battles 
and has come oS victor in the strife, and today 
he possesses not only a good farming property, but 
also an honorable name, his record being in har- 
mony with his professions as a member of the 
church. 



JAMES WAUGH. 

James Waugh is now living retired in Prince- 
ton. For many years he was one of the best known 
stockmen, not only of Bureau county but of cen- 
tral Illinois as well, and the extent and impor- 
tance of his business interests in this connection 
gained him a place among the substantial resi- 
dents of tile county, bringing to him a measure of 
prosperity that now enables him to leave the more 
arduous duties of an active business career to 
otiiers, while he enjoys a well earned rest. 

His natal day was November 19. 1833, and the 
])lace of his birth Somerset county, Pennsylvania. 
His parents, James and Elizabeth Jane (Parks) 
Waugh, removed from West Virginia to Pennsyl- 
vania at an early day and the father served as a 
soldier in the war of 1812, while both the pater- 
nal and maternal grandfathers of our subject were 
soldiers of the Revolutionary war. On going to 
the Keystone state James Waugh, Sr., became in- 
teresteil in stage lines there in early days l)efore 
the era of railroad transportation and was one of 
the stockholders in the old stage line operating 
between Philadelphia and Pittsburg. He was con- 
nected with that business there for several years 
and on coming to the west he brought with him 
some of tiie old stages that had been used in that 
section of the country. Locating in Springfield, 
Illinois, he operated a stage line between that city 
and Chicago for several years and on selling out 
he removed to Peru, La Salle county, Illinois, 
where he purchased the old National Hotel, which 
he began conducting. At the same time he also 
operated quite extensively in land, which he 
bought and sold. He was very successful in both 
lines of business for several years or until he 
made a large loan of twenty-two thousand dollars 
to an old friend, who swindled him out of this 
amount, so that he lost most of his earnings of 
former years. He still retained large landed in- 
terests but, this being unimproved property, he 
derived no income therefrom. He left Peru and 
went to Lost Grove in La Salle county, twelve 
miles from Peru, purchasing all of the land at that 
grove, where he owned an entire section. His 
house and another dwelling were the only ones in 
that vicinity and at one time Daniel Webster was 
entertained at the Waugh home. With character- 
istic encrg}' Mr. Waugh set to work to retrieve 
his lost possessions, cleared his land and began 



farming. He also became interested in the old 
plank road between Peru and Dixon and, making 
his home at Lost Grove, he carried on general 
farming and stock-raising there until his death, 
which occured in 1862, while his wife survived un- 
til 1863. There were fourteen children in their 
famih', nine of whom are now deceased. Most of 
them died in California save one son, who was 
murdered in this state. Of the five living mem- 
bers of the family three daughters reside in Los 
.Vn^ek's, California, while Rankin is engaged in 
the live-stock commission business in Chicago. 

James Waugh, whose name introduces tiiis rec- 
ord, attended the public schools of Peru, where 
he accjuired a liberal education. After removing 
to Lost Grove he assisted his father on the farm 
and when only a boy he began dealing in stock 
himself, buying and trading and making ship- 
ments to the Chicago markets. As the years passed 
by he increased his operations in that line and en- 
gaged in business in the vicinity of his old home 
until 1857, when he went west to California, lo- 
cating in the southern part of that state, where he 
was engaged in the stock business and in mining 
for five years. In 1863 he returned to Illinois 
and settled in Princeton, where he began to buy 
and ship stock. Also noting a good opening for 
a meat market in Princeton, he established a busi- 
ness of that character and at one time owned and 
conducted two markets here, employing several 
men in the conduct of the business. He traveled 
all over Bureau county and this part of the state 
for many years, buying cattle and other stock, 
and at one time was regarded as the best judge of 
stock in Bureau county. During this period he 
also owned two meat markets in Elmwood, Peoria 
county, Illinois, which he conducted for a few 
years, carrying on an extensive l)usiness in all of 
his retail estalilishments. 

Mr. Waugh was married in Chicago to Miss 
Elizabeth Wood, a native of Wyoming county. 
New York, and a daughter of Lewis and Soph- 
ronia Wood, who were natives of the Empire state 
and in 1845 removed to Illinois. For a short time 
they lived in Chicago and then became residents 
of Dupage county. Illinois, making the overland 
trip with ox teams. For four years they resided 
ujioii a farm in tliat county and then came to Bu- 
reau county, where Mr. Wood purchased a farm 
in Dover township, carrying on general agricul- 
tural pursuits there until his death in 1863, at 
the age of forty-seven years. Sirs. Wood died in 
^falden at the advanced age of eighty years. She 
had two sons in the army, one of whom was in- 
jured at he front and died while in the hospital at 
Covington, Kentuck-V'. Mrs. Wood went south to 
care for him, remaining across the river from 
Covincton at Cincinnati, and while there she 
boarded in General Grant's home. 

Mr. and ^Irs. Waugh became the parents of six 
children, of whom two are now living. Fred, who 
married Ida Burns of Kankakee, Illinois, now 







JAMES WArnir. 



1 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



G67 



lives in Davenport, Iowa, where he is manager of 
the T. A. Wood creamery. Gertrude is the wife 
of Henry A. Mead, manager for the Interna- 
tional Salt Company in Chicago. Those deceased 
are: Grace, who died at the age of eighteen years 
and six months; one who died unnamed in in- 
fancy ; Bertha, who passed away when eight nioiitlis 
ohj ; and Katie when four months old. 

Mr. Waugh continued to engage in the stock 
business in this county until 1!K)0, when he de- 
termined to put aside the arduous duties and la- 
bors of an active business career and live retired, 
but iutiuiencc and idleness are utterly foreign to 
his nature and he cannot content himself witiiout 
some business interests. He therefore travels to 
some extent over the county and does a little buy- 
ing and selling. He has never cared for public 
office nor has he held positions of political prefer- 
ment. He votes witii the democracy where na- 
tional questions are involved, but at local election.^ 
casts an independent ballot. Tins work would l}e 
incomplete without the record of the Waugh fam- 
ily, one of the most prominent of Bureau county, 
for during many years Mr. Waugh has been a 
most successful business man and a recognized 
leader in live-stock interests. He owns a nice 
home at No. -iOi South Pleasant street, where he 
and his wife reside, and the labors of his former 
years make it possible for him to enjoy all of 
life's comforts and many of its luxuries, while 
his career demonstrates the possibilities of the 
simultaneous attainment of success and an hon- 
ored name. 



HARMON E. CURTIS. 

Conducting business interests in harmony with 
modern ideas of commercial progress, watchful of 
every opportunity pointing to success, and utilizing 
every honorable means at hand for the develop- 
ment of his trade interests, Harmon E. Curtis is 
now meeting with merited prosperity as a dealer 
in lumber, building materials and coal in Tiskihva. 
He has thus been identified with the comiiiercial 
interests of the town since December, 1890, and 
is the only lumber dealer here. 

One of Bureau county's native sons, his birth 
occurred in Sheffield in 1854, his father being 
James M. Curtis, now deceased. He was born at 
Schaghticoke, R'ennsclaci' county. Xew ^'oi'k. Au- 
gust 2, 1822, a son of Daniel ami Mehitable (Mas- 
ters) Curtis, also natives of the Empire state. 
They removed to Otsego county. New York, about 
1823, but in 18.'?7 returned to the vicinity of their 
old homo in Rensselaer county. \ farmer by oc- 
cupation, Daniel Curtis followed that pursuit in 
order to provide a livelihood for l)is fainilv, con- 
tinuously carrying on the work of the fields save 
for the period of his service as a soldier of the 
war of 1812. He died in New York, while his wife 
passed away in Davenport. Iowa, when nearly 
eighty-seven years of age. In their family were 



nine children: Erastus, Abraham, James M., 
Mark D., Harmon H., Phineas, Robert C, Maria 
and ('ynthia C. 

James M. Curtis was reared upon a farm in the 
Empiie state, and at tlie age of sixteen years began 
working for others at a salary of seven dollars per 
month, which was given for the support of the 
family. He afterward returned to the home place 
and assisted in the cultivation of his fathers farm 
until he readied the age of twenty years. His ed- 
ucation was acfjuired in the public schools of New 
York am! in the academy at West Poultney, Ver- 
mont, so that lie was well fitted for teaching, which 
occupation lie began following when nineteen years 
of age. 'J'he year 1848 witnessed his arrival in 
Illinois, at which time he located in Adams county, 
where he had two uncles living. For three winter 
seasons and one summer he was engaged in teach- 
ing school there, and in the fall of ISlit joined his 
brother ilark on a ]irospecting tour for land. They 
proceeded by steamboat from Quiney to St. Ijouis 
and thence to Peoria, where they started on foot 
for a trip through Bureau county, and after choos- 
ing a location they walked to Dixon, where the 
government land office was located. They made 
their entries and thence proceeded in the same 
manner of travel to Quincy. Their selection was a 
.section of land in Concord township, the claim of 
James Curtis covering the southeast ipiarter of 
section 18 and the southwest (juartcr of section IT, 
while his brother secured the northeast and north- 
west quarters of the same sections. In the spring 
of 1849 they had taken a trip into Iowa to see 
the country, walking from Quincy to Nauvoo, 
wher(> they crossed the river and thence proceeded 
on foot to jMuscatine. where they embarked on a 
steamer for Quincy. 

On the Ihih of December, 18.")0, James Curtis 
was married to Miss Helen Maria Stevenson, who 
lived in Adams county, about ten miles east of 
Quincy. She was born in Carroll county, Mary- 
land, February 7, 1831, a daughter of Basil D. and 
Henrietta (Wells) Stevenson, who came with their 
family to Illinois in 1837. TTnto Mr. and Mrs. 
Curtis were born six children: Clifton, now of 
Davenport, Iowa; Harmon K. ; Jessie May, tlie 
wife of Clayton C. Pervier, of Bureau county; 
Charles Edgar, living on the home farm; Helen 
Maria, who died at tlie age of nineteen years, and 
Carrie Belle, the widow of Bradford Reed Battey, 
of Tiskihva. The mother passed away November 
7, 1871. and on the iifh of January, 1878, James 
M. Curtis married Miss Maria C. Hice, of Han- 
nibal. Oswego county. New York. There was one 
son of this union, Robert Rice Curtis. In the 
spring of 18.")1 the father located upon his land, 
bringing with him to the county a capital of two 
hundred and fifty dollars. He built a small house 
of lumiier, most of which was sawi'<l at Stephens 
mill, and he occupied his first dwelling until dur- 
ing the jieriod of the Civil war. when he ertnted 
the residence now standing on the place. There 



Cti8 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



he engaged in general farming and feeding stock. 
and his farm today is one of the best cultivated 
properties of Concord townsliip. He resided con- 
tinuoush- in that township from 18.')1, and be- 
came one of the extensive landholders, owning one 
thousand acres of fine laud in Concord township 
and seven hundred acres in Gold township. He 
rose from a humble financial position until he was 
one of the wealthy citizens of the county, and the 
most envious could not grudge him his success, 
60 honorably was it won. A republican in his po- 
litical views, he served for nine years as super- 
visor of Concord township, and was actively and 
helpfullv interested in many progressive public 
movements. He was a member of the Unitarian 
church of Shetficld and a man who merited and 
enjoyed the highest respect of all with whom he 
came in contact, so that his death, which occurred 
in July, 1902, was the occasion of deep and wide- 
spread regret. His record, however, compassed al- 
most four score years, and his life was one of use- 
fulness, activity and honor. 

Harmon E. Curtis, educated in the schools of 
Shetfield, remained at home until 188G, his time 
and energies being devoted to farming. He then 
went to Union county, Iowa, where he remained 
for two years, after which he was engaged in the 
lumber business for five years at Arcadia, Nebras- 
ka. The succeeding two and a half years were 
passed as a lumber merchant at North Platte, Ne- 
braska, and, returning to Arcadia, he was engaged 
in the banking business there for a year. In 1895 
he again took up his abode at Shetfield, where he 
remained until his removal to Tiskilwa in 1899. 
when he purchased the lumber yard of B. R. Bat- 
tey and has since Iteen accounted one of the leading 
business men of this town. He deals in lumber. 
lath, doors, windows, shingles, lime and cement, 
as well as hard and soft coal, and is conducting 
an extensive and profitable business, having now 
a liberal patronage. He also owns two hundred 
and twenty acres of land in Concord township and 
personally gives his supervision to the operation 
of the farm. 

Mr. Curtis was married in 1878 to Miss Jennie 
Moore, of Sheffield, a daughter of D. (!. Moore. 
an old settler of Bureau county, now living with 
Mr. C'urtis. They have two children: Mark D.. 
twenty-six years of age. who married Clara Booth, 
of Sheffield, and lives in Tiskilwa with his father, 
and Claudia, twenty-four years of age. the wife 
of Claude I. Ring, a mail carrier of Tiskilwa. 

Mr. Curtis is a stalwart advocate of republican 
principles, but has never consented to hold office. 
He belongs to Ames lodge. No. 15.5, .\. F. & 
A. M.. of Tiskilwa, also the Odd Fellows society 
and the Modern Woodmen camp of Sheffield, while 
in Tiskilwa he is identified with the Domestic 
Cuild and the Eastern Star, and both he and his 
wife have taken the Rebekah degree in Odd Fel- 
lowship. They have a very wide and favorable 



acquaintance, not only in Tiskilwa. but in other 
parts of the county, and are valued representatives 
of the community. In an analyzation of his char- 
acter it will be seen that enterprise is perhaps Mr. 
Curtis" dominant trait, and he is a prominent busi- 
ness man who has found that success is ambition's 
answer. 



THOMAS E. WOOD. 

Thomas E. Wood, a manufacturer of ice cream, 
with a factory in Princeton and one at Earlville, 
La Salle county, Illinois, is numbered among the 
native sons of this state, his liirth having occurred 
in Boone county on the loth of March, 1844. His 
father, Jacob A. Wood, was born in Canada, and 
became a citizen of the United States through the 
constitutional amendment of 1848. He was a 
blacksmith by trade, and for many years followed 
that pursuit in McHenry county, Illinois. 

Thomas E. \\'ood lived in his native county until 
March, 1892, when he came to Princeton, where 
he has since resided. His education was acquired 
in the public schools, and in his youth he learned 
the blacksmith's trade, which he followed to the 
age of twenty-six years, after which he devoted 
fifteen years to general farming. He met with 
fair success in that undertaking, and on selling 
his farm he tui'ned his attention to the creamery 
business as representative of the Elgin Creamery 
Company. Seeking a still broader field of labor, 
and one that he believed would prove more advan- 
tageous to him, he came to Princeton in the fall 
of 1891 and built an ice cream plant. In March, 
1892, he removed to this city, and has been op- 
erating his plant since that time. In the spring 
of 190.5 he further extended the scope of his labors 
by the estalilishment of a plant in Earlville, Illi- 
nois, and he is now conducting an extensive and 
profitable trade. He makes shipments to various 
[tarts of the county, and his output covers a large 
territory. His extensive trade is indicative of the 
excellent quality of his product, and he justly 
merits the success which is attending his eiiEorts 
in this direction. 

On November U), 18(59, Mr. Wood was married 
to Miss Isabelle Sinton, of ^Idlenry county, Illi- 
nois, who was born in 1844. Her parents were of 
Irish descent, and members of the Society of 
Friends. In 1832 they located in McHenry coun- 
ty, where they took up government land and con- 
tinued to make their home throughout the remain- 
der of their lives, dying in 1892. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wood now have one son. Frank E., who is a 
painter and contractor in (irinnell, Iowa. He 
married Miss Nellie Morris, of Grinnell. and they 
have one child, Wilbur. 

Mr. Wood is well known in political circles as an 
advocate of republican principles, and in 1899 and 
1900 he represented the third ward of Princeton 
on the board of aldermen. He belongs to Peace 
lodge. No. 428. T. O. O. F.. in which he has passed 



1 



PAST AND 1"1m;si:\-|' of bukeat county. 



C.fJit 



all of die chairs and in the work of which he 
takes a ver}' active and helpful part. He is also 
a leading member in the encampment, and is past 
grand patriarch. He has assisted in initiating 
more members into the lodge than any other man 
in Bureau county, and his identiiicalion with Odd 
Fellowship dates from ISSG, when he joined Big 
Thunder lodge. No. 28, of Belvidere, Boone coun- 
ty, Illinois. He also joined the encampment, the 
canton of Kewanee and the Eebckah lodge at Bel- 
videre, and he is deeply interested in this frater- 
nity and its growth and the accomplishment of its 
purposes. He is popular with its representatives 
in this part of the state, and in business circles 
he has made for himself an enviable name. 



MAX PAUL SEIBEL. 

Among the citizens of Bureau county whose la- 
bors have directly and largely benefited the village 
of Manlius is numl)ercd Max Paul Seibel, cashier 
of the First State Bank of Manlius and treasurer 
of the New Bedford Creamery Company. He also 
laid out an addition to the village, whereon arc 
found the best business houses and finest residence 
section, and while promoting his individual inter- 
ests he has also contributed largely to general i>rng- 
ress and prosperity. 

Born in Manlius township, April 8, 1869, he is 
a son of J. Jacob Seibel, deceased, who was born 
in Breidenstein in the archduchy of Hesse, Ger- 
many, Novemlier 23, 1S16. He attended school the 
recjuired number of years and then assisted his 
father on the farm. However, after the <lay"s work 
was done he would walk to the adjoining village 
and attend the drawing school. AVliile yet a young 
man he learned engineering and for some time fol- 
lowed that business in his native country. In 1850 
he came to the United States, but being unable to 
speak English he found it impossible to secure a 
situation as an engineer in this countrA' and for 
some time was employed as a carpenter in Ohio and 
later in St. Louis. He then went to California, 
attracted by the discovery of gold on the Pacific 
coast, and after a successful year in the mines re- 
turned to "the states" by way of the isthmus route. 
He remained in Pennsylvania for a short time and 
was there marrictl to Miss Priseilla P. Foliet, who 
was born in Susi(U('lianna county, Pennsylvania, 
ilarch -I, 1828. Tlic wedding was celcliratc<l Feb- 
ruary 9, 1852, after which they came immediately 
to Bureau county, where Mr. Seibel first purchased 
one hundred and sixty acres of land in Manlius 
township, which he began to improve. Few men 
possessed more energy or stronger determination 
to win sut'C-ess in life, and hands and brain were 
constantly at work. During the war, when it was 
difficult to employ labor, he began inventing and 
experimenting on labor-saving machines and was 
the first to begin building harvesters to carry bind- 
ers. He made them work successfullv on his farm. 



but it was hard to introduce new macliines and be- 
fore this could be accomplished others iiad pat- 
terned after him and reaped the benefit of his 
genius, so that in the enter])rise, instead of making 
money, he lost bctweui thirty and forty thousand 
dollars and finally the engine and machinery were 
put into till- plant of the Buda .Manufacturing 
Company and after the failure of that company 
the machinery was sold and Mr. Scibel's estate re- 
ceived nothing. He was, however, successful as a 
farmer and stock-raiser and at the time of liis 
death owned sixteen hundred acres of land in Bu- 
reau county. He and his son Frank wi^re both 
killed in a railroad collision at Knglcwood, when 
on their wav to Chicago with stock, March 11, 
1880. 

In the family were twelve children : Celia K., 
who was born February 17, 1853, and married 
George W. Beggs, of Glidden, Iowa; George E., 
who was born November 5, 1851, and married 
Eva McNaughton : Chloe F., born November 15, 
185G; Charles II., born October 25, 1858; Fred, 
who was born August G, 18C0, and died at the 
age of six months; Frank L., born November 21, 
1861; Mark B., born November 27, 1863; Clark 
J., born October 8, 1865; Herman M.. who was 
born August 30, 1867, and died in August, 1868; 
Max P. ; Lillv M., who was born November 16, 
1871. and died April 8. 1875; and Karl B.. born 
.\pril 30, 1875. 

Max P. Seibel was educated in the common 
schools and in Elliott's Business College, at Bur- 
lington, Iowa, which he attended until 1888. He 
then returned to the home farm and managed the 
estate until the spring of 18!)9, when he was ap- 
pointed deputy county treasurer, entering upon 
the duties of the office on the 1st of .July and serv- 
ing until February, 1902. when he resigned and 
organized the First State Bank of Manlius, of 
which he was elected cashier on the 21st of March, 
1902, the bank opening for business on the 14th 
of June of the same year, with William C. Dale 
as president. The directors are William ("■. Dale. 
.Max P. Seibel. F. J. Anderson. P. A. Uathrop 
and W. S. Pudiger. The records of the bank pre- 
sent a most creditable showing, for the institu- 
tion has been attended with success from the be- 
ginning, under the al)]e management of Mr. Sei- 
bel. In other lines of business he has also been 
active and other enterprises have felt the stimu- 
lus of his co-operation and energy. He was secre- 
tary of the New Bedford Creamery Company until 
1899, when he resigned on becoming deputy 
county treasurer. At the present writing he is 
treasurer of the creamery company. The town of 
Manlius owes much to his efforts for its improve- 
ment, as he has laid out a fine addition, con- 
taining seventy-seven lots, on which arc four of 
the best brick business houses in the town as well 
as the finest residence portion. 

Mr. Seibel was married, December 1, 1892, to 
Miss Emma E. Nelson, n daughter of Peter and 



670 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAl' COUNTY. 



Ellen Nelson, farming people of Manlius town- 
ship. Three children were born to them, but 
Pearl James and auotlier died in infancy and the 
mother died March 1. 1899, leaving a son. Glee 
Page, born September 11, 1893. 

In politics Mr. Seibel is a republican and takes 
an active interest in party work, desiring the suc- 
cess and adoption of its principles. He filled the 
office of town clerk for eight years and all public 
trusts reposed in him have been faithfully dis- 
charged. Fraternally he is connected with the 
Odd Fellows lodge at New Bedford, of which he is 
noble grand. His entire life has been passed in 
this county and his enterprise and energy have 
proven potent factors in the progress and up- 
building of thi.s community and at the same time 
a source of gratifying revenue to himself. All 
who know him esteem him and those who come 
within the closer circle of friendship have for 
him the warmest personal regard. 



RUBERT EUGENE WEBB. 

Hubert Eugene Webb, a representative of the 
farming interests of Bureau county, is still living 
in Concord, his native township, wliere he was 
born April 13, 1873. He is a son of Frank D. and 
Augusta M. Webb. The fath(>r, a farmer by oc- 
cupation, came to Illinois in 1851, arriving at 
Buda on the 12th of October. He journeyed 
westward from his former home at Skowhegan, 
Maine, and here devoted his energies to general 
farming and stock-buying, becoming one of the 
leading Viusincss men of the comnumity. 

Rubert E. Webb acquired his education in the 
schools of Buda and has devoted his entire life 
to general agricultural pursuits, having received 
ample training in tlie work of the fields through 
the period of his boyliood and youth when not 
busy with his text books. The practical experi- 
ence wliich he thus gained has proved of immense 
value to him as he has managed his individual 
business interests. He now lives in Concord town- 
ship, where he operates one hundred and seventy- 
five acres of land, constituting a well improved 
and valuable property. He is a breeder of Here- 
ford cattle and Poland China liogs. 

Mr. Webb was united in marriage to Miss Grace 
Curtis Mosher, a daughter of B. H. and Julia 
Mosher, of Buda, where the father is successfully 
engaged in merchandising. The wedding of Mr. 
and Mrs. Wel)b was celebrated on the 4th of 
March, 1896. and has been blessed with one son, 
Frank Daniel Webb, born ATarrh 13, 1900. 

In his political views "Mr. Webb is a stalwart 
republican, taking an active interest in the work 
of the party in both county and state, and his ef- 
forts have been an active factor in its local suc- 
cesses, while his opinions have carried weight in 
its councils. He has acted as school director for 



nine years and township director for one year. 
He is a prominent member of Buda lodge, No. 
339, A. F. & A. M., at Buda, in which he has 
served as both junior and senior deacon and as 
junior warden. He is thoroughly in sympathy 
with the teachings and tenets of the craft and is 
recognized as one of the prominent representatives 
of its local lodge. 



BENJAMIN F. WILLIAMS. 

Benjamin F. Williams, deceased, was well 
known in trade circles in Sheffield and Bureau 
county as an extensive dealer in grain. He was a 
self-made man who met with excellent success in 
his undertakings, being far-sighted and posses- 
sing good business judgment. His life record be- 
gan in New Jersev on the 29th of June. 1827, 
and in his youth he accompanied his parents on 
their removal to Ohio, being engaged in merchan- 
dising at McDonaldsville, that state, for a time. 
There he was married at the age of twenty-three 
years to Miss Margaret C. Palmer, the wedding 
being celebrated November 12, 1850. ;Mrs. Wil- 
liams was born in Hagerstown, Maryland, Septem- 
ber 7, 1832, but was only two years old wlieii she 
accomjianied her parents on their removal to 
Ohio, where she was reared. At the age of seven- 
ty-four years she is still hale and hearty and is 
an active member of the Unitarian church. 

In 1853 ]\Ir. Williams removed to the Iloosier 
state and for four years was engaged in merchan- 
dising at Lakesville, Indiana. At the end of that 
period, thinking to enjoy better business oppor- 
tunities west of the Mississippi, he made his way 
by wagon to Iowa, and passing through Sheffield, 
Illinois, while en route for that state, he noted 
with interest the prospects of the little town. 
After two years spent in Iowa he returned to 
Sheffield and for several years dealt extensively 
in furs, which l\e bought of the Indians through- 
out the state. He also engaged in the boot and 
shoe business for a few years and then entered 
the grain trade, which he conducted continuously 
and successfully up to the time of his demise, 
whicli occurred on the 22d of December, 1894. 
Through his operations in grain he furnislicd a 
good market for the producers in this section of 
the state and he made large shipments, so that 
his commercial interests brought liiin a good linaii- 
cial income. 

ITnto Mr. and Mrs. Williams were born four 
children: Lcora A., tlie wife of Ilenrv W. 
Booth, a nirrcliant of Sheffield: May Arabella, 
the wife of William W. Dewey, a jnerchant of 
Ilenrv; Lila, who resides at home with her 
mother: and Benjamin S., a srain merchant of 
Sheffield, who succeeded his father in business. 

On the 10th of August, 1865, Benjamin F. Wil- 
liams was made a Mason in .\mes lodge. No. 142. 
of Shefliold, and became one of the most valued 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF HUHEAU COUNTY. 



G7:5 



members of the fi-aternity in this community. 
He took a deep interest in the work of the craft 
and was in thorough sympathy with it? principles 
and teachings. In all of his business relations 
he was found reliable and trustworthy, never tak- 
ing advantage of the necessities of his feilowmen 
in any business transaction. He stood, too, for 
good citizenship and for public progress in com- 
munity affairs and his co-operation could always 
be counted upon for the furtherance of any 
movement that promised to prove of value to 
Slietheld and Bureau county. In his social rela- 
tions he also manifested commendable traits of 
character, so that his death was the occasion of 
wide spread ami uniform regret. 



WJLi.l.VM 11. MEYEK. 



William H. Meyer is one of the progressive 
and prominent farmers of Clarion township, own- 
ing a valuable tract of land splendidly equipped 
with all modern improvements. His residence 
stands in the midst of a beautiful grove of shade 
trees which he planted. There is a natural gas 
well on the place which supplies the house with 
heat and light, and with telephone connection 
and free mail delivery there are none of the ad- 
vantages of city life which are lacking, while 
those of a rural existence are likewise enjoyed. 

Jfr. ileyer was born in Clarion township, De- 
cember 2, 18.54, his parents being John F. and 
Barbara (Geuther) Meyer, both of whom were 
natives of Germany. The father's birth occur- 
red at Hilla in Westphalia. Germany, October 25, 
1819. In the year 1844 he became a resident of 
Charleston. South Carolina, and in 1847 removed 
to La Moille. Illinois, where he engaged in farm- 
ing. Jn 1849 he purchased what is now known as 
the old homestead on which his daughter, j\Irs. 
Kroton, with her family, now resides. There were 
four sons and one daughter: William 11.; John 
C, now in Spring Hill, Whiteside county, Illinois; 
Henry A., of Erie, Illinois; Herman, a resident 
farmer of Clarion township ; and Mrs. H. Kroton, 
who occupies the old homestead. The father died 
October 2, 190,1, while the mother's death occurred 
June 24. 1866. He had continued actively in farm 
life up to the time of his demise. 

William IT. Meyer acquired his education in the 
public schools of his native township and in the 
village school of I^a Moille. He was reared to 
the occupation of the farm and has always fol- 
lowed general agricultural pursuits with the ex- 
ception of a period of three years spent in a 
store in La Moille. from 1877 until 1880, and 
about three months passed as a clerk in a store 
in Juniata, Nebraska. He afterward engaged 
in farming for three seasons in Nebraska and 
later returned to Clarion township, settling on 
section 21, where he yet makes his home. He is 
actively engaged in farming and that his life 



is one of industry and enterprise is indicated 
by the splendid appearance of his place. He is 
now the owner of one hundred and forty-one 
acres of fine land in the home farm, in ad(iition 
to which he has three hundred and eighty-four 
acres in Nebraska and three hundred and twenty 
acres in Te.xas. He has here a beautiful residence 
which he built himself and the well kept lawn is 
adorned by numy fine shade trees that were 
planted with his own hands. All of the build- 
ings upon the place are model and substantial 
structures and there is a twenty-si.\ pound pres- 
sure gas well which supplies heat an<l light to 
the house. There is likewise telephone connec- 
tion with the surrounding towns and a daily mail 
delivery. The mode of living of the farmer today 
is in marked contrast to that of fifty years ago, 
when he who lived ui)on a farm was cut off from 
many of the advantages enjoyed by residents of 
the cities. There was also much hard manual 
labor in connection with the development of the 
fields, for nearly all of the work was done by 
hand. The improved machinery has revolution- 
ized all this and every equipment and convenience 
of city life may now be enjoyed by the farmer. 
Mr. Meyer, as a progressive citizen, has secured 
all of these advantages for his family and has 
now one of the model places of the county. 

Happily married December 11, 1884, the year 
of his return to Illinois, Mr. Meyer ciiose as a 
companion and helpmate for life's journey Miss 
Mary C. Krooss, who was born in La Moille town- 
ship, June 14, 1867, and is a daughter of Henry 
and Sophia (Weigmann) Krooss, both of whom 
were natives of Germany, the former born in 
Bederkesa and the latter in Hanover. The pa- 
ternal grandfather was born in the same country 
October 30, 1795, and lived to be nearly ninety- 
seven years of age, dying on the 19th of July, 
1892, in La Moille, while making his home with 
his son. He lived with a son in New York city 
from 1867 until 1872, but jireferring country 
life he came to La Jloille. When a youth of 
seventeen years he served as a soldier of the war 
of 1812 and throughout his entire life his sol- 
dierly bearing and carriage were manifest in 
marked degree. To the end he remained as erect 
as when he was in military training. Henry 
Krooss, father of Mrs. Mey<>r. came to tiie United 
States in 1861, landing in Xew York city, where 
for one year he engaged in clerking in his brother's 
store. He then came to the middle west and set- 
tled in Bureau county and engaged in farming. 
The following year lie was joined by his wife 
and they lived with their family upon the farm 
for aiiout three years. On the expiration of that 
period they removed to Mendota. Illinois, where 
they remained for a year and subsequently they 
took up their abode in La Moille, where Mr. 
Krooss purchased the brickyard which he owned 
and conducted up to the time of his death, pass- 
ing awav Novemlipr 5, 1886. His wife continued 



G74 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



the business until her demise on the 1st of Oc- 
tober, 1901. In their family were two sons and 
two daughters: Mrs. Meyer; Ferdinand C. 
Krooss, now in Triumph, Minnesota; Mrs. Henri- 
etta F. Blown, living at Maple Park, Illinois; 
and Henry IT., who occupies the old home at La 
Moille and is engaged in the conduct of the 
brickyard at one time owned by his father. 

Unto Mr. and ilrs. Meyer have been born four 
daughters: Alma Henrietta, born December 6, 
1885; Eda Justina, July 4, 1887; Leola Cath- 
erina, April 14, 1890; and Renetta Marie, Novem- 
ber IG, 1891. The family circle yet remains un- 
broken, the daughters being still under the paren- 
tal roof. Mr. Meyer and his family are all mem- 
bers of the German Lutheran church and they 
are people of social prominence, occupying an 
enviable position in the community where they 
reside. 

Politically Mr. Meyer is a stalwart republican 
and is entirely satisfied with the administration 
of the party. He has held the office of tax as- 
sessor for three years and for fifteen years was 
school director in Clarion township. His ofiB- 
cial diities have been discharged with promptness 
and fidelity and in all life's relations he is recog- 
nized as a man of genuine personal worth, merit- 
ing the csTppm which is so uniformly extended 
him. He represents one of the old and prominent 
families of the county and well deserves mention 
in this volume. 



NATHAN RACKLEY. 



Nalhan Racklcy, deceased, was a valued and 
])romincnt factor in pioneer life in this county, 
and the history would be incomplete without men- 
tion of him. Born in Orange county, Vermont, 
on the 15th of December, 1800, he was reared in 
New England, and while still living in the place 
of his nativity was nuirried to Miss Susan Judd, 
who was also born in Orange county, March fi, 
1801. The wedding was celebrated on the 28th of 
January, 1820, and after living for a number of 
years in the Green Mountain state they came to 
Illinois in the spring of 1836. A few Indians 
still lingered in this part of the state, although the 
greater number of the red men had left after the 
Black Hawk war. iluch of the land, however, was 
still unclaimed and uncultivated, and was covered 
with its native prairie grasses. Mr. Rackley se- 
cured a tract of land in Berlin township and re- 
mained upon the farm, which he there developed 
and cultivated, until called to his final rest. He 
and his wife were among the earlier pioneers, and 
experienced the hardships incident to the estab- 
lishment of a home on the frontier. There were 
many hardships to be met, difficulties to be over- 
come and obstacles to be borne. The Indians 
would frequently visit the neighborhood and de- 
mand fund of the white settlers. There were manv 



uild prairie wolves, and on more than one occa- 
ilon Mrs. Rackley, who was renowned as one of 
the bravest women of this part of the country, 
stood with an axe to protect herself from the wild 
animals. It is said that she could fight a prairie 
jii-e with any man in the county, and it was 
necessary to do so at times, for the fires would 
break out in the dry ])rairie grasses in the late 
fall and hazard the safety of the homes and 
settlers. In 1837 it became necessary for Mr. 
Rackley to return to New York to settle up an 
estate wliich he left there. He was gone so long 
that his wife beixime alarmed and the supply of 
provisions ran low. Starvation seemed to stare 
the family in the face, but Mrs. Rackley with res- 
olute spirit faced the situation and fanned out a 
bushel of wheat by hand, after which she took it 
to the old red mill that then stood on the bank 
oT Bureau creek, but is now no more. The miller 
told her that he could not grind her wheat that 
day. That was more than she could stand, and 
the rebolute woman broke down in tears. Seetag 
her necessity, the miller then ground her wheat 
the next hour, so home she went with the flour 
tiirtt meant so much to the family, for they had 
had nothing to eat for several days. In those pioneer 
times Phebe Rackley on many an occasion would 
go a mile for coals in order to light the fire. 
There were no matches, and if the fire would go 
out they would have to borrow a little fire from a 
neighbor in order to again start the flame in their 
own fireplace. They used for light at that time 
a piece of rag in a dish of grease. All of the farm 
work was done by hand, and there were many hard- 
.sliips and privations to be borne, but the family 
•■esolutely set to work to overcome these, and in 
course of time prospered. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Rackley were born four 
children, two sons and two daughters: George, 
I ouisa, Nathan F. and Phebe A. Of thes(! only 
two are now living: Mrs. D. K. Morris and 
(jeorge 

The father was a prosperous farmer, and at the 
time of his death owned a good tract of land of 
one hundred and twenty acres, which had been 
( ultivated and improved through his own labor. 
I!e kept in touch with the spirit of modern prog- 
ress as manifest in agricultural development. In 
bis later years, when he became enfeebled, both 
he and his wil'e went to live in the home of their 
(laughter, Mrs. Morris, and from there were laid 
to rest, the latter passing away on the 14th of 
.Fuue, 1892, while the death of Mr. Rackley oc- 
curred on the 25th of April, 1894, when he was 
nineiy-four years of age. He was one of the most 
venerable citizens as well as one of the earliest 
settlers of the county, and as such was every- 
where respected and honored. The strong traits 
of bis character had won for him the confidence 
and good will of all, and wherever he was known 
he was highly esteemed. His political allegience 
was trivcn to the republican party. The home ever 




NATHAN RACKLEY. 





MRS. NA'l'llAX i;a('Kij:v 



PAST AM) J'UKSK.NT OF BriJKAU UOrNTV 



(iTit 



abo.inclcfl with the old-tiniu spirit of frontier hos- 
pitality, and was ever open for the reception of 
the ministers of dill'erent denominations who vis- 
ited tJij county, and who always received a warm 
welcome there. Mr. Kaekley was not only a wit- 
mss of, but was actively associatt'd with, maay 
events which have left their impress upon the his- 
tory of the county in its development and up- 
building, and he was especially helpful in reclaim- 
ing the wild land for the uses of civilization when 
the county was converted from a frontier district 
into a region of rich fertility, constituting one of 
the leadiuK counties of the comnionweallli. 



I 



ZOI'HER PHILEMON HUMPllKEYS. 

Zopher Philemon Humphreys, deceased, was 
born in St. Joseph, ilichigan, October 13, 1831, 
and came to ShelHeld. Illinois, about 18-18 ere the 
town was organized. He was then a young man 
of seventeen years and for about three years lie 
engaged in farming. When the railroad was ex- 
tended as far as Sheffield he l)ecame a lireman on 
the engine and was thus em|iloyed until about 
1855, when he invested bis earnings in a farm of 
eighty acres near ShetKeld. He also bought teams 
and began the development and improvement of 
that property, w^hich he cultivated until the early 
'60s, when he sold out an<l Ijought three hundred 
acres of land in ^lineral township. Upon the 
latter farm he continued to resi<le until 1S!)4, 
when he disposed of that place and invested in 
three hundred and forty acres in ^[ineral town- 
ship, whereon he resided until liH)5.wben be renteil 
that place and bought an eighty acre tract ad- 
joining Mineral, ten acres being within the cor- 
poration limits. Here he built a residence and 
made it his home until his death. Tie was a 
wide-awake an<l energetic agriculturist, keeping 
in touch with jnodern methods of farm work, and 
his well tilled fields brought forth generous bar- 
vests, his indefatigable energy constituting the 
basis of his success. 

On the 13t.h of December. 1861. :\Ir. Humph- 
reys was marri(>d to Miss Mary JIarrilla Case, a 
daughter of Gilbert and Martha (Wright) Case, 
who came from Ohio to Bureau county in 1850, 
establishing their home in Sheffield. Unto Jlr 
and Mrs. Humi)hreys were born the following 
children: William Walter, who was born January 

5, 1863, is a carpenter and farmer living in Mon- 
tana. Charles Edwin, born .Tantiary 25, 1867, 
and now following farming, was married .Tanuary 

6, 1806, to Miss Amelia Gingrich, a daughter of 
Otto Gingrich, a farmer. Dora Mav. born August 
1. ISrO, was married October 30, 1,S<I3, to William 
B. Carr, of Sheffield. Effie Emeline. born Janu- 
ary 5, 1873, became the wife of Owen Sleeks, a 
farmer of Sheffield, on the 11th of September, 
1891. Frederick Lee. born June 26. 1878. is en- 
gaged in general agricultural pursuits. Hiram 



Franklin, born January 15, 1884, is a farmer 
and was married .\pril 4, 1905, to .\da. daughter 
of John Riley, of Mineral townsbip, and they 
have one child, Wilber. Opal Blanch, born Oc- 
tober 13, 1887, died on the 15th of February, 
1888. 

The death of the husband and father occurred 
July 11, 1906, and was the occasion of deep and 
widespread regret among bis many friends as well 
as to his immediate lamilv. He .^erved as scbocil 
director and was also road commissioner anil he 
gave not only approl)ation but heart co-operation 
to many progressive public movements. He stood 
as a leader in agricultural progress an<l was one 
of the foremost farmers of the county. He 
brought the first traction engine and thresher 
into his townsbip and carried on his business in- 
terests so carefully and ai)ly that he soon ceased 
to be a renter and as the years passed aiided to his 
holdings until he had a very valualtle and well 
improved farm. Mr. Humphreys was a self- 
made man and the first forty acres of land which 
he luirchased he gave to his father in order to 
prevent him from moving farther west in order 
to get cheap land. He then went to work to 
make a new start and at length jirosperitv came to 
him. He always abided by the golden rule and 
was highly respected by all who knew him. His 
wife is still livinsr and continues to enjov good 
health. 



C. F. OLSON. 

It is ever a matter of wonder the progress made 
by foreign-born citizens in America who. coming 
to this country without knowledge of the language, 
customs or habits of the people, readily adajit 
themselves to altered conditions, im])rove their op- 
portunities and work tlieir way steadily and rap- 
idly upward until they occupy foremost positions 
in the various communities in which they live. To 
this class of citizens belongs C. F. Olson, now 
numbered among the representative residents of 
Arispie township, Bureau county. 

Born in Sweden in 1817, lie is a son of Olaf and 
Cbrisline Ericson, who were born and died in 
Sweden. The son acquired his education in the 
|iui)lie schools of his native country, and, realizing 
that the chances for advancement were compara- 
tively few in his native land, he resolved to enjoy 
the broader opportunities furnished by the new 
world, and in 1867. when twenty years of age. 
came to the Ignited States, making his way direct 
to Princeton. For two years he was employed as 
a farm band and afterwartl occupied a position in 
(be plow factory in J'rinceton for eight years. In 
(be meiintime he had l)W'ome owner of a house in 
Princelon, which he (railed for forty a<Tes of land 
in Aris|)ie township. He afterward traded his 
farm for a tract of eighty acres, which he later 
sold and then bought a one hundred acre fnrru 
uiiiin wliicli he now resides, in 1S96. He has prae- 



680 



FAST AXD PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



tically made all of the iinproveniunts here and 
has equipped his place with the modern acces- 
sories and conveniences which go to facilitate farm 
work and render rural life pleasant. 

In 1869 Mr. Olson cho.se a companion and help- 
mate for life's journey, heing married in that 
year to iliss Anna Matilda Johnson, who was 
born in .Sweden. They ijecame the parents of 
seven children, of whom Simon, the eldest, was 
killed in Kansas City, Missouri, while engaged on 
the construction of an elevator. The others are 
Oscar, Selma, Henry, Jennie. Hulda and Joseph. 

In his political views Mr. Olson is independent, 
and although he is not neglectful of the duties of 
citizenship he has never sought or desired otKce, 
preferring to aid in the advancement of public 
progress as a private citizen. He belongs to the 
Swedish Baptist church and is interested in all 
that pertains to the material and moral improve- 
ment of the community. His is a notable and 
creditable record. He landed in New York with- 
out capital or friends, ignorant of the language 
and customs of the people. In his need, however, 
he met a fellow countryman who was coming to 
Princeton and they journeyed together, reaching 
their destination five days after leaving New York. 
In the early years Mr. Olson had a hard struggle, 
but he has conquered and is today one of the sub- 
stantial representatives of farming interests in the 
county. His industry, native intelligence and un- 
faltering lionesty have beeii strong elements in his 
success and he has worked his way steadily up- 
ward from a humble position to one of atlluence, 
and his fine farm is the visible evidence of his 
life of thrift and industry. He has seen many 
changes in the county during the years of his resi- 
dence here and no native son is more loyal to its 
interests or takes more genuine delight in its 
growih and development than does C. F. Olson. 



MICHAEL F. COFFEY. 

Michael F. Coft'ey, owning an interest in a 
valualde farm of one hundred and seventy-three 
acres, situated in Berlin township. Bureau county, 
was born December ."5, 1874, in the county which 
is still his home. His parents are Michael and 
Ellen (Cainpon) Cod'ey, iioth natives of Ireland, 
whence they emigrated to America in early life 
and were married in Illinois. In their family 
were six children, of whom two davighters and 
the subject of this review still survive, while 
three have passed away, and the father is also 
deceased. 

Michael F. CotTey, the only surviving son of 
the father's family, was educated in the common 
schools of Bureau county, and on putting aside 
his text-books engaged in farming, the occupation 
to which be had been reared. He is making his 
home with his mother and sisters on a farm 
of one hundred and seventv-three acres of valu- 



able farming land situated in Berlin township, in 
which estate he has an interest. Here he carries on 
general agricultural pursuits, raising the cereals 
best adapted to soil and climate. On the place are 
found many modern improvements, and he keeps 
everything in excellent condition, so that the 
fann is one of the best in Berlin township. He 
displays .splendid ability in the management of 
his business affairs, so that he not only derives 
individual benelit but also adds to the financial 
resources of his mother and sisters, to whom he 
gives every care and attention. 

Mr. Coffey gives his political support to the 
democracy, and socially is connected with the 
Knights of Columbus, while in religious faith 
he is a communicant of the Eoman Catholic 
church. He has ever been honest and straight- 
forward in his business dealings, and by careful 
management of his farming interests has made 
this place one of the best properties of Berlin 
township. He is a noble young man, devoted 
to the comfort and welfare of his mother and 
sisters, and he is one of the most respected citi- 
zens in Bureau county, where is entire life has 
been passed, and where he lias numerous friends 
and acquaintances. 



GEORGE T. NELSON. 

George T. Nelson, deceased, in whose death the 
community lost a representative and valued citizen, 
was a native of England, having been born in 
Manchester, September 27, 1831. He was a son 
of James Nelson, who died in that country. In the 
year 184-1: the subject of this review came to 
.\merica with his uncle and in 18.5-5 became a 
resident of Illinois, locating on a farm of two 
hundred acres on section 7, Indiantown township. 
Bureau county, where he spent his remaining days 
and where his widow now makes her home, having 
lived here since 1803. 

Mr. Nelson married ]\Iiss Sarah M. Kohn. who 
was horn in Wayne county, Ohio, a daugiiter 
of Dr. Joseph S. Kohn, a native of Pennsylvania, 
who came with his family to Illinois in 1851 and 
located in Tiskilwa. He practiced his profession 
in Tiskilwa for several years and then removed to 
Stark county, where he spent his remaining days, 
passing away there in 188(). His wife survived 
him for ten years and departed this life in 1896. 

The marriage of Mr. and ilrs. Nelson was blessed 
with ten children, five sons and five daughters, 
all of whom are yet living, namely: William J., 
who married Lula Evans and resides in Texas; 
Lizzie B., the wife of W. A. Caldwell, a resident 
of Tennessee; Minnie J., the wife of Willis Mar- 
shall, living in Sioux City, Iowa; Frank G.. who 
is a traveling salesman from Chicago ; Nellie B., 
the wife of Warren Grange, of Wheatlantl town- 
slii]). Bureau county; Clifton II., at home; Fred 




^ 

^/^c^ 



'^ 



^ -y , [t'/.jf 



//. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COI-XTY. 



083 



1.. who iiiakps his home in Chicji.ao and is the 
iuveutor of the scenic aerial tramway used in 
j)arks, etc.; Sarah B., at home; Thomas K.. who is 
now in business with his brother Fred in Chi- 
cago; and Grace JL, who is the wife of George 
Putnam, chief electrician of the Hotel Belmont, 
New York cit}'. 

Throughout his active business career Mr. Nel- 
son carried on general agricultural pursuits and 
brought his farm under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. He was one of the early residents of Bureau 
county and aided in its substantial improvement, 
continuing an active supporter of those measures 
and movements which he deemed of public good 
up to the time of his death. For many years 
he served as school director and took great interest 
in educational matters pertaining to the public 
schools. He passed away January 22, 1896, in 
the faith of the Congregational church of Provi- 
dence, of which he was an officer. His wife is 
also a member of that church. He was deeply 
interested in the moral development of his com- 
munity and ever stood for all that is just, true 
and right. Mrs. Nelson is a most pleasant woman 
and has reared a family of wjiich she has every 
reason to be proud. Her son, Clifton H., remains 
upon the home farm, which he operates for his 
mother, and they have a beautiful country prop- 
erty with good buildings and well tilled fields, the 
residence being supplied with all the comforts and 
many of tlie luxuries of life. 



FRANK C. THACKABERRY. 

Frank C. Thackaberrj' is a prominent farmer 
and breeder of thoroughbred Poland China hogs, 
shorthorn cattle and 0.x ford Down sheep. He re- 
sides on his well equipped and finely improved 
farm on section 9, Fairfield township, and has thus 
been engaged in business here sinee 1885, with the 
exception of three years spent in California. A 
native of Pennsylvania, he was born in Chester 
county in 1859, and is a son of Israel and Ruth 
Anna (Stanley) Thackaborry, who were natives 
of Pennsylvania, where they spent their entire 
lives. The father was a contractor and builder, 
and for many years was identified with building 
operations in Chester county. He was a son of 
Henry Thackaberry, whose grandfather was a sol- 
dier in the Napoleonic wars and who came to 
America from Ireland. Taking up his abode in 
Pennsylvania, ho there followed the occupation of 
farming and reared his family. Unto Israel and 
Ruth Anna Thackaborry were li<irii twelve chiliiri'ii, 
of whom the following are living: Milton, Mrs. 
Lizzie Albright. Mrs. Florence Adams, Mrs. Lou 
Davis and Mrs. I^orena Morris, all of Coatcsville, 
Pennsylvania ; Norman G., who is living in Phil- 
adelphia ; Harry C, a resident of Grants Pass. 
Oregon, and J. W.. of Princeton. 

The other surviving member of the family is 



Frank C. Thackaberry, of this review, who was 
reared and educated in Pennsylvania, and, after 
completing the common school course, he learned 
and followed the milling business for four years. 
He then came to the middle west, for a considera- 
tion of the business outlook led him to believe 
that he might have better opportunities in this 
section of the country. For some time after his 
arrival in Bureau county he was engaged in me- 
chanical pursuits, devoting four years to such work 
in this county and in California. For twenty years, 
however, his attention has been largely given to 
general farming and stock-raising, and he is now 
one of the prominent agriculturists and breeders 
of thoroughbred stock in Fairfield township. His 
home is pleasantly and conveniently located on sec- 
tion 9, and there he tills the soil, bringing forth 
good crops, while at the same time he is extensively 
engaged in breeding and raising thoroughbred 
Poland China hogs, shorthorn cattle and Oxford 
Down sheep. At the fair held in this county in 
1906 he made five entries and carried off five rib- 
bons, all being first premiums on the sheep which 
he exhibited. His (lock is headed by an undefeated 
buck that carried all first honors in Michigan from 
the time that he was placed on exhibition. Mr. 
Thackaberry also keeps about two hundred head of 
Poland China hogs and about fifty head of sheep, 
keeping only the highest grade stock. His farm 
is thoroughly orjuipped with all modern accessories 
and conveniences, his buildings being specially ar- 
ranged for the care of his line stock, and tlirough- 
out the county it is regarded as one of the model 
farms. 

Mr. Thackaberry was married in 1882, before 
going to California, the lady of his choice being 
Miss Alvaretta Thackaberry, a daughter of Marcus 
Thackaberry, who is mentioned elsewhere in this 
volume. She was born in Fairiield township, and 
by her marriage has become the mother of five 
children, of whom two were born in California. 
Frank is now preparing for the ministry at Eureka 
(Illinois) College, and has been engaged in teach- 
ing, and filled a professorship at Big Rock, Illinois. 
Wayne died in 1893, at the ago of eight years. 
]\I;iriiie V. is attending college in Do Knlb, Illi- 
nois. Harold, who was born in California, died in 
1S93, when sixteen months old. Forrest G., who 
was born in Fairfield township, is at home. The 
family has resideil contitiuoiisly in Fairiield 
township since 1892, and in the intervening years 
Mr. Thackaberry has given undivided nH(M)tion to 
his stock-breeding and raising interests, which he 
has very successfully controlled, being recognized 
now as one of the leading stockmen of this part of 
the state. He has a new residence upon his farm, 
and it is a most splendidly improved place. Hi- 
has served in various local offices, and was a candi- 
date of the proliibition party for strife legislature, 
at which time he ma<le a good run. Socially he ii 
connected witli the Modern Woodmen of America 
and with the Mystic Workers. They are also mem- 



684 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



bfis of the Christian church, ^h: Thackaberry is 
public-spirited and recognizes the duties and obli- 
gations of citizenship and at the same time finds 
pleasure in aiding in support of the measures and 
movements which he dooms of benefit to the 
county. Ilis life is illustrative of the fact that 
prosperity and an honored name may be won 
simultaneously, for while gaining success in an 
active business career he has at the same time 
so directed his affairs that naught is said against 
his integrity and the methods which he pursues in 
conducting his business interests. 



SIDNEY W. SCOTT. 

Sidney W. Scott, engaged in general farming 
and stock-raising in Neponset township, was born 
in Henry county, Illinois, August 29, 1857. His 
parents were Robert and Deborah (Dunfee) Scott. 
The father, a native of Jefferson county, Ohio, 
was born January 10, 1825, and is now living in 
Neponset. His parents were John and Nancy 
(Crouch) Scott, the former a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and the latter of Maryland. They died, 
however, in Jefferson county, Ohio. The great- 
grandfather of our subject was James Scott. 

Robert Scott had but meaner educational privi- 
leges, spending only six months in a schoolroom, 
but his desire for knowledge has been satisfied by 
constant reading and he has become a well in- 
formed man. He was reared in his native county 
and at the age of twenty-two years enlisted in the 
American army, serving for six months in the 
^lexican war. He then returned to Ohio and lived 
for five and a half years in A\'ashington county. 
On the 31st of October. 1859, he married Deborah 
A. Dunfee, who was born at Torch, Athens county, 
Ohio, March 21, 1835, a daughter of Thomas and 
Sarah (Styles) Dunfee. They became residents 
of Illinois in October, 185-1, making the journey 
from Ohio by wagon and settling near Kewanee. 
There Mr. Scott followed farming for about three 
years, after which he removed to Neponset town- 
ship, where he purchased one hundred and twenty 
acres which he afterward sold and then purchased 
three hundred and sixty acres of land, carrying on 
general farming and stock-raising. He continued 
actively in the business until 1880, when he re- 
tired with a handsome competence, gleaned from 
his labors as the years passed i)y. He has since 
enjoyed a well earned rest at his home in Nepon- 
set, where he is widely and favorably known. His 
political support was given the republican party 
until Grant's second term, since which time he 
has voted with the democracy. His life illustrates 
the fact that success may be achieved by deter- 
mined and unfaltering diligence, for in that way 
Mr. Scott overcame all the difficulties and obsta- 
cles in his path and steadily worked ins way up- 
ward until prosperity rewarded him. The family 
numbers two sons and two daughters : Melvin 0. ; 



Sidney W. : Laura A., the wife of T. N. Bennett; 
and Josephine R., the wife of Edward F. Norton. 

Sidney W. Scott pursued his education in the 
public schools of Neponset and was reared to the 
work of the fields, early becoming familiar with all 
tlic duties and labors that fall to the lot of the 
agriculturist. At the age of twenty-one years he 
started in life on his own account as a farmer and 
in 1882 he bought one hundred and twenty acres 
of land. In 1888 he purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres and in 1897 made purchase of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres, while on the 2Sth of Aug- 
ust, 190G, he became owner of three hundred and 
twenty acres of land in Manitoba, thirty-nine 
miles from Winnipeg, Canada. He has always 
carried on general farming and stock-raising and 
has been well known as a stock-buyer and feeder of 
cattle, feeding from eighty to one hundred head 
of cattle annually and sometimes as high as one 
hundred and fifty head per year. He also feeds 
about three carloads of hogs each year and in 
former years he engaged in raising sheep, keeping 
at one time from two hundred to two hundred and 
twenty-five head upon his place. His business in- 
terests have heen carefully conducted and he has 
become known as one of the leading stock-dealers 
of the county. 

On the 2.3d of February, 1882, lh\ Scott was 
married of Miss Elizabeth BatdorlT, wlio was born 
in Neponset township, January 26, 18G1, a daugh- 
ter of Michael and Sarah (Norton) Batdorff. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born the following 
named children : Lucy, born March G, 1881 ; Rob- 
ert A., June 4, 1886; Albert E., January 23, 1893 ; 
Nellie M.. September 28, 189-1 ; Blanche, Septem- 
ber 28, 1S9G: and Yelma, August 10, 1898. They 
also lost one child in infancy. 

In politics Mr. Scott is independent, voting for 
men and measures rather than party, but he has 
little time or opportunity for political work, pre- 
ferring to give his attention to his business inter- 
ests. He is justly regarded as one of the foremost 
farmers and stock-raisers of Neponset township, 
for his business has now reached extensive propor- 
tions and in its control he shows keen discernment 
and marked enterprise. 



EDWARD H. MARRIOTT. 
Ivlward H. Marriott is projirietor of a meat mar- 
ket in La MoiHo, his native village. He was horn 
February 28, 1860, and is of English lineage. He 
was one of two children whose parents were Henry 
and Jane (Perry) Marriott, natives of England, 
who caiue to the United States in 1857 and settled 
in La Jloille town.ship. Bureau county, Illinois. 
The other child of the family died at the age of 
six years. The father is living at Kearney, Ne- 
braska, but the mother passed away November 
25, 1878. 




PAST AXlt n;i:8EXT OF lUHHAr COUNTY. 



685 



The boyhood days of Edward II. Marriott were 
quietly passed, unmarked by any event of special 
importance. The duties of the schoolroom and the 
pleasures of the playground occupied liis attention, 
his education being acijuired in La Jloille. After 
leaving school he entered into the meat market 
business and has since continued in this line, being 
now proprietor of a good estalilishment of this 
character. It is well equipped in its various ap- 
pointments for the care and preservation of meat 
and his shop is at all times neat and well con- 
ducted, so that he has a liberal patronage. His 
business methods are so strictly honorable and 
straightforward that he enjoys the confidence of 
the entire public and his trade is in consequence 
continually growing. 

On the 17th of September, 1884, Mr. Marriott 
was married to Miss Sarah E. Lingel, of Sterling, 
Illinois, who was born in Pennsylvania, June 10, 
1862, and was brought to Illinois when only two 
years of age by her parents, John and Frances 
(Finafrock) Lingel, who were likewise natives of 
the Keystone state, born in Franklin county. In 
their family were six children, of whom Mrs. Mar- 
riott was the youngest. Fler girlhood days were 
passed in this state and her education was acquired 
in the schools of Sterling. Three children have 
graced this marriage. Dare, Ned and Beth. The 
second son is now in the state of Washington, 
while the elder son and the daughter yet remain 
at home. 

Mr. Marriott in his fraternal relations is con- 
nected with the Mystic \Yorkers lodge, No. 227, at 
La Moille, and since casting his first presidential 
ballot for Kutherford B. TIayes, of Ohio, he has 
been a stalwart republican in iiis political associa- 
tion. He owns in La iloille an attractive home 
and si.x acres of land, also a brick business block, 
in w-hich he conducts his market, and other prop- 
erty. He had no special advantages at the outset 
of his career, but he stands today among the lead- 
ing business men of La Moille, having a good pat- 
ronage, while in his township he is known as a 
man of kindly and genial disposition, whose defer- 
ence for the opinions of others and whose genuine 
personal wortli have gained him the confidence 
and goodwill of a large circle of friends and ac- 
quaintances. 



JAMES S. FULLER. 
James S. Fuller, engaged in general agricul- 
tural pursuits, who in former years gained more 
than local reputation as a school teacher and is 
now making a creditable record in farming circles, 
resides in Ohio township. His birth occurred in 
Geneseo, Illinois, on the 27tli of January, 1861, 
his parents being diaries and Catliarine (Brady) 
Fuller. The father was born in Ithica, New York, 
and came to Illinois in 1829 when all the northern 
.section of this slate was an almost uninhabited 



district, giving little promise of its present devel- 
opment and progress. He married Miss Brady, a 
native of Pennsylvania, and of tlieir family of 
nine children James S. was the si.xth in order of 
birth. ■ 

No event of special importance occurred to vary 
the routine of farm life for James S. Fuller in his 
early boyhood days. He pursued his preliminary 
education in the public schools of Henry county 
and afterward enjoyed the advantage of instruc- 
tion in the Northwestern Normal school at Gene- 
seo, Illinois. When his student life was ended he 
became a teacher and for ten years followed that 
profession with excellent success, proving an able 
representative of the system of public instruction 
in this part of the state. He was an e.xcellent dis- 
ciplinarian and, moreover, had the ability to im- 
part clearly and concisely to others the knowledge 
that he had acquired. His entire attention is now 
given to general agricultural pursuits and lie owns 
eighty acres of land which was the old homestead 
property of Mrs. Fuller. The farm is now well 
improved, the lields being richly cultivated and 
divided into tracts of convenient size by well kept 
fences. The buildings are in good repair and 
everything about the place is indicative of the 
careful supervision and practical methods of the 
owner. 

On the 3d of April, 1889, James S. Fuller was 
married to Miss Ella Haines, who was born in 
Bureau county, July 4, 1868. She, too, completed 
her education in Northwestern Normal at Gene- 
seo, Illinois. Her parents were A. J. and Julia 
(Williams) Haines, natives of Maine and of Penn- 
sylvania respectively. They became early pioneer 
residents of Bureau county, settling here in 1835, 
at which time they cast in their lot with the citi- 
zens of Ohio township. Both, however, are now de- 
ceased. In their family were four children, of 
whom Mrs. Haines is the third in order of birth. 
The marriage of our subject and his wife has been 
blessed with a son and ilaughter: Albert A., born 
Mav 14, 1894; and Mildred G., born March 30, 
1900. 

Kegarding it the duty as well as the jtrivilege of 
every .American citizen to support the political 
principles which he believes are most conducive 
to general good and the best government, he gives 
a loyal support to the republican party. Frater- 
nally he is connected with lodge No. 61, Knights 
of the Globe, and he and his family are members 
of the Methodist church, in the work of whicli 
lie is interested, wiiile to its sujiport he contributes 
liberally. The family are now comfortably sit- 
uated in life and Mr. Fuller is deserving of credit 
for what he lias accomplished in the business 
world. He had little assistance when he started 
out on his own account, but he realized that the 
e.s.sential qualities of succe.-is are close appliealiou, 
unfaltering jierseveranre and trustworthiness, and 
upon that foundation he has Imilded the super- 
structup' of lii'^ present pmsprrity. lie is an ad- 



G86 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



vocate, too, of education and of all those things 
which promote esthetic,, intellectual and moral cul- 
ture and his influence is ever on the side of the 
right, the true and the beautiful. 



LE ROY HUDSON REED. 

Le Roy Hudson Reed, whose name is now on the 
roll of Bureau county's honored dead, was born 
in Perrv county, Ohio, July 13, 1841, and be- 
longed to that class of citizens who are true and 
loyal to public interests and who in private life 
manifest many sterling traits of character. His 
father, the Rev. John Reed, was a native of Massa- 
chusetts and a minister of the Methodist Episco- 
pal church. With his family he removed to Grant 
county, Wisconsin, in 185-1. and there lived for 
ten years, coming thence to Bureau county. Illi- 
nois,' in 18G4, where he spent his remaining days. 
His political views were in accord with repub- 
lican principles. 

Le Roy Hudson Reed was educated in the com- 
mon schools and was reared amid the refining in- 
fluences of a good Christian home, so that the 
seeds of honorable manhood were early planted 
in his mind through the training and teaching 
wliich he received under the parental roof. On 
the Tth of August, 18G6, he wedded Miss Sarah 
F. Britton, who was born in Mason county, Illi- 
nois, May 20, 184G. She was one of the eleven 
children of Deacon Andrew and Eunice (Benja- 
min) Britton. Iler mother was from Allegany 
county. New York, and lier father came to Bureau 
county from Mason county, Illinois, in 1850, ac- 
companied by his family. He lived upon his farm 
until 1872, when he retired from active business 
life and took up his abode in Bradford. Both he 
and his wife liave now passed away. Unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Reed were born eight children, six 
daughters and two sons, all of whom are yet liv- 
ing. Adda E. married John M. Christman, a 
farmer and stockman living in Nevada, Iowa, and 
has one daughter. Stella is the wife of Ba.xter 
Sharp, a dentist of Mendota, Illinois, and has 
three sons. Cora Etta is the wife of George Smith, 
a farmer of Marshall county, Illinois, and they 
have one son and one daughter. Sarah Grace, 
Dorlesque J., M. Viola and Frank B. are all at 
homo; and Clark L., the youngest of the family, 
is attending college at Ames, Iowa. There is also 
an adopted son, Christopher King, who studied 
law in Chicago and has now practiced his profes- 
sion for seven or eight years with offices in the 
New York Life Building in Chicago. Before tak- 
ing up the profession of the law he taught school 
for several years and he is a young man of strong 
intellectual force and ability. He married Lottie 
Dutton. of Chicago, September 15. 1906. 

During an active life Le Roy H. Reed became 
the owner of the land upon which his father first 
settled on coming to Bureau county and always 



lived upon the old home place. He had altogether 
three hundred and twenty acres in Milo township, 
where his widow now resides, and he improved the 
farm, making it a nice property equipped with all 
modern conveniences and accessories. It is located 
on section 31 and about three miles east of Brad- 
ford. The farm work is now conducted by their 
son Frank, who is e.xtensively engaged in the rais- 
ing and feeding of cattle, horses and hogs and 
also buys and sells stock. 

Politically ]\Ir. Reed was an earnest republican, 
believing firmly in the principles of the party. He 
served as school director and road commissioner 
and was an active member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church at Bradford, of which he served as 
trustee for many years. He was deeply interested 
in the material, intellectual and moral progress of 
his community and he stood for all that is right 
and just in man's relations with his fellowmen 
and for all that tends to ameliorate the hard condi- 
tions of life for the more unfortunate ones of the 
world. His good qualities were so many and his 
friendships so sincere that he was well liked by all 
and his death, which occurred April 29, 1906, was 
the occasion of deep and widespread regret. His 
widow still resides upon the old homestead and has 
many friends in the community. 



THOMAS EARL VAUGHN. 

Thomas Earl Vaughn, deceased, was a man 
whom to know was to respect and honor, and in 
Bureau township, where he had very wide ac- 
quaintance, his memory is cherished by many 
friends. He was born at New Bedford, Massa- 
chusetts, in July, 1833, a son of Stillman and 
Lucinda (Washburn) A^anghn, both of whom were 
natives of the old Bay state. On leaving New 
England they located in Zanesville, Ohio, and re- 
moved thence to Bureau county, Illinois, where 
they arrived when their son, Thomas E., was a 
young man of eighteen years. Tliis was about 
1850 and through almost a half century he re- 
mained a resident of the county, identified with 
its agricultural interests. 

On the 9th of November, 1855, Mr. Vaughn was 
united in nuirriage to Miss Lydia J. Hollings- 
head, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Hollings- 
head. Her father's death occurred in this coun- 
ty and her mother passed away in the spring of 
1891. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Vaughn 
was blessed with a family of twelve children: 
Lewis. John A., Nathan F., Julia A., Lillian M.. 
Thi>inas C Emma J., Fannie E., Maggie S., Earl 
S., Vorna V. and Nellie Ij. The daughters Lil- 
lian and Maggie, are now deceased. 

As the years passed by Mr. Vaughn became the 
owner of a valuable farm property' comprising 
one hundred and sixty acres of land, in addition 
to which he owned fifty acres of timber land. 
This, however, did not comprise the extent of his 




TITO^fAS E. VAFGHN. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



G8D 



acreage, for as his tinaucial resources iiicreaseil he 
made judicious iiivestiiiciUs in property and dur- 
ing his life time owned live hundred and thirty 
acres, being one of the large landholders of this 
part of the county. He also engaged in mer- 
chandising in the town of W-yanet for a number 
of years, dealing in hardware and clothing and 
afterward in groceries. He secured a liberal 
patronage in his store, owing to his earnest efforts 
to please his customers, his reasonable prices and 
his straightforward dealings. He w'as a man of 
good business capacity and of executive force and 
his labors resulted in the acquirement of a very 
handsome competence. He was always interested 
in matters relating to the general welfare and 
though he never sought or desired public office 
he kept well informed on issues of the day and 
generally gave his support to the republican party. 
He did not consider himself bound by party ties, 
however, and frequently cast an independent bal- 
lot. His religious faith was indicated by his 
membership in the Jlethodist church and was, 
moreover, evidenced by his daily life, his con- 
sideration for the rights of others and his hon- 
estj' and integrity under all conditions. He passed 
away February 9, 1899 in his sixty-sixth year 
and the community thereby lost one of its valued 
citizens, his neighbors a faithful friend and his 
family a devoted husband and father. 

Mrs. Vaughn is also a devoted and zealous mem- 
ber of the Methodist Episcopal church. She still 
lives upon the old homestead and her son Lewis 
and daughter Emma J. are still living with her. 



DARIUS MILLER. 
Darius ^filler, first vice-president of the Chi- 
cago, Burlington & Quincy railway, with office in 
Chicago, was born in Princeton, Illinois, April 3, 
1859. Almost his entire life has been devoted to 
railroad service, in which he has made steady prog- 
ress, his ability gaining recognition in promotion 
which has made him consecutively stenographer 
in the general frciglit office of tlie Michigan Cen- 
tral railroad from November, 1877, until June, 
1880 ; clerk in the general freight office of the St. 
Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern railway from 
June, 1880, until February, 1S81; chief clerk to 
the general manager of the I\Iemphis & Little 
Eock Railroad from February, 1881, until October, 
1883 ; general freight and ticket agent of the same 
road from October 8, 1883, until June 1, 1887; 
general freight and passenger agent of the St. 
Louis, Arkansas & Texas railroad from June, 
1887, until July, 1889; traffic manager of the 
same road from July 1, 1889, until December 15, 
1890; traffic manager of the Queen & Crescent 
route from December 15, 1890, until May 20, 
1893; traffic manager of the Missouri, Kansas & 
Texas railway from May 20, 1893, to September 
1, 1896; vice president of the same road from Sep- 



tember 1, 1896, until November 15, 1898; second 
vice president of the Great Northern railway from 
November 15, 1898, to December 31, 1901; and 
on tlie 1st of January, 1902, he became first vice 
president of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 
railway. His rise has tiius been rapid to a posi- 
tion of i)rominence, making him one of the well 
known factors in railroad circles in the country. 



JONATHAN N. PETTIGREW. 

Jonathan N. Pettigrcw is a retired farmer liv- 
ing on section 16, Milo township. He has fol- 
lowed the natural course of events in a busy life, 
for nature seems to have intended that man should 
enjoy a period of rest in his later years. In youth 
he is full of energy and hope and these later are 
tempered by sound judgment and business experi- 
ence and when industry is well applied and when 
perseverance is unceasing he eventually earns a 
competence which in the evening of life permits 
him to enjoy a well earned rest. Such has been 
the record of Mr. Pettigrew, a most respected citi- 
zen of Milo township. He was born in Dearborn 
county, Indiana, December 19, 1834, a son of 
Nathan Pettigrew, who spent his later years in 
this county and here passed away. In the family 
were nine children, of whom there were seven sons, 
Jonathan N. being the youngest. He now has 
one sister living, Mary Frances, of Martinsville, 
Indiana. 

Mr. Pettigrew of this review was educated in 
the common schools of his native state and also 
attended school for two winters after arriving in 
Illinois. He came to Bureau county in 1819 when 
a youth of sixteen years, arriving here with only 
fifteen cents in his pocket. His financial londition 
rendered immediate employment a necessity. He 
had driven across the country with one horse, an 
old buggy and a saddle horse, and after reaching 
his destination ho worked at anything that he 
could get to do that would yield him an honest 
living. Thus he made his start, carefully saving 
his earnings until in 1851 he had a sum sufficient 
to enable liim to purchase three eighty-acre tracts 
of land, for which he paid three hundred dollars. 
He has since lived upon the farm which at that 
time came into his possession. He now owns 
eighty acres where he resides, together with fif- 
teen acres of timber land, and has a well developed 
farm property, his home being i)leasnntly and con- 
veniently situated about five miles from Bradford. 
He has seen the country grow from a rough jirairic 
into one of the rich agricultural counties of the 
state and has done much toward making it what 
it is today. 

Mr. Pettigrew was married to Miss Diana E, 
Blaisdell, of Peoria county, Illinois, who was l)om 
in Mercer county, this state. They had four ihil- 
dren: Jay, who married Jlrs. Towilliger, by whom 
he has a son and a daughter, and livi^ in Brad- 



690 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



ford, Illinois; Lou, who died in 1^04, leaving a 
wife and two children; Laura, the wife of Asa 
Lake of Stark county, Illinois; and Benjamin, 
who married a Miss Webster and lives upon his 
father's farm. He has one child. 

Politically Mr. Pettigrew is a republican but 
has never had aspiration for office nor has he ever 
identified himself with fraternal organizations. He 
and his wife are yet very active and he is a self- 
made man, deserving much credit for what he has 
accomplished. He has been both the architect and 
builder of his own fortunes and the result of his 
labors has been gratifving. 



OLIVER WELLS McKEXZIE. 

Oliver Wells McKenzie, who died on the 22d of 
-July, 1892, wa.s a citizen of sterling worth who 
for many years had resided upon his farm Just 
south of Yorktown in Fairfield township and 
who was honored and respected throughout the 
community and wherever he was known. Coming 
to this country at an early day, he demonstrated 
in his life record that success and an honorable 
name may be won simultaneously, for he started 
out in life empty handed and worked his way 
steadily upward until he was numbered among 
the prosperous residents of the county. Moreover, 
he was closely associated with many early events 
which have left their impress upon the develop- 
ment and upbuilding of the community. 

A native of New York, Mr. McKenzie was born 
in Port Henry, March 8, 182.5, his parents being 
John and Betsy (Havens) McKenzie, who were 
likewise natives of that place. They came to the 
west accompanied by their family of nine chil- 
dren, including Hiram, Eliza, John, Oliver W., 
De Lafayette, Lyman, Louisa, Kobert and Chaun- 
cey. Of these Lyman, Robert and Chauncey are 
still living and the last two are residents of this 
county, while L;\anan makes his home in AVood- 
rufl, Kansas. The father purchased a farm near 
Yorktown in Fairfield township, constituting a 
part of the property now owned by his son Eob- 
ert. He devoted his remaining days to the ardu- 
ous task of developing and improving a new farm 
on the frontier and here pa.sscd away July 3, 
1857, at the age of sixty-three years, while his 
wife died on the .5th of March, 1^.51, at the age 
of fifty-eight years. 

Oliver W. McKenzie, whose name introduces 
this record, accompanied the family on their re- 
moval westward to Bureau county in the spring 
of 1846. His education had been ac(juired in the 
schools of his native state and there he had 
learned the blacksmith's trade, which he followed 
prior to his marriage. He was the first blacksmith 
and storekeeper in Yorktown and thus he became 
closely associated with the early growth and im- 
provement of the community and with the work 
of establishing its industrial and commercial 



status. Following his marriage he turned his at- 
tention to farming, settling on section 7, Fairfield 
township. He was a prosperous agriculturist and 
in addition to the tilling of the soil he was ex- 
tensively engaged in raising cattle, horses and 
hogs. Whatever he undertook he carried forward 
to completion and his unfaltering perseverance 
and his diligence, which enabled him to overcome 
all the difficulties and obstacles in his path, at 
length gained him a place among the prosperous 
men of the county. He added to his original 
holdings until at one time he owned nearly seven 
hundred acres of land, of which one hundred and 
sixty acres was in Whiteside county, while the 
remainder was in Bureau county. He continued 
actively in business until about sixteen months 
prior to his demise and therefore his was a most 
useful, active life, while his business integrity 
also stood as one of the salient features in his 
career. 

Mr. ]\IcKenzie was married in Princeton to 
Miss Emily Dow on the 20th of March, 1850. 
She was a sister of Benjamin F. Dow, who is 
mentioned elsewhere in this work, and for thirty- 
eight years she proved a faithful companion and 
helpmate to her husband on life's journey, at the 
end of which time she was called to laer final 
rest on the 5th of November, 1888, when fifty- 
eight years of age. Unto Mr. and ]\Irs. McKen- 
zie were born six children, Eliza E., the eldest, 
born February 3, 1851, was married on the 13th 
of February, 1868, to William M. Brooks, who 
was born Aug^ist 27, 1846. near Cato, New York, 
and in 1859, when a youth of thirteen, accom- 
panied his parents on their removal to Gales- 
burg, Illinois. The family, however, was soon 
afterward established in Fairfield township. Bu- 
reau county, where the parents made their home 
until death. William M. Brooks was a son of 
Earl S. and Margaret (Jewell) Brooks, the former 
pa.^sing away February 27, 1883, at the age of 
seventy-six years, while the latter died on the 
21st of .\pril, 1901, at the advanced age of eighty- 
four. Mr. and Jlrs. William ]\L Brooks now have 
three children. Clinton A., who was born March 
12, 1872, and is now residing near Center Chapel 
in Fairfield township, was married March 25, 
1894, to ^liss Nettie Bunker and has three chil- 
dren: Eva Dell, born September 6, 1895; De 
Wayne, born February 5. 1901 : and Clara W., 
who was born February 12. 1904. Glenn E. 
Brooks, born February 16, 1881, and now engaged 
in farming in Fairfield township, married iliss 
Lena Rowe on the 19th of March, 1902, and has 
one son, Gordon. Blanche JI. Brooks, born June 
23, 1883, became the wife of Le Roy Darnell 
on the 27th of August, 1903. They reside just 
south of Yorktown and they have two children: 
Evelvn and Kenneth. Julius Adclbert McKenzie, 
born' July 14, 1853, died September 23, 1856. 
Raymond H., born November 30. 1854, and now 
living retired at Tampico, was married to Lovina 





/ 



k^yr2A^ 



TAs'i- AM) n;i:sKXT of ijuheau corxTV. 



t!!»:t 



West and they have three chihlren: Le Roy, 
Fern and Clyde- William E., born October 20, 
1856, died November 25, 1858. Oliver Wilson, 
born July 5, 1859, died July 3, 18C3 ; and one 
child, born September 27, 1861, died when only 
three weeks old. 

Oliver W. McKenzie was always a stalwart dem- 
ocrat in his political faith but frequently cast an 
independent ballot at local elections. He was 
the tirst constable and also the first assessor in 
Fairfield township and was closely identified with 
public progress whether in office or out of it. He 
lived in the county in early days when its homes 
were largely pioneer cabins and when mucli of its 
land was uncleared and uncultivated. Ilis mem- 
ory compassed the time when the houses were 
heated with fireplaces and lighted by candles and 
when the farm work was done with very crude 
machiner}" as compared to the improved agricul- 
tural implements of this day. However, he kept 
in touch with the trend of modern progress and 
at all times he stood for every interest that tended 
to benefit the county along material, intellectual 
and moral lines. He was always straightforward 
in his business transactions, considerate of his 
friends, kindly in manner and of unquestioned 
integrity of purpose, and thus he left behind 
him a record which is indeed worthv of emulation. 



GEORGE \\ ASIIIXGTON, HEWITT. 

George Washington Hewitt is proprietor of the 
Hickory Grove farm, situated just at the corpora- 
tion limits of the village of !Maulius. it comprises 
one hundred and eighty acres of land which is 
well improved and in the further development 
and cultivation of this place Mr. Hewitt spends 
his time and energies with the result that his 
labors are attended with good .success. He was 
tiorn in Orange, Oliio, October 9, 1840, a son of 
William and Roxena (MctcaU') Hewitt, wlio were 
originally from l^rassachusetts. Tlie father was 
a farmer by oct'upation and, emigrating westward 
in 1849, he passed through Bureau county. Later 
he returned to Cleveland, Ohio, but in 1852 he 
made a permanent settlement in this county. Here 
he engaged in fanning up to the time of his death, 
which occurred in 190.'?. He had for a number of 
years survived his wife. 

George W. Hewitt was ed\icateil in the common 
schools of Bureau county and farmed with his 
father until after the outbreak of the Civil war, 
when he enlisted in defense of the Union, becoming 
a member of the Sixty-fourth Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry in 1862. Tlie regiment was mustered in 
at SpriTigfield, and lie parliiipated in the battles 
of Franklin, Lookout i^Iountain, Dalton. Resaca, 
Ackworth, Xew Hope Church, Kenesaw ^foun- 
tain and Marietta. He was also in tlie siege of 
Atlanta and in the battle of Peach Tree Creek. 
Sul)Si>quent to the capitnlation of .Vtbinta the 



regiment to which Mr. Hewitt belonged marched 
to Jonesboro and on to Savannah, then through 
South Carolina to Goldsboro, North Carolina, and 
to Raleigh. Later tliey proceeded to Wasiiinglon, 
D. C, where be participated in the grand review 
on the 23d of May, 1865. this being the most cele- 
brated military pageant ever seen on the western 
hemisphere. The regiment was mustered out at 
Louisville, Kentucky, in June, 1865, and with 
a creditable military record Mr. Hewitt returned 
home. 

He resumed farming in Bureau county and 
was thus engaged up to the time of his marriage, 
which was celebrated on the ITth of February, 
1866, Miss Mary Martin, a daughter of James and 
Permelia Martin, becoming his wife. They have 
lost two children and have six living ciiildren : 
Nora, the wife of William Caskey, a resident 
farmer of Manlius township; Eva M., the wife of 
Fred A. Plumley, who follows farming in Man- 
lius township; Elsa P., the wife of Franklin Dab- 
ler, an agriculturist of the same township; Allen 
D., who follows farming; Frank S., who married 
Gertrude Plumley, a farmer of Manlius township, 
and Stacy H., who is on the home farm and is 
attending school at Princeton. 

The family have an attractive and pleasant 
home, for the Hickory Grove farm is conven- 
iently situated on the eastern cilge of the town of 
JIanlius. The fields are highly cultivated and 
nearly the entire tract of one hundred and eighty 
acres is devoted to the cultivation of grain. 
Everything about the place is neat and thrifty in 
appearance and indicates the careful supervision 
of the owner. For thirty years Mr. Hewitt has 
been a school director and fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Grand .\rmy of the Republic, 
while politically be is a republican. The family 
attend the Weslcyan Methodist church and are 
widely and favorably known in the community 
where thev reside. 



J. P. BUTLEK, M. D. 

Dr. J. P. Butler, who in addition to faithfully 
|)erf(U-ming the duties connected with a large 
and growing medical and surgical practice is 
serving for the second term as mayor of Ladd, 
i)elongs to that cla«s of representative men whose 
business interests, though extensive and imj)ortant, 
do not exclude active participation in those inter- 
ests alfecting the general welfare or in those 
movements which promote public progress, and as 
mayor of Ladd Dr. Butler is giving tangible evi- 
dence of his devotion to the public good. 

\ native of New York, Dr. Butler was born in 
Onondaga e(umty September 10, 1S54, and is of 
Irish lineage. His fiither, Patrick Butler, was 
a native of Ireland, and when twenty-five years 
of age came to the United States, settling in the 
Empire stnte. Tic niiu-rii'd rulherine Bnnnon. also 



G9-i 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



a native of the Eiiierald isle, and they reared 
their family in New York. 

Dr. Butler acquired his more specifically liter- 
ary education in the public schools of Chittenan- 
go, New York, and on putting aside his te.xt-books 
engaged in farm work, and in other labor of va- 
rious kinds, until 1883, when, ambitious to direct 
his energies into other channels demanding greater 
mentality, he took up the study of medicine and 
was graduated from Ilahnemann Medical College, 
of Chicago, in the class of 1890. After one year 
spent in practice in Michigan he came to Illinois 
and entered upon the active work of the profession 
in Ladd, where he has since remained. He is 
careful and accurate in the diagnosis of a case and 
seldom, if ever, at error in the administration of 
remedial agencies, and he keeps in touch with the 
most advanced thought of the profession through 
reading and investigation, so that he is continually 
broadening his knowledge and promoting his effi- 
cency. 

In pubic affairs Dr. Butler has manifested a 
most commendable and public-spirited interest, 
and his re-election to the office of mayor is indica- 
tive of faithful, ])rompt and capable service dur- 
ing his first term. Fraternally he is connected.'^ 
with the Modern Woodmen, Knights of Pythias 
and Foresters. Happy in his home life, he was 
married in 1893, to Miss Catherine Lehman, a na- 
tive of Putnam county, Illinois, and they now have 
two daughters: Mildred, born in October, 1894, 
and Florence, in Novemlier, 1895. 

Dr. Butler, without special advantages in his 
youth, has gained a positiort of prominence in 
the coTumunity where he makes his home and in 
the profession to which he devotes his energies, 
and the innate strength of his character, his laud- 
able ambition and strong determination are the 
concomitants which have led to this result. He 
has a wide acquaintance and his friends are 
many. 



COLONEL JOHN DUNNE. 

Colonel John Dunne, engaged in general farm- 
ing and stock-raising, is also well known in other 
business connections, especially as an auctioneer 
and as general manager of the Empire Telephone 
Company, of which he is likewise one of the di- 
rectors. He is a native of Kings county, Ire- 
land, although in his infancy he was brought to 
the new world. His birth ocurred May 10, 1857, 
his parents being Michael and Julia (Ryan) 
D<inne, both of whom were natives of the Emerald 
isle, the former born in Kings county and the 
latter in West IMeath. It was in the year 1858 
that Michael Dunne cro.ssed tlic Atlantic in a 
sailing vessel, which was six weeks and two days 
in makmg the voyage from Dublin to Quebec. He 
remained in Canada for a short time and then 
removed to Pierpont, a town situated on the Erie 
canal in New York. There he was employed for 



some time, after which he made his way to Buf- 
falo by canal and on to Chicago by rail and 
thence to Peoria by the Illinois and ilichigan 
canal and the Ilinois river. When they were 
upon the Illinois river his son, ^Mathew, then a 
youth of sixteen years, fell overboard and was 
drowned. Mr. Dunne worked for the Peoria & 
Oquawka Railroad, being with the company for 
about one year, after which he was employed by 
the Bureau Valley Railroad, which is today a 
part of the Chicago & Rock Island Railroad sys- 
tem. When that line was graded he tiegan work- 
ing for Peter W. Dunne as foreman of track-lay- 
ing, and subsequently he was employed at Oak 
Hill and at Edwards Station by that company. 
In 1858, withdrawing from the railroad service, he 
turned his attention to farming near Edwards 
Station, in Peoria county, Illinois, where he rv,- 
mained until 1865, when he came to Macon 
township. Bureau count}-, and purchased a farm 
upon which he resided until his death on the 8th 
of August, 1890, when he was eighty years of 
age. His, wife also passed away in Macon town- 
ship, heTT<death occurring November 21, 1890, 
wlj^ she was seventy-five years of age. He and his 
v^^J-family wet^ communicants of the Roman Catholic 
church, an^in politics he was a Jackson demo- 
crat, who^'strongly advocated the war, and was a 
stalwart champion of the Union cause. Unto 
him and his wife were born six children, of whom 
two died in infancy in Ireland, while four came 
w4th them to this country. Three of the number 
are now living. James, the eldest, was a volun- 
teer of Company G, One Hundred and Eighth 
Illinois Volunteer Infantry, and served for three 
years and four months. He is now living in 
Quincy, in the Soldiers' Home, but for a number 
of years was a farmer of Macon township and sold 
his property to his brother John. Joseph, who 
was a member of the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry for 
nearly four years, is also living at the Soldiers' 
Home in Quincy. 

Colonel Dunne was brought to the United States 
by his parents during his infancy and acquired 
a public school education. When twenty-two 
years of age he began farming on his own ac- 
count in Macon township and is today carrying 
on general agricultural ])Tirsuits and stock-raising, 
having a few full-blooded Hereford cattle, known 
as the Daniel Webster stock. He is likewise gen- 
eral manager of the Empire Telephone Company, 
extending over Macon, Neponset, Concord, Wya- 
net, Milo and Wheatland townships, and also to 
Saratoga, Marshall county; Penn, Osnlon and El- 
mi ra. Stark county. The company owns all of 
the aliove lines and also has connecting lines 
whereby they can do business with Chicago and 
in fact have unlimited long distance service. At 
the present time ^fr. Dunne, as general manager, 
is rebuilding the Neponset exchange. The officers 
of this company are Cyrus Bocock. president; 
James A. Briggs, vice-president; John H. Draw- 



PAST AND PIJESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



G'J5 



yer, secretary; Sidney W. Scott, treasurer, and 
John Dunne, general manager; and in connection 
with the othcers, George A. (.'ari)^- and John JIc- 
Clane are serving on the board of directors. Mr. 
])unne is also a stockhohh-r in the Bradford Driv- 
ing Park Association, of which he was formerly 
a director, and he has done railroad and other 
contracting and for a number of years has been 
well known as a leading auctioneer of this part of 
the state, crying many sales, in which connection 
he_ is popular as well as efhcient. 

M2n the 9th of December, 1874, Colonel Dunne 
was married to Jliss Mary O'Connor, at Cham- 
paign, Illinois. She was born in Greenfield, 
Massachusetts, July 7, 1854, and is a daughter of 
Patrick and Katherine (Kane) O'Connor.'' Her 
father died in Ciiampaign county, Illinois, Decem- 
ber 30, 1892, at the age of seventy-two years, 
while his wife passed away March ;?], 1891, at 
the age of si.\ty-fivc years. lie was born in Ire- 
land and came to this country in 1848 on a sail- 
ing vessel, which was six w'eeks in completing the 
voyage between Limerick and Quebec. He pro- 
ceeded thence to Greenfield, Massachusetts, where 
he followed farming for four years and then re- 
moved to Virginia, where he lived for about a 
year. On the expiration of that period he came 
to Illinois, settling at Briinticld, where he car- 
ried on farming on a tract of land of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres. lie spent his last five 
years as a retired farmer on the old homestead, 
leaving the. active work of the fields to others, 
while he enjoyed a period^of well earned rest. 
His [lolitical allegiance was given the democracy 
as advocatecT by Jackson and he held membership 
in the Roman Catholic church. He and his wife 
were married at Limerick, Ireland, May 3, 1848, 
and unto them were born seven children, three 
sons and four daughters, of wdiom three are now 
living, namely : Mrs. Dunne ; Patrick, who re- 
sides in Champaign cotuity, Illinois, and Johanna, 
the wife of ^lichacl Iturloy, a resident of Chicago. 

Unto Colonel and ^Irs. Dunne have been born 
eight children, seven of whom survive: Kather- 
ine J., who was horn December 16, 1875, and is 
the wife of Joseph P. O'Brien, a resident of St. 
Joseph, Missouri; Ida G., born May 21, 1877; 
Josephine, who was born ]\Iay 1, 1879, and died in 
infancv; Mary A., horn March 31, 1881; Alice J., 
May 21, 1883; Michael J., April 14, 1885; Anna 
C.who was born February 27, 1888, and is a 
school teacher in her home district; and Nellie T., 
who was born March 15, 1891. 

The family arc communicants of the Roman 
Catholic church. Mr. Dunne casts an independent 
ballot, and does not seek nor desire jiolitical pre- 
ferment. He is well and popularly known through- 
out the county as Colonel Dunne and is a man of 
genial disposition, cordial manner and undoubted 
sincerity. He is now closely associated with varied 
business interests and his labors are largely of a 



character whicli prove not only a source of indi- 
vidual income, but also contribute to the business 
activity and enterprise of tiie community at large. 



JOHN FREDERICK HOHERTZ. 

Jolm Frederick Ilohertz, now a prosperous 
farmer of Clarion township, is a self-made man, 
who came empty handed to i\jnerica from Ger- 
many and has worked his way steadily upward by 
reason of liis business capability and laudable am- 
liition. He was born in Prize, Poland, his father 
being Godfried Ilohertz. The motiier died when 
her son was only a year and a half old and he 
knows therefore nothing of her. The fatlier died 
in Germany. 

Mr. Hoherlz of this review spent the first twenty 
years of his life in the old world, ac(|uiring his 
education and performing such labor as fell to his 
lot. In 1860, wlien a young man of twenty years, 
he determined to try liis fortune in the United 
States, having heard favorable reports concerning 
tiie opportunities afforded in the new world. Ac- 
cordingly he made his way across the Atlantic and 
took up liis abode in Clarion township, Bureau 
countv, Illinois, where he worked by the month as 
a farm hand for five years. He was for two years 
in the employ of George Hatzler and one year with 
George Charlie and later he spent two years in 
the employ of Christian Betz in the village of La 
Moille. 

On the 4th of February, 1866, Mr. Hohertz was 
united in marriage to Miss Hannah^ l^nauer, wiio 
wa.s born July 24. 18 15, and was an adopted 
daughter of John Knauer; who lived in La Moille 
townsliip. This marriage has been blessed with 
six children: Samuel J., John F., Amiel F.. Wil- 
lie A., Mrs. Molly Keller and Mrs. Rosie Rapp. 
The daughters are now living in La Moille. 

In the years in which he was employed by oth- 
ers :Mr. Hohertz carefully saved his earnings and 
when he had secured sutlicient capital he made in- 
vestment ill land and began fanning on his own 
account. As his financial resources were further 
increased he added to his original holdings and 
now owns one hundred and seventy-five acres of 
good land in Clarion township, constituting a valu- 
able farm, which he has brought under a high 
state of cultivation. He now has a beautiful home 
and the shade trees which adorn the place were 
planted bv his own hand. He and his two sons 
work the farm together and this property is the 
visible evidence of his life of industry and thrift. 
He certainly deserves much credit for what he has 
accomplished, for he arrived in America with prac- 
tically nothing and worked most diligently and 
industriouslv in order to gain a start. Now he is 
enabled to "enjov the comforts and some of the 
luxuries of life,"his farm bringing to him a good 
annual income. In his political views he is an 
earnest republican and is thoroughly in sympathy 



1)96 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUXTY. 



with the principles of the party. For two years 
he served as road cominissioiier, but has never been 
active as a politician in the sense of office seeking. 
Both he and iiis wife are nieiiiliers of the Lutheran 
church. 

John F. Hohertz, son of Frederick and Hannah 
(Knauer) Hohertz, acquired his education in the 
district schools of Clarion township. He was born 
April 7, 1869, and is living upon his father's 
farm. His brother, William .V. Hohertz, was born 
in 1873 and likewise obtained his education in the 
public schools. Putting aside their text-books, 
they became associated with their father in his 
fanning operations and are now his active assist- 
ants in carrying on the home place, both being 
recognized as young men of good business ability 
and Hjarked enterprise. 



families of the county and has resided in this 
part of the state from pioneer times, so that he 
has witnessed its development from a frontier 
district into one of the best farming sections of 
this great commonwealth. 



GEORGE W. HENSEL 
George W. Hensel now owns and occupies what 
is known as the old Hensel farm in Dover town- 
ship. His father, James Hensel, was born in 
Pennsylvania, June 24, 1807, and came to Bureau 
county in 1853, reaching his destination on the 
2d of October. He traveled by rail to La Salle 
county and then walked across the country to this 
county. He was married twice, his first wife 
being Lydia Fockler, who was born in 1805. His 
second wife, who bore the maiden name of Mary 
Frease, was born in Pennsylvania, July 11, 1823. 
By the first marriage there were six children: 
Philip, SiTuon, Henry, Enoch, Sarah and Elias. 
The seven children born of the second marriage 
are John, Madison, George, Cyrus, Harvey E., 
Eliza and Elsie. 

George W. Hensel acquired his education in the 
district schools of the county. He can remember 
the trip to Hlinois, which was made by wagon 
from Ohio. The father came ahead of his wife 
and children and jiaid for the farm. Several fami- 
lies made the trip together, there being ten in 
the party. George W. Hensel, who was then a lit- 
tle lad, was reared to farm life, early becoming 
familiar with the duties and labors that fall to 
the lot of the agriculturist, and from his early 
youth was his father's assistant on the home 
place. The father prospered in his businer^s af- 
fairs and became the owner of nine hundred and 
seventy-six acres of land. He moved to Princeton 
in 1886 and died at the home of his daughter, 
Mrs. Sarah Remsburg. May 17, 1899. In 1900, 
when the property was divided, George W. H(>nsel 
came into possession of the old homestead, com- 
prising two hundred and seventeen and a half 
acres, which was originally the Sylvester Rrigham 
farm, taken up by him in 1828. 

Religiously Mr. Hensel belongs to the Congre- 
gational church and, an independent voter, he is 
a warm admirer of President Roosevelt. He rep- 
resents one of the old and prominent pioneer 



TIMOTHY RHYNE. 

Timothy Rhyne, a farmer and stock-raiser re- 
siding on section 32, Selby township. Bureau 
county, where he owns a well improved farm of 
three hundred and twenty-seven acres, was born in 
this county, June 13, 1857, and is a son of John 
C. and Russena (Searl) Rhyne. The father was 
born in Zanesville, Ohio, where he was reared to 
the age of nine years, and then left home and went 
south, following the river for a number of years. 
When about twenty or twenty-one years of age he 
went to Hennepin, Illinois, locating in Leepertown 
township, where he made his home for many j'ears. 
About 1870 he removed to Selby township. Bu- 
reau county, which continued to be his home until 
ho was called to his final rest in August, 1881, 
when he had reached the age of fifty years. He 
was a democrat in his jiolitical views, and served 
as supervisor of Leepertown township before re- 
moving to this county, for several years. He was 
a member of the Christian church. His wife, 
Russena (Searl) Rhyne, was a native of Ohio, and 
when a child accompanied her parents on their 
removal to Bureau county. They located on a 
farm in Selby township, a part of which is now 
owned l)y tlu' subject of this review. Her death 
occurred in July, 1891, when she had reached the 
age of about fifty-seven years. In the family of 
Mr. and Mrs. John C. Rhyne were five children, of 
whom one daughter died in infancy, the others 
being Mrs. .\lvaretta E. Ring, a resident of Tis- 
kilwa: Timothy, the subject of this review; Mrs. 
Mary .V. Inland, residing on a farm in Leeper- 
town township: and John \.. who is nuirried and 
carries on farming near Tiskilwa. 

Timothy Rhyne was reared in much the usual 
manner of farm lads, and received his education 
in the Ridge school of Selby township. xVfter put- 
ting aside his text-books he engaged in farming on 
his own account in Selby township, where he is 
now the owner of three hundred and twenty-seven 
acres of well improved land, on which are found 
all modei-n improvements and accessories. He is 
also engaged in stock-raising, and finds this a 
veiT profitable business. 

Mr. Rhyne was married in 1879 to Miss Lillie 
B. Smith, a native of Bureau county and a daugh- 
ter of W. R. and Susanna (Ilartzell) Smith, resi- 
dents of Selby township. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
h'hyne have been born eight children, one of whom, 
I>illian, the fourth in order of birth, died August 
18, 1902, at the age of fifteen years. Those sur- 
viving are: Myrtle, at home: Gertrude, the wife 
of Kelly Richardson, residing in Nebraska, who 




PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



COt> 



is the mother of oue child, Wahiiita; Clyde, 
Charles, Hazel, Joseph and Darleiie, all at home 
with their parents. 

In his political views Mr. Rhyue is a deiiioerat, 
and for twelve years served as roatl coiniiiissiouer, 
oil the e.xpi ration of which period he resigned the 
oltice. In liis religious faith he is a Ooiigrcga- 
tionalist, attending services at Bureau and at 
Ridge. A native of Bureau county, Mr. Rhyne 
has spent his entire life here, anil has, by the care- 
ful supervision of his business interests, become 
one of the prosperous and inlluential residents of 
his township, where he is held in high regard, not 
only in his own vicinity, but throughout the entire 
county. 



LOUIS H. n. OBERSCHELP. 

Louis H. H. Oberschelp is identified with the 
industrial interests of Greenville township as a 
manufacturer of tile and brick and is an enter- 
prising business man, watchful of opportunities 
and energetic in all that he undertakes. He was 
born in St. Louis, Missouri, October 6, 1853, a 
son of Herman H. and Hannah (Niderloman) 
Oberschelp, in whose family were three children, 
but the youngest died in infancy. Gottlieb H. is a 
brick and tile manufacturer of Princeton. Both 
parents were natives of Prussia, Germany, and the 
mother died Avhen our subject was quite young. 
The father was born August 20, 1820, and came 
to the United States in 1848. landing in New Or- 
leans. Two years later he removed to St. Louis, 
where he was first married, and in 1S5G came to 
Bureau county, taking up his residence in Prince- 
ton. He was again married April 2D, 1859, his sec- 
ond nnion being with Katherine Dremann, by 
whom he had seven children, namely: Herman 
and ]\rina, who died young; Annie, now the wife 
of John Harrison, a brick and tile manufacturer 
of Mineral; William, also a resident of Mineral; 
.lolin, who was killed on the railroad at Marys- 
ville, Kansas: ^Fary, wife of Fred Uthoff, of 
Princeton: and Henry, a brick and tile manufac- 
turer of Ohio, Illinois. 

Louis H. H. Oberschelp acquired his education 
in the public schools of Princeton, where he resided 
until ]SSO, when at the age of twenty-seven years 
he took up his abode in New Bedford. Here he 
established a bi'iek and tile factory and has since 
conducted the business, having a well equipped 
plant supplied with the latest improved machinery 
for carrying on work of this kinil. He owns 
thirty-six acres of choice land on section 33, 
Greenville township, whereon stands his brick and 
tile factory. In addition to this he also has 
four hiindred and eighty acres in Tunica county, 
Mississippi, valued at twentv-five dollars per acre. 

On the 2.!th of October. 1878, Mr. (Oberschelp 
was united in marriage to Miss .Vnnie M. Bringcr. 
who was born in Burlington, Iowa, March 15, 



1855, and they became the parents of two chil- 
dren: Edward II., born November 6, 1881; and 
Maud L., September 3, 1883. Mr. Oberschelp 
and his family are members of the Evangelical 
Lutheran church and his political allegiance is 
given to the democracy, while fraternally he is 
connected with the Modern Woodmen camp. No. 
16C. He has served as school trustee for si.x years 
and is now acting as supervisor of Greenville town- 
ship for fifteen years consecutively, his long con- 
tinuance in office being unmistakable proof of 
his fidelity, capability and the trust reposed in him 
by his f(>llow townsmen. He is numbered among 
the prominent and inlluential residents of Green- 
ville township, who is deeply interested in the 
work of improvements and upbuilding here and 
withholds his support from no movement which 
he believes will prove beneficial to the county. At 
the same time ho is carefully conducting his busi- 
ness interests. He had only a small inheritance 
when he started out in life, but he has worked hard 
and by good management has become one of the 
men of affluence in his community. His is one 
of the largest tile factories in the county and the 
output is unsurpassed in quality, so that the prod- 
uct finds a ready sale on the market. His chief 
attention is given to his manufacturing interests 
and in this connection he has met with well 
merited success. 



WJj.lJAM LOUIS GOLDING. 

William Jjouis Golding, a well known farmer 
and stock-raiser of Wyanot townshi|), who has also 
been active and infiucntial in community affairs, 
having been honored through election to various 
local offices, was born September 13, 1860, about 
two miles south of Wyanet. The parents were 
Edward and Sarah Golding, who were born in 
England, living near Cambridge. Emigrating to 
America, Edward Golding landed in New York 
city July (i, 1854, and took up his al)ode in 
Bureau county upon the farm which he now 
owns on section 28, Wyanet township, the same 
montli. The first few years after his arrival were 
spent in working by the month as a farm hand and 
in the winter of 1854-5 he was employed at farm 
labor at thirteen dollars per month. He is still 
living, being now in his eighty-second year. In 
the family were seven children. si.\ of whom yet 
survive. 

W. L. Golding of this review attended the 
.Sunny Knoll school located a mile and a half 
south of the village of Wyanet. There his educa- 
tion was acquired entirely save for one term 
spent as a student in the high school in Wyanet. 
He lived the active, free life of a farmer boy and 
laid the foundation for his future career upon his 
father's homestead through tiie actual experience 
which he had in the work of the fields. Ili.s educa- 
tion completed, hr tinned his attention to farming 



?0(1 



PAST AXD PHESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



and stock-raising. He now resides in the south- 
east part of the village of Wyanet on the T. Clark 
Hays farm on section 21, Wyanet township, and in 
the year 1901 he purchased the farm known as the 
Manrose place on sections 21 and 22 of the same 
township. He follows diversified farming, raising 
corn, oats, timothy, clover and alfalfa, and he also 
engages to some extent in the live stock business, 
raising horses, cattle and hogs. He, however, 
makes a specialty of hogs, annually raising from 
three to five hundred for the market. 

On the 2d of March, 1893, Mr. Golding was 
married to Miss Mable Hays, a daughter of T. 
Clark Haj's, and in 1902 he was called upon to 
mourn the loss of his wife, who passed away on the 
29th of August of that j'ear, after a happy married 
life of about nine years. She left two daughters. 
Hazel and liable Alice, aged respectively twelve 
and three years. 

Mr. Golding has been called to fill various posi- 
tions of public trust. He has served as town clerk 
and assessor and has also been a school director, 
and at intervals for nine years has been clerk and 
president of the school board. In politics he has 
always been a republican, never faltering in his 
allegiance to the party because he believes its 
principles are most conducive to good government. 
In his business interests he is now prospering and 
is the owner of one hundred and fifty-six acres of 
good land near Wyanet in addition to which he is 
farming the quarter section belonging to his fa- 
ther-in-law, which adjoins the village. 



GEORGE G. McMAXIS. 
George G. McManis, who became a resident of 
Bureau county in the fall of 1843 and is therefore 
numbered among its pioneer residents, since which 
time he has been an interested witness of the 
changes which luive occurred as the work of de- 
velopment has been carried forward, is now en- 
gaged in bridge contracting and building, to which 
enterprise he has directed his labors since 1870. 
His birth occurred in Clinton county, Ohio, in 
1831. He is a son of George and Louisa (Mc- 
Ilwane) McManis, the former a native of Ken- 
tucky, being born in that state in 1S04. and the 
latter of Ohio. Coming to Bureau county at an 
early epoch in its development, the father estab- 
lished his home some distance southeast of Prince- 
ton in the fall of 1843. He had previously, how- 
ever, visited the county and had entered a claim 
in Arispie township in 183G, to which he brought 
the family seven years later. There he carried 
on general farming, placing a wild and unim- 
proved tract of land under a higli state of cultiva- 
tion and thus transforming it into a valuable farm. 
In connection with the work of tilling the soil he 
was also active in the ministry of the Christian 
church and preached for many years in this county. 
He also figured in political service, filling the 



office of county judge for one term. In later years 
he removed to Kansas and finally to Texas, where 
he died in 1S88 at the age of eighty-four years. 
His wife, who was born in 1804, passed away in 
Kansas in 1873. They were people of the highest 
respectability, enjoying in large measure the 
friendship and goodwill of those with whom they 
were associated. The father gave his early politi- 
cal allegiance to the whig party and upon its 
dissolution joined the ranks of the new republican 
party. In the family were five sons and one 
daughter who came to Bureau county, while two 
had died in Ohio. All are now deceased with the 
exception of George G. I^IcManis and his brother 
William, who resides in Texas. The latter, after 
active military service, returned from the army 
as major in the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. 

George G. McManis received rather meager 
educational privileges but had the benefit of one 
term's instruction in Smith's private school at 
Princeton. He resided upon the home farm until 
about twenty-five years of age and was an able 
assistant in the work of field and meadow, early 
becoming familiar with all the duties and labors 
consequent upon the development and cultivation 
of a farm. He spent three years in Livingston 
county and since that time has resided in Princeton 
and in Bureau county. Prior to 1870 he followed 
both farming and blacksmithing, but since that 
year he has been engaged in contracting for the 
building of bridges. He has built many bridges, 
mostly on public highways, and at the present time 
is associated with his son. C. J. McManis, the 
firm being known as Mcilanis & Son. He has 
handled a great many bridge contracts in the past 
thirty-five or thirty-six years and altogether his 
business has been an extensive, important and prof- 
itable one. He does excellent work in this con- 
nection and in this line of building activity is 
well known. 

Mr. Mc]\Ianis was married in Livingston county, 
Illinois, in 1S.58, and by this union had three 
children: Clark, who is now postmaster of Prince-t 
ton; William, who is filling the office of deputy 
circuit clerk ; and Harry, who is assistant postmas- 
ter. The three sons are representative young 
business men and have been successful in their 
chosen fields of labor. 

In his political views Mr. McManis'is a stalwart 
republican. He cast his first presidential ballot 
for Fillmore in 1852 and in 1856 supported John 
C. Fremont, since which time he has never failed 
to give his political allegiance to the candidates 
at the head of the republican ticket. Reading and 
investigation have kept him thoroughly informed 
concerning the political questions of the day and 
his citizenship is characterized bv the utmost de- 
votion to the general good. Fraternally he is a 
member of the IVIasonic order and has attained the 
Knight Templar degree in Temple commandery 
of Princeton, while his religious faith is indicated 
by hifi memt)ership in the Christian church. His 



I 



PAST AXl) I'KKSKXT OF lUltKAF CorNTV. 



701 



residciuo in the county covers a period of almost 
two-thirds of a century, as in boyhood days he 
arrived here and since that time has been a factor 
in its progress, and has wrought for the present 
prosperity and advanced conditions which today 
exist in this part of the state. 



JAI^IES E. PORTERFIELD. 

James E. rorterlicKl, president of the Miller- 
Devlin Lumber Company, of Spring Valley, and 
of the Tohica Lumber & Hardware Company, of 
Toluca, was l)0i-n near Dover, in Bureau count}', 
October 9, 1849. His parents were James and 
and Eliza (Brigham) Porterfield, the former a 
native of Ohio and the latter of New Hampshire. 
The father came to this county in 1836, casting in 
his lot with the pioneer settlers and was engaged 
in farming in the vicinity of Dover until 1883, 
when he removed to Greenwood county, Kansas, 
where he resided until his death, which occurred 
in 189.'), when he was eighty-one years of age. 
He had long survived his wife, who died in this 
county at the age of forty-three years. Mr. Por- 
terfield figured prominently in connection with the 
early history of the county, leaving the impress 
of his individuality upon many events of historic 
importance. He was a friend of Owen Lovejoy, 
and was active in taking care of the slaves who, 
prior to the war. fled from their hard taskmasters 
of the south and sought freedom in Canada. He 
■was a zealous and enthusiastic anti-slavery man, 
doing everything in his power to further opposition 
to the cause of slavery, his home being a station 
on the famous underground railroad. 

James E. Porterfield, whose name introduces 
this record, enjoyed the benefits of the educational 
privileges afforded in Dover Academy, and after 
completing his own studies taught for four years 
in the schools of Bureau county. He afterward 
engaged in farming near Spring Valley, but in 
1889 withdrew from agricultural pursuits and 
turned his attention to iiiercliandising in the town. 
He carried on that business for two years, after 
which he became a lumber dealer in 1891 and has 
continued in this line of trade to the present time. 
He is now president of the Toluca Lumber & 
Hardware Company, of Toluca, and also of the 
Afiller-Devlin Lumber Company, of Spring Valley, 
and is secretary of the Devlin Coal Company at 
Toluca. His business interests are thus extensive 
and important and in their control he displays 
keen discernment, marked sagacity and unfaltering 
diligence and perseverance — qualities which are es- 
sential factors in the honorable acquirement of 
success. 

In 1872 Mr. Porterfield was united in marriage 
to ^liss Tcedora Miller, a daughter of Henry J. 
]\filler. one of the most prominent and respected 
citizens of Bureau county. They have two daugh- 
ters : P'dna M., who was born November 14, 1873, 



and is the wile of 0. A. Brown, of Toluca; and 
Ada Lois, who was born September 13, 1881, and 
is the wife of Harry E. Trovillo, of Topeka, 
Kansas. 

Mr. and Mrs. Porterfield hold membership in 
the Congregational church, taking an active part in 
its work and doing all in their power to promote its 
growth and extend its influence. Jlr. Porterfield 
is acting as one of the trustees and deacons of the 
church and gives his political support to the re- 
publican party. He has made steady advancement 
in his business career and each step wliicli he has 
taken has been a forward one, bringing him a 
broader outlook and wider opportunities. He has 
utilized his advantages and as the years have gone 
by has gained for himself a place among the sub- 
stantial, enterprising and successful business men 
of his native county. 



WILLIAM BOHM. 

William Bohm, a lifelong farmer, who now owns 
and cultivates three hundred and fifteen acres on 
sections 13 and 23, W;ijnut township. Bureau 
county, has made nearly all of the improvements 
upon this place. He built his own home, has add- 
ed other commodious and substantial buildings 
and set out nearly all of the trees, which add so 
much to the value and attractive apjiearance of 
the place. That he started out in life empty- 
handed and is now a prosperous citizen makes him 
worthy of the proud American title of a "self- 
made man." 

Born in Germany, December 1, 1856, Mr. Bohm 
is a son of Jolm and JIary (Wolf) Bohm, who 
were likewise natives of that country. They came 
to America with their three children, Joe, Jlinnie 
and William, and after living in Chicago for two 
years the wife and mother died. The father after- 
ward removed to Depue, Illinois, and his last 
years were spent in Manlius township, Bureau 
county, where his death occurcd in 1886. 

William Bohm was educated in the schools of 
bis native country and has always followed farm- 
ing as a source of livelihood. He was nutrried at 
the age of twenty-six years, to Christina IvUef- 
son, who was born in Germany. Ajiril 11, 1864, 
and at the age of seven years was brought to 
America by her parents, who settled in Princeton, 
where they still reside. The father was n baker 
by trade but is now living retired. Unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Bohm were born eleven children, three of 
whom died in infancy, of these, Minnie, being but 
finir months old at the time of her demise. Those 
living are Edward, John, William, Emma, Ar- 
thur, Carl, Jennie and Lester. 

When Mr. Bohm was married and began farm- 
ing on his own account he i)orrowed fifty dollars. 
The end of the second year found him in debt to 
the extent of seven hundreil dollars, owing to his 
purcha.'ie of horses, tools anil other needed supplies 



702 



PAST AND TKESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



for the farm work. That: he lived frugally and 
was industrious in the earlier years is indicated by 
the fact that he is now the owner of three hundred 
and fifteen acres of valuable laud on sections 13 
and 23, Walnut township, and though the neces- 
sity for continued arduous labor is no more, he is 
still a diligent man, personally superintendinp- his 
farming interests. He raises corn and hay and 
feeds some hogs, and the products of the farm 
bring him a good financial return annually. He 
now has fine buildings upon his place, which is 
one of the best farms of the township. He paid 
thirty dollars per acre for one quarter section of 
his land and eight years ago he gave fifty-five dol- 
lars per acre for a quarter section on section 23 — 
today worth more than double that price. Mr. 
Boh 111 affiliates with the Princeton lodge of Odd 
Fellows, but has given his attention mostly to his 
farming interests and his perseverance and per- 
sistency is indicative of his life of thrift, enter- 
prise and carefully directed labor. 



WILLIAM MARTIN JOHNSON. 

William Martin Johnson, a veteran of the Civil 
war, now engaged in genera! farming and stock- 
raising, was born in Licking county, Ohio, October 
22, 1843. His parents were Lemuel and Sarah 
(Eobinson) Johnson. The father was a farmer 
and carpenter. Born in Virginia, he afterward 
became a resident of Licking county, Ohio, where 
he resided until liis son William was about two 
and a half years of age, when he brought the fam- 
ily to Illinois, establishing his home in Bureau 
county in 184G. 

Mr. Johnson of this review has therefore spent 
almost his entire life in Bureau county. He was 
here reared, while his education was acquired in 
the country schools, and during the periods of va- 
cation his time and energies were devoted to farm 
labor. After jnitting aside his text-books he con- 
tinued to assist in the operation of the home farm 
until 18G I, when he enlisted as a member of Com- 
pany K, Fifty-seventh Illinois Regiment, in de- 
fense of the Union cause. He was then only 
twenty years of age. At Chicago he was mustered 
in and was sent first to Louisville, Kentucky. He 
took part in a number of important military move- 
ments and engagements, participating in the bat- 
tles of Athens, Alabama, Resaca and Rome, Geor- 
gia, Chattahoochee, the siege of Atlanta, and the 
engagements at Altoona Pass and Peach Tree 
Creek. With his regiment he then went to Rome, 
where ho remained until llu; evacuation of At- 
lanta and later he proceeded to Jonesboro and on 
to Savannah, Georgia. He went with his regi- 
ment through South Carolina, northward to Golds- 
boro and to Raleigh, North Carolina, thence to 
Petersburg, Virginia, and on to Washington, where 
the close of the war was fittingly celebrated in a 
splendid military pageant known as the grand 



review, in which he participated on the 23d of 
May, 1865. The regiment afterward proceeded 
to Louisville, Kentucky, where he was mustered 
out on the 27th of June and on the 27th of July 
he was honorably discharged at Chicago. Thus 
ended his military service in defense of the Union, 
during which he made a creditable record by his 
valor and loyalty. 

When the war was over Mr. Johnson returned 
to Bureau county, where he has since been en- 
gaged in farming and stock-raising and he is today 
a leading representative of the agricultural inter- 
ests of this locality. He has a good tract of land 
which he has brought under a high state of cul- 
tivation and has placed thereon many modern and 
substantial improvements. 

On the 15th of November, 18(JG, Mr. Johnson 
was united in marriage to Miss Minnie Kentz, a 
daughter of Henry Kentz, whose father was a 
farmer and lived in Concord township, Bureau 
county. They had three sons and a daughter: 
Henry Oscar, who was born September 9, 1871, 
and is now engaged in farming in this county; 
Lemuel Andrews, who was born August 2, 1876, 
and is a railroad contractor in Wyoming; Frank 
Bennett, who was born February 27, 1880, and 
was killed at a railroad crossing March 28, 1905 ; 
and Lula Belle, who was educated in the country 
schools and in Buda and is still at home with her 
parents. 

In his political views Mr. Johnson is a stal- 
wart republican and has many times Ijeen a dele- 
gate to the county and senatorial conventions of 
his party, in the work and success of which he is 
deeply interested because he believes its principles 
are most conducive to good government. He has 
been honored with various local offices by his fellow 
towTismen, who recognize his worth and alnlity 
and who thus manifest their confidence in him. 
He has been school director for twenty years and 
at the present writing, in 1900, is holding the 
office of road coiimiissioner, in which capacity he 
has served for three terms or a total of nine years. 
He was also overseer of the roads for about twenty 
years and officially and as a private citizen has 
done much to improve the public highways. He 
holds membership in the First Baptist church of 
Buda and is a member of Emery post. No. 198, 
G. A. R. of Buda, of which he has been officer of 
the day for many years. In matters of citizen- 
ship he is always as loyal in days of peace as he 
was in times of war and has a deep rooted at- 
tachment for the stars and stripes. 



NICHOLAS IIEINZE. 
Nicholas Ileinze, who in matters of citizenship 
as well as in his business career has demonstrated 
his right to the confidence and esteem which are 
\miformly accorded him by his fellow townsmen, 
is now living in Ohio township, having for twenty- 




W. M. JOIIXSOX. 



PAST AM) PRESENT OF lU lil-AL (OIXTY. 



705 



two years made his home upon his present farm, 
which comprises eighty acres. He was born in Lee 
county, Illinois, December 17, 1870, and his par- 
ents, Andrew and Margaret (Eichorn) Heinze, 
were natives of Germany. In a family of four 
children he is the youngest. The mother was 
twice married, her first husband being John 
Sheller, who died leaving a daughter, Anna 
Sheller. 

In the Bureau county public schools Nicholas 
Heinze obtained his education and after putting 
aside his text-books he began farming on his own 
account, and has since followed that pursuit. He 
not only raises grain and hay, but also cattle 
and hogs for the market. His father died nine 
years ago, on the 30th of June, 1897, since which 
time Mr. Heinze of this review has had charge 
of the home farm, caring for his mother and 
sister. The place comprises eighty acres of land 
and it has been his home for twenty-two years. 
The fields are now under a high state of cultiva- 
tion and return good crops. The equipments are 
all modern and everything about the place is in- 
dicative of the care and supervision of a practical, 
progressive owner. His political views find evi- 
dence in the support which he gives to the re- 
publican party. The family belong to the German 
Lutheran church and are highly esteemed socially. 
Friends and neighbors s^peak of Mr. Heinze in 
terms of high praise and warm regard by reason 
of his genuine personal worth and the excellent 
traits of character which he has displayed in as- 
suming the care of the home property, thus pro- 
viding for his mother and sister. He deserves 
all the success that has come to him and will 
undoubtedly win a still larger measure of 
properity in the future, for he possesses those traits 
which ever lead to advancement and enable the 
individual to pass upon life's highway others who 
perhaps started out more advantageously than 
himself. 



HEXRY FAHS. 

Henry Fahs, numbered among the wide-awake 
and enterprising young farmers of Ohio township, 
is now engaged in operating and managing a place 
of one hundred and twenty acres. He is num- 
bered among Bureau county's native sons, his birth 
having occurred within its borders on the 2d of 
August, 1880. His parents were Fred and Mary 
Fahs, natives of Germany, who came to America 
at an early day and established their home in 
this county. As the years passed their marriage 
was blessed with a family of eight children. 

Henry Fahs, the sixth in order of birth, was 
reared in the usual manner of farmer lads and 
his education was largely acquired in the public 
schools of Lee county, although in the scliool of 
experience he has learned many practical and 
valuable lessons. He was early trained to farm 
work and came to a realization of the value of 



thrift and industry as factors in the achievement of 
success. He is now manager of an excellent 
farm of one hundred and twenty acres in Ohio 
townsliip and his early training in the fields lias 
stood liim in good stead as the years have gone by. 
Mr. Fahs was united in marriage to Miss Lena 
Spohn, who was born in Lee county, Illinois, No- 
vember 14, 1880. 'J'he wedding was celebrated 
December 12, 1899, and has been blessed with two 
children : Fred W., born November 18, 1902 ; 
and Louis F., born May 27, 1905. Mrs, Fahs' 
parents were John and Mary (Houck) Spohn, the 
former a native of Germany and the latter of 
Buffalo, New York. In the family were twelve 
children, the father having been married twice, 
and five were born of the first marriage and seven 
by the second marriage. 

Mr. Fahs in his religious faith is connected with 
the German Lutheran church, while his wife is a 
communicant of the Roman Catholic church. His 
political support is given the republican party, 
but he has neither time nor inclination for public 
ofSce, finding that his business affairs make con- 
tinuous deniands upon his energies. He is steadily 
progressing and it will probably not be long before 
lie is in possession of a farm of his own. He is 
a good citizen, worthy of the confidence of friends 
and neighbors, and has made a creditable record 
for one of his years. 



WILBUR H. FATE. 

Wilbur H. Fate, who follows farming on sec- 
tion 30, Milo township, was born in this tt)wnship 
September 21, 1859. His father, Johnson M. 
Fate, now deceased, was born near Deavertown, 
Ohio, in 1835 and came to Illinois in 1846, settling 
in Milo township about a mile and a half east of 
the farm on which our subject now resides. He 
wedded Mary Jane Reed from Ohio, a sister of 
L. H. Reed, of Milo township, and the three chil- 
dren born of this union are: Wilbur H. ; John R., 
who is living in Bradford; and Francis A., wlio is 
a Congregational minister and resides in Middle- 
field, Massachusetts. The death of the father oc- 
curred March 16, 1900, while his wife passed away 
in 1901. 

Wilbur H, Fate is indebted to the common- 
school systcni of Milo township for tlie early edu- 
cational privileges which lie enjoyed and which 
were supplemented by study in Wcslcyan Univer- 
sity at Abingdon, Illinois. Later he was gradu- 
ated from Evergreen City Business College at 
Bloomington, this state, in 1880. His training 
for the work of the fields was received under his 
father's direction, for at an early age he took his 
place behind the jijow and did other work con- 
nected with the devclopiiient of the fields. He has 
always carried on farming and stock-raising and 
now feeds many cattle and hogs annually. His 
landed possessions comprise one hundred and fifty 



706 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



acres of 6ue land where he now lives, and he also 
owns another tract of one hundred and twenty 
acres. He has one of the best and finest homes 
to be found in Jlilo township and it is surrounded 
by beautiful shade trees, every one of which has 
been planted by him, together with the shrubs 
and flowers about the farm, rendering this one 
of the most attractive and pleasing features in the 
landscape. There are also good barns upon the 
place and everything is in excellent shape, the 
farm being well improved I'nd the fields care- 
fully cultivated. 

Mr. Fate was married to Miss Anna J. Foster, of 
Bradford, a daughter of Charles Foster, and they 
now have four children, Mamie, who is a graduate 
of the Bradford high school and is continuing her 
education in Evanston; Lena, Ivan and Grace, 
all yet at home. The parents and children are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church at 
Bradford and occupy an enviable position in 
social circles where true worth and intelligence are 
received as the passports into good society. Po- 
litically Mr. Fate is a republican and has served 
as school director for fourti'cn years, while for 
many years he was road commissioner. He be- 
longs to the Modern Woodmen camp and in all 
life's relations is found true to every trust and 
upholds a high standard of conduct by a life 
which is indicative of manly principles whicli 
permeate it. 



CLAYTON C. PERVIER. 

Clayton C. Pervier, whose influence has been 
far-reaching and his labors beneficial in the lines 
of agricultural and political activity in Bureau 
county, stands at all times for advancement. His 
position is never an equivocal one and he is not a 
theorist nor an idealist, but utilizes practical 
methods that produce results, so that his opinions 
carry weight and his ideas are carefully con- 
sidered, whether expressed upon some subject 
bearing upon the farming interests or the great 
political questions which affect the state at large. 

Mr. Pervier is one of Bureau county's native 
sons, his birth having occurred in Mineral town- 
stip, March 4. 1857. He is a son of the Rev. 
Sylvester Lane Pervier, whose liistory is found 
on another page. His boyhood days were spent 
at home and he attended the luihlic schools until 
sixteen years of age, when he continued his studies 
under Professor George B. Harrington, at Anna- 
wan. He also began teaching about the same 
time, following the profession in Kewanee town- 
ship, Henry county. He taught in the winter 
months, attended school in the spring and fall 
and worked on the farm in the summer, so that 
the year was a busy one, with few idle hours. He 
continued to engage in teaching through the win- 
ter seasons for sixteen years and he followed 
fanning on the old homestead until 1RS7, when 



he came to his present home. In the meantime, 
in l^jT.j, he iiad entered the University of Illi- 
nois, at Urbana, where he remained as a student 
for two years, and then when his funds were ex- 
hausted he returned to the farm. His education 
was thus acquired under some difficulty, but he 
has embraced every opportunity for extending his 
knowledge and has been a broad reader. He is 
a practical farmer and is prominently identified 
witii the agricultural interests of tiie state, keep- 
ing in close touch with the work of the experiment 
station and the United States department of agri- 
culture. He has been three times chosen presi- 
dent of the Bureau County Farmers Institute 
and is now secretary of that organization. He is 
also a state farmers' institute lecturer, in wliich 
connection he is widely knovm throughout Illi- 
nois, and that he is a popular speaker on the 
themes which he handles is indicated by the fact 
that he is frequently recalled to the places where 
he has once lectured. A practical demonstration 
of his theories and proof of his opinions is found 
on his own farm, which is a splendidly improved 
jjropcrty, on which the work is carried forward 
along modern scientific lines with results that are 
most admirable and desirable. He received from 
the governor of Illinois appointment as delegate 
to the Fai-mers' National congress in October, 
1906, held in Rock Island. He had received simi- 
lar appointments twice before but the long dis- 
tance of the convention city from his home pre- 
vented his attending. 

On the 16th of March, 1881, Mr. Pervier was 
married to Miss Jessie M. Curtis, who was born 
in Concord township and is a daughter of James 
M. Curtis, whose sketch appears on another page 
of this volume. She is a graduate of the Sheffield 
high school. Unto them have been born five chil- 
dren : Raymond C, Edgar M., Mabel Inez, Carrie 
May and Helen P., all at home. The parents are 
members of the Unitarian church and Mr. Pervier 
belongs 1o .\mes lodge. No. 142, A. F. & A. M. ; 
Princeton chapter. No. 28, R. A. M. ; and Prince- 
ton conimandery, No. 20, K. T. 

Mr. Pervier has been a factor in republican 
politics in this county for more than a quarter 
of a century and has ever stood firm in support 
of those ])rinci])les which seem host to conserve the 
public good. He has ever been opposed to mis- 
rule in political office or corruption of any sort 
in the political field and his political integrity 
is unquestioned. He has been a delegate to every 
county convention, with one exception, since he 
attained his majority and has been three times 
honored with the chairmanship. He has also 
been a tleiegate to district and state conventions 
and has been a member of the county central 
committee for twenty years. Various local offices 
have been conferred upon him. He has been 
school trustee, assessor and collector and for six 
years represented Concord township on the board 
of supervisors, being first chosen to the office in 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



;o7 



1894. He acted as chairnian during the last 
year of liis service, 1900, and then declined re- 
election as supervisor. (Jn the 14th of August, 
1906, at Galva he was nominated as the republican 
candidate for the general assembly, and his past 
record is an indication of what his service will be 
if he is elected to the office. He stands in sup- 
port of the well known principles of the party, 
believes in meeting the is.-iues squarely and fairly 
and in working for the interests of the state at 
large. His patriotism and public spirit are unde- 
niably strong features in his life record, and aside 
from his political service he is a man of ac- 
knowledged worth in state and county, whose la- 
bors have been of direct and permanent benefit in 
agricultural circles. 



EEV. S. L. PERViER. 

Sylvester L. Pervier was brought up in the hill 
country of New Hampshire and enjoyed the edu- 
cational advantages of rura' life amid rugged 
mountains, lonely valleys, flowing streams and 
green fields and forests. Born at .\ndover, in 
1816, tlie common schools, whose sessions were 
from six weeks' to three months' duration each 
j-ear, furnis-hed him with the rudiments of learn- 
ing. At the age of si.xteen he bought his time of 
his father and went into business for himself. 
Though meeting with encouraging success he soon 
returned home to help the family through a finan- 
cial striiggle. 

As he came to know hiuiself he found hunger- 
ings that business did not satisfy. Life to him 
had larger meaning than bread alone. Soul wants 
pressed him. Ho heard the call of religion to 
come up higher. Knowledge, virtue, truth, urged 
their demands upon him. Peneiiated with such 
sentiments he looked around for a fitting field of 
activity. It was but natural tliat lie should find it 
in the ministry, though painfully aware of lack of 
adequate preparation. Still he spoke to edifica- 
tion, inspired enthusiasm, and his hearers, regard- 
ing such oualilies as ample proof of his being 
called to God to preach, gave him their entire 
approval. His father rejoiced that his first born 
was willing to dedicate himself to the Lord. 

At the age of twenty-two Mr. Pervier went to 
western New York to begin lis active labors as a 
minister, at the same time taking up a course 
of reading and study to better fit him for his 
chosen woik. In Shelby, Orleans county, he 
planted a chinch to which he ministered some 
years and which still preserves itfc identity. 

There, on the 7th of February, 1813, Rev. Per- 
▼ier was united in marriage with Philena Covell, 
of Ogden, Monroe county. New York, who was 
born May 30, 1830, and is a daughter of Edward 
and Polly (Oilman) Covell, both natives of Ver- 
mont. Mrs. Pervier still survives her husband 
at the advanced age of eighty- si.\ years. Later he 



became a missionary at Janesvike. Wisconsin, en- 
during not only the hardships and privations inci- 
dent to a new country, but much from lack of 
funds being furnished by the missionary board. 
Thence he moved to Henry, Hlinois, taking charge 
of a church for which he preached four years, 
meantime superintending the building of its 
chapel. Leaving Henry he located in l'roj)hets- 
town, Hlinois, again taking up missionary work, 
depending entirely upon voluntary contributions 
for support. 

With much misgiving he finally retired from 
active service in the field, devoting him.self there- 
after fo the maintenance of a home. Though his 
farm life contin\ied forty year.« he never quite lost 
sight of his calling as a minister. He ever bore 
about with him some gospel of good news. His 
was no stereotyped message. Tt changed as wants 
change, as light came, as truth wa« revealed. He 
was familiar with nature, with actual things, with 
common facts. He thought much, observing the 
trend of things. Pie was a doubter, but all the 
more a briiever. When in the progress of his 
thought (he faith and methods of the popular 
church seemed no longer trtie and useful, they 
were displaced by others responding more to his 
reason. The verities as represented by the sermon 
on the mount he accepted ever; built his char- 
acter upon them, taught them at home and abroad. 
But the draperies of religion — its forms, philoso- 
phies, methods — he believed must change with 
the ever changing world. February 7, 1803, the 
forly-ninfh anniversary of his jnarriage, pneu- 
monia claimed him fcr its victim. Quietly, peace- 
fully and with full atsurance of a future life he 
passed away, leaving his wife and four children 
to venerate his memory. Mr. and Mrs. Pervier 
became the parents of five children, but lost one 
child in infancy who was born Mtv 25, 1860, and 
died May 27, 1860. The surviving members of 
the family are: Melvin E., who was born in New 
York, May 2S, 1845 ; Myron C, who was born in 
Janesville, Wisconsin, December bl, 1847; Donna 
I., who was born in this county, January 29, 1855, 
and is engaged in teaching school; and Clayton C, 
who was born March 4, 1857, and is a farmer. 
His sketch appears elsewhere in this work. 

^fclvin E. Pervier, the eldoi-t of the family, was 
educated at Henry. Hlinois. and in the country 
schools. He has devoted bis entire time to farm- 
ing and stock-raising and he now resides and 
carries on the old family homestead in Jlineral 
township. In 1870 he went to Kansas, settling 
near Greenleaf, where he carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits, and while there he served as 
school director. In 1879 he sold his interests 
in Kansas and removed to California, where he 
engaged in fruit raising for seven years, remaining 
on the Pacific coast until 1891, when he returned 
to Mineral township, where he has lived continu- 
ously since, being now accounted one of the lead- 
ing and successful agriculturists of this part of 



T08 



PAST AND TEESEiNT OF BUREAU COT'XTy. 



the state, liis laiul being well developed and under 
a high state of cultivation. 

Melvin E. Pervier was married to Miss C. 
Anna llorgan, of Kansas, a daughter of Joel 
Morgan. The wedding was celebrated in 1868 
and the death of the wife occurred in 1879, many 
friends, beside her family mcurnmg her loss. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Pervier is a Ma- 
son, holding membership in the Blue lodge, and he 
held the otKce of junior warden while in Cali- 
fornia. He has served as assessor for three years 
and is now highway commissioner of Mineral 
township. His interest in community affairs is 
deep and sincere and is manifest through tangible 
co-operation in those measures and movements 
which are of benefit to the cimimunitv. 



ELI R. MATHIS. 

Eli E. Mathis, numbered among the pioneer 
residents of Princeton, located there in 1840, 
when the city was a mere village, and was identi- 
fied with its growth and development throughout 
his remaining days. He figured in business circles 
as a dealer in groceries and dry goods and he also 
worked at the carpenter's trade. He was widely 
recognized as a man of enterprise and unfaltering 
determination, whose business methods would ever 
bear the closest investigation and scrutiny. 

A native of Oliio, Mr. Mathis was born in Ur- 
bana, Champaign county, on the 14th of Jam:ary, 
1823. His parents were Jeremiah and Either 
(Moss) Mathis, the former a native of New Jer- 
sey and the latter of the Buckeye state. Jeremiah 
Mathis removed to Urbana, Ohio, at an early per- 
iod in its development and there worked at the 
carpenter's trade until he came to the west. His 
wife died in Urbana wlien their son Eli was but 
eight years of age and father and sons afterward 
came to Illinois together in 1840, settling in 
Princeton, where the former worked at the car- 
penter's trade until his death on the 30th of April, 
1863. 

At the time of his mother's demise Eli R. Ma- 
this started out in life on his own account. He 
learned the carpenter's trade under the direction 
of his father and as opportunity afforded he pur- 
sued his educalioii, continuing as a pupil in the 
old log sciioolhoiise in West Bureau during the 
early period of his residence here. He afterward 
began work at his trade, being first employed on 
what is known as the old William Chamberlain 
home. In 1855 he helped to finish the residence 
which his widow now occupies. All tlirough his 
life he was active and energetic, constantly watch- 
ful of opportunities, which he improved, making 
them resultant factors in the acquirement of a 
gratifying measure of success. He continued to 
work at the carpenter's trade for several years and 
he assisted in building some of the first business 
blocks of Princeton. He then turned his atten- 



tion to the grocery and dry-goods business, open- 
ing a store in the old Templeton building, wliere 
he remained for several years. He afterward re- 
sumed i)uildiag operations for a few years, but 
eventually gave uj) all business cares and retired 
to private life. Mr. ilathis w^as twice married. He 
first wedded Miss Matilda Green, of Bureau town- 
ship, Bureau county, who died in Princeton. Sub- 
sequently he married Miss Esther Phillips, also 
of Bureau township and a daugliter of John and 
Betsy (Templin) Phillips, both of whom were 
natives of Urbana, Ohio, whence in 1833 they 
came to Illinois, casting in their lot among the 
pioneer residents of Bureau county. They first 
lived in what was known here by the pioneers as 
the Squatters' log cabin in West Bureau, Bureau 
township, and there Mr. Phillips improved a farm 
and carried on general agricultural pursuits un- 
til 185G, when he removed to Livingston county, 
Illinois, and was engaged in farming until his 
death. His wife also passed away there. In their 
family were five children, namely: Mrs. Mathis; 
Mrs. E. J. Lemon, of Princeton; Levi T., a resi- 
dent farmer of Princeton township; James E., 
who is living in St. Joseph, Missouri ; and Mrs. 
Sarah Leonard of Livingston county, Illinois. 
Tliere were four children born unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Mathis; Alice M., the wife of A. C. Best, of 
Princeton, who is engaged in the conduct of a 
monument business here; Leslie Eli, city sales- 
man for the White Lead Company, of Kansas 
City, Missouri, who married Alice Fesler and 
after her death wedded Janna S. Scroggins; Leon- 
ard Templin, who resides in Chicago, where for 
five years he has occupied the position of clerk in 
the Victoria Hotel; and Guy Roy, who married 
Grace D. Boyd, of Springfield, Illinois, where he 
is engaged in the real-estate and automobile busi- 
ness. 

Eli R. Mathis served as school treasurer in 
Princeton for over thirty years and was a warm 
champion of the cause of education. He took an 
active interest in politics and always voted the 
republican ticket and his efforts extended to many 
measures and movements wliich he deemed would 
prove of value to the community in promoting its 
material, intellectual, social and moral progress. 
He was a charter member of the Odd Follows 
lodge at Princeton, which he assisted in organiz- 
ing in July, 1851. He always took much interest 
in temperance work and was an earnest Christian 
man, who gave liberally to the poor and needy 
and was widely known for his charitable w'ork 
which, however, always was done in an unostenta- 
tious manner. In his business interests he pros- 
pered, becoming well-to-do as the years passed by 
and in his later life he lived retired, enjoying a 
well earned rest until he was called to tlie home 
beyond on the 10th of September, 1905. 

Mrs. Mathis is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal church and is identified with various fra- 
ternal and social organizations. She has been a 



^^^H^ ,-.^9 


■ 


^^^^^^^^^^^H» ^^^^^^^L ^J^H 


1 




4 


i^^ 





M1!S. E. E. MATHIS. 



I 




E. It. MATIIIS. 



1 



PAST AND P]{ESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY, 



713 



member of the Woman's Club here since it was 
established and in fact assisted in organizing it. 
She is also connected with the Daughters of^Re- 
bckah, the Sons of Temperance, the Good Tem- 
plars and the Women's Christian Temperance 
Union, all of Princeton— afliliations whch indi- 
cate her deep interest in the temperance cause and 
her efforts for its promulgation and adoption. 
She now owns and occupies a nice home at No. 
419 South Jlain street and she also has much oth- 
er property here, including several store laiildings 
on Main street, which return to her a good rental. 
The name of iAIathis has for about two-tliirds of 
11 century been associated with Princeton and its 
interests and Eli R. :\Iatlii5 is justly numbered 
among the honored jiioneers. 



OSCAR M. LYLE. 
Oscar M. Lyle, who is living on a farm in Ne- 
ponset township, was born in this township, De- 
cember 8, 1867. His parents were Stephen D. 
and Eliza W. (Hatch) Lyle. The father was 
born in Vermont, February -1, 1833, a son of 
William and Atlanta (Darling) Lyle, the former 
a native of Scotland and the latter of Vermont. 
William Lyle was one of the pioneer residents of 
Stark county, Illinois, where he died at the age 
of fifty-five years, while his wife passed away at 
the age of seventy-seven years. In their family 
were fifteen children, of whom lourteen reached 
years of maturity, while niue are still living. 
Stephen D Lyle of this family pursued his edu- 
cation in the public schools of Illinois, having 
been brousht by his parents to this state when 
four years of age. He was reared amid the wild 
scenes of frontier life, sharing with the family in 
the hardships and trials incident to a pioneer ex- 
istence. On the 19th of February, 1854, he mar- 
ried Miss Eliza W. Hatch, who was born in Ver- 
mont, April 15, 1832, and was a daughter of 
Moses and Jane (Gates) Hatch, who were like- 
wise natives of the Green Mountain State. In 
their family were five children, all of whom have 
passed away, with the exception of Mrs. Lyle. The 
father died at the age of sixty-five years, while the 
mother departed this life at the age of thirty-six, 
and both spent their entire lives in Vermont. 

Stephen D. I^yle began farming on his own ac- 
count in Stark county, and in 1S.">7 removed to 
Bureau county, locating first on eighty acres of 
land in Neponset township. This was wild prairie, 
for which he paid six dollars and a quarter per 
acre. That he prospered in his undertakings is in- 
dicated by the fact that he added to his property 
from time to time until his landed possessions ag- 
gregated four hundred and twenty-five acres, of 
which one hundred and sixty acres was in Iowa. 
He first built a house sixteen by twenty-four feet, 
and subsequently erected a fine residence at a cost 
of about five thousand dollars. He carried on sjen- 



eral farnung until 1890, when he bought a home 
iu the village of Neponset, and in 1904 he erected 
a residence there which he has since occupied. He 
has served as school director for nine years and as 
road commissioner for three or four terms, and the 
various duties that have devolved upon him have 
ever been discharged with promptness and fidelity. 
His political allegiance is given to the republican 
party. He is accounted one of the foremost resi- 
dents of Bureau county, having figured for many 
years as a prominent agriculturist, while his suc- 
cess indicates him to be^a man of more than ordi- 
nary ability. In the family there were three sons: 
Charles, who was born December 7, 1854; Her- 
bert, who is represented elsewhere in this work; 
and Oscar M. 

The last named is now living upon the old home- 
stead farm, where his entire life has been passed. 
He attended the public schools in his boyhood 
days, and after putting aside his text-books de- 
voted his entire attention to general agricultural 
pursuits. He is now successfully farming one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land, and he anually ships 
about a carload of hogs of his own raising. He 
also buys and ships about twenty carloads of hogs 
and cattle each year, dealing "more extensively, 
however, in cattle. Ho is also a breeder of Morgiin 
horse.s, and has a fine stallion, half Morgan and 
half standard bred on the dam side. He is well 
known as a representative of the farming and 
stock-raising interests of Neponset township and 
his native county, and in business affairs is alert, 
enterprising and progressive, allowing no obstacle 
to brook him in his path to success if it can be 
overcome by determined purpose and honorable 
effort. 

On the 9th of January, 1889, was celebrated the 
marriage of Oscar M. Lyle and Miss Uluvia V. 
Phillips, who was horn in Ncjionset, .\ugust 15, 
1867, a daughter of John H. and Sarah E. (Au8- 
man) Phillips. Her parents were married Octo- 
ber 13, 1866. Her father was born in Redwood, 
Jefferson county. New York, November 16, 1846, 
and was educated in the public schools. Her 
mother was born in Clermont county, Ohio, Sep- 
tember 17, 1846. In their family were three 
daughters: Mrs. Lvle: Carrie L., born August 29, 
1871 ; and Effie June, born June 12, 1879. 

Unto Afr. and Mrs. Lyle were born eight chil- 
dren, but they have lost four. Those still living 
are: Wenona P., born May 12, 1899; Roscoe M., 
August 14, 1891; Floy M., February 23, 1894; 
and Stephen IL, January 15, 1902. The parents 
are prominent socially, having the warm regard 
of a large circle of friends, while the hospitality 
of many of the best homes of this .section of the 
county is cordially (•xlen<led them. Jlr. Lyle is a 
school director and bclievos in providing excellent 
educational privileges, for he regards the system 
of our public schools as one of the bulwarks of the 
nation. He votes with the republican party and 
fratornallv is connected with the Modern Wood- 



".14 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



men of America. As a business niau he is alert, 
enterprising and progressive, and these qualities 
are the substantial and salient features of his 
success. 



JESSIE PIEKCE GAEWOOD, M. D. 

Although it is only in comparatively recent 
years that woman has entered the field of medi- 
cal practice she has demonstrated her right to be 
ranked with the aljlest members of the profes- 
sion, and among those who are successfully en- 
gaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in 
Princeton is Dr. Jessie Pierce Garwood, who for 
thirteen years has been thus engaged in this city. 
She was born in Bureau county, a daughter of 
James A. Pierce, a native of New York, who 
came to this county when a young man. His 
father had taken up land from the government 
and Dr. Garwood's brother still owns the prop- 
erty. The death of Mr. Pierce occurred in the 
year 1893, while his wife survived until 1905. 
In their family were eleven children, six sons and 
five daughters, all of whom are yet living — a re- 
markable family record. 

Dr. Garwood spent her girlhood days in her 
parents" home and after acquiring a good educa- 
tion in the public schools determined upon the 
practice of medicine as a life work and entered 
the Iowa Medical College at Iowa City, from 
which she was graduated in the class of 1888. 
Although she is a general practitioner she to a 
large extent makes a specialty of diseases of 
women and children. She makes occasional con- 
tributions to medical journals and is a member 
of the county and state medical societies and of 
the North Central Illinois Medical Association. 
She now has a good practice which is constantly 
increasing and numbers among her patrons many 
of the best families of the city. 

In 1892 Jessie Pierce gave her hand in mar- 
riage to Louis A. Garwood, who was born in 
Princeton and is a son of William Garwood, one 
of the old settlers of Bureau county. The father 
died in 1905 but the mother is still living at the 
age of seventy years and resides upon the old 
homestead which her father, Abel Hunt, entered 
from the govermucnt. At the time of the Civil 
war William Garwood enlisted for service in the 
army as a member of Company C, Ninety-third 
Pegiment of Illinois Volunteers, with which he 
remained for three years. He held the rank of 
first lieutenant and was injured in a railroad 
wreck and also sustained two gun-shot wounds. 
In the family were two children: Louis A. and 
Ida, the latter the wife of William Welsh, a resi- 
dent of Minnesota. 

Louis A. Garwood was educated in Princeton 
and engaged in farming until about 1890. He 
devoted the succeeding year to the machinist's 
business and for ten years conducted a nursery, 



liut for the past four years has been engaged in 
the sale of pianos, having a store in Princeton. 
wherein he handles the Kimball pianos, his sales 
being among the largest of any house of the kind 
in the county. Mr. Garwood is a republican and 
in 1906 was elected alderman of the third ward 
of Princeton. He is likewise a member of Tono- 
luka lodge, No. 89, I. 0. 0. F. Both Mr. and Dr. 
Garwood are members of the Congregational 
church and they are pleasantly located in an at- 
tractive home at No. 130 North Main street in 
Princeton. Mr. Garwood possesses a fine voice 
and for years was leader of the choir of the Meth- 
odist Protestant church. He has also been a great 
campaign singer, having sung in almost every 
county in the state during the time when political 
rallies have been held. Both he and his wife are 
highly esteemed socially and their circle of friends 
in Princeton is an extensive one. 



JOHN A. McGANN. 

All parts of the country have sent their repre- 
sentatives to Bureau county to become factors in 
its citizenship, and amon^ those New England 
has contributed is numbered John A. McGann, 
who was born in Boston, ilassachusetts, on the 
4th of June, 1854, and became a resident of Illi- 
nois in 185G. His parents, Arthur and Bridget 
(O'Hare) McGann, were natives of Ireland and, 
crossing the Atlantic to the new world in 1850, 
settled in Massachusetts. They became parents 
of two sons and a daughter, of whom Owen Mc- 
Gann was born in 1852. The daughter died in 
infancy. 

John A. McGann was but two years old when 
brought by his mother from Massachusetts to 
Bureau county, Illinois, and was therefore reared 
in this locality. Lessons of industry and economy 
were early impressed upon his mind and have 
borne rich fruit in later years. His early life 
was a period of earnest toil and he has always 
been an energetic, enterprising man, dependent 
upon his own resources for all that he has achieved 
and enjoyed. He now has charge of three hun- 
dred and twenty acres of land in Ohio township 
and is engaged extensively in the raising of grain 
and stock. For eight years he has lived upon this 
fann and both branches of his business are prov- 
ing profitable, returning to him a gratifying an- 
nual income. His methods are entirely practical 
and his success may be rightly attributed to his 
indefatigable industry. He now owns a house 
and lot in the village of Ohio and his savings 
would jicrmit of his investment in a farm of his 
own. 

It was on the 25th of November. 1890, that 
Mr. McGann was united in marriage to Miss Mar- 
garet Enright, who was born in Bureau county, 
February 18, 18G1. Iler parents were Daniel 
and Bridget (Doran) Enright, natives of Ireland, 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



715 



whence they came to the United States in May, 
1855. Mrs. McGann is the eldest of tlieir family 
of twelve children and by her marriage she has 
become the mother of six children, as follows: 
Bridget Ethel, born January 21, 1S>J2 ; Arthur 
C, born September 2V, 1S'J4; Mary, July 21, 
1896; Bernadetta, August 19, 1899; Patrick Leo, 
April 17, 1903; and Margaret Annetta, June 9, 
1905. 

The family are communicants of the Roman 
Catholic church and Mr. McGann is a member of 
Father Mathew"s total abstinence society and is 
also identified with ilodurn \\'oodmen camp, No. 
17. His political cnil(jrsemcnt is given the re- 
publican party and while he never seeks nor 
desires ollice as a reward for party fealty he is 
always quick to respond to any demand for public 
service or for co-operation in movements for the 
general good. His residence in the county covers 
a period of a half centurv and he is therefore 
largely familiar with its history, as he has been 
a witness of its development from an early day 
and has seen the introduction of those lines of 
business activity which have led to its substantial 
improvement. 



EDWARD SCOTT. 

Edward Scott, who owns and occupies a farm 
in Berlin township, comprising eighty acres of 
land which is very productive and highly culti- 
vated, dates his residence in Bureau county from 
April, 18.-)5, and has therefore been identified with 
its interests for more than a half century, during 
which time he has witnessed much of its growth 
and development as pioneer conditions have given 
place to the evidences of a modern civilization. 
He was born in Hackettstown, New Jersey, Au- 
gust 26, 1853, and is one of a family of nine 
children, whose parents were Henry and Nancy 
(Gi'uendyke) Scott, both of whom were natives 
of Warren countv. New Jersey, the former born 
in IS20 and the latter in 1827' Tn the year 1855 
thev left the east and came with tlieir family to 
Illinois, settling in Bureau county in April of 
that year. Their children were: Johanna W., 
John. Sarah ('. and George, all now deceased; 
Woodhull. who (lied in Tennessee while in the 
army; Edward; Isaac; William Elmer; and 
Charles A. "I'he father has now departed this 
life, his death having occurred July 3, 1898, when 
he had reached the veneralile age of seventy-eight 
years. His widow still survives. 

Edward Scott pursued his education in the 
schools of Bureau county, which he entered at the 
usual age of si.\ years, mastering therein the com- 
mon branches of English learning. He lias fol- 
lowed farming all his days, for at an early age 
he began assisting his father upon the home farm 
and has since given his time and energies to gen- 
eral agricultural pursuits. Twenty years ago he 



purchased liis present fami for si.xty-five dollars 
per acre. It comprises eighty acres of valuable 
land, responding readily to the care and labor 
bestowed upon it, so that golden harvests are 
annually gathered. It is today worth one hun- 
dred and seventy-five dollars per acre and upon 
the place Mr. Scott has made many modern im- 
provements, so that he now has an excellent prop- 
erty. He raises Norman horses and Poland-China 
hogs in addition to tilling the fields and his busi- 
ness alfairs are capably and successfully con- 
ducted. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's jour- 
ney Mr. Scott chose Miss Mary E. Wolfersberger, 
to whom he was married Deceniljer 31, 1874. She 
was born September 7, 1852, on the farm which is 
still their home. Her father, Charles Wolfers- 
berger, was a native of Pennsylvania, born July 
13, 1827, and his wife, who l)ore the maiden name 
of Susanna Falmenstock, was likewise born in 
Penn.sylvania, February 17, 1830. In their family 
were nine children, of whom two are deceased. 
'J'he others are: John F., Mary E., Ida A., Sarah 
Matilda, Charles E., George S. and Maud S. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. Scott have been born two children: 
Elsie May, who was born December 12, 1875; and 
Nancy Lidu, born May 12, 1879. They have been 
given liberal etlucational privileges, having been 
students in Valparaiso Normal School, 

Mr. Scott holds a membership in Dauntless 
lodge, No. 150, K. P., which he joined on its or- 
ganization. For twenty years he has been a school 
director and the cause of education finds in him a 
stalwart champion, who does all in his power to 
uphold the standard of public instruction. His 
political allegiance has always been given to the 
republican party and he was reared in the faith 
of the Methodist church, to which the family all 
belong. He stands for progress and improvement 
in material, intellectual and moral lines and wher- 
ever there is a movement for civic virtue or for 
opposition to misrule in j)ublic alTairs he is found 
working in support of such and during the long 
years of his residence in Bureau county has been 
numbered among its valued citizens. 



JOHN BUTLEIJ PITIMAN. 
John Butler Pitttnan. wlio carries on general 
agricultural ])ursuits on sections 14 and 23. Man- 
lius townshi]). where he owns one Iiuniire<i acres 
of land, was born in this townshi|>, September 10, 
1861, his parents being Henry S. and Sarah 
(Savers) Pittman, who were farming people. The 
father came to Illinois about 1854 and was here 
married. He gave nis at lent ion to general agri- 
cullural pursuits and continued actively in farm- 
ing until his death, which occurred on the 11th 
of March, 1902. He had for a year and a half 
survived his wife, who died on the 17th of Oc- 
tober, 1900. 



riG 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



John B. Pittman is indebted to the public- 
school system of the county for the educational 
privileges he enjoyed in his youth. He pursued 
his studies in a little country schoolhouse two 
miles north of Manlius and hcs devoted his entire 
life to farming, having been reared to that oc- 
cupation. He early became familiar with the 
duties and labors of the agriculturist and as he 
worked at plowing, planting and harvesting he 
became familiar with the best methods of cultivat- 
ing the fields, so that he brought to his work 
broad practical e.xperience when he started out in 
life on his own account. At an early age he began 
operating rented land and in 1888, when his 
labors had brought him sufficient capital, he 
bought his first farm, it being hi? present home. 
It comprises one hundred acres ot land on sections 
14 and 23, Manlius township, and is now a well 
cultivated and well improved property, being 
equipped with the latest improved machinery and 
many facilities for carrying on the farm work. In 
connection with farming he is engaged in buying 
cattle. 

On the 12th of February. 1890, Mr. Pittman 
married Miss Pauline Schultz, of Bureau town- 
ship, who was born in Germany and is a daughter 
of Frederick A. Schultz. They now have three 
children: Ernest, born November 10, 1891; Wal- 
ter, June 4, 1892 ; and Arvilla Emerly, April 11, 
1897. The family are members of the English 
Lutheran church and Mr. Pitiman is independent 
in his political views. At the present writing he 
is serving as one of the councilmen of Manlius 
and he has also been school director. Fraternally 
he is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge at 
New Bedford. A casual glance at his life history 
seems to indicate that he has always lived a quiet 
and uneventful career and yet investigation into 
his record will bring forth the fact that his has 
been an honorable manhood and at all times he 
has been faithful and loyal in his duties of citizen- 
ship. 



DAVIS H. VAN ORMER. 
Davis H. Van Ormer, one of the well known 
and representative agriculturists of Manlius town- 
ship, has found in his business career ample op- 
portunity for the exercise of his latent energies, 
and through his well directed labor has gained a 
place among the successful farmers of the commu- 
nity. A native of Pennsylvania, he was born in 
Juniata county on the 24th of September, 1853, 
and is a son of William and Sarah (Shellcnbarg- 
er) Van Ormer, who were likewise natives of that 
county, where the father followed farming for a 
number of years. About 1858 he came to Illinois, 
but while en route tarried for a time in Miami 
county, Ohio, where he aided in the erection of a 
barn and remained for about sixteen months. In 
1859 he arrived with his family in Bureau county, 



Illinois, having in the meantime purchased the 
farm upon which his son Davis H. now resides. It 
was then all wild prairie land, which he at once 
began to develop and improve until his farm labor 
had transformed it into rich fields. To some ex- 
tent he likewise followed the carpenters trade, and 
thus he lived a life of activity and enterprise. He 
continued to make his home in this county until 
March, 1889, when he was called to his final rest. 
His wife had died a number of years before, pass- 
ing away in 1866. In their family were six chil- 
dren: Elizabeth, now the wife of John Spielman, 
living in Coifey county, Kansas; John, a resi- 
dent farmer of Greenfield, Adair county, Iowa; 
Malissa, the deceased wife of Samuel KiskaJon; 
David H. ; Lueien, who died when about nineteen 
years of age, and Oliver M., who is married and 
lives upon a farm in South Dakota. After losing 
his first wife William Van Ormer was again mar- 
ried, and by that union there was one daugliter, 
Angie M., now residing in Plymouth county, Iowa. 

The father was one of the prominent and influ- 
ential republicans of Manlius township, where he 
filled nearly all the local offices, including those 
of supervisor and justice of the peace. He acted in 
the latter capacity for about twenty years, and his 
decisions were strictly fair and impartial. He was 
an active and faithful member of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, in which he served as class- 
leader for several years, and in all the various re- 
lations of life his straightforward, honorable 
course won him friendship and regard. 

Davis H. Van Ormer was a youth of five sum- 
mers when his parents left the Keystone state, and 
he had reached the age of six years ere the journey 
was completed to Illinois. The father then in- 
vested in eighty acres of land, to which additions 
have been made until the farm now comprises one 
himdred and sixty acres, and it is upon the old 
family homestead that the subject of this review 
yet resides. In the common schools he pursued 
his education, mastering the branches of learning 
usually taught in such institutions. When he was 
twenty-three years of age he and his brother John 
rented the old homestead, which they operated to- 
gether for four years, and on the expiration of 
that period Davis H. Van Ormer purchased the 
intore.'t John had in the eighty-acre tract. After 
the father's death and when the estate was settled 
he bought the interest of the other heirs in the 
other eighty-acre tract, so that he is now the owner 
of a fine farm of one hundred and sixty acres, 
which he has placed under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. He has added many modern accessories and 
equipments, and uses the latest improved machin- 
ery to facilitate the work of the fields. Everything 
about his farm is carefully done, and he now has 
valuable property which is largely a monument to 
the enterprise, thrift and business activity of the 
owner. 

On the 6th of February, 1881, Mr. Van Ormer 
was married to Miss Emma Carney, who was then 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COL'XTY. 



717 






residing in Bureau Ii)\vn.ship. llur birth, however, 
occurred in Putnam eounty, Illinois, and her par- 
ents were John and Angeline (Farney) Carney. 
Unto Jlr. and Mrs. \'an Ornier have been horn 
live cliildren: Lcona May, born January .5, 1882; 
Orpha Angeline, August 19, 1887; Erville Davis, 
July 24, 1889; Percy MiKinley, April 10, 1894, 
and" Lloyd Freedom, April 2G, 1896. 

Mr. Van Ormer lias several times been called to 
public office by his fellow-townsmen, who recog- 
nize his worth and ability. For twenty-five years he 
has served as :>eliool director, and after the build- 
ing of the new school house of Manlius he resigned. 
He has likewise been road commjssioner and 
assessor, while for twelve years he served as jus- 
tice of the peace, making a record equally credit- 
able with that of his father through the control 
and faithful discharge of his duties and his un- 
biased opinions, which were ever based upon the 
equity and the law in the case. His political alle- 
giance has ever been given to the republican party, 
which he has stanchly supported since age con- 
ferred upon him the right of franchise, and lie cast 
his first presidential vote for Hayes in 1876. He 
has not been a politician in the sense of office seek- 
ing, and it is only when urged to accept office by 
his fellow-townsmen that he has consented to do so. 
He and his wife are earnest religious workers, but 
are not connected with any denomination. Tliey 
have always stood for right, for progress, improve- 
ment and reform, and their influence is a potent 
element along lines which work for the welfare of 
the communitv. 



JOHN M. TELLKAMP. 

John M. Tellkamp is an enterprising business 
man of La Moille, connected with its industrial 
and commercial interests. He belongs to that 
class of representative American men who while 
promoting individual success also contribute to 
the general prosperity and thus he has become a 
valued and representative resident of his native 
village. He was born October IC, ISfiS, and is one 
of the ten children of Martin and Katherine (Eg- 
gers) Tellkamp, who were natives of Germany 
and on coming to this country in 1858 settled in 
La Moille. Illinois. They had four sons an<l six- 
daughters, of whom John M. was the fourth in 
order of birth. 

John M. Tellkamp was educated in the public 
schools of La Moille township and when he put 
aside his te.xt-books he took up the trade of his 
father and became a proficient painter. He has 
since followed that occupation, having a liberal 
share of the public patronage in this line. As the 
years have gone by and liis trade has increased, 
bringing him a good financial return, he has in- 
vested in town property and is the owner of three 
houses and lots in La Moille. He is also conduct- 
ing a prosperous business as proprietor of a res- 



laurani and is thus well known in trade circles in 
his native town. 

In 188G Mr. Tellkainp was married to Miss 
Carrie Drummer, who was born in Buffalo, New 
York, January 25, 1868. Her parents were An- 
drew and Elizabeth (Cook) Drummer. The 
father, who was born in (jermany, came to Amer- 
ica and located at Buffalo, New York, fifty-six 
years ago. He was there married to Miss Eli/.a- 
beth Cook, a native of that city, and on leaving the 
Empire state tliey took up their abode in La 
.Moille about thirty-seven years ago. In their 
family were ten children, Mrs. Tellkamp being the 
fifth in order of birth. By her marriage she has 
become the mother of two sons: Fav A., born Oc- 
tober 22, 1893; and Harvey G., born March 9, 
1897. Mr. Tellkamp is a member of the German 
Lutheran church, while his wife and children are 
communicants of the Catholic church. He is also 
identilied with the Masonic fraternity and the 
Modern Woodmen of America. He votes with the 
republican party and has held the office of coun- 
cilman of La Moille. 

From an early age he has made his own way in 
the world and his possessions are the visible evi- 
dence of a life of industry and thrift supple- 
mented by unquestioned business integrity and 
keen discrimination. He has the patronage of 
the public and the esteem of his fellow citizens 
and the family is a prominent one in the commu- 
nity. He is likewise recognized as a leader in 
local republican ranks and was a delegate to the 
county convention which nominated J. W. Tem- 
pleton for state senator. To his children he has 
given excellent educational privileges, sparing no 
expense in this direction and, leaving the kinder- 
garten at the age of six years, Harvey is now at 
the age of nine years in the fourth grade, and 
Fay in the seventh grade. They are also being 
instructed in music and Mr. Tellkamp is resolved 
that they shall have excellent educational privi- 
leges. Both he and his wife are w'idely knowTi in 
La Moille, where the circle of their friends is 
almost co-extensive with the circle of their ac- 
quaintances. 



WILLIAM II. HAINES. 
\\'illiani II. Haines, whose farm of eighty acres 
in Ohio township is the visible proof of his life of 
activity and energy, for he started out upon liis 
business career empty handed, was born in this 
county, September 24, 18G6. There were five 
children, of whom he was the third, in the family 
of his parents, ,\ndrew J. and Julia A. (Williams) 
Haines. The father was born in Maine and mother 
in Pennsylvania and both are now deceased. They 
became residents of Bureau county in the '50s and 
continued to reside here until called to their final 
rest. The father was twice married and liy the 



718 



AST AM) 



HSKXT OF lU KKAT (orXTY 



second union had one daughter, wlio has now 
passed away. 

Reared as a fanner boy, William H. Haines 
pursued his education in the district scliools and 
in Fulton high school, and when not occupied with 
his te.xt-books liis time was largely demanded in 
farm work and he gained practical e.xperience in 
all the tasks relating to the cultivation and devel- 
opment of the fields, so that he brought practical 
experience to his work when he took up farming 
on his own account. He received some assistance 
from his father and has practically depended upon 
his own resources for all that he has achieved, and 
he has added to his property until he now owns 
eighty acres of very rich land, worth from one 
hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. 
There are good buildings upon the place and his 
home is conveniently and pleasantly located near 
the village of Ohio in one of the best farming 
sections of the state. Abundant crops are annu- 
ally gathered and his business is now capably and 
successfully conducted. 

On Christmas day of 1899 was celebrated the 
marriage of William H. Haines and Miss Erva 
Staples, who was born in Bureau county. They 
have a pleasant home and are widely and favorably 
known in this part of the county. Mr. Haines 
votes the republican ticket but has never been 
active in search of public office, preferring to give 
his undivided attention to his business atfairs, in 
which he is now meeting with signal success. He 
holds no mistaken ideas regarding the ease with 
which one may win success but realizes that en- 
ergy and perseverance are essential factors in gain- 
ing prosperity. 



JACOB CHRITZMA>s^ 

On the pages of pioneer history of Bureau 
county the names of Chrit/.man, ICnox and Mer- 
cer figure conspicuously and honorably, and Jacob 
Chritzman, whose name introduces this review, 
is classed among those who bore an important 
and active part in the business development of 
Princeton from an early day. He became a resi- 
dent of the city in 1855 and for many years con- 
ducted an implement store there. Ilis birth oc- 
curred in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, November 7, 
1833. His parents were Henry and Margaret 
(Zigler) Chritzman, both of whom were natives 
of Pennsylvania. The father's birth occurred in 
the beautiful district near Gettysburg, and he 
made his home in Pennsylvania throughout his 
entire life. His wife also |)as.-ied awav there, in 
their family were six children but only one is 
now living, Dr. Harry Chritzman, who is a prac- 
ticing physician residing at Welshrun, Pennsyl- 
vania. 

In the schools of his native town Jacob Chritz- 
man acquired his education. His father died 
when he was a boy and after attending school for 



a few years he went to Lancaster, Pennsylvania, 
where he began to learn the trade of a moulder. 
He was employed there in a foundry for a few 
years and afterward removed to Berrysburg, Penn- 
sylvania, where he was also employed in a foun- 
dry until 1853. That year witnessed his removal 
to the middle west. He first settled in Minnesota, 
where he took up land claims, remaining in that 
state for a short time. He next came to Illinois, 
settling in Carroll county, where he worked at 
his trade until 1855, when he came to Princeton. 
Here he purchased an acre of land near the depot 
and erected thereon a small building, after which 
he began foundry work on his own account. He 
soon removed his plant to Main street owing to 
the increase of his trade and there he began deal- 
ing in implements and wagons, manufacturing his 
own goods. He thus conducted a good retail as 
well as manufacturing business for nuuiy years and 
was one of the leading and representative mer- 
chants of the city. His patronage steadily in- 
creased and his business had grown to such pro- 
portions that in 1878 he felt justified in extending 
the scope of his activities, by adding a complete 
stock of plows, reapers, mowers, threshers, engines, 
cultivators, buggies, wagons, etc., and for a num- 
ber of years ho controlled the most extensive itusi- 
ness of the kind in Bureau county, continuing 
therein until his death. 

On the 10th of January, 1859, Mr. Chritzman 
was married to Miss Rachel Jane Knox, a native 
of Bureau county and a daughter of William and 
Mary (Mercer) Knox, both of whom were natives 
of Ohio. The father was born March 31, 1814, 
and was a son of Joseph Knox, who came from 
the Buckeye state to Bureau county in 1832, the 
year of the Black Hawk war. He was one of its 
first settlers and established his home upon a farm 
in Princeton town.ship, which he developed from 
the wild prairie. Aaron Mercer, grandfather of 
Mrs. Chritznuin, built a log cabin just west of 
Princeton on what is now the Wagner farm. He 
engaged in general agricultural pursuits there 
and occupied his cabin home until his death. He 
was a man of industry and enterprise and pros- 
pered in his undertakings. William Knox, father 
of Mrs. Chritzman, engaged in farming in Prince- 
ton township the greater part of his life but in 
his later days removed to the city of Princeton, 
where he lived retired for seventeen years or until 
his death, which occurred on the 17th of October, 
1898. His wife also passed away in Princeton and 
both were eighty-four years of age at the time of 
their demise. All of their children, eight in num- 
ber, are yet living, namely: Mrs. Chritzman, 
Aaron. Sarali. Oscar. .Mbert, Mai-\. Mnlvina and 
Xan. 

Mr. and Mrs. Chritzman became the parents of 
six children : Albert is now deceased ; Lottie is 
the wife of Thomas Marks, a resident of Rushville, 
Illinois, where he is station agent for the Chicago. 
Burlington & Quincy Railroad Company, and they 



1i 




JACOB CHRITZMAN. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



721 



have two children, Kathryn Marie, born June 3, 
1901, and ClifYord C, born February 25, 1903; 
Fannie died at the age of five years; Clarence mar- 
ried Nellie Pitman and resides in Princeton, 
where he is engaged in the laundry business; Mer- 
cer and Marie M., are both deceased. The 
death of the fatlier occurred October 16, 1889. 

For several years Mr. Chritzman served as 
school director and held several local offices, in 
which he was ever found to be a competent and 
faithful official His political allegiance was given 
to the democracy and he belonged to the Masonic 
lodge and the Knight Templar Commandery of 
Princeton. In his business affairs he prospered, 
becoming well-to-do. Honest and upright in all 
life's relations, his name was a synonym for busi- 
ness integrity and activity. There were no sensa- 
tional chapters in his life history. On the contrary 
his record was characterized by a steady persever- 
ance resulting in successful accomplishment of 
whatever he undertook. He always seemed to real- 
ize and fully meet his obligations of citizenship 
and of business and private life and when he was 
called from the scene of earthly activities his 
death was the occasion of deep regret to all who 
knew him, for he was respected and honored wher- 
ever known. He died at the family home at No. 
221 La Salle street. This is a beautiful residence 
yet occupied by Mrs. Chritzman, who is a member 
of the Methodist E])iscopal church and a lady 
whose many good traits of character have won her 
a large circle of friends. 



GEORGE W. REMSBURG. 

George W. Remsburg, a progressive farmer of 
Ohio township, where he owns an interest in a 
valuable tract of land of one hundred and sixty 
acres, is a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, his 
natal day being June G, 1850. His parents are 
Solomon and Margaret (Shawl) Remsburg, the 
former born in Frederick county, Maryland, and 
the latter in Sandusky county, Ohio. The father 
was first married in JIaryland to Miss Mary A. 
Michael, who was born in that state January 30, 
1821. They then removed to Fremont. Ohio, where 
the wife's death occurred November 28, 1846. She 
had become the mother of two sons. Isaiah and 
Carleton. For his second wife the father chose 
Miss Margaret Shawl, to whom he was married 
November 2, 1847. and unto them were born two 
children, of whom our subject is the younger. The 
parents remained residents of the state of Ob' 
until the vear 18.")7. when they removed westward 
to Ulinois, settling in Bureau county. Here the 
father's death occurred May 27, 1898, but the 
mother still survives. 

George W. Remsburg was only seven years of 
age when he accompanied his parents on their re- 
moval from Ohio to Bureau coiinty, Illinois. He 
received a common-school education, which was 



later supplciiicnied by a course in Wheaton college, 
at Whcaton, Illinois. After putting aside his text- 
books he engaged in farming and stock-raising in 
Ohio township, and this occupation has continued 
to be his life work. As the years have gone by he 
has prospered in his undertakings, each year add- 
ing to his financial resources, until today he owns 
a quarter interest in an estate of one hundred and 
sixty acres of fine farm land, worth from one hun- 
dred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. He 
is operating this tract of land, on which he raises 
the cereals best adapted to soil and climate, and 
he is also engaged in the raising of stock, both 
branches of his business bringing him a gratifying 
income. 

Our subject has been twice married, his first 
union being with Jliss Margaret R. Ross, the wed- 
ding ceremony being performed on the 3d of 
July, 1872. She was born in March, 1852, and 
her death occurred in January, 1880. They had 
become the parents of two children : JIaury B., 
born August 25, 1873, and Virgil C, born De- 
cember 4, 1877. Mr. Remsburg's second union was 
with Miss Aurelia Morse, a relative of Sam- 
uel F. B. Morse, the discoverer of telegraphy. She 
was boxn in Princeton, Illinois, August 26, 1858, 
and on the 24th of November, 1887, gave her hand 
in marriage to George W. Remsburg. Mrs. Rems- 
l)urg was educated in the schools of Princeton, 
passing through consecutive grades until she had 
completed the high-school course. She then en- 
gaged in teaching in Bureau county for ten years 
prior to her marriage. 

In politics Mr. Remsburg is a republican and 
takes an active interest in political affairs. He is 
popular with his fellow-townsmen, having been 
called to a number of township offices. For three 
terms he filled the office of assessor, and for the 
past three years has filled the office of township 
treasurer, being the present incumbent. He has 
also served on the township republican committee, 
and for ten years was a member of the county cen- 
tral committee, filling these different positions in a 
creditable manner. Fraternally he is connected 
with the ;\Iasons, belonging to Bureau lodge. No. 
112, and be is also a member of the chapter, coun- 
cil and commandery at Princeton. He belongs to 
the Modern Woodmen camp. No. 17. and to the 
Knights of the Globe, while he and his wife are 
members of the Eastern Star. In his religious 
views be is liberal, being identified with no denom- 
ination. 

Ifaving spent almost his entire life in Bureau 
county, Mr. Remsburg has been an active worker 
in its development and progress. He has labored 
earnestly and persistently, and, wliile adding to 
his individual prosperity, has done effective work 
for his township and county. He is leading an 
active and busy life, and, while operating a large 
tract of land, which claims much of his time and 
attention, he yet Hiuls time for p\il)lic affairs. He 
iiwiis a beautiful cauntrv home, and he and his 



PAST AM) I'KKSKM' UF lU KHAl' CULXTY. 



wife enjoy to the fullest extent the pleasures of 
life and are popular and influential people of 
Bureau county. 



IIKXKY LAWREXX'E FOSTEK. 
When the tocsin of war sounded men from all 
walks of life flocked to the standard of the Union. 
They came from the work shops, the counting 
houses, the offices and the fields, all actuated by 
the common purpose of sustaining the supremacy 
of the national government. Among the number 
of loyal sons furnished by Bureau county was 
Henrv Lawrence Foster, who made a creditable 
military record and who in days of peace has mani- 
fested an equal spirit of patriotism. He is now 
actively and successfully engaged in farming in 
Concord and has been a life-long resident of this 
locality. He was born September 20, 1838, upon 
the farm belonging to his father, Franklin Foster, 
who came from his native country, FIngland, to 
America at an early age. He resided for a time 
at Boston. Massachusetts, and in the spring of 
1S38 came with his wife, Mrs. Harriet Foster, to 
Bureau county, Hlinois, settling at French Grove, 
where he began farming, an occupation which he 
followed continuously and succeusfully until his 
death. He passed away May 22, 1880, having 
long survived his wife, who died on the 18th of 
August, ]S,Ji. 

In the schools of Buda Henry L. Foster ac- 
quired his education and during the periods of 
vacation he worked on the home farm, continuing 
to assist his father in its development from the 
time his education was completed until the 1st of 
December, 18G1, when he responded to the coun- 
try's call for troops, enlisting as a private of C'om- 
pany E. Thirty-third Illinois \'o!unieer Infantry, 
under Captain Elliott, of Princeton. He contin- 
ued with that command during all of the battles 
and skirmishes in which it participated. He was 
first in the Missouri campaign with the western 
branch of the army and in March, 1863, moved 
down the Mississippi river to Milligan's Bend, par- 
ticipated in the battle and siege of Vickslnirg, Mis- 
sissippi, where he was under fire for forty days, 
taking part in the charge on the forts May 22, 
18G3. The Union troops then drove (ieneral John- 
son back to Jackson, Mississippi, and Company E, 
to which Mr. Foster belonged, lost thirty-four men 
during that engagement. The regiment afterward 
proceeded to New Orleans and assisted in the re- 
capture of that city and of the railroad. They 
held the road until November, when they were 
sent to the border of Mexico, where trouble was 
threatened, going by boat to the Eio Grande river. 
They could not land, however, on account of bad 
weather, so they laid siege to Fort Esperanza, 
which they captured, continuing in that locality 
until January, 18fi4. His term of enlistment hav- 
ing then expired, Mr. Foster returned lioine on a 



furlough of thirty days, after having re-enlisted 
as a veteran to serve until the close of the war. 
He again joined the department of the north and 
took part in the Ped Piver campaign. The Thirty- 
third Illinois afterward proceeded to Mobile, Ala- 
bama, where they assisted in capturing and de- 
molishing Spanish Fort in April, 18G.5. They 
then marched to Montgomery, Alabama, where 
they received the news of President Lincoln's as- 
sassination. From that point they made their 
wav back to Vicksburg, Mississippi, and over into 
.Vi-kansas, where they participated in more skir- 
mishes and battles, taking part in the engage- 
ments at DuvaU's Bluff, Bayou Sasche and Helena. 
During the march from Mobile to Montgomery, a 
distance of one hundred and eighty-six miles, they 
had no provisions only such as they could pick up 
in a devastated country, much of the time living 
on parched corn alone. 

Mr. Foster was mustered out at Vicksburg, Mis- 
sissippi, November 24, 1805, after nearly four years 
of active service with the Union army, during 
which time he proved an intrepid soldier, whose 
valor was displayed on many a southern battle- 
field. When the country no longer needed his aid 
he returned to Bureau county and purchased a 
farm of forty acres, since which time he has been 
devoted to general agricultural pursuits and as 
his financial resources have increased he has added 
to his property until he now has over two hun- 
dred and fifty acres, constituting an excellent and 
well improved farm. 

Mr. Foster had a brother, Edward Brooks Fos- 
ter, who served with the eastern army in the Civil 
war, entering at the three-months' call and after- 
ward re-enlisting for three years. He was born 
in 1840 and joined the LTnion troops as a member 
of the Fortieth New York Regiment of Infantry, 
of which he became a commissioned officer. He 
])articipated in the first and second battles of Bull 
Pun, of Chancellorsville, Gettysburg and many 
others of the most notable engagements of the war. 
He died in 1902 near Des Moines. Iowa, where he 
had lived from 1868, having been one of the prom- 
inent and extensive farmers of that locality. 

On the 14th of October, 186G, Henry L. Foster 
was married to Miss Sarai C. Weston, of Buda, 
a daughter of Joseph Weston, a farmer who had 
lome to Illinois from Maine in 1857. Mrs. Foster 
(lied June 7, 1897, leaving three children: Ilattie 
W., who is a graduate of the Buda high school and 
is at home: Arthur Kendall, who was born in 
1872 and follows farming; and Albert Webb, born 
in 1874. The family have altogether over four 
hundred acres of land and are prominent repre- 
sentatives of the farming interests of this section 
of the state, ilr. Foster belongs to Emory post, 
No. 1!)8, G. A. P., of which he is a past com- 
mander, and he takes an interest in its camp fires, 
recalling memories of the past and of the experi- 
ences upon the tented fields. He is a valued and 
helpful member of the First Baptist church of 



I'AST \\i) i'i;i:si:\' 



<>!•' i!i i;i;ai" (((Intv. 



:•,'.! 



Biula. in which lor years lie has served as a dea- 
con, 'i'liis association is indicative of his character 
and liis principles, for his life has been well spent 
and honorable. 



IlKHBEHT T. lA'LK. 
Herbert T. Lyle, a resident farmer of .Neponset 
township, where he was born on the 11th of May. 
1859, represents one of the old families of the 
county, liis parents being Stephen I), and Eliza 
W. (Hatch) Lyle, of whom extended mention is 
made on another pape of this work in connection 
with the sketch of Oscar II. Lyle. No event of 
special importance occurred to vary the routine of 
fann life for Herbert T. Lyle in his boyhood days. 
His time was divided between the duties of the 
schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground and the 
work of the home farm, and he remained with his 
parents until he had attained the age of twenty- 
two years, when he .stixrted out in life ou his own 
account — following the occupation to which he 
had been reared. He at first farmed eighty acres 
of land, and at the present writing, in 1906, is 
cultivating about one hundred and sixty acres of 
the rich soil of Neponset township. In 1883 he 
erected the residence wliich he now occupies and 
liis farm is a well improved property, equipped 
with good machinery for facilitating the work of 
the fields and supplied with many other modern 
conveniences and accessories. Mr. Lyle is .well 
known as a breeder of cattle, horses, hogs and 
sheep, making a specialty of Xorman horses and 
Poland China hogs. He now has one hundred 
and thirty head of hogs upon his place and he 
made an exhibit this year of his stock at the Ke- 
wanec fair. 

Pleasantly situated in his home life, Mr. Lyle 
was married on the l(!th of September, 1880, to 
Miss Emma E. Barry, who was born in Winchester, 
Scott county. Illinois, October 9, 18.")8, a daughter 
of Jdlin W. and Louisa E. (Blackburn) Barry. 
Her fatlier was born in Z-inosville. Ohio, January 
."), 183.'i, and when a youth of nine years, accom- 
panied his jiarents on their removal to Illinois, 
the journey being made by team to Knox county 
in 1842. There the father, who had taught school 
in Ohio, continued to engage in teaching in the 
winter seasons, while in the summer months he 
followed farming. He was a great political 
spe;iker. In the spring of 1849, attracted by the 
discoverv nf gold on the Pacific slope, he went to 
California, where his death occurred, and in the 
succeeding fall. John W. Barry accompanied his 
uncle to Hcnrv county. Illinois, after which he 
earned liis livelihood for some time by working 
by the day or month in Henry and Bureau coun- 
ties. On the 7th of February, 18.">."), lie wedded 
Louisa Blackburn, who was horn in Yo-kshire, 
Englnnd. in 18.38. and was brought by her p'lrents 
t<) .'\merica in 1842. the family being passengers 



ou a sailing vessel which weighed anchor at Liver- 
pool and reached New Orleans after a voyage of 
seven weeks and two days. From the Crescent 
City they made their way up tlie Mississippi 
river and for two years were residents of Winches- 
ter, Illinois, after which they located on what is 
known as the old Blackburn estate near Kewanec. 
It was in that neighborhood that Mrs. liarry began 
her education at the Weatherstield school. "follow- 
ing the cattle ])ath across the prairie. In .\j)ril 
subsecpient to their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Barry 
removed to Knox county, where he carried mail 
and passengers l)y stage on the Quiiicy route from 
Galesburg to Avon, while the Chicago, Burlington 
li Quincy Bailroad tracks were being laid. This 
route, in charge of William Horace Holcomb, 
was twenty-two miles long, and he made the round 
trip every day in the week. As soon as the rail- 
road was in operation he returned to Henry coun- 
ty, where he resided until 1871, when he removed 
to Aurora. For eight years he was engaged there 
in railroading and in the restaurant business, but 
OH account of impaired health he resumed farming 
in Bureau county, where he devoted his attention 
to general agricultural pursuits until the spring 
of 1888, when he took up his abode in the village 
of Neponsct, there spending his remaining days. 
On the 7lh of February, 19().j, he and his estimable 
wife celebrated their golden wedding anniversarv, 
which was a most enjoyable occasion to all present. 
Many substantial tokens of regard were received 
from their guests, not the least interesting of which 
was a box of orange blossoms for the bride, sent 
by Mrs. Ira 0. Smith, a sister of Mr. Barry's, 
of Los Angeles, California. Mr. Barry often ex- 
pressed the wish that hi' might live to celebrate his 
fiftieth wediling anniversary, and this was vouch- 
safed to him. but he dill iint tarry long in life after- 
ward, dying suddenly at his home in the latter part 
of March, 190.'). He had long resided in this coun- 
ty and was an honored citizen. Young and old, 
rich and poor, were glad to claim his friendship 
and found him a most genial companion. He 
was a strong advocate of the cause of temperance 
and most earnest in his support "f the prohibi- 
tion party. It is said that no man in Neponset 
had more friends than he. Mrs. Barry still sur- 
vives her husband and yet resides in Neponsct. 
In their family were nine children, those vet liv- 
ing being: George, of Downer's drove, Illinoip: 
^Irs. Laura Nevitt, of Chicago: Walter, also of 
Downer's Hrove: Mattie, the wife of Victor Stud- 
lev: Bessie, the wife of 0. .\. Koed : Blanche, the 
wife of Wilbur Blake, of Neponset : Emma, the 
wife of H. T. Lvle, of Neponset. 

The home of ^Ir. and Mrs. Lyle ha.s been 
ble.ssed with two children : Editli L., horn Febru- 
arv 18. 1882. and Theron B., born October 11, 
1890. The former is now the wife of William 
Kn:ipp and has three children. ^Ir. and Mrs. 
Tivle hnve a wide and fnvorahle acquaiiitanee in 
Burenu county, enjoying the hospitality of many 



724 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF HCREAU tOUXTY. 



of the best homes. In politics he is a republican 
and has served as school director for six years, ad- 
vocating the employment of good teachers and 
the upholding of a high standard of public educa- 
tion. He has also been assessor for tour years and 
every public duty devolving upon him has been 
faithfully performed. Fraternally he is con- 
nected with the Independent Order of Odd Fel- 
lows, the Modern Woodmen of America and the 
Yeomen. With the exception of one year he h;is 
resided continuously in this county, where he ha.s 
a very wide acquaintance, and the fact that many 
of his stanchest friends are those who have known 
him from his boyhood days to the present is an in- 
dication that hi^ has been an honorable and up- 
right career. 



IRWIN CAPPERRUXE. 

Irwin Capperrune was born in Yates City, Knox 
county, Illinois, December 31, 1845, and is a son 
of T. R. Capperrune. W'hen four years of age he 
was brought by his father to Bureau county, and 
for nearly fifty years the father continued a resi- 
dent of "this part of the state, living at Boyd's 
Grove, in Milo township, where he was recognized 
as a most valuable citizen, worthy pioneer and up- 
right man. Ho was interested in the intellectual 
and moral progress, as well as in the material de- 
velopment of the community, and he gave the land 
upon which was built the Methodist Episcopal 
church at Boyd's Grove. His death occurred in 
1885, when he had reached the age of seventy-five 
years. 

Irwin Capperrune is one of a family of four 
children, three of whom are now living, and at- 
tended the district schools near his father's farm. 
He then began business life as a farmer, follow- 
ing agricultural pursuits continuously until 1903, 
when with his family he came to Bradford. 

Mr. Capperrune married Miss Eva C. Bowman, 
a daughter of Jacob Bowman, an early settler of 
Bureau county. There have been three children 
of this marriage, two sons and a daughter. 



JAMES McCREEDY. 
On the list of Bureau county's honored dead 
appears the name of James McCreedv. wlio was 
born March 20. 1820. and died Octolicr 15. 
1894. He lived the life of an uprisht, active 
and honorable farmer, who was ever a champion 
of all that pertained to general improvement and 
progress and who stood for all that is just, true 
and right in man's relations with his fellowmen. 
His parents were George and Margaret (Nelson) 
McCrcedy. the latter a descendant of Lord Nel- 
son of Englanrl. Both the father ami mother. 
however, were born in Scotland. Bocomiiig resi- 



dents of America, they established their home in 
Delaware, where the birth of James McCreedy 
occurred. He completed his education in the 
schools of that state, and, removing to Michigan, 
settled at Greenville, where he conducted a gen- 
eral store for a number of years. He also owned 
property in the town, having forty acres within 
the corporation limits. In the year 1858 he came 
from Michigan to Bureau county and made in- 
vestment in the present homestead, on which his 
widow is now living. It comprises one hundred 
and sixty acres of land on section 17, Westfield 
township, and is a valuable farm property, 
equipped with modern conveniences and all the 
acces.sories that go to make up a model farm of 
the twentieth century. Mr. McCreedy displayed 
excellent ability as a financier, together with keen 
insight into business conditions and unfaltering 
energy in the execution of his plans. He engaged 
in the raising of grain and stock, making a spe- 
cialty of shorthorn cattle. He paid about twelve 
dollars per acre for the first land which he pur- 
chased in Bureau county and which today is worth 
from one hundred and seventy-five to two hun- 
dred dollars per acre. His business interests were 
most carefully conducted and whatever ho under- 
took he carried forward to successful completion. 

Mr. McCreedy was married to Miss Ellen Mc- 
Dowell in Chester county. Pennsylvania, in 1860, 
and bringing his bride to Illinois, settled upon 
what has since been known as the homestead 
farm. She was born in the Keystone state, April 
11, 1838, a daughter of William and Margaret 
(McCracken) McDowell, both of whom were 
natives of Chester county, Pennsylvania. Unto 
Mr. and Mrs. McCreedy were horn eight children, 
of whom four have passed awav, namely : Martha, 
who died March 18, 1864: Margaret," April 12, 
1864: George, April 25, 1891; and Fred, Feb- 
ruary 1. 1893. Those still living are James El- 
ston, William John Eugene, Albert J. and Ella 
V. Margaret. 

In his religious faith Mr. McCreedy was a 
Presbyterian, and the family all hold member- 
ship in the church of that denomination at Arling- 
ton. He was also a Master Mason, his affiliation 
being with Arlington lodge. His life was in har- 
mony with the beneficent principles of the craft 
and with his professions as a member of the 
church. He was never known to take advantage 
of the necessities of liis fellowmen in any business 
transaction, and although he attained a high meas- 
ure of isnccess it was nttributed entirely to his 
judicious investment, his careful management and 
his marked business enterprise. All who knew 
him respected him and those who came within 
the closer circle of his friendship entertained for 
him the warmest personal regard. He was de- 
voted to his family, and it was one of the pleas- 
ures of his life that his successes enahlerl him to 
minister to the ccuufort and happiness of his wife 
and children. He attninod the age of seventy- 





Ahi;i-:i!T J. McClJKKDY. 



MISS ELl.A \. M. M( ( 1;KE1)Y. 






Mi;s. .lA.MKS M, ( l.'K.KDY 



JAMES McCREEDY 




JAMES E. McC'EEEDY. 



W. J. E. M(('|{I:E1)Y 



I'AST AND PHE8EXT OF I'.ll.'KAr (OINI 



four years, and when called to his tiual rest left 
behind him an untarnished name and a uieniorv 
that is (.herishud liy lrien<ls and noi-rldmrs a.s wufl 
as his immediate family. 

llrs. .\k-(_'ieody :itill rcsklos uiion the old home- 
Stead and superintends the plaee, two of her sons 
assisting her in the work, while William owns 
and operates two hundred and lifty-niue acres 
of land in Whiteside county, Illinois, this being 
his share of the estate. Mrs. Mct'reedy has a 
be;nitil'id home staiidiiie; in the midst of well 
tilled fields and surro-nded by a line lawn and 
shade trees. In addition to this property she 
owns four hundred acres of land in Fairfield 
county, Illinois, one hundred and sixty acres south 
of Arlingtcm known as the Little homestead, four 
hundred and forty acres in Chase county, Kansas, 
and some real estate in the village of Arlington. 
Her possessions altogether aggregate twelve hun- 
dred and forty acres, and in the nianagement of 
her ijrooerty interosts Mrs. ikt'reedy has dis- 
played excellent business understanding and enter- 
prise. The family is one of prominence in the 
community, greatly esteemed liy all with whom 
they have come in contact and Mrs. McCreedy 
has won tlie most kindly regard by reason of her 
manv excellent traits of heart and iniii<i. 



GEORGE WASHINGTON DAHLEK. 

Geoorge Washington Dahler, one of Indiana's 
native sons now living in Hureau county, was born 
in Wabash, that state, on the '^<\ of I)ecend)er, 
1848, his parents being John and Salonui (Cba- 
riet) Dabler. The father was a native of Penn- 
sylvania, where he worked as a boat builder. At 
a later date he took up his abode in Wabash coun- 
ty, Indiana, where he continued to make his home 
until 1852. when he removed to Bureau county, 
Illinois, and for some time lived in the Bryan log 
cabin near Princeton. Subsequently he purchased 
forty acres of land, and soon after bought a land 
warrant from the war of 1812 for one hundred 
and sixty acres, for which he paid at the rate of a 
dollar and a quarter per acre. Upon the farm he 
thus secured he spent the remainder of his days. 
His time and energies were given to general agri- 
cultural pursuits, which resulted in making him 
one of the substantial residents of the county. In 
186.5 he was called upon lo mourn the loss of his 
wife, who died on the 1st of .Tidy of that year, 
while he survived her for about thirty years, jja.'^s- 
ing away June 21. ISOl. 

George W. Dabler pursued a common-school ed- 
ucation in this county, whither h<' was brought l)y 
his jiarents when but fmii- years of age. When bid 
a young lad be Ijegan work in the fields, taking his 
place behind the plow and iloing other lai)or inci- 
dent to the care and cultivation of the fields. 
Throughout his entire life he has been engaged in 
fariniriET. and (ho home place now comprises two 



hundred and forty-six acres of rich and arable 
land, on which are good buildings and excellent 
^'rades of slock. It shows in its neat aiul thrifty 
appearance his careful supervision and practical 
i)usiness methods. By the faithful performance of 
each day's duties he finds inspiration and courage 
for the labors of tlie succeeding day, and as the 
years go by he adds to ins comj)etence, so that he 
is now a substantial citizen of his community. 

Mr. Dabler was married to Miss .\nna .M. Hart- 
man, a ilaugider of John Hartman, of Manlius 
lownshi]). Her father was a native of Biieks coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, and came to Princeton in 1853. 
I'nto Mr. and ilrs. Dabler have been born eleven 
children who are living, while three have passed 
away. Those who still survive are: Charles H., 
Bertha M., Franklin L., Kose G., Harvev G., Je.«s 
W., Grover ('., Earl K.. CiilTord, I!ay ('."and Mar- 
shall. Those who have departed this life are: Wil- 
liam, who died at the age of two months: John, 
who died at the age of nine years, and Saloma. 
■vhen Irii years of age. 

Mr. Dabler has lieen roa<l eomnussioner tor 
eighteen consecutive years, and treasurer of the 
board of commissi(Uiers for sixteen years. He has 
l)een elected on the denuicratie ticket, and the fact 
that he has again and again been chosen to these 
offices is proof conclusive of his capability and the 
confidence repo.sed in him by his fellow-townsmen. 
He was appointed postmaster of Manlius under 
Grover Cleveland, and served from 1884 until 
1903. Fraternally he is connected with Hoi)e 
lodge, No. 171, Mystic Workers, of Manlius, while 
all of the family are Baptists in religious faith, 
attending the services of that church ami aiiling 
in its work and su|)|iiirt. 



ORRIS W. MASON. 

Orris W. Mason, engaged in general farming in 
Concord township, was born at Buda, Illinois, 
June 21, lS(i4. and is a son of Cyrus Parker and 
Sarah Jane (Noyes) ila.son, of whom mention is 
nuide on another page of this volume. The parents 
were of Scotch descent and were natives of New 
Hampshire. The father, who devoted his life to 
farming and stock-raising, was born .\ugust 13, 
lS;n, and died January 8, 1897, while his wife, 
who was born February 25, 1S.3.T, died March .3, 
i;)On. They were both nuMubers of the Buda 
Union Christian Society. 

Orris W. ^fa.son pursued his education in the 
public schools of Buda and was reared to the occu- 
pation of farming, early becoming familiar with 
the work of fiehl and meadow. He has always 
lived upon the home y)lace with the exception of 
about a vear and a q\iarter spent in Nebraska, 
in the employ of J. IT. Clark, of Dorchester, that 
state. He resides on section ,33. Coiu'ord township, 
and owns and operates two liundred and twelw 
acres of rich farming land, which is located in 



r28 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Concord and Macon townships, and is entirely 
free from all indebtedness. In addition to the 
farm he also has various financial interests in dif- 
ferent places and he owns and operates the best 
equipped cider mill in the county with a capacity 
of three tliousand gallons in ten hours. 

On the 15th of June, 1893, at the home of the 
bride's parents, in Macon township, Mr. Mason 
was married to Miss Adah L. Chase, who was 
born February 1, 1872. in Buda, Illinois, a daugh- 
ter of James S. and Imogene L. (Hood) Chase. 
The father, born in Fairfield, Elaine, June 25, 
1831, died January 10, 1897, only two days after 
the death of Mr. Mason's father. Mrs. Chase, 
who was born June 10, 1850, at Indianapolis, 
Indiana, now resides in Buda. They were the 
parents of three children : Adah L., George E. and 
L^ura \V.. all residents of Buda. Mr. and Mrs. 
Mason have two children: Celia Chase Mason, 
born .\pril 26. 1901, and Eunice Hood Mason, 
born January 23, 1903. 

In politics Mr. Mason is a republican, unfalter- 
ing in his allegiance to the party. He has served 
as director for si.x or seven years of the Bureau 
County & Wvanet Mutual Insurance Company, 
and for the last three years has been its president. 
The honors and emoluments of political office, 
however, have no attraction for him, as he prefers 
to concentrate his energies upon his business af- 
fairs and other interests. He belongs to Buda 
lodge, No. 575, I. 0. 0. F., of which he has been 
noble grand for two terms; Buda lodge, Xo. 399, 
A. F. & A. M., of which he was senior and junior 
warden one term : tlie Buda Daughters of Re- 
bekah. No. 339 : the Buda chapter of the Eastern 
Star, No. 248, of which he was worthy patron for 
four terms, and Buda encampment. No. 130, I. 
0. 0. P., of which ho was chief patriarch for one 
term. He is liberal in his religious views and is a 
Unitarian in his affiliation, while for nine vears 
he has been secretary of the Buda Union Christian 
Society. 



CHARLES HIRAM PETTEYS. 
Charles Hiram Petteys owns and operates a val- 
uable farm of one hundred and ninety-four acres 
in Concord township. He was born at Janesville. 
Wisconsin, April 15, 1852, and is a son of George 
and Sarah M. (Wilber) Petteys. The father was 
a farmer by occupation and witli his family re- 
moved to Boone county, Illinois, from Wisconsin 
in 1853. The following year, however, he took 
up his abode in Henry county, this state, where 
he spent his remaining davs. passing awav in 
August, 1862. 

Charles IT. Petteys was a youth of twelve years 
when, in 1864. he came to Bureau countv to be- 
come a resident of 'Macon township. His early 
education was acquired in the district schools and 
he afterward continued his studies in Buda, heinir 



graduated from the high school there. His youth 
was largely devoted to farm labor and he gained 
broad practical experience in this direction. After 
leaving school he entered the railroad shops at 
Buda and was emploj^ed as a brakeman and in 
other railroad services for a year. Subsequently 
he returned to farming in Macon township, where 
he lived for four years, when he took up his abode 
in Concord township, in the vicinity of Buda, 
where he has since remained. His time and ener- 
gies are devoted to general agricultural pursuits, 
<uk1 he owns one hundred and ninety-four acres 
of rich and arable land, constituting an excel- 
lent farm that in its equipments has become 
known as one of the model farm properties of his 
locality. 

Mr. Petteys was married December 20, 1877, to 
Miss Ella M. Beckwith, of Buda, a daughter of 
W. N. Beckwith. a farmer and stockman. In his 
religious views Mr. Petteys is a Congregationalist, 
holding membership with the chiirch in Buda, and 
he stands for all that is right and just in man's 
relations to his fellowman and for all that is pro- 
gressive and practical in citizenship. 



MRS. ALICE C. FAUBLE. 

Mrs. Alice C. Fauble, residing in La Moille, 
was born in Clarion township. Bureau county. 
Illindis. October 6, 1860, and is a daughter of 
John and Lucy M. (Smith) Clapp. Her father 
was born in Northampton, Massachusetts, on the 
1st of October. 1814. while the mother's birth 
occurred in Alden, Erie countv. New York, .-Xpril 
19. 1818. In the year 1834 John Clapp arrived 
in Bureau county and on the 20th of October, 
1837, was married in Princeton to Miss Lucy M. 
Smith, whose residence here dated from almost as 
early a period as her husband's. Mr. Clapp was 
a farmer by occupation and owned at the time of 
bis death a tract of land of one hundred and 
sixtv acres. In the familv were seven children : 
Charles S., Harriet W., Cephas P.. William A., 
Dwight, .Albert N.. and Alice M. Of this family 
Charles was a soldier of the Civil war. enlisting 
from Illinois at the beginning of hostilities, and 
he lost his life at the battle of Champion Hill 
on the 16th of Mav. 1863. 

The daughter Alice spent her girlhood days in 
her parents' home and obbiined her education in 
the public schools. On the 30th of August. 1881. 
s1ie gave her hand in marriage to John Fauble. 
who was born in Leo county, Illinois, November 
16. 1857. He was a farmer by occupation and 
became a resident of Bureau county in 1897. 
spending his remaining days here. He was the 
ow7ier at the time of his death of one hundred and 
flftv-three acre< of choice land, together with a 
house and lot. He displayed excellent manage- 
ment in his business affairs, combined with keen 
s'igacity and unfaHcring enterprise, so that whnt- 



PAST A.\D I'lJESKNT OF Kl K'KAi; COINTV. 



7:^9 



ever he uuderlook he carried forward to success- 
ful completion. He held membership with the 
Mystic Workers, aud was prominent anxl iuliu- 
eutial in community interests, acting ai a member 
of tlie village council and also as school director. 
Matters relating to the public welfare received his 
earnest consideration and he gave his support to 
whatever he deemed would prove of general good. 
He held membership m the Evangelical diurch at 
Perkins' Grove and was one of its active, earnest 
and etlicient workers. His life was honorable and 
upriglit, his actions nutnly aud sincere and his 
good qualities of heart and mind drew to him the 
friendship and kindly regard of all with whom he 
came in contact, so that his death, which occurred 
on the 29th of October, ISiOU, was the occasion of 
deep and wide-spread regret. The community lost 
a valued citizen and his family a devoted hus- 
band and father. 

Mrs. Fauble is a member of the Congregational 
church and of various societies connected there- 
with for the promotion of its growth and the ex- 
tension of its influence. She is a lady of excellent 
business ability, a capable financier, and is in 
every way able to manage her business interests, 
wliich arc of considerable importance. The fami- 
ly to which she belongs is one of some note, her 
brother, Cephas, being a Congregational minister 
and state superintendent of home missionary work 
at Forest Grove, Oregon. Mrs. Fauble is a lady of 
high attainments, of natural culture and reline- 
ment, and enjoys the esteem and good will of 
many friends. Her lionic is justly celebrated for 
its gracious and pleasing hospitality and her co- 
operation may be relied upon in every good work. 



REV. H. DECKER. 

Rev. H. Decker has since 1887 been pastor of 
the Evangelical Tjutlicran Zion church in Clarion 
township. This church was organized -Vugust 17, 
1856, and Rev. George Guebner became the first 
pastor. A few months later, however, he was suc- 
ceeded by Rev. I. Koch, wlio came in April, 18.t7. 
and reinaincil unlil December of that year, when 
Rev. George Guebner was called to take charge. 
He remained from tlio ;)nth of May, 1858, until 
August, ISfiO. and was followed by Rev. TI, Eblers. 
who continued as pa.stor until October, 18G7. His 
sueeessor was the Rev. G. Albert Schieferdecker, 
who served the church until ."Vpril, 187-1, when Rev. 
.Tojm Wittig was called to the pastorate, remaining 
until August, 1887. The Rev. K. Heinrich A. 
Decker, then assuming tlio pastorate on the 15th 
of September, 1887, has since ministered to flie 
spiritual needs of his eongregafioii and under hif 
guidance the church has made substantial progress. 

Rev. Decker was born in Rendsburg, Germany, 
.Tune 12, 1851, and in 1873 came to .Vmerica. He 
was assistant pastor of a church at Keokuk Junc- 
tion from December, 1874, until Februarv. 1876. 



after wiiich he liUed the pastorate of St. i'aul'B 
church at Fowler and of St. Peters church at 
Coatsburg, Illinois, until 1887. He was then 
calle<l to his present charge, his pastorate here 
covering nearly twenty years. He was educated 
in the sciiools of Hadersleben and Schleswig and 
afterward in the Mission House of Mels\ingen, 
(iermany, aud in the Wartburg Seminary at St. 
Sebald. Iowa. In 1874 tiiis seminary was re- 
moved to Mendota, Hlinois, and he finished his 
education there, being ordained to the priesthood 
on the 23d of June, 1876, at Mendota. His life 
has since been devoted to his holy calling and his 
labors and efforts iiavc been of no restricted influ- 
ence but have borne good fruit in the growth of 
the churcli. 

Rev. Decker was married July 11, 1876, at 
Peoria, Illinois, to Mi.ss Sophie Muenstermann, 
who was born in Hoenebach, Germany, January 
6, 1852, and came to this country on tlie same ship 
with her future husband. Their marriage has been 
blessed with nine children: C. August, who was 
born June 25, 1877, and is now pastor of a church 
in Peoria, Illinois: C. Heinrich T., who was born 
January 2, 1879, and is a mining engineer in Ari- 
zona ; Rudolph F. C, who wa.« born July 20, 1881, 
and is a practicing physician; Paul G. H., who 
was born JIarch 25, 1883, and is now studying 
philosophy: Erich G. T., who was born August 
2, 1885, and is a telegraph operator in Colorado ; 
Johannes F. K., who was born December 20, 1887, 
and died .Vugust 30, 1888: Theodore C;. R., who 
was born December 7. 1890, and is a student in 
the college at Clinton, Iowa; lilizabelh L. L. E., 
ivho was born March 7, 1892, and is at home: and 
Frieda M. M., wlio was born .Vugust 23, 1894, and 
is also with her parents. 

Politically !Mr. Decker is a republican with in- 
dependent tendencies. He belongs to the I.,uth- 
eran .synod of Iowa, and is president of the south- 
ern district of the synod. He has held several of 
the offices wliich have come as the gift of the 
church through its auxiliary branches. Zion 
church, of which he is now pastor, has a mcmber- 
sliip of sixty heads of families and an attendance 
of three hundred and lifty people. The house of 
worship was erected in 1857, the corner stone 
having been laid on the 11th of October of that 
vear bv the Rev. Koch, while thi^ dedicatory ser- 
vices were conducted by the Rev. Gueimer. Sep- 
tember 19. 1858. The three members who offi- 
ciated at the laying of the corner stone were 
Frederick .Stambcrger. John F. Meier and Nicho- 
las Gross. Tlie cliurch sleeplc was built in 1874. 
and two bells, placed therein, were dedicated on 
the 25th of Octolier of (hat year. The cliurch was 
enlarged in 1902 and a pipe f)rgan secured, wliile 
at the same time new windows were purchased 
and put in. \ new TiUtlteran constitution was 
ailoptcd January 13, 1868. This church lias many 
associatiiuis for (lie people of Clarion township and 
it.^ pastor has been the counselor and .sympathetic 



*.3o 



PAST AND I'HKSKXT oF lUliKAl' COIXTY. 



adviser of many of its inemberB and friends 
througii a long period. He has worked untiringly 
tor tlie upbuilding of the cluirch and the extension 
of its influence and his words of wisdom and truth 
as pronounced in the pulpit Sunday after Sunday 
have led many to seek a better way of life, leading 
to the development of high character. The pastor 
enjoys the fullest regard of the entire community 
irrespective of religious faith, his own life being 
largely an exemplification of his teaching. He 
was ably qualified by liberal educational advan- 
tages for his holy calling and since leaving college 
he has been unfaltering in his devotion to the 
church and its work, his labors proving a strong 
element in tlic moral development of Clarion town- 
ship. 



HENRY C". C'ODDINGTON. 
Henry C. Coddington. a retired farmer resid- 
ing at the corner of Warren and Fourth streets in 
Princeton, is one of Bureau county's native sons, 
having first opened his eyes to the light of day on 
the 14th of August, 1850, on the old family home- 
stead in Dover township. His parents were James 
and Catherine (Fear) Coddington. The father 
was born, reared and married in Allegany county, 
Maryland, but at an early day emigrated to Bu- 
reau county. Illinois. He comes of jrood old Revo- 
lutionary stock and is of Scotch descent. When 
the colonists resolved to throw oft' the yoke of 
British oppression his grandfather, Benjamin 
Coddington, shouldered his musket and went to 
the front to aid in securing independence. After 
hostilities ceased and peace was once more estab- 
lished he located ujion a farm in Maryland, which 
he operated with the aid of the numerous slaves 
that he own(>d. 

It was u]ion that plantation that James Cod- 
dington, father of our subject, was born January 
25, 171)8, and he was there reared to manhood in 
the usual manner of sons of the planters of the 
south in comfortable circumstances. In 183-1: he 
started for Illinois, walking part of the way and 
traveling by water to some extent. At length he 
landed at Hennepin, Illinois, whence he came to 
Bureau county, and here he invested in land in 
Dover township, upon which he spent his remain- 
ing (lays as a farmer. He took prairie lanil, 
which was scarcely improved, save that a little 
cabin had been built. He paid a dollar and a 
fjuartcr per acre for two hundred acres and he 
placed all of the improvements ujion the property, 
which in course of time was transformed from a 
wild, uncultivated tract of land into one of rich 
fertility, adorned with all of the evidences of the 
model farm. In. early days he hauled his grain 
to Chicago and Henry C. Coddington now has in 
his possession a grindstone for which his father 
traded an entire load of wheat in Chicago. James 
Coddington whs a stalwart republican, but with- 



out asjiiration for office. lie attended the Meth- 
odist church and Sunday-school at Dover and his 
influence was always on the side of ritrht and jus- 
tice, although he did not hold membership in the 
church. He was accidentally killed by being 
thrown from a buggy in June, 1870, while on a 
visit to his native state. His family numbered 
ten children, three of whom are living: Henry 
C; Harvey J., who resides upon a farm in Dover 
township; and Mrs. Annie Frazee, the wife of 
Milford Frazee, residing near her brother Henry. 

Reared on the old homestead, Henry C. Cod- 
dington at the usual age began his education in 
the public schools and when not busy with his 
text-books his time was largely occupied with the 
work of the fields or other tasks connected with 
the farm work. He remained with his father un- 
til the latter's death and then succeeded to the 
ownership of two hundred acres of land, to which 
he has added until his real-estate holdings com- 
prise five hundred and sixteen acres of very valu- 
able farming land in Bureau county. For a con- 
siderable period he devoted his time and energies 
to the labors of the farm and continued to reside 
upon the old liomestead in Dover township imtil 
190(), when he retired to Princeton, where he pur- 
chased a new and beautiful residence. Upon the 
honu' place is a large brick residence of ten rooms 
and two large halls, all lighted and heated by gas. 
Mr. Coddington added all modern equipments to 
his farm and has there a natural gas well, one 
hundred and sixty feet deep with twenty pounds 
pressure. This has been in continuous operation 
since 1897. Mr. L'oddington becanu' well knowi\ 
as a successful stockman and from 188!) until 
1899 handled Galloway cattle, wliile since the lat- 
ter date he has handled Hereford cattle. His 
cattle are thoroughlireds and he has the best herd 
in the county, nund)ering from forty to fifty head. 
He also raises Poland China hogs and is one of 
the substantial farmers of the county. 

On the 23d of December. 187(). Mr. Coddington 
was united in marriage to iliss Mary Ann Pierce, 
of Paw Paw, Lee county, Illinois, a daugliter of 
Charles Pierce, who was born in Kingston, Penn- 
svlvania. and became a resident of Lee county in 
1S35. There he opened up a farm of three hun- 
dred aiul twenty-five acres of land and became a 
re])resentative citizen of that county, continuing 
his residence there until called to his fiiuil rest. 
Six cliildren have been born unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Coddington: Charles J., born March 21, 1877; 
Emma, who died in 1902; Mabel, born in August. 
1881 ; Martha and ]\rary. twins, born July 29. 
1885. the former now the wife of Albert Schinaus, 
of Ohio, Illinois; aiul Mary, the wife of Elmer 
Hoover, their home being upon the old home- 
stead in Dover township; and Philip Raymond, 
who was born Xovember 10, 1890. Tlie wife and 
mother died December 10. 1901. and Xoveuibi'r 
23, 1905, Mr. Coddington was uuirried to Mrs. 



11 



i 




If. ('. C'ODDINGTON. 





■ 




^1 


^^m 

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^■^n 


\ i^^^^^^^^^^^^^^H 




w^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^Hi 




H 



.lA.MliS (■(ll)|)IN(;'l'().\. 



A 



PAST AMI 



K\' 



(»K 



'.I i;i:ai ((HN'rv. 



a iKitivc of .MilwauUcu, Wis- 



Xi'llii.' l)l:iiuh:iril 
(.•oiisiii. 

.Mr. Coddincrton votos with tlii' repulilitan party 
aiul keejis well inl'onned on the <|iit'stioiis and is- 
sues of the day, so that he is able to support his 
political position by intelligent argunient. Fra- 
ternally he is connected witli Bureau lodge, Mo. 
112, .\. F. & A. M., and Princeton chapter. No. 
28, 1\. A. M. His children are members of the 
English Lutheran church. In his business alfairs 
ho has prosj)eretl and is now one of the extensive 
landowners of the county. Through his carefully 
directed labors he has been able to provide his 
family with the comforts of life and has more- 
over a splendid competence. Although he inher- 
ited the farm his prosperity is largely attributable 
to his continued activity and enerjiy and his well 
directed labors. He is seldom at error in matters 
of business judgment and is still supervising his 
farming and stock-raising interests, from which 
he derives a verv uratifving financial return. 



LEWIS -M. PETEHSOX. 

Lewis "SI. Peterson, familiarly called ••L'nclc 
Louie" wherever he is known, is now a retired 
farmer of Bureau ct)unty, still holding large 
landed interests in Wyauet and Concord town- 
ships. He resides in the village of Wyanet in the 
enjovTiient of well (sii-inil rest, which has come to 
him as a reward of earnest, persistent and con- 
secutive labor in former years. He was born in 
Sweden in 1842 and is a son of I'eter Olson, who 
came to Bureau county in LS(J8 and died soon 
afterward. 

Lewis M. Peterson received l)ut limited educa- 
tional privileges in the schools of Sweilen. He 
came to Bureau county in 18(Jo, when a young 
man of about twenty-three years, and here began 
farming, an occupation which he made his life 
work. At length when his labors had brought to 
him sufficient capital he purchased forty acres 
of land in Concord township, for which lie paid 
twenty-eight dollars per acre, earning the money 
by chopping wood and splitting rails. He began 
the development and improvement of the land 
and as the years have passed and his financial re- 
sources have incH'ased he has added to this forty 
acres until he now owns eight hundred and lifty 
acres of line land in Bureau county, which is very 
valuable and desirable. He likewise has five hun- 
dred and si.vty acres in Colorado and is nnm- 
iiered among the wealthy residents of this part of 
Illinois. His land is devoted to general farming 
and stock-raising and he continueil as an active 
representative of agricultural interests until 1!'i)2. 
when he retired from tiie more arduous duties of 
farm life and removed to Wyanet, where ho built 
a beautiful home and has since lived. He has 
also erected two fine residences upon his two farms 
in Bureau countv and also on his farm in Colo- 



rado, wliich are almost eijual to his splendid new 
residence in Wyanet. He is now one of the di- 
rectors of tlie Farmers' Elevator of Wyanet, which 
was purchased by a company, of which he is a 
member, in 11)05. 

Mr. Peterson was married to Sophia Dahlberg, 
who was born in Sweden and came alone to this 
country. Si.x children were the result of this mar- 
riage. .\lbert is nuirried and lives upon his father's 
farm, which is located eight miles northwest of 
\\ yanet. Sarah Maria is nuirried and lives upon 
her father's farm in Colorado^ William makes his 
home in New Jersey. A. G. lives upon one of his 
father's farms near Wyanet. Kosa is at home, and 
Hilma is the wife of Oscar Ryburg, a resident of 
Princeton. 

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are members of the 
Swedish Lutheran church, in the work of which 
they are deeply interested and to the support of 
whicli they contribute liberally. Mr. Peterson is 
now serving both as deacon and trustee of the 
church. In politics he is a republican, who keeps 
well informed on the (piestions and issues of the 
day and does all in his power to promote the 
growth and insure the success of his party, be- 
lieving that its policy is most conducive to good 
government. When he arrived in this country he 
had a capital of only four dollars and a half. He 
has worked hard until he is now one of the richest 
men in this part of the county. His farms are 
all well imjiroveil and under a good state of culti- 
vation. He has indeed been a very successful man 
and is a leader among the Swedish-.Vmerican peo- 
ple of this portion of Illinois. His life record 
proves conclusively the value of industry and per- 
severance as a factor in business and should serve 
as a source of inspiration and encouragement to 
others, for, as the architect of his own fortunes, 
he has builded wisely and well and his properlv 
interests are the visilile evidence of a life of thrift 
and well direcli'd lai)or. 



GE()I{(H<: MAY. 

There are representatives of various nationali- 
lies in Bureau county but none have proven a more 
worthy element in its citi/cnship than tho.^ic who 
have I'ome from the fatherland. To this class be- 
longs George Alay, who was born in Prussia, Sep- 
teud)er 82, 18:32, and when twenty-two years of 
age crossed the Atlantic to the United States. 
Thinking that he would have better business op- 
porluiiitii'S in the middle west, he continued his 
journey from the seaboard to Chicago, where he 
remained for about four years. lie then removed 
to Heniii'pin, Piitruim county, where he worked 
at farm labor until his diligem'o and enterprise 
had brought him sullicient capital to enable him 
to purchase a farm of his own. I,ater, however, 
he .sold his ])roperly in Putnam cminty and in 
18T2 I'cmoved to Mureau countv. where he pur- 



736 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



chased eighty acres, constituting the nucleus of 
his present homestead. As liis liuancial resources 
have increased and favorable opportunity has of- 
fered he has added to the original tract until he 
now owns three hundred and twenty acres of good 
farm land. His place is carefully cultivated and 
he annually harvests good crops. He is also a 
stockholder in the Fanners' Elevator and is thus 
identilied with the grain trade of the county. 

Mr. May was married in Hennepin, Putnam 
county, Illinois, to Miss Lucy Wintersein, a daugh- 
ter of Lambert and^ Mary (Drasin) Wintersein, 
who were farming people of Hennepin, Putnam 
county, Illinois. The wedding was celebrated 
June 28, 1866, and has been blessed with five 
living children : Anna May, now the wife of 
Nathan Coddington, a resident farmer of Bureau 
township; George P., who is also engaged in the 
tilling of the soil in Bureau township and who 
married Miss Kate Draman; William Henry, a 
stock-buyer of Manlius, who wedded Miss Nellie 
Morgan, of Bureau township; Benjamin Frank, 
who is living in Manlius township : and Everett 
Forest, at home. One daughter, Mary, became 
the wife of Peter Johnson, of Irvington, Iowa, and 
died in September, 1901. 

Mr. May is an active republican, interested in 
the success of his party and doing all in his power 
to promote its growth and secure the adoption of 
its principles. He is recognized as one of its able 
and earnest workers in this locality and is num- 
bered among those who regard it as the duty as 
well as the privilege of every American citizen to 
exercise his right of franchise and thus support 
the principles in which he lielieves. Though born 
across the water he is thoroughly loyal in his de- 
votion to the stars and stripes and there would be 
naught said against the foreign element if all 
manifested the spirit of allegiance and fidelity 
displayed by Mr. May. On the contrary, such a 
citizenship would be gladly welcomed to American 
shores. 



SAMUEL S. EVANS. 

Samuel S. Evans is one of the younger repre- 
sentative business men of Princeton connected 
with the Evans, Coppins & Starks Company, which 
controls one of the leading productive industries of 
the city. In his business career he has wrought 
along modern lines of development and progress, 
has sought out new methods for the enlargement 
of the trade and has manifested a spirit of enter- 
prise which has made him a leading business man 
of the county seat. 

Mr. Evans was born in Bureau county in 1872, 
his parents being George P. and Arabella 
(Mohler) Evans. The paternal grandfather, Win- 
field S. Evans, was born in Rockingham county, 
New Hampshire, March 8, 1816, and was a son of 
Samuel Evans, who was born in Strafford county. 
New Hampshire. The last named was a son of 



Edmund Evans, the founder of the family in the 
new world. He was a native of England and with 
a brother crossed the Atlantic to America, locating 
upon a farm in Stratford county. New Hamp- 
sliire. Both he and his brother served as soldiers 
of the Revolutionary war. Samuel Evans was one 
of a family of nineteen children, all of whom 
reached mature years. 'J'he eldest child, Louisa, 
married a Mr. Layton, a farmer of the old Granite 
state, and died when in her one hundredth year. 

On reaching manliood Samuel Evans married 
Miss Hannah Woodman, a native of New Hamp- 
shire, and afterward worked at his trade of black- 
smithing in Nottingham, that state, where his 
death occurred when his son W. S. Evans was 
seven years of age, and the following year his wife 
also passed away. Winfield S. Evans was the 
third in order of birth in their family of six chil- 
dren, the others being Elvin A., William Harrison, 
Samuel Plunimer, Sophrnnia and Leazer W. R. 

The advantages, educational and otherwise, 
which were afforded Winfield S. Evans in his 
youth were very meager, but he became a well in- 
formed man through his own efforts, broadening 
his knowledge by experience, observation and read- 
ing. After the death of his parents he was reared 
to some extent by others but was early thrown 
upon his own resources. For a time he worked for 
his brother in Salem, Massachusetts, and then re- 
turned to New Hampshire, where he was employed 
on a farm for two months. The following winter 
and spring, however, he was again with his 
brother. Going to Brookline, Massachusetts, he 
secured a position as a gardener, remaining with 
one employer for three years, after which he went 
to Boston, where he was employed as a porter in a 
bank. Subsequently ho spent two years in the 
service of a baker, boarding in his family. 

Winfield S. Evans was nuirried while in Boston 
on the 13th of July, 1842, to Miss Sarah J. Lang- 
ley, who was born, reared and educated in the same 
neighborhood in New Hampshire as her husband. 
In 185.5 he came to the west, making his way to 
Bureau county, and was so well pleased with this 
locality that he returned to Boston the following 
year and brought his family to Illinois, and still 
resides in this county. Here he turned his atten- 
tion to farming and was very successful in that 
pursuit, so that he is now enabled to live a retired 
life in Princeton. His wife passed away in April, 
1880. 

'J'heir only son, George P. Evans, was born in 
Boston and was provided with good educational 
privileges. Coming with his parents to Illinois he 
was reared to the occupation of farming and after- 
ward carried on that pursuit on his own account, 
but in later years has lived retired in Princeton. 
He married Miss .\rabella Mohler, a daughter of 
Samuel and Caroline Mohler, natives of Harris- 
burg, Pennsylvania. Three children were boi-n 
unto l\[r. and Mrs. George Evans: Caroline J., the 
wife of Scott R. Coppins, a member of the Evans, 



PAST AND rriESEXT OF miiKAl COUNTY. 



Cteppins & Starks Companv of I'riiueton ; Samuel 
Scott, of this roview ; and llarrv A., at home. 

Samuel S. Evans sjient his boyhood days under 
the parental roof and after acquiring his educa- 
tion in the schools of Princeton devoted a number 
of years to the abstract business. He then turned 
his attention to manufacturing interests, with 
which he is still connected as the senior member 
of the above lirm, manufacturers of ball-bearing 
axles, shaft holders and quick shifters. 'J'liey also 
conduct a wholesale and retail trade as dealers in 
fine vehicles. Their factory in Princeton has now 
been in operation for five years and they employ 
twenty men throughout the year and are also rep- 
resented on the road by live traveling salesmen. 
They manufacture ball-bearing axles (patented) 
and quick shaft couplers, and they carry the larg- 
est stock of vehicles in Illinois outside of Chicago, 
selling six thousand per year in a wholesale trade. 
The firm is now doing a mammotli business and 
makes shipments to Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas 
and other points in the west. They also ship 
axles from New York to the Pacific coast. The 
trade is extensive and growing and the success of 
the enterprise is largely attributable to the elTorts 
of Mr. Evans, who is a most energetic and far- 
sighted business man. He is one of the promoters 
of commercial activity in Princeton and while 
winning a large measure of success he also belongs 
to that class of representative citizens who while 
advancing their own interests largely contribute to 
the general prosperity. 



OSCAIl S. BASS. 

Oscar S. Bass, who is engaged in general fann- 
ing in Berlin township, was born in Mal(]en, Bu- 
reau county. May 19, 1854. and is descended from 
New England ancestry. His father, Edwin Bass, 
was born in Connecticut, January 28. 1816, and 
was married ift 1812 to Emeline J. Stannard, whose 
birth occurred in the state of New York May 3, 
1824. They became early residents of Bureau 
county, settling within its borders during the pio- 
neer epoch in its history. In their family were the 
following named: Caroline, deceased; Lucian ; 
Luther G. : Sidney and Charlotte, both deceased; 
Oscar S. ; Edwin, who is mentioned el.';ewhere in 
this volume: Heber and Howard, twins, also de- 
ceased ; Wallace, and Alonzo C. 

Oscar .S. Bass was reared on the old homestead 
farm and enjoyed excellent educational privileges. 
.'Vfter attending the jiublic schools he became a 
student in Cbiiago rniversity. where he completed 
his course in 1880. The occuj)atinn to which he 
was reared he has maile his life work, and is a pros- 
perous and enterprising farmer of Berlin town- 
ship, having two hundred acres of land which he 
has brought under a high state of cultivation. The 
fields are well tilled and there are good buildings 
and modern improvements on the place, which pre- 



sents a neat and attractive ajipearance, indicative 
of the care and labor which .Mr, Bass bestows upon 
his farm and also of his good business ability. 

Oscar Ba.ss was united in marriage to Miss Cora 
M. Cottrell, who was i)oru in Bureau county, Au- 
gust 27, ISfil, her parents being Nicholas and 
Mary (Cole) Cottrell, both of whom were natives 
of \Vorthington, Massachusetts, where the father 
was born December 8, 1829, and the mother on 
the 7th of May, 1831. Mrs. Bass is a lady of supe- 
rior culture, refinement and education, who com- 
pleted her studies in Smith College, in Massachu- 
setts. By her marriage she has become the mother 
of three children: Mary, born June 7, 1886; Ger- 
ald, January 4, 1889, and Helen, March 20, 1893. 
The eldest daughter will coni[)lete her education 
in Kalamazoo College, in Micliigan, where she is 
pursuing a classical cour.se. It is the intention of 
Mr. and Mrs. Bass to supply their other children 
with good educational privileges. Theirs is a pleas- 
ant and attractive home, standing in the midst of 
a line farm of two hundred acres, and they are cor- 
ilially received in the best homes where culture and 
intelligence are accepted as the passports to good 
society. 

-Mr. Bass exercises his right of franchise in sup- 
port of the men and mea.-;ures of the republican 
party, and has been called by his fellow-townsmen 
to fill a number of public offices. He served as jus- 
tice of the peace for two terms, has been township 
assessor for three terms and is the present incum- 
bent, and is also acting as a member of the school 
board at this writing. He and his family are ail 
members of the Baptist church with the exception 
of their son. who is a Presbyterian in religious 
faith. In a review of the life record of Mr. Bass 
it is evident that his success has come through 
frtigality, business enterprise and irreproachable 
integrity, for these have been the salient features 
in his career, having been manifest throughout his 
entire business life, resulting in the prosperitv 
which he is now enjoying. 



R. W. STORY, D, V. S. 
Dr. K. W. Story, a veterinary surgeon, who has 
been located in Princeton since 1886, enjoying a 
line practice here, was born in Bloomington, On- 
tario, C'anada, in October. 1857, his parents being 
William and Frances (Robson) Story, who came 
from England about 1846 or 1848. 'I'hey were 
from Yorkshire, and the father's birth occurred 
near Scarborough, a town on the sea coast. lie 
died in December. 1S!)0. at the age of sixty-eight 
years, while his wife survived until .August, 1898. 
passing away at the age of seventy-seven. Two 
of her brothers came to America and served as sol- 
diers in the war of 1812. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
William Story were born twelve children, of whom 
eight sons and two daughters are yet living, while 



738 



PAST AM. 



'RESENT OF 



i;eau corxTY 



two of the daughters have passed awa). Uae sou. 
Mark Story, is also a veterinary surgeon, now 
practicing in Stark county, Illinois. 

Dr. Story of this review was reared in Ontario, 
and after acquiring his preliminary education in 
the public schools prepared for his profession as 
a student in the Ontario Xeti-rinary College, at 
Toronto, from which he was graduated with the 
class of 18ST. Owing to the necessity of making 
his own way in the world he had practiced for 
some years before completing his course and since 
his graduation he has continuously followed the 
profession, locating in Princeton in 18iSG, and 
enjoying here a large and constantly growing pa- 
tronage, which is indicative of the skill and ability 
which he displays in following his chosen calling. 

Dr. Story was married in Canada to Miss Eachei 
L. Badgerow, who was born in Ontario in 185(5, a 
daughter of Joseph and Mary (Clark) Badgerow. 
Ilcr maternal grandfather was a Baptist minister 
and was of English and Scotch descent. Her 
paternal grandfather served as a soldier in the 
war of 1812. Mrs. Story was reared in Ontario, 
where she resided up to the time of her marriage. 
She, too, is a member of the Baptist church and is 
a most estimable lady, having a circle of warm and 
admiring friends. Dr. Story is connected with 
the Masonic fraternity, holding menii)crship in 
Bureau lodge, Xo. 112, A. F. & A. M., and in poli- 
ties he is independent. Well (jualihed for the voca- 
tion to which he has given his energies, he has 
met with creditable success in practice and is a 
leading representative of Ins profession in Bureau 
countv. 



EEV. WILLIAM MURTAUGH. 
Bev. William Mnrtaugh, a priest of the Cath- 
olic church whose field of labor includes Shef- 
field and Wyanet, his home being in the former 
city, was born at Chatsworth, Livingston county. 
Illinois, July 5, 1860. ITis father Owen Mur- 
laugh, was born in County Louth, Ireland. Janu- 
ary 8, 182G, and was the son of a farmer. He was 
roared to farm life and when twenty-si.x years of 
age came to America and worked at farm labor 
for three years. Attracted by the discovery of 
gold on the Pacific coast and hoping to realize a 
fortune in the mines of California, he proceeded 
southward to New Orleans and thence to Nica- 
raugua and up the river — the route being prac- 
tically the route of the present ship canal across 
the isthmus. He spent two years in mining in 
California, meeting with reasonable .success and 
experiencing the usual hardships and privations 
of those early mining days on the coast. With a 
fair sum of money as the result of his two years' 
work he returned to Illinois and purchased eighty 
acres of land, wlule sub.'sequently be bought a half 
section in Mar.'jhall county. Later be removed tn 
Livingston countv and frnm tbrri' 1o I''ni'il coinitv. 



Illinois, where he engaged in farming until 1890, 
when he took up his abode in Chatsworth, retir- 
ing from active business life. In 1855 he had mar- 
ried Miss Bridget Lawless, of Marshall county, 
Illinois, who died in 1864, and subsequently he 
wedded Miss Alice Cleary, of ^A'ilmington, Will 
county, Illinois. Mr. Murtaugh held many offices 
of trust in the communities in which he resided 
and was a most faithful incumbent, ever discharg- 
ing his duties to the best of his ability. In poli- 
tics he was a stanch democrat, thoroughly in sym- 
pathy with the principles and policy of the party. 
He died May 11, l!t(J4, leaving behind the record 
of a successful and honorable life. His children 
are the Pev. William Murtaugh, of this review; 
Frank; Alice; and a son and daughter deceased. 

Father Murtaugh, whose name introduces this 
record, pursued his studies in St. Viateur College 
at Kankakee. Illinois ; at Watertown, Wisconsin ; 
in Grand Seminary, at Montreal, Canada; and in 
St. Mary's Seminary, at Baltimore, Maryland. At 
the last named he was made suij-deacon and after- 
ward deacon. Cardinal Gibbons olficiating. He 
was ordained a priest at St. Mary's cathedral in 
I'eoria. Illinois, August 6, 1888, and first served 
as assistant pastor at Pontiac for six months. He 
next liad charge of the church at Chatsworth for 
about the same length of time, and was assigned 
to Bureau county July 21, 1898, his parish in- 
cluding Sheffield, Tiskilwa, Princeton and Wya- 
net, but his duties liecoming too arduous he gave 
up Tiskilwa and Princeton in August, 1905. For 
eight years he has labored among the Catholic 
families of this part of the state and his efforts 
hav<' not heen without tangible results, as shown 
in the increased numerical strength of the church 
and the spiritual growth among his parishioners. 
He has noi only cleared off an indebtedness of 
four thousand dollars since he located here, but 
has also expended about eighteen hundred dol- 
lars on improvements to the church property. Up 
to this time he has held services in' a schoolhouse 
at Wyanet, but has a fund started to build a 
church. He has about one hundred families in 
bis charge, and visits the sick and needy in Min- 
iM-al. Huda, Xeponset and Manlius. besides his 
pai'isliiont'rs in Sheffield and Wyanet. Liberally 
educated and consecrated to the work of the 
church, his zeal and devotion are recognized bv 
all throughout the different towns in which his 
labors are put forth, and as a pleasant, genial 
g;'ntleman he makes friends wherever he goes. 



LINNEAUS A. BATTEY. 
Linneaus A. Battey, who owns and controls an 
excellent farm on .section 26, ilincral township, 
dates his residence in Illinois from 1854, and dur- 
ing the greater part of the period has been a resi- 
dent of Bureau county. A native of Providence, 
Rhode Island, be was born Mav 14, 1S5.T, and is 




REV. WILLIAM M I IMA! C 11. 



J'AST AM) I'K'KSKNT OF lUI.'KAl- (■()l■^■^^ 



11 



a sou of Silas and Mcrpy (Bennett) Rattey, whose 
sketch is found elsewhorc in tliis work. 

Linneaiis A. Battey was only about a year old 
when brought to Bureau county, and in his par- 
ents' home his youth was passed, his education 
being acquired in the schools of Mineral township 
and of Princeton. On attaining his majority he 
started out in life for himself, working by"^ the 
month as a farm hand for a year, and following 
his marriage he began business on his own ac- 
count. It was in November, 1875, that he wedded 
Miss Laura Scoughton, of Mineral township, who 
is a native of New York and a daughter of John 
and JIary (Valleau) Scoughton. They began their 
domestic life upon a rented farm, after which Mr. 
Battey purchased eighty acres of land, on which 
he has since lived. He is an able farmer, discrim- 
inating in his business interests and of sound 
judgment, and his well improved property is lack- 
ing in none of the accessories and equipments of 
a model farm of the twentieth century. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Battey has been 
blessed with three children: Eva L., who was born 
August 12, 18T6, and since graduating from the 
Sheffield schools has engaged in teaching: Pierrie 
A., who was born July 12, 18T8, and accidentally 
shot him.self at Nickerson. Kansas, when thirteen 
years of age, his remains being interred in Shef- 
field cemeterv, and Clair E., who was born Sep- 
tember 34, 1881. 

The parents hold membership in the Unitarian 
church, and Mr. Battey is identified with Mineral 
camp. No. 21, M. W. A. His position on political 
questions is ni'vcr an equivocal one. He has stood 
firmly in sujjport of the repul)lican party since 
casting his first presidential vote for Hayes in 
1876, and he has served as collector of Mineral 
township for several years and also as school di- 
rector. His devotion to the public good is above 
question, and has been manifest in many tangible 
ways. He ;uid his family occupy an enviable social 
position, and the hospitality of" their own home is 
greatly enjoyed by their many friends. Mr. Bat- 
tey is one who.se success in life has been builded 
upon energy and determination rather than inher- 
itance or any fortunate combination of circum- 
stances, and his history stands in e.xemplification 
of the fact that prosperity results from the efforts 
of the individual. 



L. 0. MAY. 

In a history of cojnmercial progress in Tiskilwa 
mention should be made of L. 0. May. who is en- 
gaged in the furniture and undertaking business 
under the firm style of L. 0. Afay & Son. For 
twenty-five years he has occupied a foremost placa 
in the ranks of the business men of the town, and 
has also, been a prominent factor in public affairs 
here, serving at present writing as mayor of the 



village. His birth occurred in Indiantown town- 
ship in 181G. His father, Aaron .May, came from 
Allegany coimty, New York, to Bureau county in 
1832, but before the termination of a year re- 
turned to the east. He had formed a strong 
tachment for the middle west, however, and in 
183(; he brought his family with him to lllino'S, 
locating in Indiantown township. He came of one 
of the old families of New York of English lin- 
eage. His wife bore the maiden name of Elizabeth 
Norton, and was reared in Belmont, Allegany 
county. New York. Aaron May was a farmer by 
occupation, and in Indiantown township purchased 
land which he cultivated and improved, owning at 
one time a valuable tract of three hundred and 
twenty acres and several tracts of timber land, so 
that his possessions aggregated about si.x hundred 
acr&s. Subsequently he invested extensively in 
]iroperty in I\Iissouri and removed to that state. 
his death occurring in Ravanna. His family num- 
bered nine children, four of whom yet survive, 
namely: Mrs. Judith Freeman, a widow, residing 
in Los Angeles, California; Mrs. Carrie Belcher, 
a widow, living in Tiskilwa ; L. 0., of this review, 
and 1,0 Hoy, who occupies his father's old home in 
Missouri. 

L. 0. May is indebted to the public schools of 
this county for the educational privileges he en- 
joyed. He started out in life on his own account 
at the age of twenty-one years, being employed at 
farm labor in Indiantown township until he came 
to Tiskilwa in 1881, since which time he has been 
engaged in his present line of business, covering 
a period of a quarter of a century. The firm now 
consists of L. 0. May and his son, G. A. May, and 
they carry a complete line of all kinds of furni- 
ture, carpets and other house furnishings, and also 
have a fine hearse and ambulance for their under- 
taking business. Their well selected stock and 
reasonable prices secure to them a liberal patron- 
age, and their trade is now profitable. 

Mr. May was married in 1869 to Emma L. 
Rowe, a native of Wayne county. New York, and 
a daughter of Isaac Rowe, who came to Bureau 
county at an early day from the Empire state, 
establishing his home in Tiskilwa, where he en- 
gaged in the furniture business for twentv years, 
beginning about 1863. Jlr. May made his start in 
this line by purchasing an interest in the business. 
In 1899 Mr. May was called upon to mourn the 
loss of his wife, who died in June of that year, 
leaving three sons, as well ns her husband, to 
mourn her death. Gardner A., tlie eldest, now in 
business with his father, married Jennie Tv. Smitii. 
of Geneseo, Illinois, and they have one eliild, Dor- 
othy, three and a half years of age. Edgar married 
Catherine Bartholomew, of Wayne county. New 
York, and is now manager of the independent 
Telephoije Company at Tiskilwa. Clyde L., living 
at home, has been a traveling salesman for six or 
.seven vears. 



742 



PAST AXD PRESEXT OF BUltKAr fOTXTY. 



Politically -Mr. May is a stalwart rc-piiblicau and 
is now serving for the third term as mayor of Tis- 
kilwa, having been re-elected in April, 1905. That 
he has given a public-i-pirited, business-like and 
progressive administration is indicated by the fact 
that he has been three time.? chosen for chief exec- 
utive officer of the village. Ilo and his eldest son 
are members of Snatchwine lodge, Xo. 147, I. 0. 
0. J''., of Tiskilwa, and of Princeton encampment, 
while the son holds membership in Tiskihva lodge, 
Xo. 550, A. F. & A. il. Mr. ilay is a communi- 
cant of the Episcopal ehunh, and in all life's rela- 
tions has manifested sterling traits of character 
and fidelity to high and lionorahle principles. His 
advancement is due to his own labor and the exer- 
cise of his native talents, and as the years have 
passed he has ever been accorded by public opinion 
a foremost place in commercial circles and public 
life in the town where he makes his home. 



JOH.X W. WHITE. 

John W. White well deserves representation in 
the history of his native county and with pleasure 
we present the record of his life as that of a rep- 
resentative farmer who in all pulilic and private 
relations has commanded the good will and confi- 
dence of his fellowmen. He still lives in his native 
township of Macon, where he was boi-n on the 
4th of April, 18-59, his parents being William C. 
and Elizabeth A. White. The father was born in 
Ohio. July 7, 1824, and was a son of John and 
Jane (Uobertson) White. John White was of 
German lineage but was born in Xew Jersey and 
his wife was a native of Scotland. 

in early life William C. White learned and fol- 
lowed the miller's trade and in Ohio owned a 
flouring mill, which he conducted in connection 
with the operation of a turning lathe. In the 
spring of ist9 he went to California, where he en- 
gaged in mining and dealing in cattle until 1852, 
when he liecame a resident of Henry county, Hli- 
nois, where his parents were then living. In the 
fall of the same year he purchased from Mr. 
Motherell the farm that was first settled in Macon 
township and in 1853 he bought what has since 
been known as the homestead property of the 
White family. He lived for a number of years in 
a log cabin but afterward erected a more commo- 
dious and modern frame residence. He gave most 
of his attention to stock-raising and was very suc- 
cessful. As he prospered in his undertakings he 
invested more and more largely in land and at one 
time owned five hundred and thirty-two acres of 
j)rairie and timber land. He never cared for pub- 
lie oflice nor sought political preferment, content 
to concentrate his energies upon his business inter- 
ests. He held membership, however, with the Bap- 
tist church of Bvida and acted as supcrinU'ndent of 
the Walnut Grove Sunday school. He took a mo.'>t 
helpful part in its work and also contributed 



liberally to the support of other churches and to- 
ward the advancement of any good cause. His 
political allegiance was given to the republican 
party. He was unable to enter the service during 
the Civil war but did much for those at the front 
and was known as "the soldier's friend.'' On the 
28th of l>ecember, 1854, in Bureau county, he 
married Elizabeth A. Lewis and they became the 
parents of nine children. The death of Mr. White 
occurred March G, 1874. His wife, who was born 
in Utica, Xew York, is now living in Kewanee, Illi- 
nois. Of the family the following record is given. 
Loretta J. was born October IG, 1855. Florence 
A., born August 29, 1857, died March 29, 18G3. 
John William is the third of the family. David 
A., born January 1, 18G1, died March 8, 1862. 
Carrie A., born December 20, 1SG2, w^as married 
October 29, 1883, to Charles Wolfersberger, of 
Princeton. Sarah E., born October 17, 18GG, is 
the wife of William Hewitt. Warren J. was born 
May 10, 1868. Martin E. was born January 11, 
1870. Ellen C, born October 18, 1872, is now the 
wife of Harvey McMullen. 

It will be interesting in this connection to note 
something of the maternal ancestry of the AVhite 
family. The mother of our stibject was a daugh- 
ter of John W. and Ann (Eoberts) Lewis. Her 
father was born December 14, 1807, in Lewis 
county, Xew York, and was a son of William I. 
Lewis and a grandson of John Lewis, who came 
to the United States from Wales about 1784. Wil- 
liam I. Lewds had one sister who came at the same 
time and who married a Mr. Jones, settling in 
Philadelphia. William I. Lewis and his brother, 
Lewis Lewis, settled with their father near Tren- 
ton Falls, Xew Y'^ork, and their descendants still 
live there. Both of the brothers served in the war 
of 1812. John W. Lewis, the eldest son of Wil- 
liam I. Lewis, came to Bureau county in 1853 and 
in the fall of the same year took up his abode on 
the northwest quarter of section 15, Macon town- 
ship, \vhere he lived until his death, January 8, 
1873. In March, 1832, he married .\nn Eoberts, 
who \vas born in Wales, August 18, 1813, and was 
brought to this country by her parents when three 
years of age. She died Xovember 10, 1874. She 
was the mother of twelve children, namely: Wil- 
liam, Elizabeth, Sarah, David, John, Walter, 
Henry, Ellen, Thomas, Jerome, George and Al- 
bert. Walter died in Xew York in 1843 but the 
other members of the family came to this county 
with their parents. 

John W. White, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, was reared in the usual manner of farm lads, 
attending the district schools in the winter season 
and working on the famt through the summer 
months. He remained at home to the age of 
twenty-four years and then began farming for 
himself south of the old homestead, where he cul- 
tivated one hundred and sixty acres of land. In 
1898 he erected a residence on what was known 
as the old Motherell property and he is today cul- 



PAST AND I'l.'KSKXn' OF I'.l I.'KAI (ill \■^^•. 



T4:i 



tivating a farm of one lumdiud and Iwonly-seven 
acres of his own and also ivnts some land. In 
1900 ho piiivliasod a half section of land in Tra- 
verse county, Minnesota, three miles from Whea- 
ton, the county seat. He is engaged in the breed- 
ing of Poland-China liogs and also raises a good 
grade of cattle and horses. His (ields are welJ 
tilled and in his fanning operations he is meeting 
with success. His political allegiance is given to 
the democracy but he neither seeks nor desires 
office as a reward for party fealty, preferring to 
give undivided attention to his business atfaire. 

On the 31st of January. 1881, Mr. miite was 
married to Miss Annie Wood, who was born in 
Macon townshi]), July 28, 18(14. and is a daughter 
of Charles and Elizabeth ((iould) Wood. ])n)mi- 
nent pioneer residents of this county, who are 
mentioned at length on another page of this vol- 
ume. Mr. and Mrs. White have tiiree children : 
Arilla E., who was born December 23, 1884, and 
is teaching in the Walnut Grove school; Verne J., 
born July 4, 1888; and Ethel, born May 20, 1890. 

Both parents are worthy representatives of 
prominent pioneer families of this county and, 
having always resided here, are widely known, 
while their many good qualities have gained for 
them the favorable regard of all with whom they 
have been associated. Mr. White has been a wit- 
ness of many of the events whiih have marked the 
county "s development and progress and are now 
matters of liistory. and the good name made by his 
father has been uphold by him, the White family 
having been among the most respected families of 
Macon township for many years. 



EDWIN F. NORTON. 

Edwin F. Norton, who is half owner of six hun- 
dred and si.xty acres of valuable land in Bureau 
county, is well known as a breeder of sheep, goats 
and hogs, and his stock farm bears a good reputa- 
tion throughout the county and this portion of the 
state. Ho is a wide-awake and enterprising young 
business man. his home being in Nejjonset town- 
ship, which was also the place of his nativity. His 
natal dav was July 2<'\ ISGfi, and his jiarents were 
George and Ann (Siudley) Norton. The father, 
long a resident of Ncponset, was born at Brawby, 
Yorkshire. England. March 24. 1817. and his par- 
ent.", John and Sarah (Noble) Norton, were like- 
wise natives of England. In their family were si.\ 
children, who reached years of maturity. On the 
1st of November. 1840, the grandjiaicnts of our 
subject arrived in Bureau county and here spent 
their remaining days. They were active members 
of the Methodist Episcopal church and are still 
well remembered by many of the old settlers. 

George Norton came to Neponset in the spring 
of 1841 and about 1844 entered some land, which 
became the old bome.=tead property. He added to 
this from time to time until he was the owner of 



a tine place of three hundred and twenty acres- 
which he brought under a high state of cultiva- 
tion, adding thereto many imiirovcments. His 
success in life may be honestly attributed to his 
perseverance and industry, for he started out on 
his own account empty handed. He was nuirried 
.\pril 13. 1847. to Miss .\nn Studley. who was born 
in England, January C, 1827, and about 183f. was 
taken to Morgan county, Illinois, by her |)areDts, 
William and Annie (Chapman) Studley, who were 
early settlers of Neponset township. Unto Mr. and 
Mrs. George Norton were born ten children. Sarah 
.\.. born February .">, 1848, became the wife of 
William Hood, and died February 26, 1900. Eliza, 
born February 2."), 1850, is living in Neponset 
township. Thomas N.. born February 17. 1853, 
follows farming in Iowa. Emma, born July 4, 
1855, is the wife of John Scaife. of Neponset. 
Ijevi G., born October 15, 1857, is also living in 
Neponset. Addie J., born December 5, 1859, is 
the deceased wife of Walter Pratt. Jloses J. is in 
partnershii) with his brother Edwin. Fannie E. 
died .\])ril 12, 1889, at the age of twenty-live years. 
Edwin F. is the next of the family. Irena C. is 
the wife of Rev. Sanford P. Archer, a minister of 
the ^lethodist Episcopal church. Mr. and Mrs. 
Norton were also active and devoted members of 
the Methodist E])isco|)al church, and his political 
allegiance was gi\;en to the republican jiarty, which 
found in him a stalwart champion, every loyal to 
its inten^sts. He died Se|itember 29. 1887. and is 
still survived by his wife, who lives in Xepon.set. 

Edwin F. Norton is indebted to the jjublic school 
system of Neponset township for the early educa- 
tional privileges which he enjoyed, and he was 
further qualified for life's practical anil res])onsi- 
ble duties by a course in a business college at 
(^uincy. Illinois. He started in business on bis own 
account in 1888. when a young man of twenty-two 
years, being as.sociated with his brother. Mo.«es J. 
Norton, in farming and stock-raising on two hun- 
dred acres of land in Neponset township. In the 
fall of 1892 they acquired one hundred and si.xty 
acres of land in Macon township, and in March, 
1899, purchased other property in the same town- 
ship. In Jmie. 19(12. Iliey made purchase of one 
hundred and sixty acres more in the same town- 
ship, and th(\v are today owners of six humlred 
ami sixty acres of valuable land in Bureau county. 
In the fall of 1892 they went to Hillings. Mon- 
tana, and purchased twelve hundred head of grad- 
ed Merino shoe]) for breeding purposes. They have 
since been engageil in the linM^liug of sheep, and 
now have a llock of four hundred at the present 
lime. They also have about tlvc buiulred head of 
hogs, and they ship their own liogs to the Chicago 
market. They also buy and feed cattle, which they 
ship to Chicago, sending about two carloads each 
vear. and they breeil hor.«es for their own use. 
Their stock-raising interests are an important 
source of revenue to them, and thin* are accounted 
leadinff stockmen of the countv. Thcv are also 



744 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUKKU" fOtXTY. 



breeders of Angora goats, liaving a good flock of 
high-bred animals on their place. 

On the 25th of May, 1898, Edwin F. Norton 
was married to Miss Josephine E. Scott, who was 
born in Neponset township, April 3, 1872, and is 
a daugliter of Robert and Deborah (Dufee) Scott, 
who are mentioned on another page of this work 
in connection with the history of her brother, 0. 
M. Scott. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Norton has been 
born one son, John Ward, whose birth occurred 
March 30, 1904. The parents are well known and 
prominent socially, and their own home is attrac- 
tive because of its warm-hearted and gracious hos- 
pitality. Mr. Norton has served as assessor for 
three terms and gives Ids political support to the 
republican party. He is loyal and progressive in 
his citizenship, and his efforts for the public good 
have been far-reaching and beneficial, yet he has 
never sought to figure a.« an office seeker. 

Moses J. Norton, brother and partner of Edwin 
F. Norton, was born where he now lives, upon the 
old h( mestead farm, January 8, 1862, and, like 
his brother, was educated in the public schools. 
They have long been associated in business, and 
are prominent as stock-raisers of Illinois, in which 
connection they are widely known through the 
state. Moses Norton is also a stalwart republican, 
and for three terms has served as a member of the 
village board of Neponset. Both are accounted 
enterprising business men, who keep in touch with 
the spirit of the times, and their efforts for indi- 
vidual prosperity also result beneficially for the 
county in the promotion of agricultural and com- 
mercial activity, whereon the success and growth 
of every community depends. 



GEORGE LITTLEWOOD. 

George Littlewood, living in La Moille town- 
ship, is a native of England, his birth having oc- 
curred there on the 2Gth of July, 1865. His par- 
ent.*, Samuel and Sarah (Smith) Littlewood, were 
likewise natives of that country, where they spent 
their entire lives. In the common schools of Eng- 
land their son George acquired his education, re- 
maining in the land of his birth until 1882, when 
at the age of seventeen years he crossed the .\tlan- 
tic to America and became a resident of Bureau 
county, Illinois. Here he devoted his time and en- 
ergies to farm labor, and. although his po.ssess'ons 
were quite limited when he came to the new world, 
he is now known as one of the wealthy and sub- 
stantial agrictiltiirisfs of Bureau county. His 
farm comprises one hundred and si.xty acres of 
choice land, for which he paid sixty-five dollars 
per acre, and which is today worth from one hun- 
dred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre. 

Mr. Littlewood was married to Mi.'s Anna 
Swanhind, whose birth occurred in Bureau county 
October 10, 1874. This marriage has boon blessed 
with fo\ir children : William M., born December 



25, 1893; Harold II., June 21, 1898; Ellen F., 
November 25, 1900, and Albert E., March 26, 
1901. The family are now nicely located in a new 
residence which was built about two years ago, and 
which in its tasteful furnishings and attractive 
surroundings makes it one of the delightful coun- 
try homes of La Moille township. Mr. Littlewood 
is now erecting an excellent barn, forty by sixty 
feet, and altogether has one of the finest sets of 
farm buildings in the county. He is recognized as 
one of the leading agriculturists of his townslii)i. 
and deserves much credit for what he has accom- 
plished, for he is still a young man. If he lives to 
the allotted age of threescore years and ten he will 
undoubtedly become one of the wealthiest citizens 
of this part of the state. He raises good crops, and 
is engaged in breeding Norman and Clydesdale 
horses. He also has hogs which are cross-bred be- 
tween the Poland China and Chester White. Ev- 
erything about his place is in keeping with the 
spirit of modern agricultural progress and suc- 
cessful accomplishment. 

Mr. Littlewood fraternally is identified with the 
Modern Woodmen of America, and his political 
support is stanclily given to the republican party. 
His wife belongs to the Methodist church, and the 
family attend its services. Mr. Littlewood has 
served for several terms as school director, and the 
cause of education finds in him a warm friend, 
while to his family he is providing excellent oppor- 
tunities in that direction, realizing the value of 
mental discipline as a training for life's practical 
and responsible duties. His ambition is to provide 
a good home and comfortable living for his fam- 
ily, and that he is a man of kindly nature and gen- 
erous disposition is indicated in his face and man- 
ner. All who come in contact with him entertain 
for him warm regard, and the name of George 
Littlewood is an honored one in this community. 
Coming from England when a young man, he has 
never had occasion to regret his determination to 
seek a home in the new world, with its broader 
business opportunities and advancement more 
quickly secured. 



CHARLES F. MATSON. 

Charles F. Matson, a representative of the farm- 
ing interests of Dover township, where he was 
born December 28, 1864. is a son of Enos M. and 
Helen (Westbrook) IMatson, who became residents 
of Illinois at an early day, settling in Bureau 
county upon the farm now owned by their son 
Charles. The father landed in Hennepin, Put- 
nam county. Illinois, with a family of nine cliil- 
dren and only five dollars in money. He worked 
for nine dollars a month in order to support his 
familv, and as the years passed he added to his 
financial resources until at the time of his death 
be was worth fifty-four thousand dollars, repre- 
senting the accumulations of a life-time. That 



I 




C. ¥. MA'I'SOX AMI I'AMll.V 



r.VST AM) IM.'KSKNT OF lilKKAl' COlXTY. 



74; 



I 



lit' was a most diligent and enterprising man is 
indicated by his siuri'ss, whit h was also attributable 
to his good management. 

Cliarles F. Matson was reared under the 
parental roof and is indebted to the public-school 
system of Bureau county for the educational privi- 
leges which he enjoyed in his youth. He com- 
pleted his education at the age of twenty-two 
years and remained at home until his marriage. 
He wa.s reared to the occupation of farming, and 
has always made it iiis life work and is today the 
owner of two hundred and nineteen acres, which 
constituted a part of tlie old home property, that 
at one time comprised live hundred and nineteen 
acres. His father purchased this at a dollar and 
a quarter per acre, and six years ago Charles F. 
Matson bought his farm at ninety dollars per 
acre, while today the property is easily worth one 
hundred and seventy-five dollars per acre. He 
raises corn, oats and hay, which are the staple 
crops of this section, and he also makes a spe- 
cialty of stock-raising, including horses, cattle 
and hogs. 

On the 23d of December, 1887, Jlr. Matson 
secured a companion and helpmate for life's 
journey by his marriage to Miss Clara E. Shettel, 
a daughter of Solomon and Mary Shettel, who 
came to Illinois at an early period in its develop- 
ment. !Mr. and Mrs. Matson noAV have but one 
child. Earl ,V. S. Matson, who was born Mav 1~, 
1888. 

In his jjolitical views Mr. Matson is a repub- 
lican, stalwart and earnest in support of the 
party, and on the issues of the day he is well 
informed, but has never been an aspirant for 
public office. Fraternally he is connected with 
the modern Woodmtn of America and the Mystic 
Workers, and his religious faith is indicated by 
his membership in the English Lutheran church, 
to which his wife also belongs. An analyzation 
of his life record shows that honesty, industry 
and economy are his salient characteristics and 
have led to his success, making him one of the 
leading and prosperous farmers of Dover town- 
ship. 



.lOIIX DWYER. 

In the citizcnshi]) of Bureau county among the 
sons of Ireland who have borne an important part 
in the bu.'iness life which has brought about the 
present prosperity of this section of the state John 
Dwyer is ntinibered. He first opened his eyes to 
the light of day on the Emerald Isle, Jufy 1.'5, 
18-10, his parents being Cornelius and Bridget 
(Burns) Dwyer. Tlio father died in Ireland when 
his son John was but two years of age, and the 
mother afterward came to the United State« with 
her family of four sons, crossing the Atlantic in 
the year 1852. She did not tarry on the eastern 
coast, hut made her way to Springfield, Oliio, and 



afterward to .Miami county. On leaving the Buck- 
eye state siie became a resident of Illinois, and her 
last days were spent in the village of Arlington, 
Bureau county. 

John Dwyer of this review was a youiii of but 
twelve years when he left the land of his nativity 
and came with his mother to the new world. For 
three years he resided in Springfiekl, Ohio, and 
on the expiration of that period went to Miami 
county, where he learned the cabinet-maker's trade. 
He afterward removed to Dayton, Ohio, where 
lived his brother, Dennis Dwyer, a prominent and 
influential citizen there, who for nine years filled 
the position of judge of probate. Later he became 
judge of the superior court, remaining upon that 
bench for six years. He was likewise judge of the 
court of common pleas for ten years, his judicial 
service covering altogether twenty-four years. That 
he was a distinguished and able jurist is indicated 
by the fact that in all that time he had but one 
decision reversed. lie has figured prominently in 
connection with the legal history of Ohio, and at 
the present writing he is president of the inter- 
urban railroad, with a line extending from Dayton 
to Cincinnati. 

While John Dwyer did not pursue his education 
consecutively, he resumed his studies after the re- 
moval of the family to Arlington. He has always 
been a great reader and a strong supporter of pub- 
lic education, his influence being ever given on the 
side of intellectual progress through the system of 
public instruction. In his early manhood he de- 
pended upon the trade of cabinet-making for a 
livelihood, continuing in that work until ISri?, 
when lie secured employment at farm labor by the 
month. As he was still but a boy, his wages were 
small, but ho displayed fidelity and industry a- 
gradually as his worth became recognized his wages 
were increased. lie possessed, moreover, laudable 
amliition and firm purjiose, and as the years have 
passed he has made steady advancement in busi- 
ness circles until he is today classed with the pros- 
perous farmers of his adopted eminty. When his 
capital was sulTicient to justify the |)urcha.«o of 
land he became the owner of a small tract, to which 
he has added from lime to time as his financial 
resources liave increased, until his holdings in farm 
land coni|)rises ihrce hundred and sixty acres, val- 
ued at about two hundred dollars per acre. He 
purchased forty acres in the village of .\rlington, 
on which he now has his home, and for this tract 
he paid one hundred dollars per acre over twenty- 
four years ago. He erected his own residence, and 
it is a comfortable and attractive one. pleasantly 
situated and surrounded by a tine grove of shade 
and ornamental trees. There are various well kept 
buildings upon the place, and neatness and thrift 
pervade his farm in every department. He is now 
one of the prospero\is agriculturists of the county, 
and in addition to the cultivation of cereals best 
adapted to soil and climate he also breeds Hamble- 
tonian trottinc horses and Cnllowav cattle. He 



748 



PAST AND PRESHXT OF lU'REAU COUNTY. 



likewise raises hogs to some extent, and his live- 
stock interests are no unimportant part of his 
business. 

On the 4th of March, 1867, was celebrated the 
marriage of Mr. Dwyer and Miss Jolianna Doe, 
who was born in April, 1846, and is a daughter of 
James and Annie (Burke) Dee, natives of Ire- 
land. Mrs. Dwyer was brought to the United States 
when but two years of age, her parents having 
died on the Emerald Isle. In this country she was 
reared to womanhood, and by her marriage she 
has become the mother of eight children : Dennis, 
John A., Mary, Emily, Elizabeth, William, 
George and Catherine. Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer are 
giving to their children good educational advan- 
tages, thereby fitting them for life's practical and 
respon.sible duties. They have one son, who is a 
graduate of Niagara University, at Buffalo, New 
York, after which he followed teaching for about a 
year, while subsequently he has engaged in mer- 
cliandising in the village of Cherry, Bureau county. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Dwyer are communicants of 
the Catholic church. His political support is given 
to the democracy, and his fellow-townsmen, rec- 
ognizing his worth and ability, have frequently 
called him to public office. For four years he served 
as supervisor, and for ten years he has been a 
trustee of the village of Arlington. His home is 
witliin the corporation limits of the town, and his 
farming interests are in Westfield township. All 
that he possesses has been obtained through his 
own cfTorts, and as the architect of his own for- 
tunes he has builded wisely and well. He early 
realized the value of perseverance and industry as 
essential factors in a successful career, and though 
he has met some difficulties and obstacles in his 
path he has made steady progress toward the goal 
of prosperity by reason of his keen business dis- 
crimination, by unabating energy and industry 
that never flags. 



FK'.WK WARD. 

]''r;iiik \\ar(l. who f<ir (wenty-two years has en- 
gaged in the live stock l)usiness, and is the oldest 
buyer in Tiskilwa. was born in Sullivan county, 
New York, April 9, 1846. and is a son of Henry 
and Eliza (Broadhead) Ward, who spent their en- 
tire lives in the Empire state. The Ward family is 
an old one in Bureau county and the ancestry liiay 
be traced back to colonial days, while representa- 
tives of the name served in the Revolutionary war. 

Frank Ward was reared in New York and pur- 
sued his education in the subscription schools such 
as were common at that time. Wishing to see the 
country, especially in the west, he came to Illi- 
nois alone in the fall of 1867. when a young man 
of twonty-ono years. He subsequently went to 
Nobra.ska and after spending one year in that state 
he returned to Illinois, settling in Bureau county. 



For some years he engaged in farming in Milo 
township, becoming owner of a tract of land of 
one hundred and twenty acres, which he cultivated 
and improved, transforming it into a fine farm. 
The fields brought forth rich crops in return for the 
care and labor he bestowed upon them and he also 
successfully raised stock. In 1884 he removed to 
Tiskilwa and in 1886 he sold his farm in Milo 
township, but has since owned several other good 
farms. For the past twenty-two years — since com- 
ing to Tiskilwa — he has engaged extensively in 
the live stock business and is the oldest stock 
buyer of this town. His operations have been ex- 
tensive and have been profitably conducted, owing 
to his business enterprise, his correct judgment of 
the value of stock and his judicious sales. 

Mr. Ward was married to Miss Judith A. Ed- 
minster, a daughter of Orange Edminster, one of 
the early settlers of Tiskilwa. Two children grace 
this marriage : Ada, now the wife of Bernhard 
Steinle, of Tiskilwa, and Clay, at home. Mr. 
Ward has a nice home, which is especially attrac- 
tive by reason of its warm-hearted and gracious 
hospitality. Politically Mr. Ward is a democrat 
and his social relations connect him with Tiskilwa 
lodge. No. 550, A. F. & A. M., while in Princeton 
he has attained the Knight Templar degree of Ma- 
sonry. He is free from ostentation or display and 
is a man of genuine personal worth, whose many 
good qualities have made him popular with his 
fellow citizens. 



CARL J. PIERCE. 

Carl J. Pierce is one of the enterprising young 
farmers of Bureau county, his birth having oc- 
curred August 11, 1873, upon the farm in Berlin 
township, upon which he still makes his home. His 
paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Pierce, took up 
bis abode upon this farm in 1842, when Bureau 
county was yet largely a pioneer district. The 
huid had passed into ]iossession of James A. 
Pierce, father of our subject, in 1847. and became 
flic property of the present owner in 1905, so that 
it has remained continuously in possession of the 
family for more than six decades. James A. 
Pierce was born in Greene county. New York, in 
1821, and. having arrived at years af maturity, 
was married to Miss Marv J. Perry, who was 
born in Belmont county, Ohio, January 1, IS^.*^. 
The father had been jireviously married, his first 
union being with Esther Green, by whom he had 
two daughters, .^nn E., now the wife of William 
Booth, and Mildred E., the wife of W. S. Martin. 
By the marriage of James A. Pierce and Mary 
J. Perry there were born the following named : 
Sherburn, James A., ^frs. Jessie P. Garwood, 
Rodney E.. Louis L.. Olive B.. Mary L.. Carl J. 
and David H. 

Carl J. Pierce, reared upon his father's farm, 
acquired his early education in the district schools 



PAST AND I'lJHSKNT OF lUI.'KAr COrNTV 



M'.t 



and afterward attended Dover Acadenn, wliile liis 
education was completed in the Northciii Indiana 
formal school, at \'alparai?o. The occupation to 
which he was reared he has made his life work, and 
in 1905 he came into possession of tlie old home- 
stead farm, having here one hundred and thirty 
acres of land, wiiich is very productive, responding 
readily to the care and labor bestowed upon it. 
Here he raises horses, Durham cattle and Poland 
China hogs to some extent, while his fields produce 
large crops of the various cereals best adapted to 
soil and climate. Everything about his place is 
kept in excellent condition and the farm presents 
a neat and thrifty appearance. 

On the 26th of September, 1893, Mr. Pierce was 
united in marriage to Miss Arloa E. Spaulding, 
who was born in Lee county, Illinois, May 4, 1873. 
Their children are: Yerna E.. born July 14, 1894, 
and Eugene 11. , August 7. 1901. Mr", and 'Slr>^. 
Pierce hold membership with the Congregational 
church at Dover and take an active part in its 
work and contribute generously to its support, 
ifr. Pierce has served as one of its trustees for ten 
years and has also filled the office of deacon. His 
political allegiance is given to the republican party 
and lie has liecn collector of his townsliip and di- 
rector of the school board. He takes an interest 
in political questions and issues as every Ameri- 
can citizen should do. and he keeps well informed 
on the political situation of the country. He be- 
longs to Crystal Fount lodge. No. 547, T. 0. 0. 
F., at ]\ralden, and in his life exemplifies its benefi- 
cent spirit. He is a young man of enterprise and 
energy, well known in tlie county, where his entire 
life has been passed and where he has so directed 
his labors as to win recognition as a leading and 
worthv citizen. 



HECTOE GERMAIN. 

.\iiiong the representatives of agricultui-al inter- 
ests in Bureatt county who have been enabled to 
put aside tlie more active and arduous <luties of 
the farm, is numbered Hector Germain, who is 
now residing in Wyanet. He is one of Illinois' 
native sons, his birth having occurred near Elgin, 
on the 14th of February, 1840. His father, James 
Germain, came from England to the new world 
and died about 1812. The son was educated in 
Elgin and came to Bureau county in 1854, when 
fourteen years of age, at which time he settled in 
Bureau county. Although then but a young lad 
he had previously been working at a salary of six 
dollars per month herding sheep. Owing to his 
father's death he w'as early thrown uf)on his own 
resources and whatever success he has achieved 
is the direct reward of his earnest and persistent 
labors. Tie was employed in this county until 
18(;o, when he went to Pike's Peak in search of 
gold and he was in Omaha, Nebraska, when the 
ground was broken for the Fniou Pacilic Pail- 



road. He worked at freighting in Iowa and Ne- 
braska from 18(!1 until l.S(i2, and remained in the 
west altogether for lifteen years. He enlisted in 
the militia and .«erved during lS(i3 and l.S(J4, and 
in September of the latter year he re-enlisted, this 
time becoming a member of Comj)any I, Fourth 
Colorado Cavalry, with which he was connected 
until after the close of the war in July, 18G5. He 
was on detailed tluty, guarding mail routes and in 
other such service. 

Mr. Germain then followed the I'nion Paciiie 
Pailruad as it was being built westward, buying 
and selling town jiroperty and keeping pace with 
the construction. He would go ahead of tlic rail- 
road, buy and build, and when the place would be 
at the height of its boom he would sell and again 
move forward. He always made good money on 
his investments during those times. In the mean- 
time, however, he engaged in the livery and feed 
business in (ieorgetown and in lilaek Hawk, Colo- 
rado. His brother managed his interests in that 
state while Hector (iermain was buying and sell- 
ing town lots along the lines of the Union Pacific. 
He went through the usual experiences and hard- 
ships of frontier life, roughing it in tin- west until 
1875, when he sold out and returned )o Bureau 
county. He ]iurchased land liere in l.s"3, and 
for two years he bought and shipi)ed brood mares 
to Colorado. He still carries on business interests 
in tlie latter state. When he returned to Bureau 
county in 1875 he located in Wyanet township on 
one hundred and sixty acres of land, two miles 
east of the village of Wyanet, wliich property he 
still owns. He has always fed the products of his 
farm to cattle and hogs and is well known as a 
stock-raiser. In Decendier, 1901, however, he iv- 
tired from active business life and removed to the 
village of Wyanet, where he built a beautiful resi- 
dence, which he now occupies. He now has two 
lots, giving him a frontage of one huiulred fwt. 

Mr. Germain was nuirried in is" 3 to Miss Phila 
Hart, who was born in Ohio and is a daughter of 
Andrew Hart, who enlisted in the army from 
Peoria, Illinois, and served for four years during 
the Civil war. He resided near Tiskilwa for sev- 
eral years and his death occurred about 1S9G. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. (iermain have been born three 
children: Charles, who married Mary Mount, a 
daughter of Elisha J. Mount, their Inune iM-ing 
oti his father's farm; Gertrude, the wife of Elmer 
Wheeler, o( Ottawa, Illinois; and (Jali", who is liv- 
ing at home. 

The parents are mendjcrs of the Methodist 
church and Mr. Germain was a mend)er of (he Odd 
Fellow.s lodge in Colorado, be<'oming a charter 
member of the first lodge organized at Black 
Hawk. In political views lu' is a stalwart repul)- 
li<an and he carried a torch light at the organiza- 
tion of the party in 185(;, when Fremont was a 
candidate for the presidency. He has always been 
deeply interested in the success of the parly and 
upon its ticket was elected and served as highway 



. oi) 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



cominissiouer. He has also bfcii school trustee 
for twelve years anil liis otticial dulies have been 
discharged with proiiitpness and fidelity, in Wya- 
net, where he is widely known, he is esteemed as a 
man of generous impulses, high personal worth 
and splendid business ability. He owes his suc- 
cess to his own labors and though he has led a busy 
life he has found time for consideration for his 
fellowmen, being generous and kindly, his good 
ijualities winning him the esteem of those with 
whom he has been associated. 



BENJAMIN F. BASH. 



Benjamin F. Bash, who is largely engaged in 
raising and fattening stock for the nuirket, resides 
upon a farm in La Moille township. He was born 
January 10, 18.50, in Jlorrow county, Ohio, and 
came to Bureau county with his parents in 18(i5. 
He is the ninth in order of birth in a family of 
eleven chiblren born unto David and Catherine 
(Shoop) J5ash, both of whom were natives of 
I'ennsylvania. the father born in June, 1813, and 
the molber in 1811. They have now passed away. 

Benjamin F. Bash was educated in the public 
schools of Bureau county and in Western College 
in Iowa. He was but nine years of age when he 
accompanied his parents to Bureau county, and 
here he was reared to farm life. On leaving school 
he took up farming as a life occupation, and has 
always followed tliat pursuit, lieing today the 
owner of two hundred and forty-two acres of 
excellent land, which is valued at the highest 
market price for land in this locality. There is 
a good gas well on the farm, of sixteen pounds 
pressure. Mr. Bash is well known as a promi- 
nent stockman, not only feeding all of the products 
of his own lields to his stock but also buying large 
qiuintities of feed for purpose of fattening stock 
for the nuirket. In 1888 he purchased the home 
farm, on which he has lived continuously since, 
and it is a valuable property, equipped with many 
modern conveniences. He paid thirty-two dollars 
per acre for the land and it is today worth from 
one hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per 
acre. In the care and improvement of the prop- 
erly he has disjilayed good management, and 
through Ills own labors has brought it under its 
present high state of cultivation. He has erected 
the buildings and planted trees which today have 
grown into fine shade trees, forming an attractive 
ornament to the place. .\n air of geniality and 
good cheer pervades the home, and the farm is 
regarded as a model property, indicating in its 
neat and thrifty appearance the care and super- 
vision of the owner. 

Mr. Bash was married January 32, 1880. to 
Miss Bertha R. Eddy, who was born .\ugust 11, 
IS.")."), in Pri'ston, Minnesota, a daughter of Shel- 
don and Mary (Eddy) Eddy. The father was a 



native of New York and became a resident of Lee 
county, Illinois, in 1840, w'hen but ten years of 
age. He was married in Minnestota in 185.5 to 
Miss Mary Eddy, and unto this union there were 
eight children, of whom Mrs. Bash is the eldest. 
Her father is still living, but her mother passed 
away January 20, 1899. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Basil have been born two children : Mrs. Ethel 
R. Field : and C. Millicent Bash, now at home. 
There are also two grandchildren: Frank Lester 
and Robert Emerson P^ield, the former born Janu- 
ary 8, 1904, and the latter March 1-5, 1900. 

Mr. Bash votes with the republican party, and 
he and his wife are members of the Baptist church, 
in the work of which they take an active and help- 
ful part. He is also a fai-tor in political circles, 
has served as a member of the republican town- 
ship central committee and has held the office of 
justice of the peace. In the church he has acted 
as trustee and as superintendent of the Sunday- 
school, and he is likewise president of the Citizens" 
^Memorial Society. The various duties which de- 
volve upon him in these connections are promptly 
and faithfully performed, and he is likewise presi- 
dent of the Reed Drug ("ompany and one of its 
directors. He is a man of high character and in- 
telligence, who, in the race of life, has forged 
ahead by reason of his industry and integrity. 
Both he and his wife are held in the highest es- 
teem by all who know them, and Mr. Bash is rec- 
ognized as a man of genuine ]iersonal worth, who 
in his public and private relations manifests those 
sterling traits which in every land ami clime 
awaken respect and confidence. 



.TAMES w. te:\ipleton. 

James W. Tompleton, whose ])ublic record has 
been distinguished by all that marks the public- 
spirited citizen who has been a student of possi- 
bilities for general progress and development and 
in his official service has labored not alone for 
present needs, but has looked beyond the exigen- 
cies of the moment to the possibilities of the fu- 
ture, dates his residence in Princeton from 18(13. 
He w-as born in St. Clairsville, Belmont county, 
Ohio, and for forty-three years has been a promi- 
nent factor in the history of the city in which li(> 
now makes his home. 

Mr. Templeton had resided Iutc for only a brief 
period when his fellow-townsmen gave evidence 
of their recogniiion of bis ability and trustworthi- 
ness by calling him to public office. He wi's - 
pointed deputy ciuinty clerk and served from ^SM 
until 1809, when he was elected county clerk for 
a four years' term. In April, 1875, he received 
presidential appointment to the office of postmas- 
ter of Princeton, and acted in that capacity for 
twelve years. He was elected to the state senate 
:n 1891 and was re-elected in 1898 and 1903, mak- 
ing twelve years of faithful service in tlie upper 




Mi;S. !•,. F. I'.ASH. 




M. F. 1?AS||. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



(00 



liouse of the jieneral assembly. His reputation for 
integrity and ability is state wide. If any measure 
of a doubtful character is to be forwarded, Senator 
Temploton is not consulted, as it has been gener- 
ally known through his long .service tiuit he is not 
in tiie senate for that purpose; but when any meas- 
ure is presented that has for its aim the better- 
ment of the conmionwealth, then his good judg- 
ment and broad experience are sought, a fact for 
which lie and his friends may be justly proud. His 
record in office shows capable public service, re- 
sulting from a thorough understanding of the po- 
litical situation of the country and a broad knowl- 
edge of the questions which are alTecled by the 
state government and bear upon the i,«sues of the 
people. He was appointed president of the Pan- 
American commission by Governor Yates to build 
the Illinois building at the Pan-American Expo- 
sition, the state appropriating seventy-five thou- 
sand dollars for that purjiose, of which amount 
Mr. Templeton returned twenty thousand dollars 
as not needed — a very unusual occurrence. 

On the 21st of December. 1870, Mr. Tenipleton 
was married to Miss Mandana M. Stevens, a 
daughter of Justns Stevens, of Princeton, and 
two children gladden their home: Stephen and 
Gladys, ilr. Templeton is a man whose breadth 
of view and liberal education, which has been ac- 
quired through research and study of the prob- 
lems and issues of the day. have made him a leacjer 
of public thought and action, and no man in the 
communitv is held in hisrher reirard. 



WILLIAM A. VAN SICKLE. 
William A. Van Sickle is the owner of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of good farming land in Ma- 
con township," npon which ho located in 1894. He 
was born in Stark county, Illinois, May 22, 186.5, 
and acquired a public-school education while 
spending his bovhood days in the home of his par- 
ents. Aaron B.' and ^laVy (Kelley) Van Sickle. 
The father was born in New Jersey in 1830. while 
the mother's birth occurred in Ireland. He was 
one of the pioneer settlers of Stark county, where 
he first worked at a salary of ninety dollars per 
vear. He lived frugally and economically, anil a.« the 
result of his diligence and perseverance at length 
obtained the money with wliich he purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres of land. He then began 
farming on his own account, built a home and 
successfully and energetically carried on general 
agricultural pursuits until 1901, when he retired 
from active business life and is now living in Tou- 
lon. His wife, however, pas.sed away when forty- 
seven years of age. He has filled the offices of 
school director and road commissioner, and in pol- 
itics is an earnest republican. In the family were 
four children: Harriet, the wife of William .\. 
Rarr; George, who married Ellen Scheats ; Jose- 
phine, the wife of Robert Laing. and William A. 



The father was one of the pioneer settlers of this 
jjart of the state, where lie has always resided since 
coming to the west, and during the period of his 
residence here he has watihed many notable 
changes that have brought about the present prog- 
ress and prosperity of tiie locality. 

William A. Van Sickle, reared to farm life, early 
became familiar with the duties and labors that 
fall to the lot of the agriculturist. Soon after his 
marriage, which was celebrated January 1, 1889, 
he began farming on his own account, and in 1894 
removeil to Bureau county, where he purciiasea 
one liundred and si.\ty acres of land, on whicii he 
has erected a line residence. Here he has tilled the 
soil and raised stock, shipping from one to two 
carloads of liogs to the Chicago market each year. 
He also breeds his own Norman draft horses, and 
altogetlier has a well improved farm property. 

On the 1st of January, 1889, Mr. Van Sickle 
was joined in wedlock to Mi.ss Alma Wiley, wlio 
was born in Stark county, Illinois, .\pril 2, 18(JT, 
a daughter of John anil Sarah (.\liii) Wi v. 
father, who was born in New Jersey in 18.3' 
now living in Stark county, Illinois. Her mother 
was born in the Buckeye state and died at the age 
of forty-five years. Mr. Wiley came to Illinois when 
a young man. settling in Stark county amid its 
pioneer residents, and there he has made his home 
for the past half century. He bought both timber 
and prairie land, and he ahso built a home. He 
has kept his farm in touch with the moilern ideas 
of progres.«, and is today the owner of about five 
hundred acres of very valuable land devoted to 
general farming. He has served as school director 
and in other local offices, ami his political allegi- 
ance is given to the republican party. He likewise 
lielongs to the Christian church. Unto him and 
his wife were born five children, namely: Mrs. 
Van Sickle; Ira L. ; Edward T., who married 
Tillie Nelson: Emma T., the wife of Fred Sweet, 
and Clara, the wife of Clayton Egbert. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Van Sickle has been 
blessed with two children: Lula Leota, born in 
1892. and Floyd Wiley, in lS9fi. Mr. Van Sickle 
is a repiiblican. and. while never seeking office, he 
yet is deeply interested in the success of his party 
becau.se he believes its principles are most condu- 
cive to good government. He is a representative 
citizen of the middle west, po.ssessing the spirit of 
enterprise which has been the dominant factor in 
the rapid and substantial growth of tiiis section 
of the state. 



CHARLES W. COLEMAN. 
Charles \\ . Coleman, interested in ^'eneral farm- 
ing, has resided at his [iresent honie for more than 
a half century. He was horn in Portage county, 
Ohio. October L 18.3.?. and is a .«on of Wat.«on and 
Harriet (Grav) Coleman. His education was ob- 
tained in the public schools of his luitive state, and 



r56 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



after putting aside his text-books he worked in a 
dairy until he came to Bureau county. He re- 
movetl from Clark county, Ohio, to Illinois in 
1854, and here started in business life upon rented 
farms. In 1864 he purchased his present farm, 
after living upon it as a renter for ten years, and 
the place has therefore been his home for more 
than a half century. Here he has one hundred and 
twenty acres of well improved land that returns 
golden harvests in reward for the care and labor 
he bestows upon the tields. He also owns one hun- 
dred and sixty acres in Iowa. In this county are 
his well tilled fields, carefully cultivated after ap- 
proved modern methods of farming, and he uses 
the latest machinery in carrying on the work of the 
fields. Moreover, he brings to bear practical com- 
mon sense in all of his work, and as a result he 
has been enabled to add to his capital year by year. 

On the 24th of August, 18.52, Mr. Coleman was 
married to Miss Emily Miller, of Clark county, 
Ohio, who was there reared, her parents being 
Aaron and Jane (Smith) Miller, the former a 
farmer by occupation. After a little less than two 
years' residence in Clark county the young couple 
started westward, and, as before stated, they be- 
came residents of Bureau county in 1854. They 
have always resided on their present homestead, 
and as the years have passed their marriage has 
been blessed with eight living children, while three 
of the family have passed away, these being : Will- 
iam, who died when a year old, and two who died 
in infancy. The eight who still survive are : ilary 
.A.nn, who is the wife of Mason Utrine, a resident 
farmer of South Dakota : Horace 6., who married 
Emma Hewitt and follows farming in Emmet 
county, Iowa; Sarali Jane, the wife of Oliver Van 
Ormer, a farmer of Charles Mix county, South 
Dakota ; Jerome N., who married Anna Hartz and 
is a farmer of Carroll county, Iowa, where he owns 
one tliousan<l acres of land: Ida E., the wife of 
Rufus F. Lathrop, who is conducting a livery and 
sale stable in Glidden, Iowa; Hattie E., the wife 
of Cluirles E. Hite, a resident farmer of Emmet 
county, Iowa; Julia, the wife of H. F. (laskey, a 
grain merchant of La Salle, Illinois, and Lizzie 
G., the wife of George Pittraan, of Manlius. 

The family attend the United Brethren church, 
and arc people of high respectal)ility, enjoying the 
friendship and regard of many with whom they 
have been associated. Mr. Coleman is a republican. 
but without aspiration for oflice. In addition to 
his farming interests he is a stockholder in the 
First State Bank at Manlius. He has lived in Bu- 
reau county for fifty-two year.s, while his life rec- 
ord covers seventy-three years. Here he has so di- 
rected his labors and guided his conduct bv \\]i- 
right principles that lie has won the goodwill of 
his fellowmen, and is today numbered among the 
honored early settlers. He is largely familiar with 
the history of the county during the greatest pe- 
riod of its progress and development, for when he 
camo here there were still evidences of frontier life 



in the uncultivated tracts of land and in the primi- 
tive homes. As time has gone by he has rejoiced in 
tlie progress which has transformed the county, 
and has borne his full share in the work of public 
improvement. 



JACOB ATTIG. 

Modern methods of farming are employed by 
Jacob Attig in the care and improvement of his 
farm, which is an excellent property of two hun- 
dred and iifty acres in Walnut township, valued at 
one hundred dollars per acre. There are good 
buildings upon the place and the well tilled fields 
are proof of earnest, enterprising labor. 

Mr. Attig is a native of Woodford county, Illi- 
nois, born December 23, 1858, a son of Jacob 
and Mary Attig, natives of Germany. They were 
married in Woodford county, Illinois, where they 
located at an early day, and the mother died when 
her son Jacob was only a year and a half old. The 
father continued to engage in farming for many 
years and nuide his home in that county until hi.t 
death, in November, 1898. He came to this coun- 
try a poor man, hoping to benefit by the broader 
business opportunities of the new world, and at 
the time of his death he was the owner of a good 
farm of one hundred and forty acres. 

The district schools of his native county af- 
forded to Jacob Attig the educational privileges 
he enjoyed and he was trained to the work of the 
farm, for at an early age he took his place behind 
the plow and also assisted in the task of planting 
and of harvesting. Ambitious to gain a good liv- 
ing for himself and family, he has labored untiring 
and persistently and as his financial resources have 
increased he has invested in choice farming proper- 
ty, owning now two hundred and fifty acres in 
one body in Walnut township, worth on an aver- 
age more than a hundred dollars i)er acre. He 
keeps good grades of stock, including shorthorn 
cattle and Poland China hogs, but his attention is 
given chiefly to the cultivation of the cereals best 
adapted to soil and climate. The buildings are 
commodious and sulistantinl and are kept in good 
repair, and the farm is well tiled. 

On (lie ir.th of Februarv, 188fi, Mr. Attiir was 
married to ^Tiss Sarah Iwig, who was iiorn March 
I.T. ISIU;, a daughter of Jacob and IMary (Smith) 
Iwii;-, tl'(> former a native of Germany and the 
latter of the state of Ohio. Thev were farming 
people and for inaiiv vears resided in Woodford 
countv. Illinois, ifr. nnd ifrs. Attig have become 
tlie iiircuts of four children, of whom Harvey P.. 
the third in order of birth, died in infancv. The 
otlicrs are Chester J., .\lma M. and Lilah P., aged 
respectivelv nineteen, fifteen and eleven vears, and 
all vet at home. The son was graduated from the 
Walnut high school at the age of sixteen, winning 
the honors of his cla.ss. Durinir the summers he 
assisted his father on the farm iuid one venr suh- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF lUTREAU COUNTY. 



sequent to the completion of his course in Walnut 
he matriculated in Northwestern college, at Na- 
perville, Illinois. He is now in the junior year, 
pursuing the scientific course, and will graduate 
with the class of litOS. Alma is now a sophomore 
in the high school at \V;i]iiut, while the younger 
(laughter is yet attending the district schools. 

Mr. Attig and his family are members of the 
Evangelical church at Red Oak, and his political 
support is given to the republican party. The 
honors and emoluments of ofiice have no attrac- 
tion for him, however, as his ambition centers in 
his family and his business, utilizing the latter 
that he may provide a good home and the comforts 
of life for his wife and children. 



ASA W. KASBEER. 

Asa \V. Kasbeer, owning and operating one hun- 
dred and forty-six acres of valuable laud in Ohi(> 
township. Bureau county, and also the owner of 
a fine farm of one Jiundred and sixty acres in Al- 
len county. Kansas, is a native son of the county 
in wiiich he niiikcs liis home, his birth having oc- 
curred December 28, 1852. He is a son of J. S. 
and Hannah (Ross) Kasbeer, the former born in 
Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Decend)er 28, 1818, and 
the latter in 183(), and both still survive. In their 
fatnily were twelve children, of whom eight arc 
living, while four have passed away. 

Asa W. Kasbeer, the fifth member of his father's 
family, was educated in the public schools of Bu- 
reau county, and after putting aside his text- 
books, started out upon his own responsibility. 
He has been very successful in all his undertak- 
ings and is now the owner of one hundred and for- 
ty-six acres of land situated in Ohio township. 
Part of this property was inherited by him, but 
he has achlcd all of the improvements and acce.s- 
sories. thus enhancing its value until it is today 
worth from one hundred and fifty to two hundred 
dollars per acre, while it was woith but fifty dol- 
lars per acre when it came into his possession. On 
this tract are found modern and suhstanti:il Imilil- 
ings and all the conveniences of a model farm. 
He has also set out many shade trees, which add 
to the attractive appearance of the place and sliow 
the owner to be i)rofrressive in the conduct of his 
business interests. He has all the latest improved 
farm niacbinerv to facilitate his work and ex- 
ercises excellent abilitv in all that he imdertakes. 
Beside this tract of land he is the owner of one 
hundred and sixty acres of valuable farming land 
in Allen countv, Kansas, wliich he has improved 
until it has doubled in value since it came into his 
possession. 

Mr. Kasbeer was united in marriage to Miss 
."Mice jr. Staples, who was born in Tjoiulon. Eng- 
land, on the 14tli of April. lSf>0. a daughter of 
John and Annie (lioech) Staples, both natives of 
that countrv. Jfrs. Kasbeer aecompnnied her par- 



ents on their emigration from England to America 
in Uay, 1869. Tliey first settled at Cedar Rapids, 
Iowa, where they remained for only about a month, 
and then made their way to Bureau county, Illi- 
nois, where the daughter was reared and educated, 
completing her high school education in Princeton, 
and after reaching womanhood gave her hand in 
marriage to the subject of this review, the wedding 
ceremony being [terformed on the 8th of March, 
1882. The father is still living, but the mother 
passed away on the 23d of November, 1894. In 
their family were five sons and six daughters, of 
whom two are deceased, Mrs. Kasbeer being the 
fourth in order of birth. 

Unto our subject and his wife have been born five 
children, as follows: Walter R., born March 15, 
1883; Louie B., July 13, 1884 ; Arthur H., March 
20, 188G, and now deceased; Nellie M., September 
5, 1887, and James A., born October 20, 1892. Po- 
litically Mr. Kasbeer is a republican and he and 
his family are members of the Methodist Protes- 
tant church. He has served as school director 
and is interested in the educational advance- 
ment of his township and county. He is an en- 
terprising agriculturist, following nu)dern metli- 
ods in all his work, and through his industry 
has accomplished excellent results, so that he is 
now the owner of extensive landed interests both 
in Illinois and Kansas, being classed among the 
substantial and well-to-do agriculturists of Bu- 
reau county. He possesses many excellent traits 
of character which have secured to him many 
business and social friends and he and his esti- 
mable wife are nuiidicrcd among the most high- 
ly respected peojile of their community, and are 
now enabled to enjoy the hix\iries of life. 



JOHN MASON. 

John l\Iason, deceased, was born in Deerfield, 
New llanipshire, Jamuiry 7. 1798. When he was 
but four years of age his father died, and three 
v(<ars later he lost his mother also. He had 
hut one sister. Anna Erwen Mason, who was 
born May 2). 179.-). and died in 1883. in Con- 
cord, New Hampshire, and left one daughter, 
now Mrs. JTarv Blake, of Concord. New Hamp- 
shire. In early life John Mason was bound to 
Edmund Stevens, to learn the tanner and cur- 
rier's tra<le, and his life was siuh that he had 
but small opportunities for an education: how- 
ever, he learned to read and write, and tlicn to 
ci|iher, using the hides in the tannery for his 
shite, .\fter serving his time of apprpnticp.'ship. 
he never afterwanl followed his trade, but en- 
gaged in different occupations. In ISn.'i he re- 
moved from his then home in Pittsfield. New 
Ilnnipshire. to Illinois, and landed at Pekin, 
.Tune 1.'), 1S3."i, and five of (be family of seven 
had to be carried off the lioat to the shore, on ac- 
count of sickness. His first settlement was at 



758 



PAST AND rilESEXT Ui" BLliEAU COL X'JY. 



Black Tartriclgc Point, in what is now Wood- 
ford county, and the following year, 183G, the 
town of iletamora was laid out on land adjoin- 
ing his farm. In 1841 he came to Bureau coun- 
ty, and settled at French Grove. That year he 
made brick and the following year built a two- 
story brick house, which was the first house 
erected on the present site of Buda, and yet re- 
mains and used as a dwelling. In 18-14 he sold 
this and the following year settled the farm now 
owned by hi:* grandson. Orris W. Mason, and 
it was there he met his death May 5, 18G0. He 
was crushed l)y the falling of a large stone he 
was trying to bury in the field. 

He was married in Canterbury, New Hamp- 
shire, Marcli 7, 18^0, to Abigail Eobey, who was 
born at I'ittslleld, A'ew Hampshire, December 
17, 1793, and died in this county November 
20, 186.5. She was the mother of the following 
named children: William H., born August 13, 
1821; Abigail A., born February 22, 1823; 
John W., born May 27, 182.5; Stephen R., born 
June IS, 1827, and Cyrus P., born August 13, 
1831. 

William II. Mason married Phebe A. Draw- 
yer, January 24, 1844. She was born at Car- 
mel. New York, December 29. 1822, and died 
October 29, 1852, at the home in Macon town- 
ship, leaving one son, Hiram Francis, born No- 
vember 28, 1844, and died in Denver, Colorado, 
August 25, 1874. William Mason's second mar- 
riage was June 27. 1853, to Mehitable Kaime, 
who was born in Chichester, New Hampshire, 
March 21, 1819, and died at the Mason home, 
October 14, 1886, leaving one son, William K.. 
born September 25. 1856. who resides on the 
home farm in ^lacon township. Bureau county. 
His tliird marriage. May 2, 1889, was to Mrs. 
Ann Elizabeth (Pead) Rhodes, who was born 
November 15. 1828, in Providence, Rhode Is- 
land, and now resides in Buda. where Mr. Ma- 
son died October 11. 1899. .\ more extended 
sketch of William K. Mason appears elsewhere 
in this work. 

.Miigail .\manda Jlason married Benjamin 0. 
Rowell. May 4, 1843. He was born in Andover, 
New Hampshire, May 2, 1815, and died at his 
home in Barren Grove, June 11. 1906. To 
tlicm wiTc Iku'ii six cliiblron: T.,yilia .\bigail, 
born January 24, 1844. married Rubert Free- 
land, T)ecember 21, 1861, died Jan\iary 15, 
1890, at Modena. Illinois; John Closes was born 
September 6, 1846. now resides in Oklahoma; 
Henrietta Abigail, horn .\ugust 22, 1849, mar- 
ried Thaddeus S. Campbell, April 11, 1867. now 
resides in Ncola. Towa; James D. Rohey. burn 
June 17, 1852. resides in Neponset. Illinois; Ben- 
jamin Greeley, born .\ugust 27, 1857, resides on 
the home place in Mineral township. Bureau coun- 
ty, Illinois; Addie :M.. born "March 10. 18(;i. died 
October 27, 1864. 



John Wesley Mason married Aehsah Brain- 
anl at Princeton, Illinois, March 19, 1847. She 
was born May 10, 1829, at Westfield, Ohio, and 
now lives with her daughter in Princeton, Illi- 
nois. They were the parents of seven children: 
Dora M., born December 28, 1847, married 
John F. Robey, in Buda, Illinois, January 18, 
1870. now resides in Princeton, Illinois; 
Charles, born May 18, 1849, died October 11, 
1S50: Henry Robey, born September 28, 1852. 
died Xovendjer 2, 1893; a daughter born Septem- 
ber 7. 1857, died in infancy; Albert French, 
born :February 10, 1859, resides in Buda, Illi- 
nois; Charles Seymour, born September 7, 1862, 
lives at Omaha, Nebraska; George Wesley, born 
Auijust 2, 1864, is in New Orleans, Louisiana. 

Stephen Eobey Mason married Mary Ann 
Brainard June 10, 1852, at Providence, Illinois. 
She was born Januarv 26, 1834. at Lafayette, 
Ohio, died March 24.' 1889, at DoVall's Bluff, 
Arkansas. To them were born five children : 
Ella Jane, born March 4, 1853, married Walter 
B. Allen. July 26, 1876. died June 30. 1900; 
Ida May. born January 16, 1855, married John 
Waterman ;March 30, 1880, now lives at Cres- 
ton. Iowa; Robev Ensign, born December 17. 
1856, died July 30, 1888. at Brinkley, Arkan- 
sas. Wilber John, born November 22, 1859, 
lives at DeValVs Bluff. Arkansas; Harry Wliit- 
ing, born March 11, 1863, now resides at Dan- 
ville, Illinois. 

Cyrus Parker Mason (see separate sketch) 
married Sarah .1. Noyes in Buda. Illinois, Jan- 
nary 8, 1861). She was born February 25. 1833, 
in Springfield, New Hanipsbire. and ilii'd 
March 3. 1900. in Buda, Illinois. Their chil- 
dren were Parker Noyes. (see separate sketch), 
born October 4. 1862, and Orris Wesley, (see 
separate sketch), born June 21. 1864, both resi- 
dents of P>uda. lliniiis. 



JOHN F. CRATER. 

John F. Crater, now living retired at No. 1419 
South Main street, in Princeton, has been a resi- 
dent of Bureau county since February, 1856. He 
lu.d come to the county in the previous August, 
and purchased a farm on what is now known as 
North Prairie, and after taking up his abode 
permanently in the county, about a half century 
ago, he followed farming for many years, and is 
still the owner of good land, from which he de- 
rives a gratifying inconu'. 

He was born in (icrman Valley. Morris county, 
New Jersey. August 21. 1825. his parents being 
Philip and Catherine (Fritts) Crater, the former 
born in Morris county and the latter in Hunterdon 
county. New Jersey. The great-great-grandfather 
Fiitts came from Germany, and was married to a 
iiaughter of the captain on whose vessel he sailed 
to rhc new world. Tie built the Lutheran church 




.lolIN F. CRATEK. 



I 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



r«i 



in lliinterdoii counlv ami was a very prominpr.t 
and 'n*!uential resident there in an early epoe)i 
of the early settlement of the state. His "son, the 
great-granilfalher, was the most prominent factor 
in the building of another church in that county, 
and the grandfather also built a church there, 30 
that tiie Fritts family were closely associated with 
the early moral development of tlieir locality. 

Philip Crater, father of our subject, spent his 
entire life in New Jersey, where he died when only 
thirty-eight or thirty-nine years of age. In early 
manhood he engaged in teaching school, and snh- 
sequently he conducted a store, while later he en- 
gaged in the hotel business until his death. His 
widow long survived him, reaching the advanced 
age of eighty-six years, passing away about 1880. 
She had resided in New Jersey throughout her 
entire life, ami after the death of her first husband 
she was married in Somer.set county to Henry I. 
Hoffman, who died some years before her death. 
He was prominent in community affairs in the 
east, and served as justice of the peace for forty 
or fifty years. 

Mr. Crater, of this review, was oiu; of a family 
of eight children, of whom three sisters are yet 
living: Mrs. Catherine Baker, of New York 
city; .Vdcline, who also lives in that city, and 
Mrs. Mary Yawger, a widow, who is residing with 
a son in Brooklyn, New York, at the age of ninety- 
one years. The others are all now deieased, name- 
ly: William, George and Isaac. The last named 
was a photographer, conducting a gallery at No. 
55 Clark street, Chicago. 

John P. Crater was reared in New Jersey, ac- 
quiring his early education in that state, and he 
afterward attended Lancaster College, in Easton, 
Pennsylvania. He was thus well equipped by lib- 
eral educational training for life's practical and 
responsible duties. In 1818 he was married in 
Easton to Miss Elizabeth Neighbour, the wedding 
ceremony being performed by Dr. Junkard, who 
was president of Lafayette College and was the 
father-in-law of Stonewall Jackson. Mrs. Crater 
was born in German Valley, Morris county. New 
Jersey, in 1827. They remained residents of the 
east for about eight years, and, iis previously 
stated, took up their abode in Bureau county in 
February, 185G. In August, 1855, Mr. Crater 
had visited this county and purchased a farm on 
what is now known as North Prairie, but a year 
later he sold that property and bought another 
tract of raw land in Dover township, which he 
improved, having a farm there of one hundred 
and eighty acres, which he placed under a high 
state of cultivation. He erected a residence there 
and resided thereon for seven years. He then 
again sold out. after which he took up his abode 
in Selby township, where he bought land and car- 
ried on farming for eleven years. He then once 
more sold his farm, and his next purchase made 
him owner of a tract of land in Dover townshij), 
where he lived for seven years. When he once 



more sold he bought a farm in Princeton township, 
and afterward removed to the city of Princeton, 
where he has lived for twenty-one years. His 
farm in I'rinceton was sold to Mr. Waddell, after 
which he purchased three hundred and thirty-five 
acres in Whiteside and Henry counties, which he 
now owns, but which he has leased. He visits his 
farm every year, but makes his home in Prince- 
ton. His property brings him a good income, and 
be is now in very comfortable financial circum- 
stances. 

L'nto Mr. and Mrs. Crater were born five chil- 
dren, who survived the mother, her death oc- 
curring about thirty years ago. These are: Wil- 
liam N., at home; Jacob A., who died of typhoid 
fever in California; Kate L., who is the widow 
of Henry Callinan, and, with her two children, 
resides in Bureau county, Illinois; Luella, the wife 
of John F. Kaufman, a farmer residing six miles 
west of Princeton, and Edward B., a jeweler, of 
Tiskilwa, who married Alice Bryant. For his sec- 
ond wife John F. Crater chose Angeline Neigh- 
liour, a sister of his first wife, and their only ihild 
died at the age of three months. 

In his |)()litical views in early life Mr. Crater was 
a Henry Clay whig, and suj)ported the party until 
its dissolution, when he joined the ranks of the 
new republican party and has since been one of 
its stalwart advocates. He joined the Presby- 
terian church before he was sixteen years of age, 
and has lived a life in consistent harinonv with 
its teachings. When a young man he followed the 
tailor's trade in New York, and ho thus provided 
for liiniscU' for several years prior to his marriage. 
Throughout his business connection with this coun- 
ty he has followed farming, and although he is 
now living retired he is still the owner of valuable 
farming interests. His life has been characterized 
by diligence and perseverance crowned with suc- 
cess. He has, moreover, been a witness of much 
of the develojimcnt and growth of this county, 
having come to Princeton in pioneer times, and for 
a half century he has resided in this county, wit- 
nessing the changes that have occurred and bear- 
ing his full share in the work of general improve- 
ment. 



SHANNON BONNELL. 

Shannon Bonnell. an active representative of 
the farming interests of La Moille township, is one 
of the native sons of Pennsylvania. He was born 
October 18, 18.52, and the following year was 
brought to Illinois liy his parents, Silas and Mary 
\. (Smith) Bonnell. The father wa.< also a native 
of the Keystone stiitc and in the middle of the 
nineteenth century brought his fiimily to Illinois. 
There were nine children, of whom Shannon wa.s 
the fourth in order of birth. 

Mr. Bonnell of Uiis review wa,** reared to the 
occupation of the farm, early becoming familiar 
with the duties and lal)ors that devolve upon the 






PAST AND PRESENT OF lUKEAU COUNTY. 



agriculturist as he tills his fields and harvests his 
crops. When not working at the plow or in the 
cultivation of the fields Mr. Bonnell was largely 
engaged in the pursuit of education, being a stu- 
dent in the district schools near his father's liome. 
As he neared man's estate he began thinking of 
establishing a home of his own, and as a compan- 
ion and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss 
Tena Maloy, who was born in Bartholomew county, 
Indiana. December 31, 1S5G, and who gave him 
her hand in marriage in Bureau county on the 11th 
of March, 187(). Her parents were John and 
Laner (Shroyer) Maloy, the former a native of 
Ohio and the latter of Pennsylvania. In their 
family were seven children, five of whom are still 
living, Mrs. Bonnell being the eldest. Our sub- 
ject and his wife have three children : Everett S., 
born October 20, 18T7; John H., January 11. 
IST'J: and Elva A., born December 11, 1S83'. 

Tlie family home stands upon a farm of forty 
acres of fine land which is very rich and productive 
and which responds readily to the care and labor 
bestowed upon it. Here Mr. Bonnell is engaged 
in raising hogs, sheep and cattle, and his annual 
sales of stock bring him several hundred dollars. 
He is a man of keen discrimination in his business 
affairs, and all that he possesses has been acquired 
through his own labor. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Mystic AVorkers at La Moille, and 
in his political connection he is a republican. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bonnell also hold memliership in the 
Baptist church, and are people of genuine personal 
worth, whose lives are characterized by many good 
deeds and kindly actions. Their neighbors attest 
their integrity and speak in terms of praise of 
their many good cjualities, and the life record of 
Mr. Bonnell, with its successes, is another proof of 
the old adage that honesty is the best policy. 



FRANKLIN A. PATTEN. 
Franklin A. Patten, who carries on general 
farming and stock-raising, owns and operates a 
fann of eighty acres of fine land in Macon town- 
ship, and in 1901 erected thereon a new resi- 
dence. He was born near Skowhegan. in Somer- 
set county, Maine, October 7. 1S4II, and ai(|uire(l 
a common-school education while spending his 
boyhood days under the parental roof. He is a 
son of I.^aac and Hulda (Squares) Patten, both 
of whom were natives of Somerset county, Maine. 
The father was born in 181.5, and departed this 
life on the 2ad of March, 1S98, at the age of 
eighty-three years. He was married at Skowhegan. 
Maine, to Miss Hulda Squares, who died in Au- 
gust, 1887. They becauu' residents of Illinois in 
the si)ring of 18(13, and located in Macon town- 
ship, where Mr. Patten i)urehased one hundred 
and twenty acres of land. Throughout his entire 
life he carried on farming and stock-raising, and 
after a residence of more than two decades in this 



county he removed with his wife to Kansas, where 
Mrs. Patten died in August, 1887. He continued 
to reside in the Sunflower state until 1889, when 
he returned to Illinois, spending his remaining 
days here. His political allegiance was given to 
the republican parly, and both he and his wife 
were consistent and faithful members of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church. In their family were five 
children: Mary, Orrin M., Jennie M., Franklin 
A. and Mercy. The last named died in early 
womanhood. 

Franklin A. Patten spent the first four years of 
his life in the Pine Tree state and then accom- 
panied his parents on their removal westward to 
Bureau county. He was reared to the occupation 
of farming, and has always engaged in the tilling 
of the soil. He had no financial assistance when 
he started out in life for himself, but placed his 
dependence upon the safe and substantial qual- 
ities of unremitting diligence and perseverance, 
and with these as a foundation he has built the 
superstructure of his success. He is now farm- 
ing eighty acres of fine land, which is rich and 
productive and returns to htm bounteous harvests. 
In 1901 he erected a new residence, and has made 
other substantial improvements upon his farm. 

On the 14th of March, 1889, Mr. Patten was 
united in marriage to Miss Louise M. Havener, 
who was born in Henry county, Illinois, November 

29, 1867, and is a daughter of Fred and Fred- 
ericka (Lympke) Havener. The father's birth oc- 
curred in Ambrock, Germany, April 5, 1814, while 
his wife was born at Altkinkendoff, near Berlin, 
German)'. They were married in their native 
country on the 14th of March, 1849, and crossed 
the Atlantic from Bremen to New York city on a 
sailing vessel which was eight weeks and three 
days in making the voyage. They landed in July, 
1861, and on the 22d of that month arrived at 
Kewanee, Illinois. Mr. Havener rented a farm in 
Henry county, near Annawan. where he remained 
for a year and then removed to Green river, where 
he lived for four years. His entire life was de- 
voted to general agricultural pursuits and the 
raising of stock, and he passed away November 

30, 1881, when about sixty-seven years of age. 
His political support was given to the democracy, 
and he held nunnbership in the German Lutheran 
church, to which his widow also belongs. She still 
survives him, and is now living in Macon township. 
In their family were seven children, five sons and 
two daughters, but only two are now living: Au- 
gustus, who was born in Germany, January 5, 
IS.")."): and Mrs, Patten. 

The home of our subject and his wife has been 
blessed with one daughter, Ahna M., born July 
2.5. 1890. For nine years Mr. Patten has been a 
school director, and has done efTective service in 
behalf of education. He has served as path- 
master, and he gives his political support to the 
republican party. Fraternally he is connected 
with Xeponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. and A. M. 



i 



PAST AMI |'|;KS1;.\T of I'.IK'KAL ei)l\"l'V. 



7(;:i 



Jk' has always stood lor progress ami iiiiprove- 
iiH'iU, and his L'fforts in lichall of the coiimiuiiity 
have beuu far-reaching ami ett'eulive. 



IIKKBKKT L. WlllTlXU. 

llerhcrl L. Whiiing, who tarries on general ag- 
rieiiluiral ]inrsuits on sections M and 12, Indian- 
town township, was born in the house which he 
now occupies, September IS), 1S58. and is a rep- 
resentative of one of the pioneer families of this 
part of the state. His paternal grandfather, Sam- 
uel Whiting, was a farmer and contractor on the 
Erie canal, and at one time was engaged in the 
lumber business on the Genesee river. He was 
born in Connecticut, and his mother, whose nuiiden 
name was Zilplia .Mather, was a lineal descendant 
of Cotton ^Lather and also a native of Couuectiuut. 
Samuel Whiting, Sr., the great-grandfather of our 
subject, was a native of New Kngland, and in 
early manhood served as a soldier in the con- 
tinental army. The Whitings are of English lin- 
eage, and the family was established in this coun- 
try iu early colonial days. 

Lorenzo Dow Whiting, father of our subject, 
was born at Arcadia. Wayne county, Xew York, 
Xoveniber 17, 181!), and acquired an academic 
education, after which he became a salesman in a 
niei'caiitile estaidishment at Olcott, Niagara coun- 
ty. New York, where he remained until eighteen 
years of age. He came to the west in 1838, and 
for four years w'as engaged in the patent-right 
business in Illinois, after which he returned to the 
Empii-e state. During the next seven years he 
was engaged iu teaching, and also acted as town 
superintendent of schools in Newfayne, Niagara 
county, where he likewise lilled the office of justice 
of the peace most of the time. In 1818 he re- 
turned to Illinois with his wife and made pur- 
chase of a quarter section of land near TiskiUva. 
During the first three years of his residence hero 
he was engaged iu farming and teaching, after 
which he devoted the greater part of his tinu^ to his 
agricultural interests, and added to his holdings 
as opportunity offered, until he became the ow-ner 
of si.x hundred acres of valuable land. He was 
an enterprising, wide-awake and active business 
man, and his close application and judicious in- 
vestments constituted the basis of his prosperity. 
He was also a prominent and influential factor in 
pul)lic life, and his ability well fitted him for the 
])osition of leadership which was accorded him. He 
served for five or si.x years as su])ervisor of Indian- 
town township, but still higher honors awaited 
bim, for in ISfiS he was elected to the Illinois 
house of represenlalives, in 18G9 to the consti- 
tutional convention and in 18T0 to the state sen- 
ate. He was altogether a member of the general 
assemblv for eighteen years, and left the impress 
of his individuality upon tlie legislative history 
of the state, and was an influential factor in pro- 



moting constructive measures. In the constitu- 
tiotuU convention he was the lirsl to propose Uie 
insertion of a provision requiring the general 
assembly to pass laws regulating railroad charges, 
and as senator he was influential in .securing the 
passage of the bill which embodied a law against 
unjust discrimination and extortionate iharges, 
known as the (iranger laws. He was the ])ro- 
jector of the Hennepin canal scheme and the 
originator of other bills looking to the internal 
improvement of the state, and few men in puhlie 
life did more effective service for ])raclical im- 
provement and development than Mr. Whiiing. 
He was the author of several im])orlant laws re- 
lating to agriculture, roads and drainage, and the 
bill, which passed and be<aiTH> a law, ceding the 
Illinois and .Michigan canal to the United Slates 
on certain conditions, had its authorship in him. 
It is said that no man in the senate posses.sed 
clearer insight into the exigencies and po.ssibilities 
of a political venture or movement than Mr. 
\\ biting or labored more zealously to secure equal 
rights and justice to all classes than did Lorenzo 
Dow Whiting. In lS(i!) he was among the most 
active in opposing the lake front scheme, wliereby 
three railroad corporations sought to possess them- 
selves of the shore line of the outer and future 
harbor of Chicago. In 1878 he led the opposition 
in defeat of senate bill No. 111. which was to 
elTect the release of a combination of railroads 
from a large amount of the taxes adjiulged by the 
courts to be due to the public. His chanipioiishi|i 
of measures relating to the ])roducers, and his 
watchfulness of the public interests when a.ssailed 
by special and corporate greed, made him known 
as the "farmer statesman."' He was a repub- 
lican of democratic antecedents, and in his official 
service ho placed the general good before parti- 
sanship and (he welfare of his constituents before 
personal aggrandizem(.'nt. 

Lorenzo Dow Whiting was lirst married in IS 10 
to Miss Lucrelia C. Clement, of Oneida county, 
New York, who died in 187".i, leaving three chil- 
dren, two sons and a daughter. In 1871 he mar- 
ried Miss Eriphvle liobinson. of Hrooklvn. .\ew 
York. 

On coming to Hunviu county Mr. Whiiing lo- 
cated near Wyanel, where he resided until 18.")1, 
when he removed to Indianlown township. His 
business connection with this county was that of 
a farmer and stock-raiser, and he I'arefiilly con- 
ducted his interests, so that a large measure of 
success resulted from his industry and al>le man- 
agement. He died October 10, ISS!), respected by 
all who knew him. His life was faultless in lionor, 
fearless in conduct and stainless in reputation. 
By his first marriage there were three children, 
of whom Clement A., the eldest, is now a pro- 
fessor in the Pacific school of osteopnlhy, in l/>8 
.Vngeles, California. The daughter, ICmily Lil- 
lian, the yonngesl. is living in Boston. Nlnssn- 
chusetts, and is n journalist and lady of superior 



764 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



literary ability. She has written several books, 
including the "Life of Kate Fields" and otlier 
volumes, and she spends each summer in Europe. 
Herbert L. Whiting, whose name introduces this 
record, was reared upon the home farm in Indian- 
town township, and lias always resided in Bureau 
county. The occupation with which he became 
familiar in his youth he decided to make his life 
work, and he has since carried on general agricul- 
tural pursuits. He has valuable land holdings of 
two hundred acres, constituting the old homestead. 



HENRY HURST, SR. 

.Vmong the citizens of foreign birth living in 
Bureau county whose loyalty to America and her 
institutions makes them valued residents of this 
locality is Henry Hurst, who was born in Prussia, 
Feijruary 13, 1S31, a son of Christian and Caro- 
lina Hurst. His father, too, was a native of Prus- 
sia but in the maternal line Mr. Hurst comes of 
Swedish descent. He was educated in the public 
schools and after putting aside his te.xt-books he 
learned the mason's trade, mastering the business 
of making both brick and stone structures. He 
followed that pursuit until he came to America, 
where he arrived on the 10th of July, 1859. His 
father was a driver of one of the wagons during 
the Franco-Prussian war. 

The favorable reports which Henry Hurst re- 
ceived concerning America and its opportunities 
led him to seek his fortune in the United States, 
and after coming to this country he again worked 
at the mason's trade. He first settled at Prince- 
ton, where he arrived with just ten cents in his 
pocket, so that necessity demanded immediate em- 
ployment. After a brief period, however, he went 
to Iowa, where he remained for two and a half 
years, and while there he erected a schoolhouse and 
many other good buildings. In 1802 he returned 
to Princeton, where he again worked at his trade, 
while later he and his step-father rented some land 
and began farming. Success attended him in this 
venture, so that he was afterward enabled to pur- 
chase land in Manlius township, which he bought 
at twenty dollars an acre. Since then he has added 
to his farm until ho now has three hundred and 
twenty acres, having paid si.xty-two dollars per 
acre for the last land which he bought on section 
13. It is now worth more than one hundred dol- 
lars per acre and in fact is one of the valuable and 
well improved farms of the locality, owing to the 
labor he has bestowed upon it and the natural rise 
in property due to the rapid settlement of the 
state. 

Mr. Hurst has been married twice. On the l!)th 
of January, 18G3, he wedded Miss .Augusta Tuhl, 
a native of Prussia, and they became parents of 
four children who are yet living: Clara M., born 
October 7, 18G4 ; Martha, born April 8, 1867 ; Al- 
bert, born July 18, 1S(;!); and Rose, born May 15, 



1877. They also lost twins, Emma and John, the 
former dying in January, 1874, and the latter in 
September, 1875. Mrs. Hurst departed this life 
January 1, 1879, and on the :iOth of June, 1880, 
Mr. Hurst nuirried Miss Amelia Kraft, of W'yanet, 
Illinois. They have two children: Heinrich F., 
born March 24, 1881 ; and Emma F. E., born June 
4, 1887. One of the daughters, Martha, is now 
the wife of Oscar Nelson, a farmer, and has two 
children: Clara, who is a teacher; and Earl, at 
home. One of the sons, Albert Hurst, married 
Miss Elizabeth Hartz, of Gold township, and they 
have four children: Lillie, Chester, Clara and Vir- 
gil. Heinrich F. Hurst married Miss Nina Hewitt, 
is a farmer of Greenville township and has one 
child, Lucile, born in February, 1905. 

Mr. Hurst has served as school director for many 
years and believes in employing competent teach- 
ers and in upholding a high standard of educa- 
tion. He is a republican and is a member of the 
(Jerman Lutheran church, of which he has served 
as trustee. He has never had occasion to regret 
his determination to try his fortune in America, 
for here he has found the business opportunities he 
has sought and through his persistent and earnest 
labor has advanced steadily toward the goal of 
success and at the same time has gained a good 
home and made many friends, so that altogether 
his residence in America has been a most pleasant 
one and now in the evening of life he has a com- 
petence sufficient for old age. 



JUDGE J. .\. DAVIS. 

J(je A. Davis, county judge of Bureau county, 
whose knowledge of the law and conscientious re- 
gard for the obligations of citizenship well qualify 
him for the duties which devolve upon him in 
connection with the bench, was born in St. Paul, 
Minnesota. February 2G, 1864. He is a son and 
only child of John N. and Rosetta A. Davis, who 
settled in Princ'cton, Illinois, in the fall of 1864. 

In the public schools of Princeton Judge Davis 
acquired his education and on putting aside his 
text-books entered upon a business career as an 
employe in the express office of this city, where 
he remained for a year. He afterward accepted 
a clerkship in a store and was also a clerk in the 
postoffice. AmI)itious to enter upon a profes- 
sional career, however, he chose the law and in 
December, 1885, he began studying in the office 
and under the direction of John Scott. After 
thorough preliminary reading he was admitted to 
the bar in December, 1887, and entered into a 
jiartnership with his foriuer preceptor, Mr. Scott, 
which relation was maintained to the time of Mr. 
Scott's death. Judge Davis then practiced alone 
and by appointnu'Ut served for four years as mas- 
ter in chancery of the circuit court of Bureau 
county, Illinois. In December, 1902, he was elected 
county judge, in which position he is now serving. 



i 



PAST AND PRESENT OF RIKEAU COUNTY. 



765 



Since his admission to the l)ar lie has enjoyed a 
siU'cesst'ul and lucrative practice at Princeton, as 
the result of his untiring ]ai)ors, his anit)iti<in, his 
energy and well directed efforts. He has l)een con- 
nected with a mnnher of prominent cases tried in 
the courts of llie county and district during liis 
connection with the bar and in the trial of a cause 
he possesses superior power in sifting the evidence 
of a case and gathering therefrom those points 
which carry weight with jutlge and jury, lie is a 
wise counsellor, an able advocate and his high 
reputation is justly deserved. Since coming to the 
bench he has proved himself an able jurist with 
broad and coni])rehensive knowledge of the law, 
who in his decisions is strictly fair and im])artial, 
standing as a conservator of justice in an ollice to 
which those who are interested in large ])roperty 
rigiits and the settlement of estates must look for 
protection. 

Judge Davis is a republican who has always 
taken an active interest in the affairs of the party 
in state and nation. It is his firm conviction that 
the princi])lcs of this party are for the ijest inter- 
ests of the people and for several years he served 
as secretary of the repuiilican county central com- 
mittee. 

In ISSU Judge Davis was united in nuirriage to 
iliss Harriet L. Benson, a native of New York, 
and they liave one daughter, Helen L. Davis. Lay- 
ing aside the cares and responsibilities of his pro- 
fessional career. Judge Davis finds his greatest 
ha]i|)iness in returning to his home, where his 
leisure hours are largely spent in the companion- 
ship of the members of his own household. Early 
in life displaying a mind eager in the pursuit of 
knowledge, he has embraced the opportunities 
which have come to him and in a profession where 
advancement depends entirely upon individual ef- 
fort he has won a creditable position as attorney 
and jui'ist. 



JOHN M. SMITH. 

John M. Smith, having extensive business in- 
terests in Kasix'cr, besides owning and super- 
vising a farm of one hundred and lifty-live acres 
in Ohio township, is a native of Bureau county, 
Illinois, having been born in Ohio township, De- 
cember 20, 1857, a son of Daniel P. and Hachel 
(Matson) Smith, the former a native of Massa- 
chusetts, and the latter of Harrison county, Ohio. 
The father came to liureau county in the year 
1831, settling on a faiin near Princeton. The 
mother arrived in ]84(), and in this county they 
were married. In their family were thirteen chil- 
dren, of whom nine have passed away, while the 
surviving members, with our subject, are all resi- 
dents of Ohio township. Bureau county. 

John M. Smith was reared and educated in Bu- 
reau county, receiving the advantages afforded by 
the common schools. After leaving school Mr. 



Sniitli was employed at farm labor for many years, 
or until 18it.j, when he entered into jiurtnership 
with his father and brother, conducting a general 
mercantile business at Kasbeer under the firm 
style of Smith Brothers & Company, one of the 
lea<ling enterprises of the village. They carry on 
a general mercantile business, having by fair deal- 
ing and good business ability l)uilt up a large and 
increasing trade. Besides his interest in this busi- 
ness Mr. Smith is also doing a general banking 
business which amounts to about fifty thousand 
dollars annually. He also handles coal, lumber, 
cement, etc., and in this venture is very success- 
ful, having built uji a lucrative trade. He also 
owns a fine farm of one hundred and fifty-five 
acres in Ohio township, to which he gives his 
supervision, although he does not carry on the 
active work of the fields. Here he has a finely 
improved place, on which are found all modern 
improvements, including a fine home, supplied 
with every convenience for the comfort of the 
family, and on this jJace he and his family re- 
side, although his business interests are in the 
village of Kasbeer. 

On the -^Ith of January. 1878, Mr. Smith was 
uniti'd in marriage to iliss Harriet A. Vickrey, 
a native of Bureau county, born in Ohio township, 
October 18, 1858. Her parents are William and 
Eliza (.\dams) Vickrey, natives of Ohio. They 
came westward to Illinois in 1840, settling in 
Bureau county, and here Mrs. Smith was born, 
reared and educated. In their family were eleven 
children, of whom four are deceased, while Mrs. 
Smith was the fifth in order of birth. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Smith have been born a 
daughter and son: Cora E., born September 8, 
is:s: and Charles A., born June 11, 1884. Mr. 
Sinilh gives his support to the men and measures 
of the rcpul)licaii party, and is interested in local 
political all'airs, having served as townshij) assessor 
for four years, as road commissioner for four 
years, while for eighteen years he was school di- 
rector, and in all these positions lie was loyal to 
the interests of the general |)ublic. He is liberal 
in his religious views and is not iclciitilicd with 
any church organization. 

Mr. Smith had financial assistance from his 
father to the amount of four thousand dollars, 
and by excellent business judgment, industry and 
integrity he has increased the scope of his in- 
terests until, through his various business enter- 
prises, he has accumulated a competence which 
classes him among the substantial residents of 
Kasbeer and Bureau county. He is active in 
every movement which lends to advance the wel- 
fare of his town or county, is interested in ediua- 
tional progress and expects to give to his children 
every possible advantage in this diri-ction. He 
is a great lover of music, is fond of his home 
and family and does everything in his power for 
their comfort and hapiiiness. He is leading a 
very busy life, conducting extensive business in- 



rec 



PAST AXD PUESEXT OF BUIJEAU COUXTY. 



tercsts wiiich add to the substantial development 
of his town, for the firm of Smith Brothers & 
Company carry a well selected stock of general 
merchandise, which meets the demands of the gen- 
eral public, being one of the best enteprises of the 
kind in Bureau county. Ilis banking, coal and 
lumber interests are also carefully conducted, and 
in all of these ventures he is meeting with grati- 
fying success, adding not only to his own finan- 
cial resources, but they also prove of benefit to 
the town and surrounding country. He makes his 
home on his farm, where, after the day's cares are 
laid aside, he can enjoy the rest and quiet of a 
rural existence, for here he has every comfort 
which goes to make life worth living. Mr. Smith 
has a wide business acquaintance, not only in 
Kasbeer, but throughout ]>ureau county, for his 
e.Ktensive interests bring him in contact with a 
largo number of people. He and his wife are 
prominent socially, the hospitality of the best 
homos of the county being extended to them, while 
in their own home their many friends are ahvays 
received with a liuarty welcome. 



CllAliLES F. AXDEESOX. 

The growth and development of a community 
depends not only upon its farmers but upon the 
men who are at the head of its commercial and 
industrial interests and who bring to bear in its 
public life the spirit of enterprise which domi- 
nates them in the private business interests. 
Charles F. Anderson is a worthy representative 
of this class of citizens and is now successfully 
conducting a grocery and meat market at 820 and 
822 Xorth Main street in Princeton. A native 
of the western part of Sweden, he was born in 
Vestergotland, June 16, 18t)(), and is a son of 
Samuel Anderson, who came to Bureau county 
with his family in 1871, at which time he took 
up his aliode near Princeton, there engaging in 
farming for some time, when he removed to the 
county seat, where he has since resided. His wife 
passed away in February, 1894. In the family 
were two children: Miss Mary, who is living at 
home, and Charles F., now residing at ril North 
Church street. 

Charles F. Anderson was m lad of unly five 
summers when brought by his parents to Ibe new 
world, and his education was acquired in the 
Princeton scliools to the age of thirteen years, 
when he began providing for his own support as 
a clerk in a Princeton store. He first clerked for 
Swan Linn & Company in the northern part of 
the city and he eagerly availed himself of every 
opportunity of gaining an intimate knowledge of 
the business and for advancement along commer- 
cial lines. In ]8!)0 he took a ])osition with Kings- 
fords & Sons as traveling salesman and continued 
with them for nearly two years, after which, with 
capital saved from his own earnings, he began 



business on his own account, opening a grocery 
store in the north end of the city, where he has 
since remained. In 1904, at his present location, 
he erected a store building two stories in height 
and one hundred and twenty-five by thirty-two 
feet in size. The front part of the upper story 
is used as a dentist's olfice and the rear part of 
the second story is occupied by the Shabbona 
Club of Princeton. Mr. Anderson has secured a 
good trade and has a well appointed grocery and 
market, which in its neat and tasteful arrange- 
ment and the excellent line of goods carried at- 
tracts a large and growing patronage. Mr. An- 
derson was united in marriage October 16, 1895, 
to Miss Evelyn M. Larson, who was born July 
19, 1872, in Princeton, and is the daughter of 
P. G. Larson, an old time furniture dealer and 
undertaker of Princeton, who passed away in 
February, 1902. In the family were three chil- 
dren: Earl P., Minerva E. and Evelyn M., the 
latter now Mrs. Anderson. Mrs. Larson since his 
death is still continuing the business in Prince- 
ton. The home of Mr. and Mrs. Anderson has 
been blessed with one son, Lloyd F., born August 
13, 1899. The family are members of the Lu- 
theran church in Princeton and Mr. Anderson 
belongs to the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges. 
Politically he is a republican and is now a mem- 
ber of the board of education, in which he takes a 
very active interest. He was a member of the 
city council as alderman for eight years, and at 
one time was nominated for mayor of Princeton; 
has twice been a delegate to the state convention, 
once when Governor Yates was nominated at 
Peoria, while he and Senator Washlnirn were del- 
egates when Governor Deneen received his nomina- 
tion at Springfield. He is a leader in l>usiness 
and republican circles and has wieklcd a wide in- 
fluence for progress and improvement along all 
these lines. Dejjendent ujion his own resources 
from the age of thirteen yeai-s, he has made steady 
advancement in his business career and his life 
record proves the value of force of enterprise and 
diligence in overthrowing obstacles and wresting 
fortime from the hands of fate. 



HEXPY FULLEK. 
On the roster of olliciais in Bureau county ap- 
pears the name of Henry Fuller, circuit clerk and 
recorder, who since 1892 has filled this position, 
his long connection therewith being conclusive 
evidence of his ability and also of the confidence 
reposed in him by his fellow citizens. He was 
born in New York city, December G. 1852. His 
father, Ira E. Fuller, was a native of New Hamp- 
shire, and when a young man removed to New 
York, where he was engaged in business. About 
1858 he removed with his family to I'rinceton 
and after a few years was connected with com- 
mercial interests in this citv as a grocer until 



-1 




LllAULKS F. AXDEIJSOX. 




STOh'K OF C. F. A.\I)i:i;S()N. 



PAST AND PRESENT UF BUIJEAU COINTV. 



18C8. lu 1870 lie purchased a farm in De Kalb 
county, whereon he resided until his deatii, which 
occurred in 1885, when ho was sevoulv-three years 
of age. lie wedded Catherine Withall, a native 
of Knshind. 

Henry Fuller of this review is indebted to the 
public-school system of Princeton for the edu- 
cational privilejies lie enjoyed, and after putting 
aside his text-books he farmed with his father un- 
til nineteen years of age. He then went to Wal- 
nut, Illinois, as a clerk, and in 1879 he embarked 
in business on his own account, continuing at that 
place until 189^, when he was elected to the office 
of cirenit clerk and recorder. He has since filled 
the position and his re-election has come as proof 
of his capability and fidelity in the discharge of 
his duties. 

In 18" Mr. F\iller was united in marriage to 
Miss Ella Whitvcr, a daughter of John Whitver, 
of Walnut, and they have three children: John 
Edgar. Darlene K. and Gertrude. Both Mr. and. 
Mrs. Fuller are widely known in Princeton and 
he is a popular citizen with a wide and favorable 
acquaintance in business and political as well 
as social circles. In politics he is a republican, 
stalwart and unfaltering in his support of the 
party, and for the past eight years he has served 
as secretary of the county central committee, in 
which connection he has done effective work 
through party organizations to secure republican 
successes. As a public spirited and enterprising 
citizen, he takes an active interest in all public 
improvements and is liberal in his support of any 
measure calculated to promote the general wel- 
fare. He is an optimist in the best sense of 
the word and looks on the bright side of every- 
thing. 



Z. S. HILLS. 

Z. S. Hills, engaged in the practice of law in 
Princeton, also notary public, loan, insurance and 
real estate agent, was born in Palmer, Massachu- 
setts, June 25, 1832, a son of Cyrus and Amanda 
(Olds) Hills. The father, a native of Connecticut, 
was a farmer by occupation, and in the year 1843 
removed to Illinois, settling at La Moille, Bureau 
county, where he bought land and began farming. 
His attention was given to general agricultural 
pursuits until his life's labors were ended in death, 
in 1SG8, when he was seventy-two years of age. 

Z. S. Hills, whose name introduces this record, 
was a youth of about eleven years when the family 
came to Illinois. He continued his education in 
the schools of Bureau county and as a student in 
Smith's Seminary at Princeton, displaying special 
aptitude in his books and becoming well qualilied 
for the profession of teaching, which he followed 
for twenty-five years in Bureau county. .\t one 
time he was principal of the schools at Xeponset 
and Princeton, afterward at La Moille and lastly 



in Ohio, Bureau county, and was linis rio.-riv as- 
sociated with the educational progress of this part 
of the state, but at lengtli he retired from pro- 
fessional labors, and from 1879 until l!S9() con- 
ducted a drug store in Ohio. For many years he 
was interested in law, however, and wheu in 1896 
he gave up his store lie look up the study of law 
and was adjnitted to the bar in November, 1897. 
Immediately afterward he began practice in 
Princeton, and has secured a good clientage here. 
He is also notary public, and conducts a loan, in- 
surance and real estate agency, which is also aa 
important branch of his business. 

In ISiJl .Mr. Hills was united in marriage to 
Miss Susan .V. Hanover, of La Moille, who died in 
Princeton in March, 1905, leaving one son, P. 
Fred Hills. In his political alliliatiou Mr. Hills 
is indepeiulciu. lu the years of an active jiro- 
I'essioiuil and mercantile career he has made a 
creditable record, and has long been accounted one 
of the representative business men of this county. 



CHARLES L. COliEV. 

Charles L. Corey, a substantial fanner of Bu- 
reau county, owning and operating one hundred 
and si.\ty acres of land in Ohio township, was born 
in this county on the 28th of March, 18()9, being 
the only child born unto .John II. and Phoeba A. 
(Kaynor) Corey. The father was born in Morgan 
county, Illinois, in 18-11, while the mother's birth 
occurred in Pennsylvania, April 8, 1850. 

Charles L. Corey received a common-school ed- 
ucation, and, after putting aside his text-books, 
started out to make his own way in life, choosing 
farm work as his occupation. He possessed strong 
courage and was determined in his purpose, pros- 
pering year by year in his undertakings, so that 
he is now in possession of a valuable farm property 
of one hundred and sixty acres, situated in Ohio 
townslii]), which is worth one hundred and fifty 
dollars jier acre. Here he is engaged in general 
agricultural pursuits. He possesses good business 
ability, uses the latest improved machinery to carry 
on the work of cultivating his land, has added all 
modern improvements to his place, including a 
good residence and substantial outbuildings, so 
that his farm is now one of the best in the town- 
ship. 

Mr. Corey chose as a companion and helpmate 
for life's journey Jliss Carrie L. Taylor, to whom 
he was married on the 5th of February, 1895. She 
was born in Berlin township, Bureau county, on 
the 281)1 of January, 187(i, and received her edu- 
cation in the public "schools at Dover, Illinois. Her 
jiarents are Henry L. and Anna Hj. (Rudebaugh) 
Taylor, the father being a native of Ohio, while 
the mother's birth oicurred in the Keystone state. 
They accompanied their respective parents to Bu- 
reau countv. Hliiiois. and were here married. Tn 



72 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



llieir laiiiily wore live childreu, ul' whom Mrs. 
Corey is the second in order ol' birth. 

Unto our subject and his wife liave been born 
three children, as follows: Vera, born January 6, 
189S; Phoeba, born March 2i, VMS; and Lee C, 
born January 14, 19U5. Mr. Corey has always 
given his political support to the republican party, 
while in religious faitli he is liberal, being identi- 
fied with no church organization, but his wife is a 
member of the United ±iretiiren church. Mr. Corey 
is a member of the Sons of Veterans. He has 
never sought or desired political oiiice, but prefers 
rather to give his entire time to his business in- 
terests,' in which he is meeting witii splendid suc- 
cess. He has w'orked hard to attain success, and 
his place is evidence that his labors have been 
flHil/' rewarded, for on his farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres he has a line country home and 
substantial outbuildings, and he has also set out 
many shade trees, which add to the beauty of the 
place. He is a great lover of music, and is deeply 
interested in the cause of education, and intends 
to give his children every advantage in musical and 
educational lines. He and his wife are popular 
among their many friends and are numbered 
amons; the leadinsr residents of tlieir native county. 



JA.MES L. COULTEl!. 
James L. Coulter, owning and operating two 
hundred and eighty-eight acres of fine farming 
hind in Ohio township, situated on section 29, 
is one of Bureau county's native sons, his birth 
having here occurred Janauary 15, 1856. His 
parents were Robert and Catherine (Smith) 
Coulter, the former born in Ohio and the latter 
in Indiana. The mother had removed from her 
native state to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1828, 
wliile the year 1842 witnessed the arrival of the 
father, and in this county they were married 
and reared a family of ten children, while one 
died at the age of three years. T5ci(h the father 
and mother are now deceased. 

James L. Coulter, who.se name introduce^; 
thii- review, was reared and educated in Bureau 
county and after putting aside his text books be- 
gan farming on his own account, first renting 
lan<l, whieli he operated for twelve years, anil, 
being successful in his farm work, was then en- 
abled to purchase a tract of one hundred and 
twenty-five acres, situated on section 20, Oliici 
township. For this tract he paid forty-tluec 
dollars and a half per acre, and as his financial 
resources have increased he has added to his 
(>roperty, making an additional purchase of one 
hundred and sixty-three acres adjoining the 
original tract, and liis wife owns one hundred 
and sixty acres near by. He also owns six hun- 
dred and forty acres of land in Wisconsin. On 
his home farm arc foiind a l>e;nitifnl residence 



and outbuildings for the shelter of grain and 
stock, many shade trees which add to the attrac- 
tive appearance of the place, and altogether he 
has a fine farm, on which he is engaged in gen- 
eral farming, using the latest improved metiiods 
in carrying on the work of the fields. 

..Mr. Coulter chose as a companion and help- 
mate on life's journey. Miss Malissa Xasbeer, to 
whom he was married on the 28th of October, 
188'i'. She is a daughter of John S. and Han- 
nah (Koss) Kasbeer, the former born in Tus- 
carawas county, Ohio, December 28, 1818, hav- 
ing removed to Bureau county, Illinois, in 1845, 
while the mothers birtli occurred in 1836. Both 
are yet iiving. In tlieir family were twelve 
children, of whom four are deceased, while Mrs. 
Coulter is the ninth in order of birth, her natal 
day being May 24, 1862. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Coulter have been born four sons, namely : Ray- 
mond B., born January 10, 1889 ; L. Dean, born 
November 2. 1890; J. Milton, April 19, 1896, 
and Cilen G., April 4, 1898. 

In politics Mr. Coulter is a republican, and 
he and his family are members of the Metho- 
dist Protestant church. He is a member of the 
JIasonic lodge. No. 814, at Ohio, and also of 
Modern Woodmen camp. No. 492. Although 
starting out in life empty-handed. ^\r. Coulter 
has through his energy and perseverance accu- 
mulated a flue property, being now the owner of 
two hundred and eighty-eight acres of valuable 
bind situated on section 29, Ohio township, 
while his wife is the owner of one hundred and 
sixty acres near by, and he also owns six hun- 
dreii and forty acres of land in Wisconsin. He 
lias added many modern improvements to his 
linine place, is progressive in his farm work, giv- 
ing his personal supervision to his business in- 
terests, and year by year he harvests excellent 
crops, so that he is now numbered among the 
substantial residents of Bureau county. He de- 
serves much credit for what he has accomplished 
in a business way. for his success is due entirely 
t.) his own labor and business ability. He has 
always been straightforward in his dealings with 
his fellowmen. and lie and his estimable wife 
have many warm personal friends in Bureau 
county, where they have both spent their entire 
lives. 



PARKER NOYES MASON. 
Parker Noyes ^lason, who has been closely asso- 
ciatcil with journalistic interests in the county 
and is now publisher of the Plain Dealer at Buda, 
was born in Concord township, October 4, 1862. 
u])on the farm belonging to his father, Cyrus P. 
Mas(Ui, who was born August 13, 1831, in Pitts- 
licld. New Hampshire. He was a farmer and 
stock-raiser and died Jainuirv S. ISOr, at Buda. 



PAST AND PRESENT ol- 111 KKAl (OlNTY 



Illinois. Ho niairii'il Sarah .1. Noycs, who was 
Inn-u in Springfield, New Hampshire, February 
25, 183a, and died March 3, 1900, in Buda. 
Further mention is made of the family in con- 
nection with the sketches of John Mason and 
Cyrus P. Mason on otlier pages of this .work. 

P. N. Mason was born and reared upon the 
lionie farm, a mile west of Buda. an<l |inrsued his 
cdui'ation in the public schools of Buda. altlioiigb 
his attendance covered less than ten years, during 
which time he completed the work of the ninth 
grade. His early experiences were those which 
usually come to a farm boy. and in his youth he 
manifested considerable mechanical ingenuity. 
His father cstaldished a cider-mill, operated by a 
steam engine, and afterward a feed-mill and 
sugar-cane-mill and subse(|uently a creamery. P. 
X. Mason did his share of the work in connection 
with all of these enterprises as well as in the 
fields, and in 1885 he extended the scope of his 
activity by purchasing a small job press and some 
type. He then began to do job printing, master- 
ing the business from the reading of books or 
papers or anything he could get bearing upon the 
subject. In January, 1S8T, he carried out a 
cherished idea of entering the newspaper field by 
establishing the Buda Plain Dealer, which he be- 
gan to publish on the farm, a mile from tow'n. 
He continued its publication there for two months 
and then, as it promised to be a success, he re- 
moved to Buda. since which time he has continued 
in the ])ublication of the paper, which is one of 
the leading country news])apers of this part of 
the state. He has also been connected with vari- 
ous other publications. On the 3d of Janiiary, 
1889. he established in Sheflield the Bureau Coitn- 
ti) T'tnirs, which he sold to Charles \. Pratt on 
tiie 19tli of September of the saiiu» year. On the 
7th of Noveudjer following he established a pajier 
in W'yanet. with A. B. Case in charge, but dis- 
continued its publication when S. R. Warden & 
Company opened a newspaper office in the town 
July 14. 1893. That paper was published in 
the Buda office during the four years of its exist- 
ence. On the 2;th of February. 1891. Mr. Ma.son 
started a paper in Xe]ionset. with J. T. Miller in 
charge, the printing being done in the Buda otlice, 
but discontinued this ])aper in the fall of 1891 
on the removal of Mr. Miller from Xeponset. He 
has been generally successful in his newspaper 
ventures and from the beginning the I'hiin Denier 
has proven a jirofitable investment. In 1900 he 
became interested in the Indeiiendent tele|ibone 
movement, now known as the Empire Tele|)lione 
Coinpanv, and has siiue managecl the exchange in 
Buda. 

Mr. Mason as editor and as a ])rivate citizen iuis 
been closely i<lentified with everything tending 
toward the improvement of bis town and com- 
munity. He has. since attaining his majority, 
been a strong factor in local repidilican ranks and 
is against licensing or in anv way favoring the 



lifjuor trallic. He lias exerted a strong and bene- 
ficial influence in community affairs and has ren- 
dered capable service in public ollice, acting as 
village clerk of Buda from 1896 until 1900. as 
president of (he board for two years, in 1900 and 
1901. and as village trustee in 1!»04 and l!>or.. 
His fraternal relations are extensive. He belongs 
to Buda lodge, Xo. 399, A. F. & A. M., in which 
he has .served as secretary, and in other ollices; to 
the Eastern Star chapter. Xo. 5J18, in which he has 
been secretary and worthy patron; the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows. Xo. ."iTT), in which 
he has filled all of the oflices : Buda encampuu-nt, 
No. 130. I. O. 0. F., in which he has al.so filled 
all of the chairs: Bebekah lodge, Xo. 339, of 
whicb. he has been secretary, French Grove camp 
of the Jlodern Woodmen of America, of which 
he was clerk for five years; and Arena lodge, K. 
P., of which he was a charter member. 

Mr. Mason was married in Buda. July 3. 1889. 
to Gertrude Seguine. a daughter of William S. 
and Barbara (Buchan) Seguine. whose sketch 
ap])ears elsewhere in this work. Cnto Mr. and 
Mrs. Mason have been born two children: JIavne, 
June 3. 1890; and h'o.ss X., A[iril iT, 1893. Both 
were born in Buda. The jjarents and sons are 
members of the Baptist church. 



AXDBEW W. XELSOX. 

Andrew W. Xelson, engaged in farming in 
Manlius fownshiji. was born in Sweden. February 
14, 1834, a son of Xels Carlson and Ingre Nelson. 
He came to America in the spring of 18G1. He 
had spent the days of his boyhood and youth in 
his native country, and, believing that the new 
woild offered better ojipoi-funities. he eame to the 
I'nited States when a young man of twenty-seven 
years. His ca)iital was limited at that time, his 
lack of financial resources rendering immediate 
employment a necessity. He therefore workeil at 
farm labor for about four years and then with 
the capital which he had acipiired began fanning 
on his own account on rented land. As a com- 
panion anil helpmate for life's journey he chose 
Miss Christina Sojibia Widest rom. of I'rincetnn, 
whom he wedded on the '..'3d of h'ebruarv, 18().'i. 

It was in 1870 that Mr. Xelson purchased a 
part of his jiresenf homestead, liecoining owner of 
one hundred and sixty acres, to which he has since 
added until within the boundaries of his farm are 
now comprised three hundreii and sixty acres of 
verv rich an<l productive land. He has greatly 
im])roved the property, [lutfing up good barns 
and other outbuildings and en^'fing a fine resi- 
dence, which is one of the model farm homes of 
the locality. Everything almnt the place is neat 
and is kept in excellent condition, showing his 
careful supervision and progressive methods. 

T'nfo Mr. and Mrs. Xelson were born two chil- 
dren : Xels O.sear William, who was born Decern- 



t <4 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



ber 13, 1865, was married February 16, 1S8S, to 
Miss Martha M. Hurst, and they have two chil- 
dren, Carrie Christine and Earl Oscar. Hannah 
Josephine Nelson, born April 8, 1869, became tlie 
wife of James Montague Allen, a commercial 
traveler of Chicago, on the 20th of November, 
1894, and tlipy also have two children, James M. 
and Merle Edith. In 1871 Mr. Nelson was called 
upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died on 
the 2.5th of November of that year. About two 
years later, on the 9th of October. 1873, Mr. Nel- 
son was married to Miss Rebecca Nelson, of 
Wyanet, a daughter of Okey and Ellen Nelson, 
who were farming people of that locality. Five 
children have been born of this marriage : Emma 
Geneva, born August 13, 1876; Arthur Harmon, 
a farmer who was born February 18, 1879, and 
was married February 15, 1905, to Miss Estella 
M. Martin, by whom he lias one child, Viola Ellen ; 
Edith Blenda, who was born May 13, 1881, and is 
a milliner at .Maiiiius: Mabel Eleanora, born Sep- 
tember 7, 1884; and Carl 0., March 7, 1889. 

In his political views Mr. Nelson is a democrat 
and has served as school director for many years. 
He has never been a politician, however, in the 
sense of office seeking, preferring to give his un- 
divided time and attention to his business afEairs 
and in connection with his agricultural interests 
he is a stockholder in the Farmers Elevator at 
Manlius. Coming lo the United States without 
capital, he has here improved the business op- 
portunities offered, has made the best use of his 
advantages and has gradually worked his way up- 
ward until he is now one of the substantial resi- 
dents of his ailo]ited county, with a valuable farm 
to show for his life of industrv and perseverance. 



JAMES EDWARD MONIER. 
James Edward Monier is a farmer and stock- 
man, residing on section 33, Milo township, where 
he owns two hundred and forty acres. He was 
born .\pril 18, 1864, in Marshall county, Illinois, 
and possesses the typical spirit of enterprise and 
progress which has been Ihe dominant factor in 
the rapid and substantial upbuilding of the middle 
west. His parents were William and Wilmina 
(Doran) Monier. The father was born on the 
Isle of Man, and, with his parents, came to 
.\merica when sixteen years of age. He married 
Miss Doran, a native of Massachusetts. Locating 
in Peoria county, Illinois, he afterward removed 
to Camp Grove, Marshall county, where ho has 
since resided. He is an extensive and wealthy 
farmer, now owning a thousand acres of fine land 
in Marshall county and one hundred and sixty 
acres in Bureau county. He engages in stock- 
raising on a large scale, and his dealings in tine 
stock have made him a leading representative of 
this lino of business in Illinois. He displays ex- 
cellent business judgment, keen discermnent, sa- 
gacity and unfaltering diligence, and thus the 



success which he haw acquired has been most hon- 
orable as well as gralif}'ing, for it has come as the 
legitimate result of his own labors. Prominent 
in political circles, h^ gives a stalwart support to 
the republican jjarty and does everything in his 
power to promote its growth and insure its suc- 
cess. His home is })leasantly located six miles 
west of Lacon, Illinois. 

James Edward Monier is the only member of 
a family of seven children, five sons and two 
daughters, who is not a resident of Marshall coun- 
ty. His youth was there passed and his educa- 
tion was acquired in the district schools and the 
high school of Sparland. He always lived at home 
until 1894, when he was married and came to 
Bureau county, where he has since resided. The 
occupation to which he was reared he has made 
his life work, and he now owns and operates two 
hundred and forty acres of fine land in Milo 
township, where he raises both grain and slock. 
He is a breeder of shorthorn cattle, is breeding 
first-class stock and has fifteen head of registered 
cattle. He also breeds Percheron horses, and 
has about twenty-five head upon his farm most of 
the time. Success seems an attendant to his busi- 
ness efforts, for whatever he undertakes he ac- 
complishes, and he has not lacked the financial 
return which is the desired reward of all business 
endeavor. 

In 1894 Mr. Monier was married to Miss ("lara 
L. Casey, of Marshall county, Illinois, a daughter 
of Charles Casey, a farmer now residing in that 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Monier have become the 
parents of four children, and the family circle yet 
remains unbroken by the hand of death. These 
are Nellie, Margaret. Lura and Wilbur Monier. 
The parents hold membership in the Methodist 
church, and Mr. Monier belongs to the Masonic 
lodge at Bradford and to the Jilodern Woodmen 
camp at Whitefield, Illinois. Politically he is a 
republican, and in 1902 was elected supervisor 
of Milo township, which office he is still filling. 
He has been a member of the school l)oard for 
years, and is still the incumbent in that position. 
He regards a public office as a jiublic trust — and 
no trust reposed in him has ever been betrayed in 
the slightest degree. He is loyal and patriotic in 
his citizenship, is progressive and diligent in busi- 
ness, and in friendship he is ever raithful and true. 



JOHN LEONARD RE ID. 
John Leonard Reid. who has resided in Milo 
township from the age of twenty-tivo years, now 
follows farming on section 35 and is also filling 
the office of road commissioner, in which cajiacity 
he labors to secure the adoption of his ideas con- 
cerning good roads. Born in Scott county, In- 
diana, on the 16th of October, 1841, he is a son 
of Matthew JI, and Sarah .\nn (Horner) Reid, 
the former born in Marvland in 1814 and the lat- 



T'AS'l 



AXD rRESRXT (tF lUTIKAr rOT'NTY 



I lO 



ter in Indiana in 1830. After residing for some 
years in the lloosier state, the father came with 
his family to Illinois in ^larch, 1851, and lo- 
cated in Milo township, Bureau county. He first 
purchased land on section 36, just across the road 
from the farm of his son, John L., and there he 
spent his remaining days, but in the meantime 
he added to his property until he was the owner 
of two hundred acres of very valuable farm land. 
He died December 6. 1880, and his wife has also 
passed away, while of their family of nine chil- 
dren one is deceased, Sarah E., who married 
Frank Corbin and died December 1, 1899. She 
was the second in order of birth, while John Leon- 
ard Eeid is the eldest. The others of the family 
are: David L., a resident of Iowa; George W., 
of ^[ilo township ; Maria J., the wife of Festus 
Bcntley, of Milo township ; William U., who is 
living in Modena, Illinois; ^lary Evaline, the 
wife of Frank Crisman, a resident of Lincoln, 
Nebraska; Atlantic, the wife of Joseph Ilufnagel, 
who follows farming in Milo townshi]i ; and Nel- 
lie, the wife of Eugene Vale, of Princeton. Illi- 
nois. 

John L. Eeid was educated in the common 
schools and started out in life on his own aeount 
when twentj'-two years of age, since which time 
he has lived in Milo township. His first tract of 
land comprised forty acres, which he purchased 
from his father in 1870 and which is still in his 
possession, but the years have witnessed consid- 
erable progress in his business career and he is 
today the owner of one hiindred and sixty acres 
of fine land, w-ell improved, in Milo township, to- 
gether with thirty acres of timber land. His work 
is that of a general farmer and stock-raiser and 
he also feeds considerable cattle and hogs. He 
has likewise operated a threshing machine for a 
number of years and his life has been one of 
untiring activity and unfaltering perseverance. 

In 1864 occurred the marriage of Mr. Eeid and 
Miss Fannie Moore, who was born at Birming- 
ham. England, in 184T, and was brought to the 
United States in 1849 by her parents, John and 
Harriet (Butler) Moore, both of whom are now 
deceased, her father having resided in Indiana 
until his death. Mr. and Mrs. Eeid became the 
parents of four children. Charles L., the eldest, 
born in Milo township, November 2, 1865, at- 
tended the comon schools and spent three years as 
a .student in the Bradford high school. He has 
alwavs followed farming and he purchased forty 
acres of land where he now resides. On this he 
has erected a fine residence and has made many 
modern improvements. He also works his father's 
farm and keeps some stock. He married Jennie 
Colehower. a native daughter of Milo town.ship. 
Her parents, Conrad and Elizabeth (Grady) Cole- 
hower, are both living. Mrs. and Mrs. Charles 
L. Eeid became the parents of six children, four 
of whom survive: Ethel. Harold. Harriet and 
Howard. Jennie A. Eeid became the wife of 



lienry Smith, of ^Milo township, and died June 
1, 1899, leaving one chihl, Margaret, wiio makes 
her home with Mr. and Mrs. Eeid Sadie A. died 
October 16, 1894. Hattie V., who completes the 
family, is yet at home. 

Mr. Eeid is a stalwart republican, deeply in- 
terested in the success and growth of his party. 
He has been road commissioner for a number of 
years, filling the otlice at the present time, and 
lie has also been school director for some vears. 
He belongs to Gem lodge. No. 572, I. 0. 6. F., 
of Wliitefield, Illinois, of which he is a charter 
member and in which he has twice passed through 
all the chairs. He is also connected with the 
ilndern Woodmen camp at Whitefiehl, and is in 
thorough sympathy with the principles of these 
orders, which are based ujron l)rotiierly kindness 
and helpfulness. Jlr. ]{eid is popular with many 
friends because of his excellent traits of char- 
acter and genial, cordial disposition. 



JOSEPH E. WATEKIIOUSE. 

Joseph E. Walerhouse is one of Walnut town- 
ship's native sons, born on the loth of January, 
18()3. He is still living in the same township, and 
has always followed the occupation of farming. 
His parents were Joseph and Kate (McCann) 
Waterhouse, natives of England and of Ireland, 
respectively. In early life they came to the United 
States, settling in Bureau county, and were mar- 
ried in Princeton about 1856. The father was 
a shoemaker by trade, and during his residence 
in the county seat followed that occupation. Sub- 
sequently he removed to Walnut township and 
engaged in farming on sections 14 and 15, pur- 
chasing one hundred and twenty acres of land, 
which constitutes the old home fann. on which 
he rcan^d his family. He afterward bought other 
land, and left at his death a valuable estate of 
five hundred and sixty acres. He passed away 
December 21, 1885. 

Joseph E. Waterhouse completed his education 
in district school No. 29, in Walnut townshij), and 
has always followed farming. He early became 
familiar with tlio duties and labors that fall to 
the lot of the agriculturist, for in the periods of 
vacation he worked in the fields, taking his place 
behind the plow wiien but a young lad. Since at- 
taining his majority he has carried on fann work 
on his own account, and as the years have pa-sscd 
he has prospered in his chosen field of labor. His 
home farm comprises two hundred acres of very 
arable and productive land, whereon lie is largely 
engaged in the raising of corn and oats. He also 
has considerable stock, his cattle being largely of 
the Hereford breed, his hogs of the Poland China 
breed and his horses of Norman blood. His farm 
is equipped with substantial buildings and a 
beautiful home, and everything about the place 
proves to the passer-by the enterprise of the owner 



:;6 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAr COUNTY. 



and the fact that he keeps in touch with modem 
ideas of agricultural development. 

On the 26th of February, 1891, Mr. Waterliouse 
was united in marriage to Miss Clara Ilibhard, 
who was born April 27, 1862. a daughter of 
Joshua and Mary (Lumbard) Hibbard, both of 
whom were natives of New York. They came to 
La Salle county with the early settlers, and the 
father always followed the occupation of farming 
as a means of livelihood for himself and family. 
He departed this life in 1888, and is still survived 
by his widow, who is now living in .Vurora, Illi- 
nois. Mr. and Mrs. Waterliouse have but one 
child, Mabel J., who was born July 2.5, 189-1, and 
is theri'fore twelve years of age. She is now a 
student in district school No. 30, in Walnut town- 
ship. Mr. Waterhouse has served for the past six 
years as school director, and believes in the ein- 
phnment of competent toadiors and in uj)hol(ling 
the standard of public instruction. Politically 
he is a democrat, but has no aspiration for the 
lienors and emoluments of public office. His at- 
tention has been fully occupied by his business 
affairs, and he is one of the representative agri- 
culturists of the community, carefully conducting 
his business interests. 



GE0RC4E ZINK. 

The life history of a self-made man is always of 
interest. There is something inspiring in a vic- 
tory, and he who lights tlie battle of life courage- 
ously and comes off concjueror in the strife is de- 
serving of respect. Such was the history of 
George Zink, one of tlie pioneer residents of 
Bureau county, who was well known in this part 
of the state and was respected and honored 
wherever known. He was born in Beilford county, 
Pennsylvania, November 30, 1822. The family 
was established in Pennsylvania at an early epoch 
in its development, the grandparents being John 
ami Elizabeth (Howe) Zink, both of whom were 
natives of that state. The father of our subject, 
Samuel Zink, was a native of the Keystone state, 
born August 11. 1788. At an advanced age he 
went to Ohio, settling in that state in 1841, and 
in 1841 he came to Bureau county, Illinois, where 
he joined his son (Jeorge, who had arrived a year 
previous to that date. He then remained a resi- 
dent of Bureau county until his death, which oc- 
curred February 1.5, 1866. His political allegiance 
was given to the republican party. His wife, who 
bore the maiden name of Catherine Hanawalt. was 
born in Huntingdon county, Pennsvlvania. .Au- 
gust 26, 1789, and died February lO", 1886. She 
was of German extraction, and both she and her 
husband were members of the Methodist church. 

George Zink was one of a family of eleven chil- 
clien. His boyhood days were spent upon the old 
home farm, and he attended the public schools 
until about nineteen years of age, when he w-nt 



to Ohio with the family. In 1843, on attaining 
his majority, he came to Bureau county, Illinois, 
locating about a mile east of Buda, where he pur- 
diased eighty acres of military land. It was aU 
wild prairie, and he hauled the limilj«r from 
Chicago in order to build upon his place a frame 
house. He then turned his attention to farming 
and stock-raising, and at one time owned about 
four hundred acres of land, while at the time of 
his death he had an excellent farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres. Coming to the county at an 
early day, he experienced many of the hardships 
incident to life on the frontier, and lie resolutely 
struggled with conditions tliat made farming a 
difficult task because of the remoteness of the 
district from railroads and city markets. 

On the 2.5th of November, 1847, Mr. Zink was 
united in marriage to Miss Catherine Thompson, 
who was born June 29, 1822, in Huntingdon coun- 
ty, Pennsylvania, a daughter of Andrew and Eliz- 
abeth (Heater) Thompson, natives of the Key- 
stone state. The father was of English lineage, 
while the mother was of German descent. In 
1845 the}- came to Bureau county, settling near 
Sheffield, where Mr. Thom])son followed the occu- 
pation of farming. He was born November 30, 
1786, and died December 24, 1847, at the age of 
sixty-one years, while his wife, who was born May 
1, 1792, passed away January 27, 1854, at the 
age of sixty-one years and eight months, her re- 
mains being interred at Sheffield. Mrs. Zink was 
a young lady when she accompanied her ])arcnts 
to this county, and she has since made her home 
here. As a bride she weiU to her husliand's farm, 
and they resided continuously thereon for almost 
a half century. In 1895, however, they rented the 
farm and removed to Buda, Mr. Ziidv retiring from 
active business life. He had well earned the rest 
which he enjoyed, for in former years he was a 
most energetic, active farmer, laboring untiringly 
day after day, month after month and year after 
year until his diligence and jterseverance had 
brought to him a substantial financial reward. In 
the meantime seven children had been born into 
the family: Samuel Davis, who enlisted in the 
army at the age of only sixteen years, and died at 
Springfield before going south for active service; 
Thompson A., who is mentioned elsewhere in this 
volume; Elizabeth E.. who is still with her mother; 
.Mary C, the wife of W. H. Stutzman. of Buda; 
George A., of Chicago, and Orrin .V. and Warren 
A., both of whom are residents of Buda. 

Mr. Zink held membersliip in the Methodist 
Episcopal church, to which his wife still belongs. 
He remained a resident of Buda for about five 
vears, and passed away on the 5th of Mardi, 1900, 
when in tlie seventy-eighth year of his age. His 
had been an upright life, and in all relations he 
was found honorable and reliable, courteous and 
considerate. He exemplified daily the spirit of 
the Christian religion, in which he believed, and 
followed closely the golden rule, doing unto others 




MR. AND MRS. GEORGE ZIXK. 



I 



PAST AXn l'K'KSi:XT OF HI i;EAr COUXTV. 



779 



as he would liave thoin do unto him. Hu met with 
a fair measure of sueeess in his business life and 
won his prosperity not by talcing ad\antage of 
others, but through close application and untiring 
effort. Such a record is indeed worthy of emula- 
tion. Mrs. Zink, still surviving her husband, 
resides in Buda, and is greatly esteemed by many 
friends whom she has made during the years of 
her long residence in this county. 



A. A. SPOONER. 

Among the prominent and substantial citizens 
of Bureau connty. Illinois, are those who assist 
in the agricultural [irogress and dev(>lo])ment of 
this section of the state, and to this class belongs 
.V. A. Spooner, who is a representative of the 
farming interests of Ohio township. He is a 
native of the state of New York, his birth having 
occurred in Madison county on the 18th of Decem- 
ber, 182(i, a son of Sir Prince and Rebecca (Pat- 
terson) Spooner, in whose family were eight chil- 
dren, of whom the sulijecl of this review is the 
youngest. 

In the district schools of New York our sub- 
ject received his preliminary education, which was 
supplemented by a course of study in Madison 
Academy in that state. He came to Illinois from 
the east at an early day, believing that the west 
would afford better opportunity for a<lvancement 
in a business way than he would enjoy in his 
native state. He soon manifested the spirit domi- 
nant in the western country and by his industry 
and good business ability, in due course of time, 
became the possessor of good farming land, to 
wliieli he has added as his labors have brought 
him capital, until he is now owning and operating 
a fine tract of land, constituting three hundred 
and twenty acres, valued at one hundred and fifty 
dollars per acre. It is situated in Ohio township, 
and here he carries on general agricultural pur- 
suits, following modern and practical methods in 
all his work. He has here a nice home and many 
substantial outbuildings, and the neat and at- 
tractive a]i])earance of the place makes it one of 
the most valuable farms of the county. 

.\fter residing in Illinois for a few years Mr. 
S]iooner sought a companion and hel])mate for 
life's journey, and on the 24th of ^farch, 1858, 
was married to Mi.ss Mary E. Philpot, who was 
born September 20, 1841, a native of Xew York 
and a daughter of George and Mary (Tooke) 
Philpot, both natives of the state of New York, 
where they always Jiiade their home. Mr. Philpot 
was a well educated man and a lawyer by ]u-ofes- 
sion, but on account of ill health was unable to 
engage in the practice of his chosen calling. Mrs. 
Spooner received here early educational privi- 
leges in the common schools of her native place 
and later pursued a course of study in the Oneida 
Ladies' Seminarv, at Oneida. New York. T'nto 



ilr. and .Mrs. .Spooner have been born live chil- 
dren, of whom two are deceased. Tliose living 
are: Prince Edward, born September 20, 1863; 
Winifred R., October 27, 1872; and Allen G., 
i)orn May 1, 1880. 

In his political views Mr. Spooner is a repub- 
lican and lakes an active interest in local political 
affairs. Pojiular with his fellow townsmen, he 
has been called to fill a number of positions of 
trust, having served as supervisor of East Grove 
township, Lee county, Illinois, for several years 
previous to his removal to Bureau county. He also 
served as justice of the jieace for two terms, as 
road commissioner for eight years, and as school 
trustee for a similar period, and in all these posi- 
tions he displayed marked ability and discharged 
the duties which devolved upon him in a very 
creditable manner. In his religious views Mr. 
Spooner is liberal, but is not identified with any 
church organization. 

Having started out in life for himself without 
capital, he possessed a strong will and a determina- 
tion to succeed, and coming to the west in early 
manhood he sought and utilized every opportunity 
that ])resented itself and by hard work and econ- 
omy worked his way upward until he is now the 
owner of a tract of land of three hundred and 
twenty acres, valued at one hundred and fifty dol- 
lars per acre, and his is one of the most pro- 
ductive farms of Bureau county. He is one of the 
prominent and progresive farmers of his com- 
munity and is highly esteemed both in business 
and social circles. 



GEORGE EDS(»\ /INK. 

George Edson Zink, who is engaged in farming 
and stock-raising in Concord township, making 
a specialty of Durham cattle, was born October 
27, 1866, in Macon township, his parents having 
been pioneer residents of that locality. He is 
a son of John and Elizabeth (Sen.sel) Zink, whose 
sketch is found elsewhere in this work. 

The public schools afforded George E. Zink his 
early educational jirivileges, and after completing 
his more specifically literary education in the high 
.school at Buda he entered the Davenjiort Busi- 
ness College and was thus qualified for the trans- 
action of important business interests. Putting 
aside his text-books, he entered actively upon the 
work of the farm and has since been a representa- 
tive of agricultural interests, placing his fields 
under a high state of cultivation. He also raises 
stock and is now making a specialty of regis- 
tered Durham cattle and Poland China hogs, of 
which he has some fine s)iecimens ujion his place. 
He has a well cultivated farm and an air of neat- 
ness and thrift pervades it in all its departments. 

On the 10th of February, 18!11. was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Ziiik and Mis< Xettie Con- 
ley, a daughter of George and Trijil-ena (Sturte- 



:so 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



vaiit) e'onley, of Bureau county. Her father, a 
fanner by occupation, died February 10, 190(», and 
his wife survived him only until the 21.st of April 
of the same year. Mr. and Mrs. Zink have three 
children: Neva Elizabeth, horn January IT, 1893 ; 
Althca M., Januarv 13, 1895; and Laurine Fern, 
July 6, 1897. 

The parents are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal church, in which Mr. Zink is serving 
as trustee and steward. In politics he is a re- 
publican, stalwart in his advocacy of the party 
I)rincii>l(>s. and he has frequently served as a 
delegate to county and congressional conventions 
and has held the offices of assessor and road over- 
seer. He has various fraternal relations, being 
a member of Buda lodge. No. 339. A. F. & A. M.. 
while he is also connected with the Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows, the Modern Woodmen of 
.Vmerica and the Yeomen of America. He is an 
enterprising, energetic Imsiness man, of keen fore- 
sight and laudable ambition, and has already at- 
tained a gratifying measure of success in his busi- 
ness life. 



\V1LLI.\M WILSON. 
Williiun Wilson, editur and owner of the Walnut 
Leader, was born in Clarion county, Pennsylvania, 
October 18, 1852. His parents were James and 
Catharine (Schorman) Wilson, the former born ii^ 
Clarion county, Pennsylvania, and the latter near 
Reading, that state. In their family were eight 
cliildren, of whom William was the third in order 
of birth. Tiiey were brought by their parents to 
lliiuiiis in the spring of 1865, the family home 
being established in Whiteside count\. 



William Wil 



iiejran his education in a loj; 



schoolhouso in Pennsylvania and afterward con- 
tinued his studies in the public schools of Illinois 
and in tiie high school at Morrison, this state. 
After putting aside his tc.xt-books in 18fi8 he 
entered the jirinting olHce of the Reform Investi- 
gator in Morrison to learn the trade, remaining 
there for two years. In August, 1871, he removed 
to Proplietstown and became a printer in the 
office of the Prophetstown Spike, then owned by 
Charles Bent and A. I), [fill. He was connected 
therewith for .sf)me time and in 1874 he was mar- 
ried and began farming, operating his father's old 
home j)lace. Subsequently, however, he re-entered 
the newspaper field at Walnut, purchasing the 
Walnut Motor in 1883. In 1800 a disa.strous fire 
visited the town, destroying nearly its entire busi- 
ness section, including the printing office of Mr 
Wilsf)n. He, however, at once made arranirementi 
for the continuance of the paper, which be ])ub- 
lislu'd until :\rarch 1, 1891. In April, 1892, he 
established the Walnut Leader, which he has since 
owned, edited and published. It is a six column 
quarto and has a bona fide circulation of over 
eight hundred and twenty-five copies. It is pub- 



lished weekly and is devoted to the dissemination 
of general and local news. 

Mr. Wilson was married on the 8th of October, 
1874, to Miss Louisa F. Cox, who was born in 
Prophetstown, Illinois. December 8, 1855, a 
daughter of Edwin F. and Lucy R. (George) Co.x. 
Her father, a native of Vermont, came west in 
1852 and located at Prophetstown, Illinois. In 
his family were four children, of whom Mrs. Wil- 
son is the eldest. She wa.s educated in the high 
school at Prophetstown and in Averil's Seminary, 
and bv her marriage has become the mother of five 
children: Maud C., born July 23, 1877 : W. Gor- 
don, who was born August 21, 1879, and died 
November 7, 1902 ; Agnes Lucy, born September 
21, 1881 : Louisa Miirv. April 9, 1883; and Kdwiu 
C. February 15, 1886. 

Mr. Wilson has been active and influential in 
community affairs. He served as village clerk of 
\Valnut for two terms and is a republican in poli- 
tics. Formerly he gave his political allegiance to 
the democracy, but two years ago his political faitli 
changed and he has since edited his paper in sup- 
port of republican principles. His religious faith 
is that of the Presbyterian church, but he does not 
hold membership therewith. His wife, however, 
is a member of the Baptist church. 

Mr. W^ilson is a self-made man, whose only cap- 
ital in starting oid in life was his good health, 
his energy and willingness to work. He thoroughly 
mastered the bu.siness in which as a young trades- 
man he embarked, becoming familiar with print- 
ing in ]Minciple and detail, and through his in- 
dustry and per.severance he has gained a credit- 
able place as a representative of journalistic in- 
terests in this countv. 



ERNEST J. HALL. 

Ernest J. Hall, who is farming in La Moille 
township and is one of Bureau county's native 
sons, was born Janiiary 18, 1867. His parents 
were John II. and Charity (Smith) Hall, both of 
whom were natives of Hackettstown, New Jersey. 
They were married in that state, and, thinking to 
enjoy better opportunities in the middle west, came 
to Illinois in 1860. settling in Bureau county. 

Ernest J. Hall, the youngest in their family of 
ten children, is indebted to the public-school sys- 
tem of La Moille for the educational privileges he 
enjoyed, and during the periods of vacation he 
was trained to habits of industry and enterprise 
through the assistance which was required from 
him in the work of the fields on the home farm. 
He gradually gained broad and accurate experi- 
ence in farm work in all of its departnuMits, and 
throughout his entire lif(> h(> has followed agri- 
cultural pursuits. He now owns one hundred and 
thirty-three acres of good land lying adjacent to 
the village of La Moille. This is a valuable prop- 
erty, and in addition to the cultivation of the fields 



PAST AM) i"i;i:si;\T of luitKAr cointv. 



rsi 



Mr. Hall fowls liogs aud finds in their sale a good 
source of ineonie aiiiuialiy. He is a self-made man, 
having started out in life alone and gained his 
jiresent possessions througii unremitting diligence 
anil unai)ating energy, lie is aecounled one of 
the leading farmers of tli<' townshi]) in which he 
resides, and his place is splendidly located, so that 
the advantages of the town are easily obtainable, 
while those of rural life are constantly enjoyed. 
There is a good set of farm buildings and line 
shade trees add to the value and attractive ap- 
])earance of the place. In the pastures are found 
good grades of slock, and the latest improved 
machinery facilitates the work of the fields. 

Mr. Hall was married to Miss Laura B. Frary, 
who was born in Bureau i-ounty. August 1-5, 18(JT. 
They became the parents of four children: Mar- 
garet M., born June 23, 18ii.5; Lucy E., May 22, 
1898; George W.. Decendier 30. l!)ob: and Estlier 
C, June lit. Iii03. Mrs. Hall is a daughter of 
George aiul ^lary (Palmer) Frary, tlu' former 
a native of Massachusetts and the latter of Ohio. 
They became residents of Illinois in 18G3, and 
in their family were six children, of whom Mrs. 
Hall is the youngest. .Slie, too, was educated in 
the jiublic schools of Bureau county. 

Mr. Hall is a valued and ])o]iular member of the 
Modern Woodmen camp. No. 221, and the Mystic 
Workers. Xo. 18. His political allegiance is given 
llie republican party. He contributes to the sup- 
port of the Methodist E]iiscopal churcli, of which 
liis wife is an earnest and faithful mendier. They 
are greatly esteemed in the eommunity. ami ibcir 
circle of friends is almost co-e.\tensivc with llu' 
circle of their acquaintance. 



.lA.MKS FiSHEl!. 

dames Fisher, living in Gold township, where 
he is owning and operating a farm of ninety-four 
acres, was born in I'ennsylvaniii, and ilales his 
residence in Bureau county from an early period 
in its develoiimcnt. having lived here for fifty-two 
years. He was oidy two years old at the tiuu' of 
his arrival, having been brought to this county 
by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. John I). Fisher, wlio 
came from Pennsylvania in 18.51 and settled south 
of Buda. The father began farming there u|)on 
one hundred and twenty acres of land, and the son 
was reared to agi'ii iiltural i)ursuits. early becoming 
familiar with tlie work of field aiul meadow. His 
education was ac(piired in the common schools of 
Gold township, wherein he mastered tlie branches 
of English learning usually taught in sueli insti- 
tutions. Having arrived at years of maturity, he 
began farming on his own account, and is now the 
owner of ninety-four acres, constituting an excel- 
lent ])lace, for the lanil is valuable, being of a char- 
acter that would enabl(! him to command the liigh- 
est market price did he desire to sell. 

Mr. Fisher was married in this county to Miss 



Maggie Blaisdell, a native of Stark county and a 
daughter of Horace Blaisdell, who was a farmer. 
Into Mr. and Mrs. Fisher have been born six chil- 
dren, live daughters and a son: Eydia, who, at the 
age of twenty-three years, is at home with her 
parents; Emma, the wife of Havid Smith, a fire- 
uiaii on the Uock Island Uailroad, living in Blue 
Island, Illinois; Mabel, Florence, Irene and Wil- 
ber, aged res])ectively eighteen, fourteen, twelve 
and eight years. 

Mr. Fisher exercises liis right of franchise in 
supj)ort of the men and measures of the repub- 
lican i)arty, but has never desired olliie. On the 
contrary, he has preferred that others should serve 
othcially, while he gives his attention to ids farm 
work, whidi, being capably conducted, is bringing 
In him a gratifying measure of success. A resi- 
dent of this county for more than a half century, 
he has been an interested witness of its growth and 
development, and has seen luany changes here as 
the evidences of pioneer life have been replaced 
l)\' tlie evideiKes of modern civilization. 



FK'A.NK l.AWKEXCE DABLER. 

Frank Lawrence Dabler, a son of George W. and 
.\mia May Dabler, was born upon the ohl family 
houu'stcail in Manlius townshi]), October .5, 18T3. 
At the usual age he entered the lonnnon schools, 
nuistering the branches of learning therein taught. 
His tinu> was also divided with the ]>leasures of 
the playground and the work of the farm, for at 
an early age he began assisting his father in carry- 
ing on the farm work, and bis entire life has been 
devoted to agricultural pursuits. The practical 
knowledge which he gained in his youth has ])roven 
of immense value to Idm since he began farming on 
his own account. He has never desired to enter 
other business, and is now the owner of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land near the old home- 
stead an<l a short distance from Manlius, whereon, 
he has erected sonu' very good buildings. He has 
also brmight his fields under a high state of cidti- 
vation, and thus amiually harvests good crops. 

On the 20lh of .January, 181I2, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Dabler and Miss i-'dsie I'nr- 
melia Hewitt, a daughter of George \\. Hewitt, of 
Manlins township, who was one of the old settlers 
of the county. Two children grace this marriage: 
J'h'vin, boi'n November 11, 1!M)1 ; and N'lUida, Sep- 
tendier 20. 1!)02. They also lost one chihl in in- 
fancy. The parents are highly esteemed socially 
and have a large circle of friends. 

Mr. Dabler votes the democratic ticket, but is 
without aspiration for odiee. He holds member- 
ship in the Baptist church in Maidiiis township, 
in which he is now siM-ving as a deacon, and he is 
also a trustee of the Baptist cenu-tery. It will 
thus be seen that his interest does not center in 
his business to the exclusion of all other things, 
for while successfully conducting hia farm he yet 



782 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



finds time and opportunity to do his part in the 
work ol' general progress and improvement in his 
county, standing for intellectual and moral devel- 
opment as well as material progress. 



JAMES HENRY SMITH. 

James Hem-y Smith is a farmer and stock- 
raiser, living on section 13, Milo township. One 
of Bureau county's native sons, his birth occurred 
in this township, August 11, 1872. He is a son 
of James A. Smith, a retired farmer residing in 
Bradford. The father was born in Ithaca, Tioga 
county. New York, November 25, 1840, and was a 
son of William and Lucy (Robinson) Smith. The 
father came west in 18G3 and located in Milo town- 
ship, where he was employed at farm labor and 
afterward engaged in cultivating rented land until 
18T3, when he bought one hundred and sixty acres, 
which he still owns. He now has aljout four hun- 
dred acres in Milo township, which is devoted to 
general farming and stock-raising, but he leaves 
the active management and work of the farm to his 
son, William J. Retiring from business life in 
1903, he removed to Bradford, where he owns a 
beautiful home which he now occupies. On the 
28th of March, 1868, Mr. Smith was united in 
marriage to Miss Mary J. Fox, a native of New 
York. They became the parents of four children, 
three sons and a daughter, and after the death of 
the wife and mother Mr. Smith married again, his 
second union being with Jane Culton, a native of 
this county. The children of the first marriage 
are: James H., of this review; William J., of 
Milo township; George R., who is living in Mar- 
shall county, Illinois; and Sarah J., the wife of 
William Hardy, of Indiana. Mr. Smith is a re- 
publican, but without aspiration for office. A man 
of many excellent qualities, he has in his private 
life and his business relations won the confidence 
and good will of those with whom he has been as- 
sociated. All who know him entertain for him the 
warmest regard, and his circle of friends is an 
extensive one. 

After attending the common schools James H. 
Smith continued his education in Dixon Business 
College at Dixon, Illinois, and was graduated with 
the class of 1884. He has always followed farm- 
ing, early becoming familiar with the work of 
plowing, planting and harvesting, as he assisted 
in the improvement of the old home place. He 
purchased his present farm in 189.5 from C. B. 
Edminston, of Wyanet, Illinois, and is now the 
owner of four hundred acres of fine and productive 
land in Milo township, upon which are good build- 
ings and all modern accessories and improvements. 
He also owns considerable land in Brown county, 
South Dakota, and he carries on general farming 
and stock-raising, feeding much stock and buying 
much corn for this purpose. He is a man of 
indefatigable energy, displaying keen discernment 



in business aft'airs and excellent ability as a man- 
ager. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward 
to successful completion, and he realizes that 
"there is no excellence without labor." 

Mr. Smith was married to Miss Jennie Reid, of 
Milo township, a daughter of J. L. Reid, and they 
had one child, Marjory, who is living with her 
maternal grandfather. In 1900 Mr. Smith was 
called upon to mourn the loss of his wife, who died 
on the 1st of June of that year, and he has since 
wedded Margaret M. Bradshaw, of Chambersburg, 
Pike county, Illinois. They have a pleasant home 
and are highly esteemed people, who hold mem- 
bership in the Methodist Episcopal church. Po- 
litically Mr. Smith is a republican, and has served 
as school treasurer for some time, while fraternally 
ho is connected with the Modern AVoodmen of 
America. He has been very successful, and is 
recognized as one of the representative citizens 
of the community, who bears a good name in the 
county where his entire life has been passed, and 
who, through a genial, cordial manner, has be- 
come a popular citizen of Milo township. 



PETER JENSEN, JR. 

Peter Jensen, a progressive farmer of Ohio 
township, where he is operating a tract of eighty 
acres, is a native son of Demnark, having been 
born August 5, 1876. His parents are Peter and 
Marie (Jensen) Jensen, likewise natives of Den- 
mark, where they were married and made their 
home until the year 1895, at which time they emi- 
grated with their family to America, hoping to 
enjoy better business advantages in this country 
than were afforded in their native land. In their 
family are eight children. 

Peter Jensen, Jr., the fourth child in his fathers 
family, was a youth of about nineteen years when, 
in 1895, he accompanied his parents on their em- 
igration to America. He received his education in 
Denmark, and since coming to this country has 
acquired a fair knowledge of the English lan- 
guage. After coming to America he engaged in 
farm work, being employed by others, but by his 
industry, honesty and economy he soon won suc- 
cess, and for the past four years has been carrying 
on agricultural pursuits on his own account, now 
operating a tract of eighty acres in Ohio township. 
He is thoroughly familiar with the best methods 
of fann work, and each year gathers good harvests 
as the result of the care and labor which he bestows 
upon the fields, thus adding to his financial re- 
sources, and the time is undoubtedly not far dis- 
tant when he will become one of the well-to-do 
agricult\irists of his section of the county. 

On the 30th of September, 1903, Mr! Jensen 
was united in marriage to Miss Ada Wiesel, a 
native of Bureau county, Illinois, born December 
24, 1881. Her parents are .Tohn and Margaret 
(Bauersock) Wiesel, both natives of Germany. 



4 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



r83 



They emigrated to Anieriea in the year 18GiJ, and 
their marriage was celebrated in Bureau county. 
In their family are eleven children, of whom Mrs. 
Jensen is tlie eighth in order of birth. She re- 
ceived her education in the district schools of Ohio 
township and is now a successful teacher, having 
followed the profession for the past si.x years. She 
is an intelligent lady and is proving herself a 
worthy helpmate to her husband. 

Mr. Jensen gives his political support to the 
men and measures of the republican party. He 
is one of the residents of foreign birth who, util- 
izing the opportunities offered to young men of 
ambition and determination, is steadily advancing 
towartl the highway of success, and while he is 
now classed among the leading agriculturists of 
his section of the county, has promise of even a 
brighter future. 



Willi her parents to Bureau county. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. llaiiirick have a wide circle of warm frienda 
in this county and enjoy the esteem, conlidence 
and good will of many who know them. 



J. L'. UAMlilCK. 

J. C. Hamrick, to whuui has been \ouchsafed a 
well earned retirement from labor, was in former 
years a prominent and worthy representative of 
the agricultural interests of Bureau county, and 
now resides iu Princeton, making his home at No. 
127 South Church street. He was born February 
12, 1838, in Coshocton county, Ohio, and in the 
fall of 1839, when only about a year and a half 
old, was brought to Bureau county by his par- 
ents, James and Rachel (Markley) Hamrick, who 
settled in what is known as Center Prairie, in 
Wyanet towTiship. They wore farming people, the 
father successfully carrying on general agricultural 
pursuits until he retired from active business life, 
after which he made his home in Wyanet, where 
his death occurred. His wife also passed away 
there. She was born in Coshocton county, Ohio, 
March 20, ISIG, and on the 14th of May, 1837, 
gave her hand in marriage to James Hamrick. They 
long traveled life's journey happily together, and 
on the 27th of August, 1887, Mrs. Hamrick passed 
away. In their family were ten children. 

J. C. Hamrick, whose name introduces this re- 
view, was reared in Wyanet township, and pursued 
his education in the public schools of the neighlior- 
hood, while in the periods of vacation he worked 
upon the home farm and gained practical knowl- 
edge of the best methods of carrying on the labors 
of the fields. Throughout his entire business 
career he carried on farming, and was a successful 
agriculturist, who still owns a fine farm in Wyanet 
township. For many years he tilled the soil and 
cared for his crops, but since 1S!12 he has resided 
at Princeton, where he has built a fine residence 
at No. 127 South Church street. There he is liv- 
ing retired in the enjoyment of the fruits of his 
former toil. 

On the 2.5th of June, 1857, Mr. Hamrick was 
united in marriage to Miss fsaphine Diggins, who 
was from Pennsylvania, and when young came 



JOHN IIK.NRY PHILLIPS. 

John Henry Phillips, a veteran of the Civil war, 
who is now farming ninety acres of land on sec- 
tion 3, Ncponset township, where he has made his 
home for fifteen years, was liora in Redwood, Jef- 
ferson county. New York, Noveml)er IC, 18H;, and 
acquired a public-school education. His parents, 
William and Malinda (Helmer) Phillips, were 
both natives of Cortland county. New York, and 
wia-e there reared and married. The mother died 
in Jellerson county. New Y'ork, September 8, 1855, 
and the father, afterward coming to Illinois, passed 
away in 18G5, at the age of sixty years, while 
living in Neponset. In their family were eight 
children, six of whom still survive: Carrie, the 
wife of William Cook, a resident of Iowa; Char- 
lotte C, the wife of Thomas C. Otley, of Nepon- 
set ; Marvin, who resides iu Jefferson, Iowa ; John 
Henry, of this review ; I.«vi, who is living in Bil- 
lings, Montana; and James, who makes his home 
in Adel, Iowa. The father followed the occupa- 
tion of farming in the Empire state in order to 
provide for the support of his family. He gave 
his political allegianc(> to the repulilican party and 
held membership in the Baptist church. 

Mr. Phillips of this review spent his boyhood 
days in his father's home, and was but eighteen 
years of age when he enlisted in response to the 
country's call, joining the boys in blue of Com- 
pany H, One Hundred and Forty-sixth Illinois 
Volunteer Infantry, at Buda. The company went 
to Peoria and was there mustered in. proceeding 
afterward to Springfield and thence to Quincy, 
returning to Springfield in 18G5. After the war, 
in 1866, Mr. Philips became connected with the 
firm of Huckins & Company, dealers in hor.ses, and 
was with that firm for about twelve years. On the 
expiration of that period he began farming on his 
own account, and has since carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits and stock-raising, giving his at- 
tention at the present time to the cultivation of 
about ninety acres of land on section 3. Neponset 
township, where he has lived for fifteen years. The 
farm is well developed, and under his care and 
supervi.«ion the fields are made to yield a good re- 
turn in bounteous harvests. 

Mr. Phillips was married to Miss Sarah Ellen 
.\iisman, a native of Clermont county, Ohio, born 
September 17, 1846, and a daughter of .Abraham 
.\. and Elsie C. (Snell) .busman. Her father, a 
native of Indiana, died in Ij^on, Iowa, at tJie age 
of sixty-five years, while the mother survives at the 
age of eighty-nine years. They were married in 
Ohio, and. on coining to Illinois, settled in Stark 
county in 1851, Mr. Ausman being numbered 



784 



PAST \SD rUESEXT OF BLliEAL' euLXTY. 



among the pioiu-er I'iuiiiers of lliat loi-ality. He 
bought hinil at a dollar and a half per acre and 
built there a log house, living in a covered wagon 
until his pioneer home was completed. He there 
continued to reside until 1870, when he removed 
to Iowa, where he s])ent his remaining days. He 
served for many year.s as justice of the peace in 
Stark county and was a leading and influential 
citizen there, while his official duties were dis- 
charged with the utmost promtjiess and impar- 
tiality. His early political supjjort was given to 
the whig party, and upon its dissolution he joined 
the ranks of the new republican party. All his life 
he held membership in the Methodist Episcopal 
church, and was most loyal to its teachings and 
belief. In the family were eight cliildren, of whom 
six are now living, as follows: William H.. Jlrs. 
Phillips, \j. T., Melissa, Wesley and Addison. 

Mr. Phillips gives his political support to the 
republican party where national issues and ques- 
tions are involved, but at local elections casts an 
independent ballot. He has never cared for public 
office, btit is as true and loyal to his country as 
when he followed the old flag to the south in de- 
fense of the I'niou. Much of his life has ix'cn 
passed in this county, and he is a typical resident 
of the middle west, possessing the alert and enter- 
prising spirit which has been the dominant factor 
in the upbuilding of this section of the country. 



MVb'OX E. WILLIA.MS. 

Myron K. Williams was born in Bureau county. 
October 3, 1857, upon the old homestead farm 
which is yet his place of residence, and is the 
eldest in a family of four children, the others 
being Emma A., Elmer O. and Irving S. Wil- 
liams. The parents were Onam and ilary A. 
(Mills) Williams, the former a native of Am- 
herst, Massachusetts, and the latter of Ticon- 
deroga, New York. Mr. Williams was born Au- 
gust 3, 1820, and in the year 1840 canu> to Bureau 
county, Illinois, casting in his lot with its pioneer 
settlers. On the 1st of January, 1S,57, he was 
united in marriage in Bureau county to Miss 
Mary A. Mills, who was born August IT, 1830, 
and who arrived in Bureau county about 1850. 

M the usual age Myron E. Williams began his 
education as a public school student, and later 
continued his studies in the high school at Prince- 
ton. He represents one of the early pioneer fam- 
ilies, and is today the owner of a valuable farm 
property of three liundred and twenty acres, which 
comprises a (piarter section that constituted tlie 
original purcha.se made by his father from the 
government. This was bought for a dollar and 
a quarter per acre, and the deed was signed by 
Zachary Taylor, then j^resident of the United 
States. The old house first built upon this farm 
has sheltered some notable characters, including 
the famous Indian chief, Shabbona, who proved 



a friend to the whites during the Black Hawk war 
and other periods of hostility with the Indians, 
and who has slept upon the floor of this cabin 
many a night. In those early days hardships and 
trials were to be borne that are entirely imfamil- 
iar to the settler of the present day, with his 
greater opi)ortunities and advantages. The father 
would haul his grain to Chicago with o.\ teams, 
and the roads were then in poor condition. After 
coming to this county he began raising grain, 
and the price of wheat was only three shillings per 
bushel. He luul to take his pay in state money, 
which he afterward exchanged for gold, giving 
two dollars and a half in state currency for every 
dollar in gold, for the govei-nment would then 
only take gold in payment for land. Many were 
the evidences of pioneer life to be seen here, and 
the family shared in the hardships and trials in- 
cident to existence (m the frontier. The trip to 
Illinois from Amherst, Massachusetts, had been 
made Ijy the father by stage to the nearest point 
on the Erie canal, thence by canal to Bulfalo. and 
by way of the Great Lakes to Chicago, which was 
then only an Indian trading post. From Chi- 
cago he traveled across the country to La iloille, 
which was then called Greenfield. The journey 
was completed with freighting teams, as there 
were no railroads. The father of our subject be- 
came at once a factor in the agricultural develop- 
ment and progress of the county, and as the years 
passed he placed his fields under cultivation, own- 
ing an excellent proju-rty. 

Of this Myron E. Williams inherited seventy 
acres, which constituted the nucleus of his present 
holdings. He added to the farm from time to 
time as his financial resources have increased, until 
he is now one of the extensive landowners of La 
Moille township, having three hundred and twenty 
acres, constituting a valuable farming property. 
His place is the visible evidence of his life of thrift 
and enterprise, for he owes his success entirely to 
his own labors. The farm is improved with good 
buildings and fine shade trees, and is so located 
that its value has continually grown. It is one 
of the oldest farms of the county, having been oc- 
cupied by the family in very early days, and from 
ihat time to the present the work of improvement 
has been carried forward along progressive lines, 
\intil it is now e(|uippril with all modern acces- 
sories. 

On the !)th of March. 188(>, was celebrated the 
marriage of Myron E. Williams and Miss Philena 
McConnell. wim was born March 23, 185!). in 
Bureau county, her parents being .lames and Cath- 
arine (Higgins) McConnell, natives of Scotland, 
the fornu'r born in 1818 and the latter in 1828. 
There were eight children in their family, of 
whom Mrs. Williams is the seventh in order of 
birth, these being John. James, David, Catharine. 
Ezra. Jannette. Philena and Laura McConnell. 
Four of the number are now deceased, while four 
are still living, and the parents both passed away 








ONAM WITJJAMS. 



I 




.MES. ONTAAf WIIJ.IA.MS. 



PAST AXI) I'KKSKXT OF MritHAl (Ol NTY. 



789 



in this state. Mrs. Williimis !K<iuirecl lior fiuly 
education in tlie pul)lic schools of Bureau county 
and completed her studies in Mendota high school. 
Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two children : Laura 
E., who was born October 22, 188!l. and is now 
attending the Princeton high school, and Walter 
H., who was born December a!), 18!»4, and is at- 
tending scliool in La Moille. 

At the time of their marriage Mr. and Mrs. 
Williams located upon a farm, and his attention 
has since been given to general agricultural pur- 
suits. He is a member of Modern Woodmen camp. 
No. 227, and is a faithful and zealous adherent 
of the Congregational church, in which he holds 
membership. lie exercises jiis right of franchise 
in support of the men and measures of the re- 
publican party, and has served as school trustee and 
school director, but otherwise has never sought 
nor held public otiice, preferring to devote his 
energies to his business affairs, which are now 
capably controlled. In a review of his life record 
we note that the salient features in his career have 
been those which all men may cultivate and which 
are always attended with good results. Jle has 
not looked to outside aid or inlluence for his suc- 
cess, but has placed his dependence upon the sub- 
stantial qualities of energy and watchfulness in 
business, and has gained for himself a place among 
the leading farmers of La Moille township. The 
Williams family has in-en known in tbis county 
for si.\ty-si.\ years, and the name has ever been 
synonymous with good citizenship and with honor- 
able business interests. 



WILLIA.M S. SEGUINE. 

William Sliker Seguine, deceased, was born at 
Schooley"s Mo\intain Sjirings, Morris county, .New 
Jersey. Octoiier 'i^i, ISl."). He was one of a family 
of fourteen children born to James and .Vbliie Ann 
(Sliker) Seguine. The father wa.s a carpenter 
and of French descent. The school privileges of 
our subject were very limited, as the large family 
and the fact that tliere were no free schools in 
New Jersey at (bat time made it necessary for liim 
to start young to earn bis way. 

\t llie time the (!ivil war broke out he was 
working on a farm for John Miller. When the 
call came for additional troops the spirit of patri- 
otism in bim became supreme and, like the pro|)het 
of old. he \inliilched his o.xen. tied them to the 
])low handles and resjionded with the offer of his 
services, August 1:5, l.S()2, at Flemington, New 
Jersey. Not until two months was he of sulli- 
cient age to be mustered in, but on October 15, 
1862, he became a private in Company H, Fif- 
teenth New Jersey Volunteer Infantry, and was 
in the battles at Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, 
Spottsylvania, the Wilderness, Winchester and 
several otlier engagements, being honorably dis- 
charged June 29, ISf!."). lie was twice wounded 



and compelled to spend a short time in the hos- 
pital. He was taken prisoner at Winchester, 
August 17, 1864, by the Thirty-sixth Virginia 
Volunteers, Gordon's Brigade, Breckenridge's di- 
vision, Karly's Corps. D\iring the si.\ months and 
fimr days' imi)risonment he was taken successively 
to Stanton. liyndiburg, Danville, Itichmond and 
Iiibi)y: was |mr<>led February 2(t, 186."), and dis- 
chargeil June 29, 186.">. His father, a brother 
Jo.seph, ne.xt younger, and our subject gave nine 
years' .service in tiic defense of our country. 

Soon after the close of tlie war he came to the 
home of relatives in Ohio, Bureau county, arriv- 
ing Di'ccmber 8, 186.->, and began to do carpenter 
work, wliicli he afterwanl followed for a liveli- 
iiooil. In ])nblic affairs he stood for what is 
acknowledged to be right and was energetic in 
pressing a good cause. He was lionored in polit- 
ical life three times as township collector and 
vario\is other less remunerative ollices, the duties 
of which he carefully and faithfully performed, 
llis connection with the Biiila Baptist church be- 
gan Fcbniiiry 10, lS,S(i, when be was ba[)ti.sed by 
K'ev. .1. Coker. His religions e.\|)erience, how- 
ever, began in bis army life and steadily grew 
stronger. .\l the time of his death, April .5, 
1!)0."). he was a trustee of the church, an oflice 
he had held for many years. He joined the Buda 
Olid Fellows lodge in 1880 and remained an active 
member during bis lifetime, always attending its 
meetings when possible, a greater part of the time 
serving as an ollicer. 

On .\ugust 18, 1867, he was united in marriage 
to Barbara (Buchan) Seaverns, in Ohio town- 
.ship. In June, 1870, they moved to Buda, Illi- 
nois, which place has since been their home. Five 
daughters constituted the family, upon which the 
falber and mother devoted tlieir affectinn, pro- 
viding for them every advantage they were able to 
su|iplv in the way of good home surroundings and 
educational o])portunities. all hut the youngest 
completing the Buda high school course. The 
elilest, Antoinette, was horn October 1.1, 1868, 
and married Charles J. Markee. .lanuary 10. 
18S9. Gertrude was born October 19, 1870, and 
married I'arker X. Mason, Jidy .1, 1889. Frances, 
born .lanuary 3, 187.'i, marrieil (icorge F. Sweet, 
.fr.. June .'^0, 1891. .Ml are residing in and near 
Buda. Nellie, born .\ugust 16. 1S7.">. iiuirried 
.\. Frank Byarlay, March 21. 1901, and lives in 
Neponset, Illinois. Huth. born November 4. 188.'?. 
ami died Febrtiary ?. 1898. in Denver, Colorado. 

Mrs. .Seguine was the oldest daughter of Francis 
G. and F'lora ( Gilcbri.^f ) Buchan. both born in 
.'Scotland, but came to Canada young and there 
thev were nuirried .lanuary 12, 18.'16. In the 
spring of 1839 they came to Bureau county, lo- 
cating in the north part of Ohio township, near 
East grove. .After thrw years they moveil to 
i'rincelon. where Mr. Biichnn followcMJ the car- 
penter trade for a number of years. He worked 
.HI the (dd courthouse in rrineelon. helping fin- 



790 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



ish the interior, while in a number of the older 
residences there, among them the Stevens and 
McConihe houses, his handiwork still endures, 
for in those days doors and window sash were 
fashioned by hand with tools not known to the 
workmen of today. He afterward moved to a 
farm in Ohio township, where he remained for 
twenty years. Then moved to a farm north of 
Buda, where he remained ten years, until failing 
health necessitated his leaving the farm, when 
he came to Buda, where he resided until his 
death, September 1-5, 1888. His widow continued 
to live in Buda until her death, November 38, 
1903. Francis and Flora Buchan were the par- 
ents of ten children — Robert, who died in child- 
hood ; Barbara, born November 20, 1838, who 
married John Seaverns, December 5, 1861, and 
was left a widow October 7, 1865; William Y., 
born September 25, 1840, killed at Missionary 
Ridge. September 20. 18(53 : Mary Ann, who died 
in infancy; Eliza Jane, born July 22, 1843, who 
married Elijah Bashtel, October 29, 1866 ; Fran- 
cis G., born October 1"^, 1845; James B. and Mar- 
garet Ann (twins), born March 26, 1848, the lat- 
ter who married E. H. Pierce, and after his death 
married Walter Williams ; Robert D., born No- 
vember 3, 1850; Nellie, born January 27, 1854, 
who married Guy T. Norton, September 18, 1873. 



PETER PETERSON. 

Peter Peterson, deceased, who at one time was a 
representative agriculturist of Manlius township, 
was born in Denmark, August IS, 1842, and was 
a son of Simon and Mary Peterson. He came 
with his parents to the new world in 1857, the 
family home being established in Pennsylvania, 
where his father carried on farming for about 
eight years. He then brought his family to Illi- 
nois, settling at Sheffield, and in that \-icinity 
Peter Peterson worked as a farm hand for some 
years. As he was always faithful and capable 
he had no trouble in obtaining good positions, and 
in 1872, with the money which he has saved from 
his earnings, he purchased some land near what is 
now called the old homestead and began farming 
on his own account. His parents remained resi- 
dents of Bureau county until called In their final 
rest and throughout his life the father followed 
the occupation of farming. 

In 1874 Peter Peterson purchased more land and 
farmed the home place of two hundred and twenty 
acres, which he brouglit under a high state of cul- 
tivation, so that the well tilled fields returned to 
him abundant harvests and his financial resources 
were thereby annually increa.sed. He devoted his 
entire time to farming until about three years 
prior to his death, when he retired from active 
business life and went to live in Chicago. 

On the 10th of March, 1870, Mr. Peterson was 
married to Miss Ella Nelson, who came from 



Sweden to America in 1866. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Peterson were born two children, who are yet liv- 
ing: Edward Nels; and Josephine Clara, who 
was born October 25, 1875, and is now in Rock 
Island, Illinois, having graduated from Augustana 
Conservatory of ilusic in 1905. They also lost one 
child, Anna Sophie, who was born March 23, 1873, 
and died on the 4th of September of that year. 

The death of the father occurred in Chicago, 
October 29, 1896, and the mother, who survives, 
is vet living in Rock Island. He served as school 
director and as township school treasurer for 
about ten years and was interested in having good 
schools and competent teachers. Noting what was 
needed for the benefit of his community and the 
county, he always advocated the employment of 
measures which would promote the general wel- 
fare and gave his co-operation to movements for 
the public good. His life was unmarked by events 
of exciting importance, but was that of a man 
who daily follows the routine of a business career 
and by his honorable methods and straightforward 
dealing gains success and at the same time wins 
the respect of his fellow townsmen. 

Edward Nels Peterson, son of Peter Peterson, 
was born in Manlius township, JIarch 1, 1871, 
and at the usual age entered the public schools, 
wherein he pursued his studies until he had mas- 
tered the common branches of learning. Later he 
attended the State Normal School at Dixon, Illi- 
nois, and after completing his education turned 
his attention to farming. He resides upon the 
old family homestead and has his farm well im- 
proved and developed, carefully cultivating the 
fields so that rich crops are annually harvested, 
while throughout the farm neatness and thrift 
characterize every department. 

On the 14th of March, 1900, Mr. Peterson was 
joined in wedlock to Miss Elizabeth C. Kingery, 
of Ogle county, Illinois, a daughter of George W. 
and Mary O. Kingery, who came from Pennsyl- 
vania. Thev have two children, ]\farguerite 
Evelyn, born" June 28, 1903; and Grunt Edward, 
born October 2, 1906. Mr. Peterson has served 
his township as school treasurer and is a trustee 
of the English Lutheran church, to which he and 
his wife belong. They are highly esteemed resi- 
dents of their community, and the warm regard of 
many friends is extended them in recognition of 
tlieir sterling traits of character. 



SAMUEL P. CLARKE. 
Samuel P. Clarke, a stockman and farmer, who 
operated for many years successfully as a raiser 
and dealer in live stock and is now a resident of 
Princeton, was born in Bureau county on the 
20th of April, 1837, thus representing one of 
the pioneer families. His father, George Clarke, 
was a native of Ohio and became a resident" of 
Illinois in 1S35. The work of development had 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



:!tl 



scarcely been begun in this section of the state 
and people that day believed that the prairies 
could not be inhabited on account of wind storms 
and in consequence chose claims alonir the border 
of the forest. Mr. Clarke, however, with won- 
derful prescience, realized that the opportunities 
were greater ujion the open prairie and established 
his home there. Time proved his wisdom and 
he remained and prospered. For many years he 
successfully conducted general agricultural pur- 
suits and in his later years retired from active 
business, dealing in lands and loaning money. He 
ceased to engage actively in the cultivation of the 
soil in 18.50, after which he continued his real- 
estate speculations and loans. He died in 1891 
at the age of eighty years, much respected by all 
who knew liim. He was one of the earliest set- 
tlers of the county, coming here only three years 
after the subjugation of the Indians in the Black 
Hawk war. He found a district largely uninhab- 
ited and over which wild animals roamed, while 
herds of deer were frequently seen and many kinds 
of smaller game could be had in abundance. He 
met the hardships and privation:; of pioneer life 
with a resolute and determined spirit and over- 
came the difficulties in his path, working his way 
steadily upward until for many years he occupied 
a place among the prosperous residents of tlie 
county, which owed not a little of its develop- 
ment to his business enterprise and active co- 
operation in measures for the public good. He 
wedded Miss Nancy ilatson, a native of Ohio. 

Samuel P. Clarke, born on the old homestead 
farm, pursued his early education in the Dover 
schools and afterward continued his studies at 
Mount Morris, Illinois. He tlicn turned his at- 
tention to fanning upon his farm and for forty- 
eight years devoted his time and energies to agri- 
cultural pursuits. He engaged largely in stock- 
raising and throughout the entire period of his 
residence on the farm never sold a bushel of grain, 
but fed it all to his stock and also bought from 
five to ten thousand bushels annually. In 1881 
he began the importation of Galloway cattle, 
Clydesdale and Shire horses and Shetland ponies, 
and thus breeding stock with imported animals 
he did much to uphold the standard of stock-rais- 
ing interests, thereby promoting prices and ad- 
vancing general prosperity for the agricultural 
class. In 1899, after a very successful career as 
a farmer, I^fr. Clarke removed to Princeton, where 
he now occupies a beautiful residence, which he 
built in that year. 

On the 1st of January, 18()0, was celebrated the 
marriage of Samuel P. Clarke and Miss Anne L. 
Poole, a daughter of George Poole, a native of 
Vermont, whence he removed to Bureau county, 
Illinois. ^Ir. and Mrs. Clarke became the parents 
of six children, but only one is living, Grace U., 
now the wife of Alfred Norris, of La Moille. For 
alfnost tliree score years and ten Mr. Clarke has 
been a resident of Bureau county. He is one "f 



the oldest native sons and has intimate knowledge 
of its history and the events which constitute its 
annals. His memory compasses many important 
occurrences which have direct bearing upon its 
history in its political, material, intellectual, social 
and moral development. He has never cared for 
notoriety, but he justly deserves the praise which 
is given for activity and integrity in business that 
results in honorable success. 



JAMES A. SMITH. 

James A. Smith, who in former years was 
actively engaged in general agricultural pursuits 
in Milo township, but is now living in Bradford, 
having put aside the more arduous cares of busi- 
ness life, was born in Ithaca, Tioga county, New 
York, November 25, 1840, his parents being Wil- 
liam and Lucy (Robinson) Smith. The father 
died when his son James was a young lad and tlie 
latter, reared in the Empire state, pursued his 
education in the common schools there. The re- 
ports which he heard concerning the middle west 
and its opportunities attracted him to Illinois in 
1863, in which year he located in Milo township, 
Bureau county. He worked out by the month for 
some time, renting land, and followed farming 
until 187.3. when he purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres in I^filo township that he still owns. 
He immediately began to think out plans for the 
further cultivation and improvement of the prop- 
erty and he has put many rods of tiling upon the 
place and erected all of the buildings which are 
now found thereon. He has a nice farm in which 
none of the modern accessories are lacking, while 
the latest improved machinery facilitates the work 
of the fields. He has engaged in raising cereals 
and stock, feeding hogs on an extensive scale. It 
was in this manner that year after year passed 
and his labors brought to him a good financial re- 
turn. He retired from active life in tlie spring 
of 190.3 and removed to Bradford, where he pur- 
chased a pretty home which he now occupies, while 
his son William J. operates the farm. 

It was on the 2Sth of March. 1868, that James 
A. Smith was joined in wedlock to Miss Mary J. 
Fox, who came to this county from the Emjiire 
state. Their children are four in number: James 
Henry, who is a rc^jident farmer of Milo town- 
ship: William J., who is operating his father's 
farm; George R.. a resident of Marshiill coimty. 
Illinois; and Sarah J., who married William 
Hardy and lives in Indiana. Following the death 
of his first wife Mr. Smith was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Jane Culton, a native of Bureau 
county and a daughter of John J. Culton, one of 
the oarlv settlers here. 

Air. Smith is a lilicral contributor to variou* 
churches and standi; for progress and improvement 
along the lines relating to the county's welfare and 
pennaiieut development. He has acted as road 



ti>-i 



PAST AM) PRESENT OF BIKKAT' COFXTY. 



conimissioner and as a inuniber of tho school board 
and in both capacities has done effective service 
for his fellow townsmen. His political allegiance 
is given to the repiiblican party. It has been 
through legitiiiiato Inisiness channels and as the 
result of the careful exercise of his native talents 
and powers that Mr. Smith has won for himself 
a prominent place in business circles and is now 
enal)led to live retired in the enjoyment of a 
haniifonic competence. 



FREDERICK G. LIXDXER. 

Frederick (i. Lindner is a prominent factor in 
business circles in Bureau county, where he is 
connected with both commercial and financial 
interests. lie has wrought along modern business 
lines, watchful of ojiportunity ])ointing to suc- 
cess, and his lal)ors have resulted in the acquire- 
ment of a measure of prosperity which is indica- 
tive of his capability in trade circles. 

He was born in ilineral township, November 6, 
1S(UI, a son of Phillip Lindner, who was born 
June 21. 18.33, in Zu-SiinmerslKuisen, Germany. 
In early life he learned the trade of cloth-weaving, 
wiiich be followed for seven years, and, coming 
America at the age of twenty-one, he spent a year 
in New York, arriving in Sheffield in 18.5.5. Tti 
this locality he was employed at farm labor for 
four vears and when gold was discovered in Colo- 
railo he joined a party preparing to make the over- 
land trip with ox teams. They started from 
S'leffield iti 1.S.59 and eventually arrived at Pike's 
Peak, but were not successful in their search for 
gold there, and llr. Lindner made the return trip 
to ^lineral township. Bureau county, again travel- 
ing with, ox teams. Once more he took up the 
work of the farm and througho\it bis remaining 
days devoted his life to general agricidtui'al pur- 
suits. On the Sfith day of .Tanuarv, lSi;o. he was 
united in marriage to Jliss Louise Dorothy Mever, 
also a native of the province of Hanover, Ger- 
many, born November 26, 183(5. She crossed the 
Atlantic to the new world in 1857 and lived for 
a year and a half in Buffalo, New York, while in 
185!) .she came to SlieffieJd. ^Ir. Lindner contin- 
ued to engage in farming throughout the re- 
mainder of his life following his venture in the 
gold fields of the west and at his death left a 
valuable estate of three hundred and eighty acres 
of fine land in ^Mineral township. He bad thus 
prospered in his undertakings as the vears liad 
gonc: by, his success resultinsf from his close a])])li- 
cation and unfalterinir diligenfc. He ])assed 
away September 8. 1898, while his wif(> is still 
living, makinir her home in Sheffield. 

Frederick George Lindnc, whose name intro- 
duces this review, was an only child. He acquired 
liis earlv education in the district schools and 
afterward attended the Sheffield high school. He 
then entered upon his husinesi; career as a clerk 



in the general store of Boyden & Dewey, with 
whom he remained until 1897, when he turned his 
attention to the grain trade, operating the elevator 
at Buda and conducting the business under the 
firm name of F. G. Lindner & Company. Two 
and a half years later he sold tho business, but 
bought it again in 1902 and the firm of F. G. Lind- 
ner (.t Company has not only conducted a large 
grain trade, hut has also owned and operated a 
lumber business under the same name. On the 
loth of March, 1902, they purchased the Bank of 
Buda, which is conducted under the name of Lind- 
ner & Boyden. It is a substantial financial in.sti- 
tution, following a safe and conservative policy, 
and yet does not lack the progressive sjiirit which 
is manifest in all successful enterprises of the pres- 
ent day. In addition to his commercial and finan- 
I'i.il interests Mr. Lindner is also a representative 
of liie agricultural life of the county, owning one 
hundred and ninety acres of land in Mineral and 
(iold townships, from which he derives an excel- 
lent income. 

On the lotb of .January. 1884. Mr. Lindner 
was married to Miss Agatha A. Siemons, a 
daughter of Siemon and Anna Siemons. Her 
father, formerly a merchant of Minonk. Illinois, 
canu' to .\merica in early life and is now a resi- 
dent of Washington. Unto IVlr. and Mrs. Lindner 
have been born four children: Phillip S., who is 
in bis father's bank at Buda: .\nnetta L., a stu- 
dent in Knox College at Galesburg, Illinois: and 
Geo!ge R. and Marion D., both at home. 

The ])arents and family are members of the 
.\dvent Christian church at Mineral, of which 
iMr Liuflner is a trustee, and while he is leading 
a busy life and has extensive and important busi- 
ness interests he yet finds time for the higher and 
holier duties and is deeply interested in the growth 
and progress of his clnirch, as wel' as in the ad- 
ranceriuMit of those community afrai:'s which have 
direct bearing upon general })rogres< and im])rove- 
iiii'iit. 



.1011 \ KKYXOLDS. 

.Iclni Reyniiids, who since 1871 has engasreil in 
farming in Bureau countv, now owns and oper- 
ates two hundred acres of land in Gold township, 
whereon be has resided for tbirtv-one yeirs. He 
is a native of Herefordshire, England, and has at- 
tainecl the asre of sixty-six years. His father. 
.lolm lir\n(il(ls. Sr.. was also born in Hereforil- 
-liirc and tbcvc liotb be and bis wife spent tlieir 
cnlii'c ]i\('-. (Iir f(U'iner (lvini<- at the age of seven- 
tv-six years, while the latter reached tiie very 
advanced aire of ninety-seven. 

In taking up the personal historv of our suh- 
jeil \\i' ])resent to our readers the life record of 
line who is now widelv and favorablv ktiown in 
Bureau county. He is a descendant in the fifth 
generatidn in direct line to hear the name of 



PAS'!' AMI i'i;i:si:.\ r (if iukkau corxTV. 



T9:5 



John. He was reari'd iuid educated in his native 
country and was there married to Miss Mary 
Burnett, of Herel'ordsliire, the wedding being cele- 
brated in a little town called .Sutton St. Nicholas. 
They have since traveled life's journey together, 
sharing with each other in the joys and sorrows, 
the adversity and iirospcrity which clu'cker the 
lives of all. They remained residents of l-^ngland 
until 1S71 and from l.SiiO .Mr. Hcynolds was em- 
ployed as a gamekeeper, but the favorable reports 
which be heard concerning the business oppor- 
tunities and privileges of the new world attracted 
him and in 1871 he bade adieu to home and native 
country and sailed to the TTnited States. .Making 
his way to Bureau county he was em|)!oyed in 
Nepon.set township. When bis labiu-s bad brought 
him sullicicnt capital tn enable bim to purchase 
land he began farming on his own account and is 
now the owner of two hundred acres, constituting 
one of the valuable farms of Gold township, \ipou 
which he has lived for thirty-one years, carcf\illy 
cultivating the soil ami harvesting rich crojjs as 
the result of the able manner in which he tills 
tbe soil. 

l\lr. RcyiKilils was reared in the faith of the 
Church of Kngland, but is not identified tbcrcwitb 
at the present time. His political support has 
been given the democracy since he became a luit- 
uralizcd .\merican citizen, and he has dee|) and 
strong attachment for the land of bis adoption 
and its institutions, recognizing that its privileges 
are manv. 



GEOnnE W. W.VTEHHOFSK. 

George W. Waterhouse is the owner of a good 
farm jiroperty of one hundred and ninety-seven 
acres on sections 23, 20 and 1."), Walnut township. 
His residence stands on section 2.'? and is a beau- 
tiful home surrounded by fine shade trees. A 
native of TSureau county, his birth occurred on the 
18th of .Vpril, ISfil, bis j)arents being Joseph and 
Kate (McCann) Waterhouse, the former born in 
England and the latter in Ireland. In childhood 
davs tbcv became residents of America and were 
reared in Princeton, Bureau county, Illinois, where 
their marriage was celebrated about ]S.")(i. The 
father followed the shoemaker's trade there until 
his removal to Walnut township, where he pur- 
chased one hundred and twenty acres of land on 
sections 11 and 1-'). He turned bis attention to 
farming upon this propertv, which is tlie old home- 
stead of the family, and there be lived for a num- 
ber of vears, but afterward bought other land and 
at the time of his death, which occurred on the 
21st of December. 188.'), he was the owner of a 
valuable estate of five hundred and sixfv acres. 
His success in life M-as the reward of his diligence 
and enterpri.se and he was accounted one of the 
foremost representatives of the coiinty. 

George W. Waterhoiisc completed bis eil\ica- 



tion in the Fairview district school So. 29, in 
Walnut township. He early began work in the 
fields and as the years passed by he continuously 
a.ssisted in the farm labor ami gaini'<| practical 
exiierience that has been of much value to him 
since be began farming on his own acc(uint. He 
is now the owner of an excellent projuTty of one 
hundred and ninety-.seven acres e(iuii)ped with all 
imxiern conveniences. His home forms one of the 
attractive features of the iandscapi^ and in addi- 
tion to his fine residence there are commoilio\is 
and substantial barns and oiitbuildiiig.s and all of 
the itniirovements which go to constitute a model 
farm of the twentietli century. He breeds pure 
blooded Hereford cattle and raises .some hogs and 
horses, but bis attention is largely given to the 
cultivation of the cereals best adapted to soil and 
climate. He carries on his work along moilern 
scientific lines and the value of ids labors has been 
proven in the eveelli^nl success which has attended 
bi:n. 

On the 2Stb of January, 1S!M, Mr. Waterhouse 
was married to Miss Orilla Bunn, who was born 
January 28. 18(i8, and is a <laughter of Denton 
and Nancy (Fritz) Bunn, both of whom were na- 
tives of Pennsylvania. They came to this county 
at an early date and engaged in farming in Bu- 
reau township. Bureau county. Illinois, but now 
reside in Kewanee, Mr. Binin having retired from 
active business. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Waterli(uise has been blessed with two chihlren : 
Hazel M.. who was horn June 19. 189.'?, an<l is 
thirteen years of age; and Verl N.. born August 
23, ]S9(i. The daughters are attending the same 
school in which their father acipiired his educa- 
tion. 

Politically Ml. W aterhou.se is a democrat, but 
is without political aspiration. His life luis been 
quietly passed and yet his record contains nniny 
lessons that are worthy of emulation, as it jirove.'* 
what may be accomplished by persistency of p\ir- 
pose, untiring will and capable nuinagenient. He 
finds in fb(> faithful |)erformame of each day's 
ilutics courage and inspiraticui for the work of the 
succeeding day and as the result of his labors he 
is now the owner of a very d(>sirable and ])roduc- 
tive farming property. 



liASMFS K.MDSON. 

b'asuius Knudson is a worthy representative of 
the farming interests of Gold lownsliij), where lie 
has lived since 1872, owning one hundred anil 
si.xty acres of rich and arable laud. He was born 
on the island of liolland, Denmark, Xovember !<•. 
IMC), and is a .son of Knud Peterson, who is still 
living at the advanced age of eighty-eight years, 
making his home with our subject. 

Xo event of s|)ecial importance occurred to vary 
the usual routine of life for Mr. Knudson in the 



i'94 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



davd of his boyhood and youth. He was trained 
to "habits of industry and economy which have 
proven of value to him in his business career in 
later years. He came to America in 1868 and 
throughout his entire life has been identified with 
agricultural interests, having for thirty years re- 
sided upon the farm in Gold township which is 
now his home. It covers a quarter section of -land 
and is an e.xcellent specimen of the richness of 
the soil which characterizes Bureau county farm?. 
His fields are well tilled and respond readily to 
the care and cultivation bestowed upon them, yield- 
ing good crops, which he cultivates with the latest 
improved machinery. He also has substantial 
buildings upon his place and in his business life 
has manifested the sterling traits of industry, un- 
faltering perseverance and unremitting diligence 
which have ever characterized the Danish race. 

In 1875 Mr. Knudson was united in marriage 
to Miss Dora T. Peterson, who came from Den- 
mark in 1869 and settled in Sheffield. This mar- 
riage has been blessed with seven children: 
Henry, thirty years of age; Mary, aged twenty- 
eight, now the wife of Shuman A. Bistlin, a 
farmer residing south of Buda; Christina, aged 
twenty-five years; Lena, twenty- two years of age; 
Julia, aged twenty; and Herman and Ida, aged 
respectively fifteen and eleven years. 

In his "political views Mr. Knudson is a re- 
publican and religiously is connected with the 
Danish Lutheran church. His has been an hon- 
nrablc life, marked by fidelity to manly principles 
and governed bv sterling rules of conduct. He 
had few advantages in his youth and his financial 
resources were very meager, but. realizing the 
value of earnest, persistent work, he has built upon 
that foundation a goodly superstructure of suc- 
cess. 



CYRUS WILSON RILEY. 
Cyrus Wilson Riley, of Mineral township, owns 
two "hundred and fifty-eight acres of good farming 
land and has a coal mine on his property. He is 
numbered among the pioneer settlers of Bureau 
county, where he has resided for more than three- 
score years and ten, having been brought to the 
county by his parents in 1835. He was born in 
Licking "county, Ohio, April 10, 1830, a son of 
Paul and Elizabeth (Loughrey) Riley, who. leav- 
ing Ohio in 1835, cast in their lot with the pioneer 
settlers of this county. The father always fol- 
lowed farming, and he aided in laying broad and 
deep the foundation for the present development 
and progress of the county throiiKh the assistance 
which he rendered in the work of public improve- 
ment at an early day. When he came to the 
county there were no railroads and little indication 
of future progress and improvement. Much of 
the land was still unclaimed and uncultivated, and 
its rich resources had hardly been recognized in 
the slightest degree. Here and there was to be 



seen a log cabin, and at long distances there were 
tiny hamlets or villages, but many of the now 
thriving towns of the county had not yet sprung 
into existence. 

Amid pioneer conditions and environments 
Cyrus W. Riley was reared, sharing with the fam- 
ily in the hardships and privations which usually 
fell to the lot of those who live in frontier dis- 
tricts. He assisted in the arduous task of de- 
veloping a new farm, and has throughout his entire 
life followed agricultural pursuits. His education 
was obtained in the district schools and also in 
the schools of Buda, and when not busy with his 
text-books his time was largely occupied with the 
work of the fields. He is today the owner of a 
valuable fanning property of two hundred and 
fifty-eight acres of good land, on which there is a 
coal mine, which adds to the value of the place. 
He has raised standard-bi'ed stock and his crops 
have been an indication of well cultivated fields 
and work carried on along progressive lines. In 
1864 he went to California, mainly for his health, 
and returned home in 1867, traveling by team 
both ways. Locating on the old homestead, he 
cared for his parents until their deaths, and then 
purchased the interests of the other heirs in the 
farm, consisting of two hundred and twenty acres, 
to which he has since added a thirty-eight acre 
tract. 

Mr. Riley was first married in 1854 to Miss 
Sarah Alvira Humphrey, a native of Ohio, who 
came here at an early day and died August 20, 
1883. The children born of this union were : Mel- 
vin P., who lives on the home farm with his 
father ; Debbie E., wife of L. E. Bond, of Dakota ; 
Thomas Wilson, a farmer, of Minnesota; Charles 
W., who, with his brother, Melvin, conducts the 
home farm ; Sarah Emaline, wife of Otto Gingrich, 
living on a ranch in Kansas: Hiram, a fanner, of 
Mineral township: James, wlio died at the age of 
seven years ; and Cyrus L., a coal miner and farm- 
er. In 1888 Mr. Riley was marrii-d to Mrs. Cath- 
erine T. Adams, who was born in Ohio, but when 
six years of age went to Wisconsin and in 1887 
came to Illinois. In the community where they 
reside they are held in warm regard, having many 
friends. 

Mr. Riley attends the United Brethren church, 
and has served as school director for eight years. 
He stands for progress along material, intellectual 
and moral lines and rejoices in what has been 
accomplished in the county during the long years 
of his residence here. Few men have for a more 
extended period been witnesses of the changes 
which have occurred. His memory forms a con- 
necting link between the primitive past and the 
progressive present. He has seen the log cabins 
replaced by substantial and commodious resi- 
dences, the wild prairie converted into rich and 
productive fields, the tiny hamlets developed into 
thriving cities, while all of the evidences of com- 
mercial progress and culture known to the older 




LYIiUS W. IMLKV. 



PAST AXD IMtKSKXT OF lU'REAr (OlM-y 



:!tT 



east have been introduced here and made this one 
of the leading counties of this great common- 
wealth. In all of tliis work Mr. Kiley has borne 
hi? full share as a public-spirited citizen. 



GEORGE W. PRUNK. 

George W. I'ruuk, whose farm of one hundred 
and sixty acres lies on sections 11 and 14, Indian- 
town township, is one of Bureau county's native 
sous, his life record having here begun on the 
16th of November, 1866. He represents one of 
the early families of Virginia. His paternal 
grandfather, Daniel Prunk, was born in Botetourt 
county, Virginia, in 1794, and became a brave 
and fearless soldier, participating in the war of 
1812 and in the Indian wars of that section. He 
was of German lineage and was reared in his 
native state, where he was married to Miss Cath- 
erine Hammond, a native of Maryland. They be- 
came the parents of eleven children, si.K sons and 
five daughters, as follows: Martha, Jane, John, 
Hanmiond, Madison, Maggie, Datiiijl H., George 
E'., Washington, Catharine and ^lary A. 

In 1831 Daniel Prunk with his family emi- 
grated to Illinois, settling first at Hennepin, where 
he built a shop and worked at his trade of black- 
smithing for a few years. During the Black Hawk 
war he again took up arms and went forth to battle 
in defense of the pioneer settlers and their homes. 
In 184;5 he became a resident of Bureau county 
and entered one hundred and sixty acres of land 
on sections 11 and 14, Indianlown township, 
where his grand.son, George VV. Prunk, now re- 
sides. He became one of the most energetic and 
prosperous farmers of his locality, and, making 
Judicious investments in property, at one time 
owned six hundred and forty acres of valuable 
land. He spent his remaining days upon the old 
homestead and passed away March 14, 1862, while 
his wife, who survived him several years, departed 
this life at the home of her daughter in Minnesota 
in February, ISSO, at the age of eighty years. 

Washington Prunk, father of George W. Prunk, 
was born at Hennepin, Illinois, March 22, 1836, 
and was reared in Bureau county, where he aided 
in the development and improvement of a new 
farm, but though his training in agricultural life 
was extensive, his opportunities for securing an 
education were limited. He attended the public 
schools of the neighborhood, but the system of 
public education was not well developed at that 
time and only a few branches were taught. He 
continued upon the home farm until the death of 
his father, and after the outbreak of the Civil war 
he enlisted in August, 1862, as a member of Com- 
])anv Vj. Xiiiety-tliird Illinois liifMiilry. going 
to the front as corporal. He participated in nearly 
all of the engagements of his regiment, and at the 
battle of Champion Hill sustained a gun-shot 



wound in the foot which disabled him for a time. 
He was confined in the hospital at Miiliken's 
Bend, Louisiana, but at the end of a monili was 
able to rejoin his regiment, then on the Missis- 
sippi river. Soon afterward he participated in 
the battle of Jackson, and at Altoona, Georgia, 
he was taken prisoner by the rebels, being held 
at Milan, that state, for about three months, when 
he was paroled and returned home. Later he 
again joined his regiment at Alexandria, Virginia, 
but was soon afterward discharged at Louisville, 
Kentucky, in June, 186.'), for hostilities had ceased 
and the war had been brought to a successful 
termination. 

On again reaihing Bureau county Mr. Prunk 
resumed farming on the old homestead, to which 
he had succeeded, and he greatly improved the 
place by the erection of a large two-story stone 
residence, also substantial and commodious barns 
and other outbuildings for the shelter of grain and 
stock, and these are still substantial evidences of 
his thrift, industry and progressive spirit. He 
lived upon the old home place until 1893, when 
he purcha.sed residence property in Tiskihva, and 
from that time forward until his death enjoyed 
a period of rest and retirement from active busi- 
ness. He was married December 20, 186.5, to 
Mrs. Charlotte R. Stewart, a native of Fulton 
county, New York, and a daughter of John Haw- 
ley, who came to Illinois in October, 1862. She 
was the motlier of four children, namely: George 
W. ; Bertha, the wife of Ervin R. Kitterman, of 
Indiantown township; Harry A., who died Sep- 
tember 22, 1893; and Rome, wife of J. Miller, 
of Colorado. The father of this family was a 
republican in his political views, casting his first 
presidential vote for .\braham Lincoln in 1864. 
He was never an aspirant for ollice, as his atten- 
tion was fully occHj)ied by his home and busini^ss 
interests, and yet he was active in the work of the 
party and served as a delegate to various county 
conventions. The cause of education found in him 
a stalwart friend, and he did effective service in 
ils behalf as sehool trustee. Although not a mem- 
lier of the clnircli, he always contributed libi'rally 
to the support of the Baptist church, of which his 
wife was a member and which he attended with 
her. He belonged to Swain post. No. tiCtti. G. 
• A. R., and he remained a respected and worthy 
resident of Tiskilwa until his death, which oc- 
curred in 1899. His widow still resides there and 
is now sixty-seven years of age. 

George W. Prunk was born upon the farm 
wliich is yet his home, and the schools of Tiskilwa 
alTorded him his educational privileges. When 
not busy with bis text-books his attention was 
given to the work of the fields, so that ho brought 
to his present business broad, practical e.vperi- 
ence. He carries on general farming and stock- 
raising and breeds high grade Norman horses. His 
place is pleasantly and conveniently located alHUit 
a mile and a half west of Tiskilwa, and he here 



79S 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUUEAU COUXTY. 



occupies a fine stone residence which was finished 
by his father and started hv his grandfather. The 
stones were all dressed by hand, and this dwelling 
is one of the notable features in the landscape. 

On March 19, 1897, Mr. Frunk was married to 
Miss Nora B. Dabler, a daughter of William Dab- 
ler, who is now living in Princeton. Unto this 
marriage have been born two daughters: Eutli, 
June 13, 1900; and Lois, born April 10, 1906. In 
his political affiliation Mr. Prunk is a republican, 
and has served as school trustee. Matters of cit- 
izenship are of interest to him and he gives earnest 
championship to many movements which have 
direct bearing upon the welfare of his town and 
county. He has always lived in this count}', is 
a representative of one of its honored and prom- 
inent pioneer families, and by reason of his per- 
sonal worth is entitled to representation in this 
volume. 



CHAELES W. WEDDING. 

Foremost among the leaders of agricultural in- 
terests in Bureau county is numbered Charles W. 
Wedding, who is operating a farm of one hundred 
and ninety-seven acres situated in Ohio township. 
Bureau coimty. A native son of this county, he 
was born November 20, IS.")?, a son of John W. 
and Harriet (Adams) Wedding, both natives of 
Ohio and now deceased. Eleven children were 
born of this marriage, of whom our subject is the 
si.xth in order of birth. 

('Iiarles W. Wedding, whose name introduces 
this review, received his education in the public 
.schools at Princeton and on putting aside his text 
books started out in life on his own account, fol- 
lowing the occupation of farming, which has al- 
wa\s been his life work, lie had no financial as- 
sistance when he started out in the business world 
but possessed those qualities wliich are always sure 
to win success — industry and perseverance — and 
with this as a foundation he has advanced steadily 
year by year, raising excellent crops which added 
to his financial resources until he is now operating 
on quite a large scale. For twelve years lie rented 
the Gray farm and was very successful in the man- 
agement of his affairs there. He has, however, for 
the past three years been operating one Inindred 
and ninety-seven acres of valuable land, which 
he rents and which is situated in Ohio township. 
Here he is engaged in the cultivation of the cereals 
best adapted to soil and climate, following practi- 
cal and modern methods in his farm work and 
using the latest improved machinery in the cultiva- 
tion of his fields. He is meeting with very grati- 
fying success in the management of his business 
intpre,sts, accumulating a handsome competence 
which in due cour.se of time will enable him to 
become the po.ssessor of a farm of his own. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. Wedding chose Miss Eosa Cork, likewise a 



native of Bureau county, to whom he was married 
on the ITth of May, 1881;. She was born Novem- 
ber 3, 18G1. a daughter of Stephen and Jane 
(Hubbard) Cork, both of English birth, who emi- 
grated to America in 184.5, settling in Bureau 
county, Illinois. In their family were ten chil- 
dren, Mrs. Wedding being the eighth in order of 
l)irth. The marriage of ilr. and Mrs. Wedding 
has been blessed with four cliildren but only three 
survive, namely: Lilley M., born October 2G, 1884; 
]lland D., born April 21, 1886, and Harry D., born 
August 6, 1899. Their eldest .son and third child, 
Stephen W., born January 13, 1888, died in July 
following. 

In politics Mr. Wedding supports the men and 
measures of democracy, and in religion faith is 
lilieral. being identified witli no church organiza- 
tion. One daughter is a member of the I\Iethodist 
Protestant church. Fraternally he is connected 
with Jlodern Woodmen camp, No. 3681, at Ladd. 
Starting out in life on his own responsibility and 
without assistance, but with a strong determina- 
tion to succeed, he has, with this end in view, 
worked his w'ay steadily upward year by year until 
he is now operating one of the extensive and valu- 
able farms of Ohio township and is numbered 
among the most prominent and progressive agri- 
culturists of this section of the state. He is hon- 
est in his dealings with his fellowmen, energetic 
in his farm labor and. possessing sterling traits of 
character, has won the confidence and good will of 
his fellow townsmen and is deserving of mention 
anions the leading citizens of Bureau county. 



NEHEMIAH J. KNIPPLE. 

Nehemiah J. Knipple, filling the office of post- 
master at Buda, was born in the neigliboring state 
of Indiana on the 5th of September, 1846. His 
parents were Robert G. and Alice E. (Schenck) 
Knipple, who were farming people and in 1853 
removed to Michigan, settling at Centerville. In 
1863 they made their way to Kewanee, Illinois, in 
which locality the father pnrcliased a farm, and 
in 1866 he came to Buda. where ho lived retired 
for many years. He passed away, however, in 
1889. while his wife survived him until 1904. 

Neliemiah J. Knipple was a young lad of six 
vears at the time of his removal of the family to 
Michigan and his education was acquired in the 
schools of that state and of Buda. He also at- 
tended Bryant & Stratton Commercial College in 
Cbicngo and was thus well qualified for the oner- 
ous and responsible duties of a business career. 
Tie engaged in merclmndising for three years at 
Budfi in the early part of his business life and 
wfterward turned his attention to the hardware 
trat'e, which he carried on for nineteen years. He 
next entered manufacturing circles and was thus 
connected \intil 1891, when he once more became a 
factor in mercantile life. In 1897 he was ap- 



PAST .VXD PRESKXT OF IMUKAF {OrXTV 



!)!) 



poijited postmaster and is still liliiiig that posi- 
tion, liist uiuk'i- appoinliiiuut ol' President JleKiii- 
ley and later under President Pooseveit. 

ilr. Knipple has a creditable military record, for 
in 1864, when not yet eighteen years of age, he of- 
fered his services to the government as a defender 
of the Union army, enlisting as a member of 
Company D, One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois 
Infantry. He thus servetl until the close of the 
war as a private and was in the commissary de- 
partment. He is a member of the Grand Army of 
the Kepublic and thus maintains pleasant relations 
with his comrades who wore the blue upon the 
tented fields of the south. He is likewise a 
Mason, belonging to lodge Xo. 399, and has held 
the olSces of secretary, senior warden and master. 
In his political views Mr. Knipple is a stalwart 
republican and takes an active interest in the 
work of the party. He has been a delegate to 
congressional and otlier conventions for the past 
thirty-five years and liis opinions carry weight in 
local party councils. He has been honored with 
.some public offices and has always done cajjable 
service as a public oflioinl. He served for nine 
years as school director and six years as township 
trustee. He has been clerk of the village board 
for three years and township clerk for eight years, 
while for two years he has been president of the 
village board. Community interests find in him 
a stnlwart chanipinn wliere the qtiestion is one for 
the betterment of the county and its substantial 
improvement. 

Mr. Knipple was married to Miss Eunice B. 
Foster, a daughter of Stephen H. and Sarah Fos- 
ter, who were farming people of Bureau countv. 
Her father died in 1901 and the mntber in 1903. 
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Knipple was cele- 
brated at Buda, October 16, 1874. They are well 
known people of the community and the hospital- 
ity of their home is greatly enjoyed by their many 
friends. 



CHRISTIAN SCHirXEMAN. 
Christian Schuneman is the owner of very valu- 
able farming property in Bureau county and is 
one of the most extensive agi-iculturists of Man- 
lius township, all of which indicates him to be 
a wide-awake, alert and enterprising business 
man. who carefully and successfullv maiutges his 
interests. .\ son of John and Caroline (liCmbke'^ 
Schuneman, he was born in the province of I'oni- 
erania, fiermany, near Stralsuml, necembi'r 19. 
18.")fi. His father, a farmer by 0(C\ipation. crossed 
the Atlantic to America in the fall of 1871 and 
settled near Princeton, Bureau county, where he 
lived for four years. In the spring of 187fi he 
removed to ^fanlius townshij) and purchas(^l one 
hundred acres of land at forty-two and a fpiarter 
dollars per acre. He took up his abode upon that 
farm and there carried on general agricultural 



pur>uits continuously until 18S3, when he rented 
the place and retired from active life. His re- 
maining days were spent in the enjoyment of a 
well earned rest and he died at the old homestead 
October 15, 1899. 

Christian Schuneman came to America witii his 
parents when iiftoen years of age. He was totally 
unacquainted with the English language but with 
a boy's readiness he soon picked up a knowledge 
of the English tongue as he came in coutiict with 
neighbors and acquaintances. His training at 
farm labor was not meager, for from an early 
age he assisted his father in the work of the fields, 
and when twenty-three years of age he started out 
in life on his own account as an agriculturist. He 
bad no money to buy property, so rented eighty 
acres of land in Walnut township, where he lived 
for three years. On the expiration of that period 
he rented his father's farm on section 29, Manlius 
township, and also lived upon it for three years. 
He next purchased his present home of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres, for which he gave seven 
thousand dollars. In 1893 he bought one hundred 
and twenty acres adjoining his farm on the west 
for sixty-two hundred dollars. He has continued 
to buy land to the present time and has sold dif- 
ferent properties to good advantage. In 1903 he 
bought the homestead of one hundred acres, for 
which he paid ten thousand dollars, and in 1904 
be Ijought the adjoining ])roperty, making his 
holilings in farm lands four hundred ami twenty 
acres. He also raises stock and markets froui eight 
to ten thousand bushels of grain annually. He is 
perhaps one of the largest tax-payers in the town- 
ship and is one of tlie most extensive farmers in 
this part of the county. His farms are very 
valuable owing to the excellent buildings which 
have Iieen placed thereon and the high state of 
cultivation manifest in the fields. He uses the 
latest improved machinery to facilitate the farm 
work and everything al>out the jilace is indicative 
of the skill and care of the owner who has not 
been a follower but a leader in tlie work of agricul- 
tural development in this locality. 

Mr. Schuneman was married December 9, 1879, 
to Miss Caroline Kreb-, a daughter of fieorge \V. 
and Theresa (Wilhelm) Krebs. of Manlius town- 
slii]). Tier father was a farmer by occupatioTi and 
in 1849 came with liis wife to America, settling 
in Bureau county in 18."iS. Here he died at the 
ajre of seventy-three years, but the mother is still 
living. Tnto Mr. and ^frs. Schuneman have been 
born eight children: Mary B., who is the wife of 
Fri'd Lebabn. a farmer of Depue, Bureau county, 
bv whom she has one child, Ernest: John Oeorge. 
A'bert Theodore, Fnnlerick Carl. Lena Anna, 
Frieda Theresa. Beridiard John and Clara Min- 
nie, all at home. 

'{'he parents and fatnily are members of the 
(iei-man Lutheran clmrch and in politics Mr. 
Scbunenian is a deinocraf who takes nn active in- 
te-est in tin- work of tl'<> parly and does all in his 



800 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



power to promote its growth and insure its suc- 
cess. He is ever loyal to a public trust and in 
private life has manifested sterling traits of char- 
acter, while his example in business circles might 
well be followed by those who wish to attain an 
honorable success. 



JOHN E. PADEN. 

John R. Paden, owning and operating a valuable 
farm of three hundred and eighty acres, situated 
in Ohio and \\'alnut townships, on which he is 
engaged in general agricultural pursuits and the 
raising and breeding of line grades of stock, was 
born in Fremont, Sandusky county, Ohio, June 
6, 1851. He is a son of Alexander and Mary 
(Eemsburg) Paden, natives of Maryland. They 
removed to Ohio in 1831. where they made their 
home until the fall of 1859, at which time they 
came westward to Illinois, settling in Bureau coun- 
ty. In their family were eleven children, of whom 
six are deceased. 

John Ii. Padi'u, wliosc iiaiiip inti'oducc.* this re- 
view, is the youngest child in his father's family. 
He accompanied his parents on tlicir removal from 
Ohio to Illinois in 1859, being then a youth of 
eight years. He received his education in the pub- 
lic schools of Bureau county, and after putting 
aside his text-books engaged in farming, which has 
continued to he his life work. He was ambitious 
to succeed, and with this aim in view, by industry 
and economy prospered in his undertakings until 
he was al)le to make purchase of land. For his 
original holdings he paid fifty dollars per acre, 
but he has improved and cultivated this until it 
is now valued at one hundred and twenty-five dol- 
lars per acre. He has added to his first purchases 
as his financial resources have increased, until he 
is now in possession of three hundred and eighty 
acres, constittiting one of the most productive 
tracts in Ohio township or in Bureau county. Here 
he is engaged in raising corn, oats and hay, an- 
nually harvesting good crops as the result of the 
practical methods which he follows in carrying on 
his work. He is also engaged in breeding .short- 
horn cattle and Percheron horses, and this is 
proving a most important branch of his business. 
He is most progressive in his farming and stock- 
raising interests, keeping good grades of stock and 
raising the products which he uses for feeding pur- 
poses. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey 
Mr. Paden chose Miss Martha E. Remsburg, whom 
he wedded on the 2.3d of March, 1876. She is a 
native of Middletown, Maryland, born November 
14, 1853, a daughter of Hanson and Susan R. 
CSheffer) Remsburg, likewise natives of that state. 
They removed to Bureau co\inty in 1873. Mrs. 
Paden received a public school education in her 
native place, and was a young lady of about 
twenty years when she accompanied her parents 



on tlieir removal to Illinois. In her father's fam- 
ily were ten children, she being the sixth in order 
of birlh, and four of the number are now deceased. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Paden were born the following 
children: Harry B., born April 14, 1878; Mrs. 
Orpha E. Fordham. born March 10, 1880; Abby 
F., born May 10, 1882 ; Maggie M., who was born 
April 8, 1884, and died on the 19th of June, fol- 
lowing: Mrs. Elma R. Kasbeer, born June 13, 
1885: Bula S., April 18, 1888; Walter E., June 
11, 1890: and Ferris W., bom May 23, 1894. 

Mr. Paden is a Mason, belonging to the lodge, 
chapter and commandery at Princeton. In his 
political views he is a republican, having firm faith 
in the principles of that party. He has served as 
school trustee for twenty years, the cause of edu- 
cation finding in him a stalwart supporter, one 
who is always working for the betterment of the 
school system. Aside from this he has filled no 
other public offices, preferring to give his entire 
attention to his farming and stock-raising inter- 
ests, in which he is meeting with very desirable 
and creditable success. He and his family are 
identified with the Methodist Protestant church, 
taking an active and helpful interest in the cause 
of Christianity. 

Starting out in life to face its responsibilities 
and overcome its obstacles and with a determina- 
tion to succeed, he has worked his way steadily up- 
ward until today his fine farm of three hundred 
and eighty acres, on which is found a good home, 
surrounded by large shade trees and well kept and 
substantial outbuildings, is prooi' of a life of in- 
dustrv and perseverance w'hich has accomplished 
gratifying results. Mr. Paden is numbered among 
the highly respected and prosperous residents of 
Ohio township and Bureau county, having here a 
wide and favorable acquaintance, for he has spent 
almost his entire life in this section of the state. 



WILLIAM HENRY SMITH. 
William Henry Smith, a son of Nathan and 
Susan .\nn (Wix) Smith and a resident of Man- 
lius township, was born in Kent county, Delaware, 
on the 29th of May, 1861. His ancestors through 
various generations had resided in that state. At 
the usual age he entered the public schools, mas- 
tering various branches of learning, while through 
the periods of vacation he was reared to farm 
labor. At the age of twenty-three years he came 
to Bureau county, Illinois, attracted by the broader 
business opportunities that he believed might be 
enjoyed in the middle west. He had no capital 
save ambition and energy. These, however, are a 
safe foundation upon which to build success — a 
fact which has been proven in the life of Mr. 
Smith. He worked at farm labor for eleven 
years in this county and carefully saved his earn- 
ings, so that in 1901 he was enabled to purchase 
his present farm in Manlius township, comprising 



IWST AM) I'lJKSENT OF BUREAi; COLWTY. 



801 



one huudrod and ninety-five acres of rich and 
arable land, which he is now further cultivating 
and improving. It is an excellent farm property 
and shows the careful supervision of the owner in 
its neat and thrifty appearance, lie is also a 
stockholder in the Farmers' Elevator Company of 
Manlius and thus is connected with the grain 
trade of the county. 

Mr. Smith was married January 16, IS'J-f, to 
Miss Mattie Fenner Aldrich, a daughter of Fen- 
ner and Martha (Mowry) Aldrich, of Wyanet. 
Her fatlier died • November 20, 1904, and her 
mother is still living. I'nto Mr. and Mrs. Smith 
have been born three children, who yet survive: 
Kathan Lloyd, liorn January 19, ISil? ; Cecil Leota 
May. born November G, 18'J'J; and Fenner Ed- 
ward, October 25, 1902. They have also lost two 
children: Edith Arista, who was born Novem- 
ber 13, 1894, and died May 29, 1899; and Clar- 
ence (iaiena, who was born May 13, 1901, and 
passed away June 17, 1903. 

Mr. Smith is a republican with firm belief in 
the principles of the party, yet he has never been 
an othce seeker, as he feels that his time and at- 
tention are fully occupied with his business affairs. 
The success he has achieved is entirely due to his 
own labors, and he has justly w"on the proud 
American title of a self-made man. Brooking no 
obstacles that could be overcome by determined and 
earnest purpose, he has steadily advanced on the 
highway to success and the goal is now not far 
ahead of him. 



JOHN P. FOLLET. 

It is seldom that one finds a man of Mr. Follet's 
year.* yet actively engaged in business, but he 
lai'gely possesses the vigor of a man of much 
younger years and in spirit and interests seems 
yet in liis prime. He has, however, passed the 
seventy-eighth milestone on life's journey and his 
has lieen an honorable and a creditable career, 
winning him the justly merited esteem of his 
fellowmen and also gaining for him a substantial 
coni])i'tonce. He was born at Gilison, Susquehanna 
county, Pennsylvania, April 17, 1828, and is a son 
of Hiram and Nancy (Green) Follet. His father 
was born January 7, 1803. and the mother's birth 
occurred March 23, ISO.'J. He was a farmer by 
occupation and always followed that pursuit, be- 
ing identified with agricultural interests in Penn- 
sylvania for many years, but removed (hence to 
Illinois in the latter part of his life. He died in 
1870, while his wife passed away in 1866. One 
daugliter, born April 25, 1832, who spent the 
greater part of her life in Pennsylvania, passed 
away September 2.5, 1899. 

John P. Follet was a ])ublic-scliool student in 
his liovhood and youth and afterward worked at 
farm labor in the east. Subsequently he condiK toil 
a general mercantile store in Pennsylvania for ten 



years, on the expiration of which period he came 
to Bureau county to look after his father's inter- 
ests and has since resided here. He is now the 
owner of a very good farm of about ninety acres, 
situated near the village of Manlius. |[is land 
is rich and ])roductive and lnHau.se of the care 
and labor bestowed upon it yields good harvests. 

Mr. Follet was married, November 26, 1862, to 
Miss A<laline E. Claflin, who was born in Gibson, 
Pennsylvania. February 2, 1837, a daughter of 
Watson anil Eliza P. Claflin. Her father engaged 
in the operation of a flouring mill as a life work. 
He died at the age of sixty-nine years, while his 
wife passed away at the age of sixty-five years. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Follet has been born one son, 
Kalph Claude, born January 1, 1864, in Penn- 
sylvania. He now resides in Manlius and is a 
merchant and farmer. He was married December 
29, 1892, to Miss :\raud May Miller, of Manlius, 
a daughter of Davi<l A. Jliller, and they now 
have two sons : Gerald Alonzo, born Mav 26, 
1894; and Burl Millard. April 26. 1903. 

In his political affiliation Mr. Follet is a demo- 
crat and the trust reposed in him by his fellow 
townsmen and his ]>ersonal po])nlarity are indi- 
cated by the fact that he was elected supervisor in 
a strong republican community and by re-election 
has been retained in oflice for eleven years in all, 
discharging his duties with the utmost fidelity and 
ability. He has also served as school director and 
he has given tangible aid to many interests of a 
public character, for in all matters of citizenship 
he is interested, withholding his su]iport from no 
movement that tends to promote the general good. 
His business is that of farming and he now has 
ninety acres of rich lan<l near the town of .Man- 
lius, where he is continually busy with the work 
of tiling the soil or improving the property in 
accordance with ideas of agricultural progress. 

A life of activity is well deserving of the high- 
est commendntion. It has been said that "a man 
is just as old as he feels," and judged by this 
criterion Mr. Follet is still in the prime of life. 
Few would judge him to have reached his pres- 
ent age, so active is he in his business affairs and 
so interested in matters of general moment. 
Wherexcr he is known he commands high res])ect 
and regard, and it is with pleasure thnt we present 
his life record to our readers. 



JOHNSTON D. HAXEV. 
Johnston 1). llancy, whose home farm adjacent 
to La Moille comprises thirty-nine acre.'* of good 
land, the place being well improved and adorned 
with many evidences of modern agricultural 
progress, is a native .son of Pennsylvania, bom 
January 15, 1841. His resilience in Bureau 
(Munty covers a period nf forty-two years. Hi>t 
parents were Coonrod and ^fary (I^'wis) Hancy, 



802 



PAST A\D TKESEXT OF BL'KEAU COUXTT. 



both of whom were natives of the Keystone state 
and died there. 

At the usual age Johnston D. Ilaney began his 
education in the public schools of Pennsylvania, 
where he continued his studies until he had mas- 
tered the common branches of English learning. 
He was the fourth in order of birth in a family 
of seven children and was reared upon the old 
homestead farm. Having arrived at years of ma- 
tiiritv he was married to ^liss Saraii Baird, the 
wedding being celebrated in Pennsylvania. ^larch 
26. 18G3. She was born in tliat state, March 28. 
1843, a daiighter of Charles and Martha (Snyder) 
Baird, who were likewise natives of Pennsylvania 
and came to Illinois about forty-two years ago. 
settling in Bureau county. Mrs. Haney was the 
second in order of birth in their family of eight 
children and by her marriage .she has become the 
mother of four children : Adda J., the wife of 
John Rapp. of Dixon. Hlinois; Mary E., the wife 
of Albert Wade: Hattie, the wife of Theodore 
Shoultz. of Mendota ; and Pearl, deceased. All 
were born in Bureau county. 

^fr. Haney has continunu.sly followed farming 
save for the period of his service in the Civil war. 
.\fter the outbreak of liostilitips between the north 
and the south he joined Company D of the Fifty- 
fourth Pennsylvania Infantry for the defense of 
the Union and went to the south, where he fol- 
lowed the stars and stripes imtil honorably dis- 
charged. He is now a member of the Grand Army 
of the Republic and thus maintains pleasant rela- 
tions with his old comrades of military davs. In 
his political views he is a republican and keeps 
well informed on the questions and issues of the 
day. so that he is able to support his position bv 
intelligent arsument. He and his family are all 
members of the Methodist church. Their home 
is situated on an excellent tract of land of thirty- 
nine acres adjoining the corporation limits of La 
Moille. The house is surrounded bv fine shade 
trees and is an attractive place, culture, refinement 
and hospitality combining to make it a favorite 
resort with their many friends. ^Ir. Haney's suc- 
ce.ss is attributable to his own perseverance and 
effort."?, as he started out in life on his own ac- 
count cmptv handed and has worked his wav stead- 
ily upward. He is a senial. pleasant gentleman 
and a typical faimer of the modern age. a lover of 
education and of the beautiful. His taste in this 
rlirection is indicated in his home and the family 
is one of prominence in the community. 



CYRFS P.XRKER M.ASON'. 
Cyrus Parker Mason, deceased, was born in 
Pittsfield. TCew Hampshire, .\ucust 13. 1831. and 
died at his home in Buda. Illinois, Januarv 8. 
1807. He was the youngest son of .John and -Abi- 
gail (Robevl Mason. (See John ATason's sketch for 
genealogy.) In childhood he was not stron<r and 



could not stand outside work so was accustomed to 
help his mother, thus becoming very handy about 
the house work. He obtained a meager common- 
school education and later went to an academy at 
Henry. Illinois. His first work was teaching coun- 
try school and also a writing school, for several 
years. He was advised to go into the brick busi- 
ness as a health measure and for several years con- 
ducted the business on the farm of his father, 
which afterwards became his own. In 18GG he be- 
came associated with Horatio Churchill and 
moved the l)usiness to Buda. where he sold his in- 
terest to J. X. Pervier, and now the business is 
conducted by Mr. Chruchill. Though farming was 
his occupation he always had some other work in 
hand. In 1876 he started a cider-mill, which is 
to this ilay known far and wide as the best 
equipped of any in this part of the state, and is 
operated by his son Orris. A feed-mill and sorg- 
lium-mill were added to the business in 1880 and 
a creamery in 1888 and were operated for several 
years. 

In politics he was a republican, joining the abo- 
lition faction in his young manhood. He held 
various positions of trust and honor in the gift of 
the people and always discharged those duties 
faithfully. Early in life he belonged to several 
fraternities. In war time, while he was phj-sically 
unable to serve as a soldier, he was an active mem- 
ber of the Union League Club of Princeton. He 
was a prominent temperance worker and was hon- 
ored with the highest office in the state bv the 
Sons of Temperance. On December 29, 1881, he 
joined the Odd Fellows lodge in Buda and in time 
received all the honors of office that his brethren 
could confer. On January 9, 1883, he joined the 
Masonic lodge in Buda and was an active mem- 
ber. His religion was liberal, his belief being that 
"Deeds are more than Creeds." He was connected 
with the Buda Union Christian Societv and at the 
time of his death had lieen the secretar>' for thirty- 
six years. 

In that church he was married bv Rev. Chester 
Covell, on January 8, 1860. to Sarah Jane Noyes, 
daughter of James and Sally (Philhrick) Noyes. 
Mrs. Mason was born February 25, 1833. and was 
the youngest of a family of five girls : Ursida A. 
Noves. born Mav 24, 1819. married Charles Dur- 
ham. April 16. iS60. and died February 17, 1903, 
leaving one son. Charles, now living in Maytown, 
Lee county. Illinois. Caroline P. Noyes. born 
July 11. 1822. married Moses G. Loverin. May 8, 
1841. and died December 21, 1890, leaving two 
sons. Byron N., of Kearney. Nebraska, and Daniel 
Bruce, now deceased. The others were Jlillie and 
Sarah E. Noyes, who died in early youth, and 
Sarah Jane Noyes. In 1845 Mrs. Mason went to 
Lowell. Massachusetts, to attend school and later 
worked in the cotton-mills until .she came to Buda, 
Illinois, where she arrived January 29, 1857. She 
made her home with her sister Caroline on the 
farm now owned bv Tobias Burke until her mar- 



% 



> 

O 



o 



CO 



> 
o 




PAST AND ri!I-SRXT OF 111 KKAU COUNTY. 



805 



riage. Witli the exception of six iiiniiths iu 18(jC 
her married life was spent on the old Mason farm, 
where she departed this life March 3, 1900. The 
illness which terminated her life was of ten years' 
duration and attended with much sulTering. Her 
home was her kingdom, for which she was ever 
ready to make sacrilices and poured out the wealth 
of her iitfections on its inmates. In all the rela- 
tions of life she was faithful, tender and true, pos- 
sessed of an aniiahlo disposition and always full of 
life and hope. Her father died September 10, 
1842. In 1848 her mother married James Fland- 
ers and in 1857 they emigrated to Illinois, lo- 
cating on a small farm, a part of which is owned 
by D. 0. Brainard in Buda, where they lived until 
from age and failing health they had to quit the 
farm. Mr. Flanders died July 5, 1884, at the 
home of Cyrus P. Mason, with whom they were 
living. Grandma Flanders, as she was familiarly 
known, remained w-ith her youngest daughter un- 
til her death, October 11, 1889, at the advanced 
age of ninety-one years, two months and twelve 
days. 

To Cyrus and Sarah Mason were born two sons: 
Parker Noyes, born October 4, 1862; and Orris 
Wesley, born June 21, 1864. (A separate sketch 
of each is given in another part of this book.) 



MARSHALL M. LAMB. 

Among Bureau county's native sons who are 
now leading representatives of its farming and 
stock-raising interests, is numbered Marshall M. 
Lamb, owning a valuable farm of two hundred 
acres situated in Ohio township. His birth oc- 
curred January 3, 1850, his parents being Jere- 
miah and Martha \. (Shiflett) Lamb, who were 
natives of Virginia and removed to Illinois in 
1834, settling in Bureau county, but both have 
now passed away. In their family were twelve 
children, of whom our subject is the seventh in 
order of birth. 

Jlr. Lamb received a common-school education 
and on putting aside his te.\l-books made choice 
of farming as liis life work. He had been trained 
to habits of industry and economy and with this 
as a foundation he has advanced year by year in 
the business world until today he is in possession 
of a valuable farm property, constituting two 
hundred acres, situated in Ohio and Dover town- 
ships, iiureau county. Here he is engaged in the 
raising of grain and stock and is meeting with a 
very desiraliie measure of success. He has added 
many modern improvements to his place, including 
a fine country home and substantial outbuildings, 
which are kept in good repair, and the neat ap- 
pearance of the entire jilace is indicative that the 
owner is thoroughly acquainted with the best 
methods of carrying on a i)usiness of this charac- 
ter. He also raises excellent grades of stock for 



the market and this brinp him a rery gratifying 

income. 

On the 23d of necember, 1874, Mr. l/nnb was 
united in marriage to Miss Emma Vetuuin, who 
was born in Ottawa county. Ohio, February 10, 
1854. This nuirriage was blessed with eight fhil- 
dren: .\rtie. who was born August 21, 187G, and 
died June 30, 1878; Laura A., born January 31, 
1880; Jasper, born December 27, 1882; Earl, who 
was born August 5, 1885, and died October 30, 
1889; Emma G., born October 21, 1890; Ethel P., 
born February 25, 1893; and two who died in 
infancy. Mrs. Lamb was a daughter of (Jeorge 
and Edith (Whiddacrc) Yetnuin, natives of Eng- 
land. They were mairied in that country in 1850, 
and coming to America on their wedding journey 
and being pleased with the outlook, they remained 
here. In their family were five children, of whom 
Mrs. Lamb was the second child. She was edu- 
cated in the Union .schools at Princeton and when 
about twenty years of age gave her hand in mar- 
riage to Jlr. Lamb, to whom she proved a devoted 
companion. She has been trained to the duties 
of the household and was thus capable of taking 
charge of a home of her own at the time of her 
marriage. After a happy wedded life of thirty-two 
years Mr. and Mrs. Lamb were then separated by 
the death of the wife and mother, she being called 
to her final rest on the 21st of March, 1906. Her 
demise has caused a shadow of gloom over the 
household, for she was devoted to the welfare and 
happiness of her family. She possessed many 
good qualities which endeared her to all with whom 
she came in contact, so that her loss was deeply 
felt throughout the circle of her acquaintance. 

Mr. Lamb gives his political support to the men 
and measures of the republican party but is not 
active in political work, for his extensive farming 
and stock-raising interests rciiuire his entire time 
and attention. He and his family are membei-s 
of the Methodist Protestant church, with which 
Mrs. Ijamb was also identitied. Mr. l^amb started 
out in life on his own account with little of this 
world's goods i)Ut has through the careful man- 
agement of his business interests and judicious 
investments accumulated valuable and extensive 
farming interests which classes him among the 
most infiuential and ])rosperous residents of Bu- 
reau county, where he has spent his entire life, and 
where he has taken an active and helpful part in 
the development of this i)ortion of the state. 



THOMA.^ IIKN'HY DALE. 
Thonuis Henry Dale, who is engaged in general 
farming in Manlius township, was born in Bureau 
county, January 18, 1858. his parents being 
Thomas Edwarcl and Eliza (Spargo) Dale. The 
father's birth occurred in East Kent, England. 
October 11. 1821, his parents being John and 
Elizabeth Dale, who were likewise natives of that 



806 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



place, where they speut their entire lives. They 
were the parents of eighteen children, nine of 
whom reached years of maturity, but only one 
daughter and Thomas Dale ever became residents 
of Bureau county. 

It was in March, 18.50, that Thomas E. Dale 
came to the United States, landing in New York. 
He spent some time in traveling over Arkansas 
and other southern states and in January, 1852, 
he came to Bureau county, where he purchased 
eighty acres of land, which he afterward sold. He 
then operated a rented farm tor three years, on 
the expiration of which period he bought one hun- 
dred and eighty acres, continuing to add to the 
old homestead from time to time as his financial 
resources increased until he was the owner of a 
valuable tract of four hundred and twenty acres. 
When he became a naturalized American citizen 
he supported the democracy and remained one of 
its stalwart advocates until his death. He was 
married in this county, October 2.5, 1855, to Eliza 
Spargo, a native of Cornwall, England, and a 
daughter of Stephen and Elizabeth (Richards) 
Spargo. She became the mother of eleven chil- 
dren: Elizabeth, Thomas H., John R., William C, 
King J., Pjmeline, James H., Eliza J., Carrie L., 
Mary C. and Priscilla S. Dale. 

Thomas Henry Dale was educated in the com- 
mon schools of Fairfield township and afterward 
turned his attention to farming. He had been 
reared to that occupation, early becoming familiar 
with the work of the fields. In 1888 he and his 
brother, .John R. Dale, purchased a tract of land of 
six hundred acres. They worked together until 
1903, when he bought out a part of his brother's 
interest, becoming owner of four hundred of the 
six hundred acres. This constitutes his present 
home place. It is a thoroughly modern and up-to- 
date farm, upon which is a good residence, sub- 
stantial barns and all the outbuildings necessary 
for the shelter of grain, stock and farm machinery. 
He raises good grades of stock, including horses, 
cattle and hogs, and the farm is lacking in no 
modern accessories. In fact it is a valuable and 
well improved property and brings to the owner a 
very gratifying annual income. He is also one of 
the stockholders and directors of the Farmers' Ele- 
vator Company of Manlius. 

Mr. Dale was married January .3, 1881, to Miss 
Tjaura Chapman, of Manlius township, a daughter 
of Elisha A. and ]\riranda C. Chapman. They 
now have eight chiblren and they lost two in in- 
fancy. Those still living are: Louie May, Jennie 
Lenora, .\va Belle, Laura Berniee, Florence Ada, 
Clara Elizabeth, Thomas Edward and John How- 
ard, all of whom are yet under the parental roof. 

Mr. Dale is identified with the democratic party 
and is active in its work but has never sought the 
honors nor emoluments of office as a reward for 
party fealty. He has served, however, as commis- 
sioner of highways for five years, was tax assessor 
for eight years and then resigned the office, and for 



four years was supervisor. He was called to these 
positions by his fellow townsmen, who recognize 
his worth and ability, and every trust reposed in 
him was well placed, for he proved a capable 
official, never faltering in his devotion to the pub- 
lic good. He belongs to the Masonic lodge at 
Sheffield and the Odd Fellows lodge at New Bed- 
ford. A native son of the county and a repre- 
sentative of one of its old and prominent families, 
his life record has been in harmony therewith and 
as a business man and citizen he is highly es- 
teemed. 



CHARLES S. HECHTNER. 

Charles S. Hechtner is the owner of one of the 
fine farms of Bureau county, having three hun- 
dred and forty acres of land in Bureau township, 
which yields bountiful harvests of oats, corn and 
other cereals. In addition he is raising pure 
blooded cattle and sheep and is accounted one of 
the foremost stockmen of his locality. Therefore 
as a representative citizen we present his life 
record to our readers, knowing that it will be re- 
ceived with interest by many. Mr. Hechtner was 
born in 1872 in the township where he still re- 
side?, his parents being John and Elizabeth 
(j^lahlin) Hechtner, the former a native of north- 
ern Germany and the latter of Switzerland. He 
was born in 1836 and died in 1891, while the 
mother is still living. The year 1854 witnessed 
the arrival of John Hechtner in America. He did 
not tarry on the Atlantic coast but made his way 
at once to the interior of the country and located 
in Princeton, where he worked at the shoemaker'.<s 
trade for about two years, having learned that 
pursuit in his native country. Desiring to follow 
agricultural life, however, as soon as possible he 
put aside the shoemaker's tools and located upon 
a farm in Bureau township, after which his atten- 
tion was given to general agricultural interests 
until his life's labors were ended in death. Unto 
him and his wife were born seven children, 
namely: Mary, Emma, John, Charles, Lizzie, 
Caroline and Minnie. 

Charles S. Hechtner supplemented his early 
edr.cation. acquired in the country schools, by 
study in Davenport Business College at Daven- 
port, Iowa, and also in Princeton Business Col- 
lege and thus, well trained for the transaction of 
liusiness interests, he put aside his text-books and 
took up the active work of the farm, which he has 
followed continuously since with the exception 
of one year. That he is a prosperous agriculturist 
is indicated by the fact ttbat he is todav the owner 
of tliree hundred and forty acres of fine land 
which yields bounteous harvests. The place is 
well tilled and evervthing about the farm is indi- 
cative of the careful supervision and progressive 
spirit of the owner. Mr. Hechtner raises pure 
blooded cattle and sheep and is one of the foremost 
stockmen in the township. He has always been a 



PAST AND I'lMCSKXT 

hard working man and liit; lily of iudusliy and 
enterprise are now crowned with a gratifying 
measure of prosperity. He has placed his de- 
pendence not upon any outside aid or influence, 
but, realizing that labor is the basis of all success, 
he has worked persistently and with deterniinatinn 
to secure the prosperity tthat he now enjoys. 

]u isyii ilr. llechtiier was united in marriage 
to Miss Nellie Wcstbrook, who was born August 
■1. 1878, and this union has been blessed with four 
cinldren : Ethel, Grace, Martha and Charles. 
Mr. Hechtner is a member of Bureau lodge. No. 
4-iS. A. F. & A. M., and Beausant lodge. No. li). 
Jv. P. He is also connected with the Fraternal 
Life Keserve and in politics is inile[jendent. He 
is yet a young man, but has made a splendid rec- 
ord and in all life's relations commands the con- 
fidence and good will of those with whom he is 
associated, while in farm life his example might 
be profitably followed by those who desire to ciitci' 
upon a prosperous agricultural life. 



OF MiRKAr corxrv. 



807 



JAMES M. ENNIS. 

James M. Ennis, a man of varied business in- 
terests, all of which, successfully controlled, have 
been elements in the garnering of a prosperity 
wliich now makes him one of the substantial citi- 
zens of Princeton, is today closel}- associated with 
the grain trade and with real-estate operations. lie 
was born in Walnut township. Bureau county, No- 
vember 18, 1857. His father, Theodore Ennis, 
was a native of Ohio and in his boyhood days be- 
came a resident of Bureau county, where he was 
reared to manhood. He then followed the occu- 
pation of farming in Walnut township and stilt 
lives upon the old homestead, where for sixty-four 
years he has resided. He has reached the age of 
seventy-three and is one of the respected and hon- 
ored pioneer residents of the community, having 
contributed in substantial measure to the develop- 
ment and improvement of the county, especially 
along agricultural lines. He has never been active 
in politics but has been neglectful of no duty of 
citizenship and is a most public'-spirited man, 
whose interest in the general welfare has iiecn 
marked by the tangible support which he has given 
to many measures and movements for the public 
good. He has always been a keen sportsman and 
has shot buffalo and other big game all over the 
United States. He has been a fine trap shot of 
national reputation and has many nunlals as the 
result of his skill in that direction. He married 
Miss Sarah .\tkinson, a native of Ohio, and there 
has been neither sickness nor death in their family. 
Their daughter I>izzie is now the wife of Lueien 
Bass, of Princeton. 

The only son, James M. Ennis, began his edu- 
cation in the schools of Walnut township, pur- 
sued a high school course and afterward attended 
the Northern Illinois College. He was reared to 



agricultural pursuits, early becoming familiar with 
the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the 
farmer, and for a number of years after putting 
aside his text-books he gave his attention to the 
tilling of the soil. Later Jie concentrated his ener- 
gies upon the grain trade and the slock business 
and lias been so engaged for a quarter of a cen- 
tury. He is one of the extensive grain operators, 
having a line of elevators in various sc-ciions, so 
that he makes extensive annual purchases and 
shipments. He has also been engaged in dealing 
in horses for many years and has found this 
equally prolilable owing to his sound judgment 
and excellent business sagacity. He has dealt 
largely in real estate in Chicago, where he owns 
considerable property, and he is also handling 
farming lands on a large scale, having at the pres- 
ent time more than two thousand acres. His in- 
vestments have been carefully placed and the rise 
in value of the property which he has handleil has 
made him one of the prosperous residents of his 
native county. He is thoroughly reliable in all 
of his business dealings, being never known to 
take advantage of the necessities of another in a 
trade trausaclion, and his name has become a most 
honored one on commercial paper. 

On the ''3d of September, 1880, Mr. Ennis was 
united in marriage to Miss Hanna N. Lindsay, a 
daughter of Isaiah Lindsay, of this county. They 
have two children. Lindsay T. and \'alley Naomi. 
Mr. JOiinis is a prominent Mason, belonging to 
Walnut lodge, to Princeton commandery and 
Princeton council. He is also identified with other 
fraternal organizations and societies and has been 
president of the County -Agricultural Society for 
two years. His political allegiance is given to the 
republican party and he was supervisor of Walnut 
township for six years. He represents one of the 
old and prominent pioneer families of this part of 
the state and his lines of life have iieen cast in 
harmony therewith. His career clearly illustrates 
the possibilities that are open in this country to 
earnest, persevering young men, who have the 
courage of their convictions and are determined to 
l)e the architects of their own fortunes. When 
judged by what be has accomplished his right to 
a lirst pla<-e among the representative citizens of 
Princeton cannot be <|uestioned. 



MHS. SAIJAH E. ROLLINS. 

Mrs. Sa?-ah H. Wollins, living in Shetlield, is a 
re[)resentative of one of the old New England 
families and the ancestry can be traced back to a 
Mr. Squire, who was born in England about the 
year 173."i and was capt^iin of an linglish sailing 
ves.sel. He came to America, settling in Vermont, 
and his son. Josiah Squire, was (here born Janu- 
ary 22. nori. The latter lived in Vermont until 
his removal In Steuben county. New York. He 
married Miss Liicinda Xfartain. and ihi'V had eight 



808 



J'AST AM) riJESEXT UF BlliKAL' CUUXTY. 



children: rcrmclia, Kli/.abi-tli, Josiali, George W., 
Cleiuinon, Nathan, Martain and Hiram. At a 
later date Josiali Sijuire removed to Oiiio and 
thence to Tiskihva, Illinois, where he purehased 
land from the government. He died near Slief- 
lield at the home of his son. George Squire, on the 
l(jth of May, 1851. 

George W. Squire was born in Steuben county, 
New York, ilay 4, 1809, and accompanied his 
parents on iheir'removal to Ohio. When fourteen 
years of age he went to Mississippi, where he lived 
for two years, and then returned to Ohio, residing 
there until Marcli, 1838. In that year he made 
his way to Tiskihva and was employed on a farm 
in that locality until April 16, 1840, when he mar- 
ried Susan Kiley, by whom he had six children: 
Josiah, Kiley J.. George Thompson, Mary L., Wil- 
liam r. and Sarah E. Mr. George W. Squire was 
always associated with the United Brethren 
church. He bought land of the government and 
had to go to the land office at Dixon for his deeds. 
He was closely associated with the early develop- 
ment and progress of the county and assisted ma- 
terially in the work of improvement in pioneer 
times. He died March 3, 1899, after long years 
of residence here and thus passed away one of the 
honored pioneer settlers of the county. His wife, 
who was born near Dayton, Ohio, April 5, 1820, 
lived in that state until fifteen years of age and in 
April, 1835, accompanied her parents on their 
removal to ShetHeld, where she resided until the 
IGlh of April, 18-10, when she gave her hand in 
marriage to George W. Squire and went to live 
with him on his farm. She, too, was a member 
of the United Brethren church, and her death 
occurred April 19, 1899. 

Josiah Squire, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. 
George W. Squire, was born August 1, 1841, and 
died September 30, 1843. 

Biley J. Squire, the second member of the fam- 
ily, was born September 8, 1842, attended a coun- 
try school and afterward engaged in farming. He 
now lives on the old homestead. He was married 
May 12, 1864, to Frances M. Campbell, who was 
born June 8, 1840, and went with lier husband and 
family to Ogallala, Nebraska, on the 1st of March, 
1887. They lived upon a farm there and two 
years later Mrs. Frances Squire passed away, her 
death occurring on the 18th of November, 1889. 
She was a member of the United Brethren church 
at Barren Grove and her husband is also a mem- 
ber of the same church. They had four children: 
Eva 0., Loyal T., Harvey K. and George. Of 
these Eva 0. Stjuire was born August 9, 1865, 
attended school in Sheffield and went west with her 
parents on the 1st of March, 1887. For two 
years she taught school near Ogallala, Nebraska, 
and died June 5, 1890. She was a member of the 
Methodist church in Mineral, Illinois. Loyal T. 
Squire was born in Mineral township. Bureau 
county, November 2, 186G, and attended the dis- 
trict schools until he went west with his parents to 



Ogallala, Xeluaska. He married Miss Mabel 
(ireeu, of Ogallala, and they now live in Boulder, 
Colorado. 'J'hey have a little daughter, Archie, 
four years old. Loyal T. Squire is connected with 
the Slethodist church. Harvey K. Squire, the 
third member of this family, was born October 12, 
1868, lived witli his parents on a farm near Shef- 
field and attended the country schools until eight- 
een years of age, when on the 1st of March, 1887, 
he went west to Ogallala, where he lived for two 
years, after which he returned to Illinois and is 
here engaged in fanning. George Squire, the 
fourth child of Kiley Squire, was born Mav 10, 
1879, and died September 8, 1881. 

George Thompson Squire, son of George W. 
Squire, was born August 27, 1844, and attended 
the country schools until seventeen years of age, 
when in March, 1862, he joined the army as a 
member of Company E, Sixty-fifth Illinois Eegi- 
nient, serving his country for three years and six 
months. He was promoted to the rank of first 
lieutenant. When the war was over he returned 
home and was married October 15, 1865, to EInui 
Rollins, who was born July 30, 1849, in Manches- 
ter, New Hampshire. She lived in that city with 
her parents to the age of twelve years, after which 
the family home was established upon a fann near 
Xeponset, Illinois. Both Mr. and Mrs. George 
Thompson Squire were members of the Methodist 
church in Mineral and Mr. Squire served as post- 
master of Mineral from May 8, 1897, until 1903. 
He also served as supervisor from 1890 until 1897, 
and is a member of T. T. Dow Post, No. 290, 
G. A. E., of Aunawan. They had three children: 
George 0., Susie 0. and Clair M. Of this family 
George 0. was born January 6, 1868, was reared 
in Mineral and attended school until Marcli 1, 

1887, when he went to Nebraska, where he spent a 
year. He afterward returned home and is now 
living in Mineral. He was married October 15, 

1888, to Frances M. White and they have two 
children. Vera and Edna. Susie 0. Squire, the 
second child of George Thompson and Elma Rol- 
lins Squire, was born January 15, 1872, attended 
school in Mineral and on the 2d of September, 

1887, gave her hand in marriage to Frank Bar- 
linger. She is a member of the Methodist church 
of Mineral and has three children: Elma, Ora and 
Fay. Clair M. Squire, the third child of George 
Thompson and Elma Squire, was born May 27, 

1888, attended school in Mineral and was gradu- 
ated May 30, 1904. 

Mary L. Squire, daughter of George W. Squire, 
was born May 16, 1853, lived on the home farm 
with her parents and attended the country schools. 
She was married December 25, 1874, to Samuel L. 
Case and died March 17, 1876, in the faith of the 
United Brethren church of Mineral township, of 
which she was a member. 

William P. Squire, the fifth member of the fam- 
ily, was born llarch 13, 1855. and attended the 
country schools until eighteen years of ape, after 



PAST AND I'i;i:SEXT OF I'.IItKAr (OrNTV 



809 



which he turned his atk'iitioii co farming. He 
was juairied December IT, 18T(j, to Euna T. John- 
son, of Mineral, and to them have been born twcj 
sons: Laurence, who was born October Iti, 1877, 
and died August 'iH, 187S ; and Everett F., who 
was born October 6, 1883, and was educated in the 
Sheffield schools, lie passed the examinations 
and would have graduated May 25), 11)02, but died 
on the 8th of tliat month. He was associated with 
the Unitarian church of Sheffield. 

Sarah E. Squire, daugliter of (ieorge W. Squire, 
was born .January lit, 18.")7, and lived on a farm 
near Shellield in her girlhood days, attending the 
country schools until the age of lifleen, after 
which she spent two years as a student in the 
Sheffield high school. She was married September 
17, 1876, to Orra L. Kollins, who was born De- 
cember !), 18.1,"). He was a son of Lynian 1*. and 
Olive L. (Wadleigh) KoUins. The father was 
born January l-"), 1823, near (irafton, New Hamp- 
shire, and went to the city of Manchester to work 
in the cotton mills. He was married in March, 
1843, to Olive L. Wadleigh, who was born in Graf- 
ton, July 15, 1826, and afterward became a resi- 
dent of Manchester, New Hampshire. In March, 
18G2, ilr. and Mrs. Lraian P. PoUius removed to 
Hlinois and he began farming near Ncponset. 
They were both members of the United Brethren 
churcli of Barren Grove and unto them were born 
four children: Elma P., Albert \V., Orra L. and 
Byron A. Orra L. Rollins attended the district 
school and was engaged in farming until January 
15, 1902. when he and his family removed to Shef- 
field. He has practiced as a veterinary surgeon 
for about eighteen years. His wife is a member 
of the Melhodi.<( church of Mineral. Unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Orra L. Pollins have been born three 
children : Edna O.. Elmer P. and Esther V. Of 
these Edna 0. Pollins was born August 8, 1877, 
and attended a country school until thirteen years 
of age. She was afterward a student in the Shef- 
field schools and was graduated wi(h the class of 
Mav 30. 1896. In Sejjtember following she began 
teaching and followeti that profession two years. 
She was married October 15, 1898, to Clyde Baty, 
who was born in Shellield, April 4, 1877, and at- 
tended school until he secured a situation in a 
printing office. He afterward began farming near 
Sheffield. Both lie and his wife became members 
of the Unitarian church of Sheffield, and unto 
them was born one son, Laurence C. born July 
30, 1899. The mother died November 16, 1899. 

Elmer P. Rollins, the only son of Mr. and Mrs. 
Orra Rollins, was Ijorn on the home farm in Min- 
eral township, November 2, 1879, and attended 
the district schools until twelve years of age, after 
which he spent six years as a student in the Shef- 
field schools and when eighteen years of age he 
turned his attention to farming. He was married, 
December IS, 1902, to Edith M. Case, of Henry, 
Illinois, who was born May 4, 1881, lived with her 
parents near ITenrv and attended the Henry 



schools, from which siie was graduated Mav 30, 
1900. On the 7th of March. 1906, Mr. and" Mrs. 
Elmer P. Rollins removed to Mount Vernon, 
South l)akoia, wliere he is engaged in farming. 
Into him and his wife has been born a son, .\lden, 
who was born January 27, 1901. Mrs. Edith Rol- 
lins is associated with the Methodist church of 
Henry, Illinois. 

Esther V. Rollins, the second daughter of' Mr. 
and Mrs. Orra Hollins. was born July 19. 1897, 
and on the 15tli of January, 1902, her parents re- 
moved to Shelliebl. She is now a student in the 
fourth grade of lUv Shellield schools. 



W ILLIAMCHESNEY. 

William Cliesney, who is engaged in farming on 
section 12, Milo township, is (uie of Bureau coun- 
ty's native sons, born on the 17th of July, 1857. 
He is a son of William Cliesney, Sr., and his 
grandfather, a resident of West Virginia, bore the 
same name. The father of our subject came to 
Bureau county about 1854 and settled at Lone 
Tree, in Wheatland township, but subsequently re- 
moved to Macon township and afterward took up 
his abode in Milo township near where his son 
now resides. He was married to Miss Huida 
^lerritt. a native of New York, and they became 
the parents of six children, but only two are now 
living: William and Judith, the wife of Leslie 
Wilkins. a druggist of Tiskilwa. The father made 
his home in Bureau county for fourteen years, 
when his life's labors were ended in death in 
1868. His wife survived him for about eight 
years and died in 1876. 

William Chesney, the only surviving son, was 
educated in the common schools and lu-gan life 
as a farmer, since which time he has continuously 
carried on agricultural pursuits. He inherited 
so!ne property from his father, to which he lia.s 
added as his financial resources have permitted 
until he now owns two hundred and eighty acres 
of good land, upon which are suiislautial build- 
ings, the whole constituting a valuable and at- 
tractive farm which is characterized by neatness 
jiiid thrift in all of its departments. He is en- 
sagetl quite extensively in raising cattle, hogs and 
lior.«es and he buys much stock and grain. He 
ships about ten carloads of hogs and cattle each 
year and in addition to this part of his Inisine.'JS 
he carries on general farming. He is watchful 
of everv detail pointing to success, is thoroughly 
familiar with the farm work in all of its minor as 
well as its more important interests, and his care- 
ful management and thorough acquaintance with 
his business are salient elements in liis success. 

Mr. Chesney married Miss Flora E. Murphy, 
who was born in Indiana but was reared in Illi- 
nois and Nebraska. She is a daughter of .Tohn 
Murphv and bv her ninrriage has become the 
mother of six childr."' • WilliMui. S:ii.niel. Electa. 



810 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Esther, Clara and Ernest. The parents are mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal church, in the 
work i)f which they take a deep and helpful inter- 
est. Their home is pleasantly located about five 
and a half miles from Tiskilwa and is always open 
for the reception of their friends, who are many. 
Mr. Chesney is a democrat and has served as school 
director and rond commissioner. He has at- 
tained high rank in Ma.sonry, holding membership 
in the lodge at Tiskilwa and the chapter and com- 
mandcry in Princeton, while he and his wife 
and daughter are members of the Eastern Star 
lodge, and his son Samuel is a Master Mason. 
The family are prominent socially and the con- 
sensus of public opinion classes Mr. Chesney with 
the alert and enterprising business men of this 
part of tlio state, who.se prosperity has been hon- 
orablv earned and is therefore well deserved. 



ALBERT DESTAING BOAL. 

Albert D. Boal, druggist, dates his residence in 
Biida from 18GG, and in Illinois from 1857. He 
was born in Columbus, Ohio, November 12, 1847, 
a son of Dr. James F. and Lucinda (Starr) Boal, 
who came to this state from Columbus in 18.57. 
The father was a physician and druggist, and on 
his removal to Illinois located at Uniontown, 
Kno.x county, where he resided until 186-i, when 
he reinnvcd to Iowa, .\ftor two years he returned 
to Illinois and took up his abode in Buda, where 
he opened a drug store and engaged in the prac- 
tice of medicine until his death, which occurred 
on the 3d of April. 1899, when he was eighty- 
two years of age. He was a leading and pi-omi- 
nent citizen of this place, his professional skill and 
business ability gaining him a foremost place in 
public regard as well as in business circles. He 
was a strong and active Union man during the 
Civil war, and a republican in politics. His wife 
survived until May 7, 1903, dying at the age of 
ninety years. 

Albert D. Boal was educated in a private school 
in Uniontown, Illinois, and afterward assisted his 
father in the drug store. With the exception of 
two years spent in attending lectures at Rush 
Medical College, in Chicago, in 1S(J8 and 18G9, 
he has been constantly engaged in the drug busi- 
ness. The name of Boal has long figured in con- 
nection wi{h the commercial interests of Buda, and 
stands as a synonym of commercial activity, enter- 
prise and business integrity. A well appointed 
store, a carefully selected line of goods, tasteful 
arrangement and straightforward dealings have 
gained for the present owner a liberal and well- 
deserved patronage. 

In 1871 Mr. Boal was married to Miss Elizabeth 
Murpliy, of Buda, who died in February, 1873, 
leaving a .son, Tracy E., who is now associated with 
his father in the drug business. He married Es- 
tella Reid, of Buda. After lo.sing his first wife 



Albert I). Boal wedded Mary E. Stetsoai, oif 
Rochester, Wisconsin, October lU, 18SG, and they 
have two children: Albert Dwight, born February 
16, 1888. and ^\'illiam Stetson, born November 15, 
1896. 

Mr. Boal is recognized as one of the leaders of 
the republican party in Buda and Bureau couuly, 
active in the work of the party and a stalwart 
champion of its principles. Keeping well in- 
formed on the questions and issues of the day, he 
is able to support his position by intelligent argu- 
ment, and for many years he has been a delegate 
to the various conventions of the party, and for six 
years he has served as chairman of the county 
central committee. He is well fitted for political 
leadership, having the ability to co-ordinate forces 
and utilize the means at hand in producing desired 
results, and his opinions are often a decisive factor 
in the discussion of political problems. He has 
been chosen by the vote of his fellow townsmen 
to various political offices, serving as tax collector, 
supervisor for four years, when he resigned, and a 
member of the board of trustees of Buda. Ho has 
been president and secretary of the school board 
and has filled many other offices of tri:sl in the 
community. Affairs relating to general improv.;- 
ment receive his earnest indorsement and co-op- 
eration, not only in political but in othei' lines as 
well, and his efforts have been effective and far- 
reaching. He is a Mason and a past master of 
Buda lodge. No. 399, A. F. & A. M. He was 
formerly treasurer and is a member of the board 
of trustees of the Congregational church, of whic^h 
he is a member, and he gives hearty aid to all 
matters relating to the material, social, political, 
intellectual and moral progress of the community, 
aiul therefore deserves classification with the rep- 
resentative citizens. 



GREG W. DRUJIMER. 

Greg W. Drummer operates the old Drummer 
homestead, comprising one hundred and sixty 
acres of land in I.a Moille township. This tract of 
land has been in jiossession of the family since 
1867. at which time it was purchased by Andrew 
Drummer, father of our subject, who was born in 
Bavaria, Germany. AVhen but seven years of age 
he was brought to the United States and was 
reared in Buffalo, New York, where he met and 
married ^Vfiss ]"]lizabeth Cook, a native of that city. 
On leaving the Empire stale they came to Illinois 
in 1867, settling in Bureau county, where the 
father secured the tract of land upon which his son 
Greg now resides. In the family were ten chil- 
dren, eight of whom are living, while two have 
passed away, Greg W. Drummer being the fourth 
in order of birth. 

In his boyhood days ^Ir. Iirunimer of this re- 
view was a ])ublic-school student in Bureau coun- 
ty, and when not occupied with his text-books his 



i 




A. D. liOAL. 



PAST AMI I'KKSKNT oK lUKKAL' fOrXTY 



813 



attention was largely given to farm work. Through 
the periods of vacation he assisted in the lahors of 
the fields, and since leaving school permanently he 
has given undivided attention to his agricultural 
interests. He is today the renter of one hundred 
and sixty acres of valuable land, constituting what 
is known as the old homestead property. Corn, 
oats and hay are his main crops. The fields are 
well tilled, and everything about tlie place is in- 
dicative of the spirit of progress and enterprise 
manifested by him in the capable conduct of his 
business interests. 

Mr. Drummer was married to Miss Chira Bell 
Marriott, wlio was horn in La Moille on Christmas 
Day of 187"), and is a daugliter of Joseph E. and 
ilaria C. (Booth) Jlarriott, both of whom are 
natives of Bureau county, where the father has 
carried on business as a stockman. There were 
nine children in the ^fariott family, of whom 
Clara Bell is the eldest, and on the 2fith of .\pril, 
1S90, slie gave her hand in marriage to Mr. Drum- 
mer. She, too, was educated in the public schools, 
and, like her husband, slie is held in high esteem 
throughout this community. Mr. Drummer be- 
longs to the Roman Catholic church, while his 
wife is a member of the Congregational church. 
He is identified with I.a ^foille camp, No. 227, 
M. W. A., wliile his political Iwllot is cast for the 
men and measures of the republican party. He 
and his wife are most highly esteemed, and their 
home relations are largely ideal. They are pleas- 
antly situated, and neighbors and friends attest 
their good qualities and their sterling worth. They 
are warmly esteemed by all who know them, and 
the circle of their friends is almost co-extensive 
with the circle of their acquaintance. 



FESTUS BENTLEY. 

Festus Bentley is proprietor of the Burr Oak 
farm, which is located in Milo township, and is a 
veteran of the Civil war, having in the darkest 
hour of our country's liistory stood loyally by the 
stars and stripes. A native of Indiana, his birth 
occurred in Ifenry county in 1841. He lost his 
mother in infancy, and in 18.')3 came to Bureau 
county with his father, Eli Bentley, who in the 
meantime had married again, his second union be- 
ing witli Mary A. Custer. Eli Bentley settled on 
the farm which is now owned and occupied by his 
son Festus, and there spent his remaining days. 
He brn\ight the hinitjcr from l{oek Island for his 
buildings, ami ho improved the place from its nat- 
ural condition, transforming wild land into richly 
productive fields and ad<ling many substantial 
buildings which are indicative of modern progre.es. 
His children, five in number, were all born of his 
first marriage, and Festus is the only one now 
living. The death of ^Ir. Bentley occurred in 1880, 
when he was seventv-two vears of age, and the com- 



munity thereby lost a valued and representative 
citizen. 

In the common schools Festus Bentley mastered 
the branches of learning that usually constitute 
sucli a curriculum, and on the 16th of August, 
1861, when twenty years of age, he olfered his ser- 
vices to the government as a defender of the Union 
cause. He was assigned to duty with Company D, 
Forty-seventh Illinois Volunteer Infantry, under 
Captain J. C. Townsend, and had the usual expe- 
riences and hardships meted out to the soldier who 
engages in active duty on the field of battle. He 
participated in the movements and engagements 
of the .\riny of the Mississipi)i, the siege of Co- 
rinlji, also the battle of Farmingl(m and the second 
l)attle of Corinth, the charge upon Vicksburg and 
the siege of that city until its surrender, the Red 
River expedition and the battles of Pleasant Hill, 
New Madrid, Island No. 10, and Jackson, Mis- 
sissippi. He was in more than twenty engagements 
in all, but was never wounded, although he was 
frequently in the thickest of the fight. He served 
until after the expiration of his three years' term 
of enlistment and was honorably discharged Octo- 
ber 11, 1864, at Springfield, Illinois, when he re- 
turned home with a creditable military record, 
having never faltered in his allegiance to the old 
fiag nor the cause it represented. 

Xot long after his return Mr. Bentley wedded 
Miss Maria J. Reid, of Indiana, a sister of J. L. 
Rcid, a representative farmer of Jlilo township. 
They are now ])arents of five children: William 
C, who married Gertrude Sherman, has two chil- 
dren and lives in Milo township; Mary Josephine, 
the wife of Robert Conover, of Saratoga township, 
Marshall county, Illinois; Alma E., the wife of 
Lc Roy A. Hill, a resident farmer of Whitefield 
township, JIarsliall county, and Walter E. and 
Elsie G., both at home. 

Tiie home farm of the family is a fine property 
of two hundred and forty acres in ^lilo township, 
in addition to which Mr. Bentley owns eleven 
acres of timber land. The farm is lacking in none 
of the equipments and acces.sories of a model prop- 
erty of tiie twentieth century, for there are good 
buildings upon it and the fields are well tilled, 
while the stock which he raises is of good grades. 
He annually raises many hogs, and feeds both 
cattle and hogs, his business in this particular 
proving a source of gratifying profit. 

On election days ilr. Bentley never wavers in 
his allegiance to the republican party, and at all 
times is prepared to give an intelligent reason for 
his political alTiliation because he keeps well in- 
formed on the questions and issues of the day. He 
has served as pathmaster, has been justice of the 
peace and was for many years n school director. 
He belongs to the Grand .\rmy post at Bradford, 
thus maintaining pleasant relations with his old 
military comrades, and he is also identified with 
tlie Olid Fellows lodge at Bradford, while his wife 
is a member of the Methodist church. This worthv 



814 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



couple are highly esteemed, their many sterling 
traits gaining for them the friendship of the great- 
er number of those with whom they come in con- 
tact. The diligence and enterprise of Mr. Bentley 
have made Burr Oak farm one of the leading agri- 
cultural properties of the county, and since start- 
ing out in life for himself he has continually pro- 
gressed toward the goal of prosperity. 



WILLIAM FETZEE. 

Among the native sons of Illinois who have 
taken a deep and helpful interest in the agricul- 
tural development of the state is numbered Will- 
iam Fetzer, who was born in Lee county, Septem- 
ber 7, 1853, a son of Casper and Frederica L. A. 
(Huilman) Fetzer, both natives of Germany, the 
former born January 16, 1829, and the latter Oc- 
tober 13, 1839, whence they emigrated to America 
in 1852, locating in Bureau county, Illinois. In 
their family were ten children, of whom the sub- 
pect of this review is the eldest. 

William Fetzer received his education in the 
district schools of La Moille, and after acquiring 
a fair knowledge of the branches there taught, 
started out in life on his own account. Although 
he inherited some property, he has through indus- 
try, economy and careful management met with 
success in his work, and year by year has added to 
his financial resources, until through purchases at 
different times he is now in possession of a valuable 
farm of two hundred and forty acres, worth from 
one hundred and fifty to two lumdred dollars per 
acre. Tliis is situated in the northeast quarter of 
section 13, Oliio township, and here he is engaged 
in general agricultural pursuits, following the best 
methods in tilling the soil and caring for his crops, 
so that he annually harvests a large amount of 
grain as the result of his well directed efforts. He 
has added many modern improvements to his place, 
including fences, a good house and substantial 
outbuildings, all of which he keeps in good condi- 
tion, so that his farm now ranks with the best in 
Bureau county. 

As a companion and helpmate on life's journey 
Mr. Fetzer chose Miss Mary A. Miller, to whom he 
was married October 19, 1882. She was born Au- 
gust 2."), 1859, a daughter of George J. and Eliza- 
beth Miller, who were natives of Germany, and 
emigrated to tliis country in 1853. Mrs. Fetzer re- 
ceived her education in the district schools of 
Clarion township and was trained to the work of 
the household by her mother, so that she proved to 
her husband a worthy assistant in his business af- 
fairs, for she was capable in the management of 
the duties which devolved upon lier in connection 
with the care of a home, and was devoted to the 
welfare of her family. After a happy married life 
of more tlian two decades, the wife was called from 
this life, her death occurring December 28, 1903, 
being the occasion of deep regret not only to her 



immediate family, but also to her many friends, to 
whom she was endeared, for she possessed many 
excellent traits of heart and mind and was loved 
wherever known. Mrs. Fetzer had become the 
mother of three sons and two daughters, who with 
the husband and father still survive. They are Ida 
F., born July 14, 1883 ; Gilbert W., September 25, 
1881; Martha E., November 10, 1886; George C, 
July 14, 1889, and Oscar W., September 2, 1893. 
Politically Mr. Fetzer is a democrat and in re- 
ligious faith he and his family are identified with 
the German Lutheran church of Ohio township. 
Interested in the cause of education, he has served 
as school director for sixteen years and is now fill- 
ing that office, but aside from this has filled no 
public positions. Although Mr. Fetzer inherited 
some property, he has used precaution in the man- 
agement of his business ailairs, and by judicious 
investment, energy and determination has added 
to his original holdings until he now has a good 
farm of two hundred and forty acres of as fine 
land as can be found in the entire county, thus 
classing him with the prominent representatives 
of this section of the state, where he has a wide 
and favorable acquaintance, and where, through 
his straightforward dealing and honorable meth- 
ods, he has gained many friends. 



WILLIAM HAETZ. 

William Hartz, successfully engaged in general 
agricultural pursuits and in the raising of reg- 
istered shorthorn cattle, in which connection he 
has gained more than a local reputation as a stock- 
man, was born March 26, 1867, in the county 
which is still his home. His parents, Nicholas and 
Anna M. (Houk) Hartz, were both natives of Ba- 
varia, and became residents of America in 1855, 
after which they located in Bureau county in 1865. 
Tlie father was a farmer by occupation, and in 
this county he reared his family, numbering eight 
children. He not only provided comfortably for 
their support, but also managed to save a goodly 
competence and was numbered among the success- 
ful agriculturists of the county, where he con- 
tinued to make his home until his death on the 2d 
of October, 1889. 

William Hartz was a public-school student in 
his boyhood and youth, and when not busy with 
his text-books aided his father in the work of the 
home farm, to which task he also gave his atten- 
tion for some years after completing his education. 
In 1890 he made his first purchase of land, com- 
prising eighty acres, and later, in connection 
with his brother, George Fred Hartz, he bought 
one hundred and twenty acres, making this pur- 
chase in 1893. For some time they were associated 
in the management and cultivation of their land, 
but afterward dissolved partnership. William 
Hartz of this review now has the old homestead 
of one hundred and sixty acres in connection with 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



815 



the sliare which he received after the division of the 
property with his brother, and the fields are well 
tilled, being cultivated for the raising of the cereals 
best adapted to soil and climate. Ho also raises reg- 
istered shorthorn cattle as well as good grades of 
horses and hogs, and his stock interests are no un- 
important branch of his business. 

Mr. Hartz has served as school director from 
the age of twenty-one years to the present time, 
and the cause of education finds in him a stalwart 
champion, whose labors are effective for good 
schools. In 1906 he was elected supervisor, and 
he has been road commissioner for one term and 
tax assessor for seven years. His political alle- 
giance is given to the democracy, and he is promi- 
nent in the ranks of the party, being frequently 
chosen as a delegate to senatorial and county con- 
ventions. Fraternally he is a Mason and holds 
memberhip with Sheffield lodge. No. 142, A. F. & 
A. M., and also with the Odd Fellows lodge at 
New Bedford. 

Thus public interests have claimed his atten- 
tion, and at the same time he has won a place 
among the prominent business men of his county. 
He is a man of resourceful ability, and, while 
farming has been his principal occupation, he has 
not confined his attention entirely to the work of 
the fields, but has extended his efforts into other 
lines of trade and commerce. For the past five 
years he has been the president of the New Bed- 
ford Creamery Company, and for many years be- 
fore was one of its directors. He is likewise the 
president of the Manlius Grain & Coal Company. 
His business interests therefore are quite exten- 
sive, and he has so conducted his affairs that he 
has made steady progress toward the goal of suc- 
cess, and finds that prosperity is ambition's answer. 



GEORGE FREDERICK HARTZ. 

The name of Hartz is well known in Bureau 
county in connection with agricultural interests, 
and the life record of George Frederick Hartz adds 
new luster to the creditable record always borne 
by the family. He was born December 3, 1870, in 
Bureau county, and, like his brother, whose sketch 
is given above, he was educated in the country 
schools of Manlius township. He worked on the 
home farm with liis father for years, and thus re- 
ceived practical ti'aiiiiiig in the best metbods of 
tilling the soil and caring for the crops. He bought 
eighty acres of land in 1890 and in 1893, in con- 
nection with his brother William purchased one 
hundred and twenty acres, which they cultivated 
together for six years, or until 1899. George F. 
Hartz now owns and operates two hundred and 
fortv acres, constituting a vahuible and well im- 
proved farm in JIanlius township. 

On the 8th of Sei)lembor, 1897, he married 
Priscilla S. Dale, of Fairfield township, who was 
born September 12, 1874, and is a daughter of 



Thomas Edward and Eliza S. Dale, who are men- 
tioned on another page of this work in connection 
with the sketch of Thomas Henry Dale. Unto 
iMr. and Mrs. Hartz have been born five children : 
George Edward, born .January 17, 1898; James 
William, October 21, 1899; Mary Othea, February 
4, 1902; Vernon Harold, February 22, 1903, and 
Perry Carlysle, August 22, 1904. 

Mr. Hartz votes with the democracy and is iden- 
tified through membership relations witli the Odd 
Fellows lodge at New Bedford. He is higlily re- 
spected as an enterprising farmer, as a reliable 
business man and good citizen, and, although yet 
a young man, has attained a measure of success 
that many an older one might well envy. 



CAPTAIN F. C. DUNCAN. 

Captain F. C. Duncan, manager of the Prince- 
ton gas plant, although one of the more recent ac- 
quisitions to the citizenship of Princeton, is so 
well known in business circles in Illinois as to have 
become already a representative resident of this 
place. He is a native of Bath, Maine, born March 
23, 1847. His parents w^re Captain Charles C. and 
Hannah (Tibbetts) Duncan, wlio were likewise 
natives of Maine. In early life Captain Charles 
Duncan began following the sea and was a ship- 
master. He took his family on various European 
and Mediterranean voyages until he established 
himself in New York city as a ship broker and 
ship owner in 1854. He also had a branch office in 
England, and carried on that business until 1867. 
Desiring to form a European connection, he took 
in with him a partner, whom he left in New York, 
while with his family lie crossed the water to Eng- 
land, establishin" offices in London and Liverpool, 
making his home in the latter city. Returning to 
this country, he resided in Brooklyn, New York, 
until ho removed to Northfield, Massachusetts, in 
1885, and became interested in school work there, 
in which he (-(uttinucd up to the time of his death, 
which occurred in Northfield in 1898. His wife 
passed away in New York city in 1869. 

Captain Duncan of tliis review largely acquired 
his education in the schools of Bath, Maine, and 
attended the Polytechnic schools of Brooklyn, New 
York, and he also continued his studies in iMigland 
to some extent. He went on his first voyage in 
active connection with a sea-faring life in 1859, 
and until 1863 be made occasional voyages be- 
tween Europe and the United States, and between 
such trips attended school in both New York and 
Liverpool. In 1863 he came to the United States 
from England, and after receiving a special order 
from Gideon Welles, then ."secretary of tiie navy, 
to have his age waived and ids examination fore- 
gone, he obtained an acting appointment and went 
on board the United States ship Brooklyn as an 
ollicer of the United States navy, the vi^ssel 
being ordered to join the western gulf squadron, 



816 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUEEAU COUXTY. 



then in charge of Admiral Farragut. After the 
battle of Mobile Bay the Brooklyn was so dam- 
aged by the tire of the forts and rams that she was 
sent north for repairs. Mr. Duncan then took up 
his service on the ship Owasco, blockading ports 
from Mobile Bay to Galveston, and at the close of 
the war he returned to the merchant service and 
sailed as chief officer until he obtained command 
in 18T1. Since that date he made all of his voy- 
ages in command of ships on long voyages to dif- 
ferent parts of the world. His last ship, Florence, 
was built for California trade and was so utilized 
for ten years. He sold the Florence in 189S at San 
Francisco, and for a year thereafter remained a 
resident of that city. On that ship he made voy- 
ages around the cape of Good Hope to the East 
Indies, the Philippines and Java. On nearly all 
of these voyages he was accompanied by his fam- 
ilv, and his two youngest sons were born on board 
that ship. 

In 1899 Captain Duncan located at Galesburg, 
Illinois, where he became assistant secretary and 
treasurer of the gas and electric light company, 
which afterward became the Galesburg Eailway 
& Light Company. He was also financially inter- 
ested in the enterprise. He was connected with 
all of these enterprises until his removal to Prince- 
ton a short time ago. When George F. Duncan of 
the McKinley syndicate purchased the Princeton 
gas works of H. S. Capron, he asked his brother to 
take charge of the new purchase, and he removed 
his family to Princeton on the 12th of ]\Iay. This 
is his present business connection. The gas planf 
had its inception in 1874 and became an estab- 
lished fact in 1875. At times it has had a pros- 
perous existence and at others a precarious one, 
but during much of the period the business has 
been large and profitable, and under the capable 
control of its present manager — a gentleman of 
broad business experience — it will undoubtedly 
prove successful. 

Captain Duncan was married in New York city 
to Miss Kate Belcher, a native of Brooklyn, New 
York. Her parents were Samuel E. and Elizabeth 
(Foshay) Belcher, the former for thirty-four 
years president of the Jefferson Fire Insurance 
Company of New York city, the oldest corporation 
of that character in the eastern metropolis. He 
made his home there until recent years, and now 
lives with his daughter in Bridgeport, Connecti- 
cut, at the age of eighty-two years. His wife passed 
passed away in New York city in 1902. Unto Cap- 
tain and ^[rs. Duncan have been born five chil- 
dren : Alice, at home ; Otis Belcher, who is con- 
necteil with the Weslei-n Electric Company in Clii- 
eago: Kate, at home; Fred Belcher, a student in 
Knox College, and Charles Clifford, at home. 

Captain Duncan is a republican, but has never 
been active in party work. He served as deputy 
United States sliipping commissioner in New York 
city. Both lie and his wife took letters to Central 
Congregational church at Galesburg, Illinois, from 



Plymouth church of Brooklyn, New York, of which 
Henry Ward Beecher was so long pastor, and in 
which both of their fathers were deacons. The 
family now reside on South Pleasant street in 
Princeton, and are nicely located there. Captain 
Duncan, through considerable experience, has be- 
come well informed upon the line of business which 
claims his attention at the present time, and is a 
valualilc addition to industrial circles in this city. 



WILLIAM CAEEY ALLEN. 

When the tocsin of war sounded men from all 
walks of life flocked to the standard of the nation. 
They came from the offices and the shops, the 
counting houses and the fields, all imbued with 
the same purpose of defending the Union cause. 
Among this number was William Carey Allen, who 
proved a loyal soldier, and the same spirit of faith- 
ful citizenship has characterized his life in days 
of peace. He is now living quietly upon a fine farm 
of one hundred and sixty acres in ]\Ianlius town- 
ship, where in connection with the tilling of the 
soil he devotes considerable attention to the raising 
of Hereford cattle and other stock. 

A native son of Bureau county, he was born 
September 21, 18.38, and is a soh of William and 
Nancy (]\IcCarter) Allen, who came from Brown 
county, Ohio, to Illinois in 18.34. The father was 
one of the early settlers who took up government 
land at a dollar and a quarter per acre and aided 
in transforming the wild prairie into cultivable 
fields. He devoted his entire life to farming in 
this count}', where he remained a resident until 
called to his final rest at the age of sixty-three 
years. His wife, surviving him for some time, 
died at the age of eighty years. 

William Carey Allen, born and reared upon the 
old home farm, began his education in the district 
schools and continued his studies in the public 
schools of Princeton. On completing his educa- 
tion he took up the business of farming, but at the 
time of the outbreak of the Civil war he put aside 
all business and personal considerations and of- 
fered his services to the government, enlisting as a 
private of Company K, Fifty-seventh Illinois In- 
fantry, in the fall of 1861. The regiment was sent 
to Cairo, Illinois, and thence by steamer to Fort 
Henry and on to Fort Donelson, Tennessee, where 
Mr. Allen participated in the engagement. He 
also took part in the battles of Corinth, Missis- 
sippi, and the siege and capture of that place, re- 
maining there for nearly a year. He was also in 
the second battle of Corinth and afterward, with 
his regiment, was ordered to Tennessee. He took 
part in the Atlanta campaign and the battles of 
Dalton, Eesaca, New Hope Church, Altoona Pass, 
Konesaw ^lountain. Chattahoochie. and, in fact, 
all of the military movements of the .Atlanta cam- 
paign. Later the Fifty-seventh Illinois was or- 
dered to Eome, Georgia, and was there when Gen- 



PAST AXD PRKSKXT OF lU-RKAT ( OINTY. 



817 



eral Sherman started on his march to the sea. 
They joined his command and remained with Sher- 
man during the entire march from Savannah 
through South Carolina and on to Goldsboro, 
to Raleigh, North Carolina, and to Washington, 
D. C, where they participated in the grand review 
on the 22d of March, 1865, when the victorious 
army, niimbering thousands of loyal troops, 
marched down Pennsylvania avenue and passed 
the reviewing stand upon which the president 
greeted the return of his victorious soldiers. In 
the meantime Mr. Allen, his first term of service 
having expired, had re-enlisted as a veteran and 
was discharged at Louisville. Kentucky, on the 7th 
of July, 1865. He liad been ju'omoteil to the rank 
of first lieutenant of his company, and at the 
battle of Shiloh he was slightly wounded in the 
left arm, but otherwise he escaped personal in- 
jury, although experiencing the usual hardships 
and privations meted out to the soldier. 

Returning to Bureau county when his military 
life was ended, Mr. Allen once more took up the 
occupation of farming, and as a companion and 
helpmate for life's journey chose Miss Jennie 
Shenkle, of Clermont county, Ohio, whom he 
wedded on the 11th of March, 1875. They now 
have five living children and lost two in infancy. 
Those who still survive are: Nancy, the wife of 
Robert Fox, a farmer of ^lanlius township : Ralph 
M., who married Ida Hurt, and is a farmer of 
Manlius; Iva A., the wife of William Ohda, of 
Greenville; Edwin R., who is farming with his 
father, and Eilna P., at home. 

Mr. Allen today owns and operates an excellent 
place of one hundred and sixty acres in Manlius 
township. His farm is well improved, the fields 
teing richly cultivated, and he also raises regis- 
tered Hereford cattle and good horses and hogs. 
He operated a thresher for a number of years, hav- 
ing the first traction engine and thresher in the 
community. Politically he i.s a democrat and so- 
ciallv he is connected with the Grand Army post 
at Sheffield, thus maintaining pleasant relations 
with his old armv comrades. 



JOHN RICH.Ma'D BOYLAND. 
John Richard Boyland, deceased, was one of 
Bureau county's native sons, born on the 5th of 
Februarv, 18(;9. TTis parents were Thomas and 
Marv Boyland, both natives of Ireland. He came 
to Bureau county with (he early settlers and reared 
his family here, so that John Richard Boyland 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in this 
locality, acquiring his early education in the pub- 
lic schools and afterward attending the Dixon 
(Illinois) schools. Ho was reared to farm labor, 
and early became familiar with the work of plow- 
ing, planting and harvesting. As the years passed 
by he took up farming as a life pursuit, and al- 
wavs encased in that business until called to his 



final rest. He was au energetic man, who care- 
fully directed his labors, and his success was the 
direct result of his diligence and perseverance. 

On the 28th of January, 1896, Mr. Boyland was 
married to Miss Catherine Marie Lucas, who was 
born February 23, 1876, a daughter of John and 
Catherine (Broderick) Lucas, botli of whom were 
natives of Ireland. They came to Bureau county, 
Illinois, thirty-nine years ago, and here reared 
their family, numbering nine sons and six daugh- 
ters. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lucas are still living, and 
the mother is a remarkably well preserved woman, 
who appears almost as young as her daughters. 
Unto Air. and Mrs. Boyland was born one son, 
James John, who was nine vears of age on the 2l8t 
of June, 1906. 

Mr. Boyland was a communicant of the Cath- 
olic church, of which his widow is also a member. 
He was a straightforward business man, alwaj'S 
reliable in his dealings, as well as energetic and 
diligent, and his labors resulted in the acquire- 
ment of a good farm property. His widow now 
owns eighty acres of land and is managing the 
farm, in the nudst of which stands an attractive 
modern residence, elegantly furnished and taste- 
fully kept. She presides with gracious and warm- 
hearted hospitality over her home, and it is a 
favorite resort with her many friends. 



JAMES II. IIATNES. 

James II. Haines, at one time the owner of a 
good farm of eighty acres situated on section 4, 
Ohio town.«hip, which he still operates, is a worthy 
representative of the agricultural interests of this 
section of Bureau county. l\o was born in Ohio, 
Bureau county, Illinois, October 26, 1860, a son 
of Andrew J. and Julia .\. (William) Haines, the 
former born in Bangor, Maine, October 28, 1828, 
and the latter born near Bristol, in Bucks county, 
Pennsylvania, in 1835. Her death occurred in 
1874. Of this union five children were born, of 
whom our subject is the eldest. The father after- 
ward married again, his second union being with 
Landena II. Warner, and the only child of this 
marriage is now deceased. 

James H. Hainos was educated in the public 
schools of Ohio, Illinois, and after mastering the 
branches therein taught started out to make his 
own way in the world. He inherited some property, 
and bv the careful supen'ision of this and through 
his encrsv and determination was in due course of 
time enabled to add to his original holdings until 
he at one time was (be owiii-r of eighty acres of 
fine farm-ng land situateil on the southwest quar- 
ter of section 4, Ohio township, but ho Un< since 
disposed of this property, receiving one hundred 
and fifty dollars per acre for the same. He still 
rents the land and is here engaged in raising the 
cereals best adapted to soil and climate, using 
practical methods in cultivating the fiehls and 



818 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



planting his crops so that he annually harvests a 
large amount of grain in return for the care and 
labor bestowed upon the place. At the present time 
he has no real-estate holdings, but has a goodly 
bank account and personal property, so that he is 
numbered among the well-to-do and progressive 
agriculturists of Bureau county. 

On the 28th of October, 1890, Mr. Haines was 
united in marriage to Miss Minnie B. Staples, who 
was born March 30, 1876, a daughter of William 
and Elisabeth Staples. The father was born in 
the state of New York, September 3, 18.53, while 
the mother's birth occurred in Indiana, February 
39, 1857. Mrs. Haines was educated in the Green- 
ville district schools and was trained by her mother 
in the duties of the household, so that siie is now 
capably managing the interests of her own home. 
Two children grace this marriage: Eva B., born 
October 31, 1893, and Winnie E., born April 7, 
]899. They have also lost two children. *.Ir. 
Haines is a republican in his political views, and 
he and his family are identified with the Methodist 
Protestant church. 

Although Mr. Haines had some assistance when 
he started cut in life foi" himself, he has by his 
O'vn well directed efforts ard careful management 
01 his business interests added to his possessions, 
and while he has now disposed of his realty hold- 
ings he has a goodly competence as a reward for 
his earnest toil. He is a genial gentleman, one 
whom it is a pleasure to meet, and he and his 
estimable wife are received with cordiality in the 
homes of their many friends throughout Bureau 
(bounty. 



CHARLES WILLIAMS. 

Charles Williams, of Princeton township, whose 
farm lies on sections 2 and 3, is a native of La 
Moille township, horn November 6, 1882. His 
parents were William and Sarah (Crossman) Wil- 
liams. The father was born in Bureau county, 
Illinois, July 7, 1854, and was a son of James 
H. Williams, whose birth occurred in Culpeper 
county, Virginia, August 24, 1821, and who was 
a son of Jackson and Margaret Williams, natives 
of Virginia. The grandparents spent their last 
years in Coshocton county, Ohio. Their children 
were Cordelia, Mary, Charlie, Addison, James 
H., Washington, Eliza, Amanda and Jackson Wil- 
liams. 

James H. Williams, grandfather of our sub- 
ject, became a resident of Coshocton county, Ohio, 
when a youth of fifteen years. In May, 1847, he 
enlisted for service in the Mexican war as a mem- 
ber of Company B of the Third Ohio Regiment 
of Infantry Volunteers and served for one year. 
He came to Bureau county, Illinois, in the sum- 
mer of 1848 and, with the land warrant received 
for service in the Mexican war, he entered one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in T^a Moille town- 



ship, on which he took up his abode in March, 
1850. He placed it under cultivation, continued 
the work of improvement and added to the prop- 
erty from time to time until he was the owner of 
six hundred and twenty acres of very choice land. 
He was both a self-educated and self-made man, 
who made good use of his opportunities, and as 
the years advanced became one of the prosperous 
residents of his adopted county. He was married 
in Ohio to Miss Elizabeth Shirk, and they became 
the parents of six children : Henry, Eliza, Wil- 
liam, James, Charles and Washington. 

William Williams, whose birth occurred in this 
county, July 7, 1854, was here reared, and is in- 
debted to the public-school system for the educa- 
tional privileges he enjoyed. He has been a suc- 
cessful farmer and stockman, especially in buying 
and shipping stock, and is today one of the ex- 
tensive landowners of the county, having eleven 
hundred acres of fine land within its borders. He 
was married November 7, 1877, to Miss Sarah 
Crossman, who was born July 5, 1854, and is a 
daughter of John C. Crossman, who was born 
January 29, 1830, in Draycott, Somersetshire, 
England, his parents being George and Sarah 
(Rhude) Crossman, both of whom died in Eng- 
land. J. C. Crossman came to America about 
1850, and was for two j'ears employed in Onon- 
daga county. New York, where he was married. 
In March, 1852, he went to La Moille, Illinois, 
and after living there for a year rented land and 
engaged in farming. In 1855 he bought one hun- 
dred and sixty acres of land, which he soon sold, 
and after renting for another year he bought a 
quarter section from William Hart. This he 
afterward disposed of, and in 1857 returned to 
the state of New York and afterward to England, 
where he visited his relatives, again taking up 
his abode in La Moille the following year. He 
first rented the place which he afterward bought, 
and eventually he became the owner of six hun- 
dred and seventeen acres of land, on which he 
carried on general farming, but made more of a 
specialty of stock-raising. He was married, July 
24, 1851, to Elizabeth Weeks, who was horn De- 
cember 23, 1828, in England, and was a daughter 
of William and Ann (Dicks) Weeks, also natives 
of that country. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Crossman was blessed with eight children who 
reached adult age, namely: Mary .\., Sarah, 
Eliza, Fannie, John F., Ollie, Alice and Nellie. 
Mr. Crossman was a republican in politics and 
always took an active interest in the work of the 
party as well as in all matters relating to the 
agricultural development of the county. He died 
in the year 1898. 

Following their marriage William Williams and 
Sarali Crossman located upon a farm, and for 
many years he was closely associated with the 
general agricultural development of the county, 
in the work of which lie prospered, so that he is 
now enabled to live a I'ciircMl life. Unto liini and 




CTIA1?LES WILLIAMS. 




MES. CIIAKM.ES WILLIAMS. 



I'AST AND 1']{KSKNT OF I'.IUKAU COUNTY. 



8-^3 



his wife were boru four cliildren: Ilarry, who 
was born October !), laiS, and is now living in 
Missouri; Charles, of this review; Mark and 
Glenn, both at home. 

Charles Williams, whose name introduces this 
record, was educated in La Moille and at Prince- 
ton Business College. He married Miss Ada B. 
Morton, who was born in Bureau township and 
is a daughter of Charles and A'ancy (Beatty) 
Morton, now resiilents of South Dakota. Mr. aiid 
Mrs. Williams have one child, (iail. They own 
one hundred and forty-eight acres of land on 
sections 2 and 3, Princeton townshij), three miles 
from the city of Princeton, which he purchased in 
1903. He carries on general farming and stock- 
raising, buys and feeds stock and raises horses. 
He has sixteen head of line draft horses, also 
driving horses and colts, and, in fact, owns some 
of the best horses to be found in the county. He 
is a stockman of e.xeellent judgment, and his 
business interests have been well managed, his 
farm indicating in its excellent appearance his 
thrift and capable control. In his political views 
he is an independent, but without aspiration for 
office, and in his religious belief he is a Presby^ 
terian. A young man, he has made a creditable 
success for one of his years, and is widely and 
favorably known in the county where his entire 
life has been passed and where the family has 
been known from pioneer times to the present. 



ALBERT W. WADE. 

Albert W. Wade, who as the architect of his own 
fortunes has builded wisely and well and today 
has valuable property interests, owning and oc- 
cupying three hundred and seventy-five acres of 
valuable land on section 22, La Moille iownship, 
where he follows farming, was born in this town- 
fhip, December 20, 186G. His parents were Kirh- 
ard H. and Mary (Shoup) Wade, natives of Ohio, 
and his brother, John Wade, is a resident of the 
village of La Moille. In the family were eleven 
children, of whom Albert W. was the tenth in 
order of birth. At the usual age he entered the 
public schools and therein mastered the branches 
of English learning which equip one for life's 
practical and responsible duties. He has always 
followed the occupation to which he was reared, 
and a place is accorded him among the foremost 
and representative farmers of the county, for he 
has made steady and consecutive progress in his 
business life, manifesting the spirit of enterprise 
that has enabled him to overcome all dillicultics 
and obstacles in his path. That he lias prospered 
is indicated by the fart that he is today the owner 
of three hundred and seventy-five acres of very 
valuable and productive land, pleasantly and con- 
veniently situated about two miles from the vil- 
lage of La Moille. 

On the 6th of December, 1888, i\Ir. Wade was 



united in marriage to Miss Eva Ilaney, who was 
born in La Moille townshij), May 11, 18G8. Unto 
them have been born two children : Wilbert L., 
born September 30, 1889, and Ora R., September 
30, 1893. His political endorsement is given to 
the republican party, and his religious support to 
the United Brethren church, of which he is a mem- 
ber. He withholds his co-operation from no move- 
ment for the general good, and is accounted one 
of the valued and representative citizens of this 
part of the state. 

At the same time he is carefully conducting 
business interests of importance, which are con- 
stantly growing. He handles stock on an exten- 
sive scale, buying and feeding, and thus utilizing 
all of the products raised upon his farm. He han- 
dles from thirty to forty carloads of stock annual- 
ly, and is thus one of the leading business men of 
Bureau county. His present prosperous condition 
is in marked contrast to his financial resources 
when he started out in life. He then rented land 
and tlius cultivated the fields until his labors had 
brought him sutlicieiit capital to make investment, 
when he purchased two hundred and thirtv-nine 
acres, constituting the old homestead. He has 
since extendicd the boundaries of his farm until it 
now comprises three hun<lred and seventy-five 
acres of as fine land as can be found in Bureau 
county, valued at from one hundred and seventy- 
five to two hundred dollars per acre. All this he 
has accomjjlished within a comparatively few years, 
for he is yet a yo\mg man. His farm is one of the 
attractive features of the landscape, being equipjied 
with beautiful buildings surrounded by fine trees 
and ornamental shrubs. The scene is well worthy 
a place on a painters canvas, for the sid)stantial 
home, the broad ])rairie, the richly tilled fields, the 
gravel roads and the cars ruuTiing within sight of 
his home make this an ideal countrv jilace. Mr. 
Wade belongs to one of the leading families of 
Bureau county, and with the years usually allotted 
to man he will rank among the wealthiest resi- 
dents of this part of the state, for eaeli year adds to 
his success. The most envious cannot grudge him 
his pros])erity, so honoral)ly has it been won and 
so worthily used. He and jiis wife deserve all the 
happiness (hat comes to (hem, and all who know 
them are glad of their friendship. 



SOREN KNUDSOX. 
In a history of the men of foreign birth who 
have come to .\meriea and in Bureau county have 
advanced from humble stations in life to jiositions 
of allluonce, becoming also valueil citizens of (he 
eommunily by rea.son of their devotion to (be buxl 
of (heir adoption and the institutions of repub- 
lican government, mention sliotild be made of 
Soren KnudsoTi, who, starting out in life empty- 
handed, is now (he owner of four jiiindrcd and 



824 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



fifty acres of land in Gold township, his place, 
moreover, being improved with all modern equip- 
ments and accessories. 

Mr. Knudson was born in Denmark in 1S3S and 
spent the days of his boyhood and youth in that 
country. On" attaining his majority, however, and 
carefully considering the opportunities afforded 
by his native land, he decided that he might en- 
joy better business advantages in the new world, 
where labor is not hampered by caste or class, and 
accordingly came to the United States in 1859. 
He made "his way at once to Sheffield, Bureau 
county, and began earning his living as a farm 
hand, for his limited financial resources made im- 
mediate employment a necessity. He worked dili- 
gently and perseveringly, so that he was always 
able to secure a job, and when he had saved a con- 
siderable sum from his earnings he purchased one 
hundred and twenty acres of laml, which consti- 
tuted the nucleus of his present fine farm. He at 
once began its development, and his labors consti- 
tute the secret of his splendid success. He has 
made additional purchases from time to time, until 
he is now the owner of an extensive tract of four 
hundred and forty acres, which would command 
the highest price if ])laced upon the market. He 
also has a half section in South Dakota. 

Mr. Knudson was married after coming to this 
country, the lady of his choice being Miss Carrie 
Sophia Hanson, who came to the United States 
from Denmark, and is now sixty -nine years of age. 
She arrived in 1S(J7. having been induced to come 
to the new world by a brother who was living here 
at that time. The family numbers three children : 
Andrew, John and Anna, the last two being twins. 
These are thirty-six and thirty-two years of age, 
respectively, and the sons aid their father in the 
operation of the home farm. 

The ]iarents are members of the Danisli Luther- 
an church, and ^Ir. Knudson is independent polit- 
ically, supporting the candidates whom he thinks 
best qualified for office without regard to party 
affiliation. His present prosperity is in marked 
contrast to his financial condition when he arrived 
in this country forty-seven years ago tn seek his 
fortune — a ])nor boy without friends or influence 
to aid him and without capital to assist in gaining 
him a start. He possessed, however, a stout heart 
and willing hands, and farm labor soon gained 
him a start. He has never taken a backward step, 
but has made continuous progress in his business 
life, and is now a substantial agriculturist of Gold 
townshi]). 



a native of the state of Ohio, and the latter of 
Bureau county, Illinois. 

Maury B. Remsburg received a good education 
in the district and public schools of his native 
town, and after mastering the branches therein 
taught started out in life on his own responsibility, 
following farming pursuits for a time. He was 
later engaged in teaching for a time in different 
schools in Bureau county, and after abandoning 
that profession engaged in the poultry business 
for three years. On the expiration of that period 
he disposed of that interest and embarked in the 
hardware trade, which he conducted for a time, 
but is now engaged in the livery business in Ohio. 
He is meeting with success in his undertaking, 
keeping a fine line of vehicles and horses, which he 
rents to the public, and his livery is considered the 
best in his section of the county. 

Mr. Remsburg was united in marriage to Miss 
Nellie E. Brewer, who was born in Walnut town- 
ship. Bureau county, Illinois, February 20, 1872. 
She is a daughter of Lemuel and Clara (Van Ar- 
nam) Brewer, natives of Walnut, Illinois. Mrs. 
Remsburg is the eldest of five children, of whom 
one is deceased. She was educated in the schools 
of Walnut township, and is an excellent lady, pos- 
sessing many sterling characteristics. She is the 
first reader of the Christian Scientist church, to 
which her husband also belongs. 

Mr. Remsburg is a republican in his political 
views. Fraternally he is a member of the Inde- 
pendent Order of Odd Fellows, belonging to 
Schamo lodge, No. 627, and he is also a member 
of the Rebekahs and of the Knights of the Globe. 
He is a musician of more than local reputation, 
belonging to the Ohio band, which is considered 
the best organization of this character in Bureau 
county. Jlr. and Mrs. Remsburg are excellent peo- 
ple, occupying a leading place in the social circles 
of Ohio, where they have a host of warm ]iorsonal 
friends. 



MAURY B. REMSBURG. 
^faury B. Remsburg, engaged in the livery 
ousiness in Ohio, is a native of Ohio township, 
Bureau county, Illinois, born August 25, 1873. 
He is the eldest of two children born unto George 
W. and ^fargaret R. (Ross) Remsburg, the former 



FRUrZ STIER. 
Fritz Stier dates his residence in Bureau county 
from 1880. and since 18!)0 has resided upon his 
present farm. He now owns more than two hun- 
dred acres of land in the home property, all of 
which is under a high state of cultivation. He was 
born in Stratzund, in the province of Pomerania, 
Germany, August 19, 1849, his parents being 
Chris and Mary Stier, who were farming people. 
Reared and educated in his native country. Fritz 
Stier remained in the fatherland until 1880, when 
at the age of thirty-one years he sailed for the 
United States, arriving on the fith of November. 
Tie spent the first year as a farm hand and then 
rented land in the northern part of Bureau coun- 
ty, where be lived for seven years. He afterward 
spent two years east of the home place, and for 
five years rented his present farm before making 



PAST AND PHESENT OF BTREAU COUNTY. 



S25 



purchase of this on the 9th of August, 1895. That 
date made liim owner of one hundred and sixty 
acres, and in 1904 he added to this an adjoining 
tract of forty-five acres, so tliat he is now tlie own- 
er of two hundred and five acres of good land, 
which he lias highly cultivated. .Mi of the build- 
ings upon it are new and modern, and none of the 
accessories of a model farm are lacking. He raises 
horses, cattle and hogs, all of which are standard 
bred, and this branch of his business proves a good 
•source of income. 

In June, 1876, Mr. Stier was married to Miss 
Minnie Eosenow, of Germany, and their eldest 
child, Fred Morris, was born ore their emigration 
to America. His birth occurred December 14, 
1S77, and he now operates the home farm with 
his father. The other children of the family are: 
Emma, born September 6, 1882; Alfreda Alberta, 
December 2, 188.5; Charles August, July 11, 1888, 
and ^lina. Fred has purchased forty-five acres of 
land adjoining the home place, on which he has 
built a neat residence. Fred and Emma both be- 
long to the Christian church of (irccnvillc, while 
the others are members of the German Lutheran 
church at Manlius. 

Mr. Stier possessed a capital of hut eighty-five 
dollars W'hen he came to America, and all that he 
has since accumulated has lieen gained through 
hard work, industry and economy. The hope that 
led him to seek a home in the new world has been 
more than realized, and in the county of his adop- 
tion he has gained warm friendships as well as 
material possessions. 



WILLIAM HAEEY NOETON. 

William Harry Norton, a native of Bureau 
county, Illinois, was born September 20, 187.5, and 
is a son of Edward L. and Eosella (Lorey) Nor- 
ton, the former an employe of the Chicago, Rock 
Island & Pacific Railwav Company, located at 
Sheflfield, Illinois. 

William H. Norton, the subject of this review, 
was educated in the schools of Sheffield, and after 
putting aside his te.xt-books engaged in farming 
for a time. He then entered the employ of H. L. 
Wood, at Sheffield, who was engaged in the lum- 
ber business, Mr. Norton acting as foreman of this 
enterprise for five years. On the expiration of that 
period he severed his connections with that firm 
and entered the employ of A. W. Boyden & Sons, 
engaged in the banking business, with whom he 
remained for a time, but later engaged in the 
lumber business, and has for the past three years 
been employed as manager for F. G. Lindner & 
Company, at Buda. He is capably filling this po- 
sition, and his services are highly acceptable to 
his emplovers. On the 1st of November, lOOi!, he 
expects to take charge of a lumber yard at Somo- 
nauk, De Kalb county, under the name of W. H. 
Norton & Company. 



On the 30th of April, 18!)9, .Mr. Norton was 
united in marriage to .Miss Nellie Amelia Woods, 
of Keithsburg, Illinois, a daugiiter of J. W. 
Woods, who is engaged there in liorticultural pur- 
suits. 'J'lieir home has i)een i)lc.s.-ed with two chil- 
dren: Harry Woods, born .Inly 7, 1901. and Hose 
Genevieve, born June 21, liiOti. 

Mr. Norton is a stanch democrat, having sup- 
ported that party since age conferred upon him 
the right of franchise. He is a member of the 
Knights of Pythias fraternity, and is acting as 
vice chancellor of that order. Popular socially, 
Mr. and Mrs. Norton have a host of warm friends 
in Buda, where the hospitality of their own home 
is greatly enjoyed. 



EOBEET WlllTAKEK. 

Eobert Whitaker, who owns and operates a good 
farm of eighty acres on section 20, Indiantown 
township, was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, 
March G, 1843. His father, William" Whitaker, 
was lost on the ocean after going to England in 
18.56, the vessel going down upon his return voy- 
age to this country. The mother died when our 
subject was only eleven years old. Eobert and an 
elder brother remained at home and took care of 
the younger brother and sisters. There were ten 
children, and seven reached years of maturity. 

Eobert Whitaker w'as educated in the common 
schools, but when thirteen years of age began 
working on a farm by the month. At the outbreak 
of the Civil war his ])atriotic spirit was aroused, 
and in October, 1861, he enlisted, joining the boys 
in blue of Comjiany H, Thirty-seventh Eegiment 
iif Indiana Infantry. He served for two and a 
half years and was honorably discharged in ^lay, 
1863, at Quincy, Illinois, on account of disability. 
He had a horse stolen from him by John Morgan, 
who was then making his raid through Indiana. 
In August, 1863, Mr. Whitaker again enlisted, 
joining the Seventh Indiana Cavalry, with which 
lie served until March, 1866, and during that time 
he was sent to Texas, where he remained for near- 
ly a year. During his first enlistment he .served in 
Louisville and thence went down the Ohio river 
to West Point, Kentucky, on to Bowling Green, to 
N'ashville, to .\[urfreesboro and to Huntsville, Ala- 
i)ama, where the ITnion troo]is ea]itured some pris- 
oners under General Alitchell. They afterward 
proceeded to .\thens, .Mabama, an<l subsequently 
operated in 'J'eniiessee and ]\Iissi.«sipiii. Mr. Whit- 
aker was never wounded, but on one occasion had 
his hor.se shot from under him. Becoming ill, he 
was in the hospital for eight months, spending six 
weeks of that time in Nashville, while later he was 
at N(>w ,\lhany, Indiana, and s\ibsequently in the 
hospital at Quincv, where he was discharged in 
May, 1863. 

Mr. Whitaker remained a resident of Indiana 
until 1880, when he came to Bureau eoimtv. Here 



82G 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUXTY. 



he has since followed farming, with the exception 
of two years spent in Kansas. He bought his pres- 
ent place of eighty acres in January, 1902, and 
carries on general agricultural pursuits and stock- 
raising, making a specialty of cattle, hogs and 
sheep, and raising a laige niunber of calves each 
year. In 1905 he built a fine residence, containing 
eight rooms, each one of which is sixteen feet 
square. This is one of the best houses in this part 
of the county, and he has new barns and other 
modern buildings upon his place, and the farm 
is one of the neatest and most attractive in the 
township. 

In his political views Mr. Whitaker is a stal- 
wart republican, and has served as highway com- 
missioner and as a member of the school board, 
while socially he is connected with Swain post. 
No. 600, G. A. R. In his family are four chil- 
dren: Hettie, now engaged in school teaching; 
Mattie, who also taught school prior to her mar- 
riage to Nicholas Scherty; Flora, also a school 
teacher, and May, at home. Mr. Whitaker and his 
family are very sociable people, and are highly 
esteemed in the community where they live. He 
owes his success entirely to his own labors, for he 
started out in life empty-handed, and has worked 
his way steadily upward through persistent pur- 
pose and intense and well directed energy. 



JAMES CONLEY, JR. 

James Conley, Jr., living in Manlius township, 
his attention being given to the supervision of 
his farming and stock-raising interests, was born 
August 8, 1867, in Concord township, this county. 
His parents were James and Mary (Freeman) 
Conley, and the father followed the occupation of 
farming, so that the subject of this review was 
reared to agricultural life. He was educated in 
the common schools and in Dixon Normal School 
at Dixon, Illinois, and when he had put aside his 
text-books he took up the vocation of teaching, in 
which he engaged for about three years. He first 
taught in the Red schoolhouse in Manlius town- 
ship and afterward in the Douglas school at Ne- 
ponset, while later he became principal of the 
schools of the town of Mineral. He was a capable 
educator, imparting readily and clearly to others 
the knowledge that he had acquired, but thinking 
that he would find agricultural interests more 
profitable he purchased eighty acres of land in 
Manlius township, whereon he has since lived. 
Here he has carried on general farming and stock- 
raising and now has good standard bred horses, 
cattle and hogs. He likewise operates a thresher, 
culler and sheller and has all he can do in this line 
during the season. In fact he leads a very busy 
life and his success may all be attributed to his 
own well directed labors. 

Mr. Conley was marled, August 29, 1893, to 
Miss Ella L. Baxter, of Manlius, a daughter of 



Newton and Naomi (Davis) Baxter, a farmer of 
this locality. Her father, however, has now passed 
away but her mother is still living. Unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Conley has been born one son, Guy El- 
win, whose natal day was December 29, 1894. The 
parents attend the United Brethren church, of 
which Mrs. Conley is a member. Mr. Conley has 
spent his entire life in Bureau county, where he 
is favorably known as a teacher, agriculturist and 
citizen, having in all life's relations displayed ster- 
ling qualities which have commanded for him the 
respect and good will of those with whom he has 
been brought in contact. 



GEORGE F. RACKLEY. 

George F. Rackley, a native of Bureau county, 
is the owner of eighty acres of land in Berlin 
township and it was in this locality that he was 
born June 27, 1860. Throughout his entire life 
he has been identified with farming interests and 
is now a worthy representative of agricultural life 
in this part of the state. He is a son of N. F. 
Rackley, who was an early settler of the county. 
The father purchased this farm in 1854, at which 
time he paid twenty dollars per acre for the land. 
He went to California in 1850, making an overland 
trip and spending two years on the Pacific coast. 
He made enough money there in his mining ven- 
tures to purchase what is now the old homestead 
farm upon his return to Illinois. He made the 
trip across the plains after the manner of travel 
at that time, being one hundred days without 
seeing any settlement in crossing the arid desert 
land and in climbing the mountains of the west. 
For many years he was closely associated with agri- 
cultural interests in Bureau county as one of the 
leading and enterprising farmers. 

George F. Rackley acquired his education in the 
public schools and was trained to farm work, no 
event of special importance occurring to vary the 
routine of farm life for him in the days of his boy- 
hood and youth. Having arrived at years of ma- 
turity he was married in Berlin township on the 
10th" of January, 1884, to Miss Anna M. Wilson, 
who was born in Chicago, January 26, 1861. Her 
father, William R. Wilson, was a native of Scot- 
land, born April 17, 1838, and he is now living on 
Prairie avenue in Chicago. His wife, who bore 
the maiden name of Martha Alexander and was 
also born in the land of hills and heather, died in 
Chicago in 1874. In their family were four chil- 
dren: Anna M., now Mrs. Rackley; Agnes, de- 
ceased ; Margaret, still living ; and Elizabeth, who 
has passed away. Mrs. Rackley was educated at 
Brcen school in Bureau county, while Mr. Rackley 
pursued his studies in Maiden and in Dover .\cad- 
emy. By their marriage they became the parents 
of one son, who is yet living, William F., who was 
born November 9, 1884, and was married June 6, 
1906. to Lizzie B. Keel, who was born June 4, 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



827 



1885. The other children of the family were: 
May M., who was born September 6, 1886, and 
died November 4, 1891; Ellen A., who was born 
December 15, 1887, and died October 31, 1891; 
and George A., who was born March 22, 1891, and 
died January 19, 1895. 

Since attaining his majority Mr. Rackley has 
carried on farming on his own account and, re- 
siding upon the old homestead, is now the owner 
of a valuable property of eighty acres, which has 
been in possession of the family for more than half 
a century. It is a well improved tract of land, 
equipped with modern conveniences and accessor- 
ies and everything about the place is indicative of 
the care and supervision of a progressive owner. 
He is prominent socially as a member of Daunt- 
less lodge, No. 150, K. P., and Modern Woodmen 
camp. No. 468. His political allegiance is given 
to the republican party and he adheres to the faith 
of the Baptist church, of which his family are also 
members. His entire life having been passed in 
the county, he is widely known to many of the 
citizens of Berlin township and other districts and 
through forty-six years he has now l)een an inter- 
ested witness of the changes which have occurred 
as man has wrought for the improvement and de- 
velopment of this part of the state. 



JAMES E. EILEY. 



James E. Eiley, dependent upon his own re- 
sources from an early age, is now a substantial 
resident of the village of La Moille, trusted by his 
fellowmen by reason of his personal worth, his 
business ability and the fidelity which he has dis- 
played toward every trust that has been reposed 
in him. He is, moreover, deserving of representa- 
tion in this volume as one of the veterans of the 
Civil war, who stood loyally in defense of the 
Union during the dark hour in our country's his- 
tory. 

Mr. Riley is a native of Greene county, Indiana, 
born July 19, 1842, and is the eighth in a family 
of eleven children. The father, John Eiley, was 
born in Bradford, England, February 23, 1805, 
and was married there to Miss Eachel Dalby, who 
was born in the same place on the 20th of Septem- 
ber, 1805. They came to America in 1830 and 
settled in Indiana, where they reared their family. 

James E. Eiley spent the days of his boyhood 
and youth in the state of his nativity and com- 
pleted his education in the schools of New Albany, 
Indiana. He then learned the cabinet-maker's 
trade, at which he worked until the outbreak of 
tjie Civil war. Ho had watched with interest the 
progress of events in the south, had noted the 
growing movement toward secession and had re- 
solved that if a blow was struck to overthrow the 
Union he would stand loyally for its defense. 
Hardly had the smoke from Fort Sumter's guna 
cleared away when on the 16th of April, 1861, he 



joined Company A of the Twelfth Indiana In- 
fantry in response to the first call for soldiers to 
crush out the relielliou in the south. Later he 
served with Company F of the Fifty-ninth Indi- 
ana Infantry, subsequently with Company A of the 
Forty-ninth United States Colored Infantry and 
afterward with Company B of the First United 
States Veterans. He was with the army continu- 
ously throughout the period of the war and it was 
not until the 4th of January, 18G6, about eight 
months after the actual cessation of hostilities, 
that he was honorably discharged. He participated 
in the only battle where the black flag was raised, 
which meant "no quarter." His regiment guarded 
the scaffold at Washington whereon the conspira- 
tors connected with the a.ssassination of President 
Lincoln wore hung. It was his regiment that bur- 
ied the dead on the field thirieeu months alter the 
battle of the Wilderness, covering a territory twen- 
ty-one miles long. Mr. Riley saw arduous service, 
fraught with every dilliculty and danger known to 
the life of a soldier, but was never known to falter 
in the performance of any duty, displaying marked 
valor and loyalty throughout his entire connection 
with the army. Following the close of the wg^ 
he returned to his home and took up work at the 
carpenter's trade, which he has followed during 
the greater part of his life, being closely associated 
with building operations in this section of the 
county for many years. As he has prospered in 
his undertakings he has invested in real estate and 
is now the owner of town property in La Moille. 

On the 8th of April, 1869, Mr. Riley was mar- 
ried to Miss Hattie E. Phillips, who was born in 
Buckland, Ma.'isachusetts, August 18, 1848, and 
was educated in the schools of La Moille and in 
Dover academy. Her parents were Elijah B. and 
I'^lizabt'th (Rood) Phillips, llcr father was born 
in Massachusetts and was of the eiglith generatioo 
of the descendants of Miles Standish. With his 
family he came to Ija Moille in 1856 and remained 
a resident of Bureau county until his death, save 
that for a short period he resided in Livingston 
county, Illinois, and in South Dakota. He then 
returned to Bureau county, where he and his wife 
spent their remaining days. The marriage of Mr. 
and Mrs. Riley has been blessed with tliree cliil- 
dren : Benjamin B., born Januarv 23, 1870; Ralph 
E., May 23, 18S2, and Glenn A., June 15, 1892. 

Mr. Riley has filled all of the ollice.-; in the Odd 
Fellows lodge, of which he is a member, and has 
been district deputy grand master for five years. 
He is one of the leading members of this organiza- 
tion in his section of the state and has done much 
for its advancement. He votes witii tlie republi- 
can party and has filled various olTices, serving as 
township collector, as president of the village 
board, as trustee for eight years and for four years 
as clerk. He and his family hold membership in 
the Congregational church. Friends and neigh- 
bors esteem him, for he is a public-spirited citi- 
7.cn in the truest and best sense of the term, mani- 



828 



TAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



festing in days of peace the same loyalty to the 
governmeut in its local and national interests as 
when he followed the stars and stripes upon the 
battlefields of the south. He has fully merited 
the confidence of his fellowmen by an upright 
life, has been a trustworthy official and in business 
has ever been honest and reliable. 



OEMOXD J. CONXER. 

Among the leading and influential merchants 
of Ohio, Bureau county, Illinois, is numbered Or- 
niond J. Conner, who with his father, William il. 
Conner, is interested in the lumber and coal busi- 
ness. He was born in Ohio township, this county, 
September 18, 1871, a son of William M. and 
Maria Winkler, the former a native of Leesburg, 
A'ii-ginia, born March 2, 183T, and whose sketch 
api)ears elsewhere in this volume, and the latter 
born in Summit county, Ohio, August 20, 1841, 
a daughter of James and Lucinda (Boydston) 
Winkler. In their family have been born four chil- 
dren, namelv: Lucv B., born November 7, 186.5; 
Clarence E.,' .May 21, 1867: Roberta Y., born Sep- 
tember 26, 1S69, and OriiKHid .1., the subject of 
this review. 

Ormond J. Conner, the youngest member of his 
father's family, received his education in the pub- 
lic schools of Ohio, and after putting aside his 
text-hooks entered into business in connection with 
his father as a dealer in knnber and coal in the vil- 
lage of Ohio. By honesty and strict adherence to 
business they have built up a large trade, handling 
all kinds of lumber for huilding purposes, as well 
as coal, and they enjoy a large patronage both in 
the village of Ohio and in the surrounding coun- 
try as well. 

ilr. Conner was united in marriage to iliss 
Mae E. Fagan, the wedding ceremony being per- 
formed on tlie 29th of August, 1895. Mrs. Con- 
ner was Ijorn .lanuarv 20, 187-1. and is a daughter 
of :\richael and Mary E. (Shehan) Fagan. Thfe 
father was born in eastern Canada, December 28, 
18.')0, and when a small boy was brought by his 
parents to the ITnited States. The mother was 
born in Lee county, Illinois, August 17, 1852. 
They became the parents of nine children, of whom 
^Irs. Conner is the second in order of birth. She 
was educated in the public schools of the village 
in which she yet makes her home. Unto Mr. and 
^Irs. Conner have been horn four children, name- 
ly: Ivan E., born January 10, 1897; Glen 0., 
born December 9, 1898: Margaret J\I., Ijorn starch 
11, 1901. and Helen M., May 7, 1906. 

In politics ^Ir. Coniu'r is a republican and takes 
an active and helpful jiart in local {)olitieal ranks, 
having served as councilman of the village of Ohio, 
and was also township clerk for four years. Fra- 
ternally he is a memher of the Independent Order 
of Odd Fellows, belonging to Schamo lodge, No. 
627, and is also a Modern Woodman, belonging to 



lodge No. 17. Mrs. Conner is a communicant of 
the Catholic church. 

yir. Conner is an energetic young business man, 
having through his well directed efforts and 
straightforward dealing built up an excellent busi- 
ness as a dealer in lumber and coal, and in addi- 
tion to this business he is also the owner of one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in Wisconsin and 
owns his residence in the village of Ohio. Thus 
it will be seen that he has accumulated a hand- 
.some competence which classes him among the 
prominent citizens of Bureau county. He possesses 
a genial nature, is courteous in manner, and both 
he and his wife are popular socially. 



NELS ERIKSON. 

Nels Erikson is one of the extensive land owners 
of Bureau county, his holdings comprising five 
hundred and seventj' acres in Arispie township. A 
noted lecturer has said that "Sweden is the home 
pf the honest man," and throughout the world it 
is a recognized fact that the sons of that countrv 
are among the most industrious people on the face 
of the globe. The life record of Nels Erikson 
is another illustration of these statements, for his 
unfaltering energy, combined with his business 
integrity, have been the strong elements in his 
success, which has made him one of the prosperous 
residents of his adopted county. 

He spent the first twenty-one years of his life 
in the land of his nativity, and in the year 1856 
came to the United States, hoping to enjoy better 
business opportunities and advantages in the new 
world. 

He lived in Minnesota for a few months, after 
which he removed to Moline, Illinois, where he 
spent a year and a half. He then came to Bureau 
county, and entered business life here as a farm 
hand, working for eleven dollars per month. .Am- 
bitious, however, to engage in farming on his own 
account, he at length rented land, which he op- 
erated for a few years, and when his industry and 
economy had brought him sufficient capital he 
made purchase of a farm of sixty acres in Arispie 
township. He became owner of this ]n-operty in 
1868, and it has since been his place of residence, 
although from time to time, as his financial re- 
sources have increased, he has extended its boun- 
daries, until he now owns five hundred and sev- 
enty acres of very valuable land. Much of this 
was covered with timber when it came into his 
possession, but it now constitutes one of the finest 
farming properties of the county, the fields having 
been brought under a high state of cultivation, 
while all modern e(iui])ments have been added, to- 
gether with the latest improved machinery to fa- 
cilitate the work of plowing, planting and har- 
vesting. He has been very progressive in all his 
work and has made a specialty of the raisinsr of 




MR. AND MRS. X^y^s ERICKSOX. 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUiNTV. 



831 



fine stock, which has proved an important source 
of income to him. 

In 1866 Mr. Erikson was united in marriage to 
Miss Ellen Pierson, a native of Sweden, who came 
to the United States when nine years of age and 
died in April, 1899. Five children graced this 
marriage: Albert, deceased; Oscar, now a pros- 
perous jeweler of Pittsfield, Illinois ; Edward, who 
married Freda Oberg and is living on a part of 
his father's farm ; Esther, the wife of S. M. John- 
son, at Kewauee, Illinois; and August, who has 
charge of one of his father's farms in Arispie 
township. 

Mr. Erikson is a member of the Lutheran 
church and is living a life in harmony with his 
professions. He has now passed the seventy-third 
milestone on life's journey, and in a review of the 
past it will be seen that he has displayed many 
of the sterling traits of character which command 
respect and confidence in every land and clime. 



JAMES G. LORD. 

James G. Lord, after many years of active con- 
nection with agricultural interests, is now liv- 
ing retired on his farm on section 8, Milo town- 
ship. He was born near Manchester, England, 
July 21, 1830, and is a son of Lawrence Lord. 
He wa.» reared in his native country and acquired 
his education in private schools there, having lib- 
eral advantages for intellectual development. He 
also attended evening schools to some extent and 
prepared for a business life by a ten years' appren- 
ticeship to the iron molder's trade. He came to 
America in 1844, when only fourteen years of age, 
but after remaining for a year returned to his na- 
tive country. In 1850, however, he once more 
came to the L^nited States and in 18.53 he went 
back to England, where he was married. The 
same year he brought his bride to the new world 
and has since continued in America. He first 
lived in New York city but in 18.5.5 came to Bu- 
reau county and purchased eighty acres of land, 
whereon he now resides. He made the purchase, 
however, for his father, while he maintained his 
residence in Chicago until 1ST~. when he took up 
his abode upon the farm which has since been his 
home. For twenty-two years he worked at the 
Iron molder's trade in Chicago and his capability 
always secured to him good positions. It was in 
1839 that his father first came to America but 
later he returned to England, again coming to 
the United States in 1844, once more went back 
to his native land and in 18-51 took up his abode 
permanently in the new world. After living for 
a number of years in Bureau county he removed, 
in 1877, to New Jersey, where he spent his re- 
maining days. 

To his first purchase of land James G. Lord has 
added from time to time until he now owns two 
hundred and fortv acre-:, constituting a splendid- 



ly improved property. He has engaged extensive- 
ly in raising cattle and hogs and has always been 
very successful in this work. He is now practi- 
cally retired, wliile his sons carry on the labor of 
the farm. 

In 1852 Mr. Lord was married to Miss Harriet 
Parr, who was born in England in 1826. a daugh- 
ter of Thomas Parr. They have four children: 
Eliza, the wife of B. .\. Labryn. of Chicago, by 
whom she has a son and daughter ; James, who 
is the owner of a fine orange ranch in California; 
George, who is living near his father and has four 
daugiiters and an adopted son ; and Lawrence, who 
also lives near the old homestead and lias two 
sons and three daughters. 

Mr. Lord votes with the republican party, of 
which he has been a stalwart advocate since cast- 
ing his first presidential vote for Fremont. He 
has been school director and clerk for twenty-five 
years and the cause of education finds in him a 
warm and helpful friend. He was also commis- 
sioner of public highways for many years and has 
been solicited to hold other offices but would never 
accept, his ambition not being in the line of office 
holding. lie and his wife have led a very active 
life and as the result of their former toil and 
capable management they are now most comforta- 
bly situated upon their farm, which is four miles 
from Bradford. They have seen many changes 
since first coming here and Mr. Lord is one of the 
few old settlers who can tell from personal ex- 
perience events which have left their impress upon 
the history of the county and bave aided in mold- 
ing its destiny. He has now passed the seventy- 
sixth milestone on life's journey and he enjoys 
the respect of young and old, rich and poor. 



GEORGE OTTOSON. 

Among the representatives of Scandinavian race 
to whose efforts may be largely attributed the 
growth, development, progress and prosperity of 
Manlius township, is numbered George Ottoson, 
who was born in Denmark, January 17, 1844. His 
parents were Otto and Hannah (Jenson) Otto- 
son, who spent their entire lives in Denmark. 
There their son George was reared and educated 
and, attracted by the opportunities of the new 
world, he crossed the Atlantic to the United States 
in 1872, when twenty-eight years of age, coming 
direct to Bureau county. He first located at Shef- 
field, and for about eight years was employed at 
farm labor in this county, during which time he 
saved from his earnings a sum sufficient to justify 
his purchase of eighty acres of land in J[anlius 
township. He then began farming on his own ac- 
count and now has a good property. 

Mr. Ottoson was married February 8, 1880. to 
J[iss Anna Jacob.son, a daughter of John and Lena 
Johnson, of Lolland, Denmark, the former a mil- 
ler bv occupation. Mrs. Ottoson came to .\mericft 



833 



PAST AND PEESEXT OP BUEEAU COUNTY. 



in 1ST8 and following their marriage the young 
couple began their domestic life upon the farm 
which has since been their home. The union has 
been blessed with two children but they lost their 
son, John Charles, who was born on the 13th of 
January, 1881, and died on the 18th of February 
of the same year. Their daughter, Hannah H., 
was married February 14, 1906, to Peter D. Han- 
son, of Fairfield township. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ottoson hold membership in the 
Danish Lutheran church of Sheffield and are well 
known farming people of the community, living 
a quiet life, yet through the conduct of his busi- 
ness interests and the faithful performance of 
each day's duties Mr. Ottoson is making a credita- 
ble record and contributing to that general stabili- 
ty and progress which results from the concerted 
efforts of the business men of the county. 



PETER NELSON. 

An important element in the citizenship of 
Manlius township and this part of the county is 
that which has been furnished by Sweden, "the 
home of the honest man." The sons of that 
country have always been noted for their industry 
and therefore prove important factors in devel- 
oping the natural resources of any locality where 
they chance to settle. Mr. Nelson was born in 
Hesslehohm, Sweden, September 22, 1846, his 
parents being Nels and Mary (Olson) Peterson. 
The father, a farmer by occupation, always fol- 
lowing that pursuit in order to provide for his 
family, was born in 1818 and died in 1899, 
while his wife, whose birth also occurred in 1818, 
passed away in 1904. 

Their son Peter spent his boyhood days in his 
native country and retained his residence there to 
the age of twenty-three years, when in 1869 he 
crossed the briny deep to the new world and made 
his way at once into the interior of the country, 
reaching Moline, Illinois, on the 2d of June. 
Here he was first employed at laying the founda- 
tion for the Moline Wagon Works and subsequently 
he secured work on the canal at Keokuk, Iowa. 
On the l.'ith of October, 1869. he began laying 
track on the Buda and Elmwood branch of the 
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Eailroad, and on 
the 26th of January, 1870, he turned his atten- 
tion to farm labor and to the task of hauling lum- 
ber and logs, being thus engaged for tliree years. 
He next removed to Manlius township, where he 
rented land and began farming on his own ac- 
count, remaining on that place for three years. 
In 1875, having carefully saved his earnings, he 
made purchase of eighty acres in Manlius town.ship 
and in 1882 purchased his present homestead of 
one hundred and sixty acres adjoining liis orifjinal 
tract, so that he owns altogether two Inmdred and 
forty acres of rich land in one body. He is in- 
terested in fine stock, raising full blooded cattle 



of the shorthorn variety and also Poland China 
and Duroc Jersey hogs, of which he has many 
head of registered stock. He likewise has good 
horses upon his place and his stock-raising inter- 
ests are an important source of revenue to him, for 
their high grade insures a ready sale on the mar- 
ket and enables him to command the highest mar- 
ket price. 

On the 10th of March, 1872, Mr. Nelson was 
married to Miss Ellen Gustavason, a native of 
Jonkling, Sweden, in which country her parents 
were farming people. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Nelson 
have been born eight children, of whom six are 
yet living: Mary Ida, at home; Freada Otellea, 
who is employed in the county clerk's office in 
Princeton ; Sadie, who was graduated from the 
Princeton high school in the class of 1906 and won 
a scholarship to the State University at Cham- 
paign ; Albert, who is operating a rented farm 
of three hundred and twenty-seven acres and mar- 
ried Miss Maud Siebel, of Manlius township, by 
whom he has two children. Perry and Fay ; Ed- 
ward L., who is at home with his father; and Alma 
Nathlie, the wife of Claud Brown, county super- 
intendent of schools. Those deceased are : Emma 
E., who became the wife of Max P. Siebel and died 
leaving one child, Glee Page; and Frederick, who 
died in 1877, at the age of six months. 

Mr. Nelson and the family attend the Christian 
church in Greenville township. He has served as 
school director for fifteen years and in politics is 
a very active republican, earnestly desiring the 
growth and success of his party, yet never seek- 
ing office for himself. When he landed in Ameri- 
ca he had a capital of only twenty-six dollars, so 
that his present good fortune is the result of his 
own perseverance and labor. He paid thirty-two 
dollars per acre for the fir<t land which lie bought 
and forty-eight dollars and seventy-five cents per 
acre for the tract of one hundred and sixty acres. 
His farm buildings are among the best in the 
township and include substantial barns and sheds 
together with a very commodious and attractive 
residence. Altogether the farm is one of the pleas- 
ing features of the landscape and the owner is 
numbered among the leading and representative 
agriculturists of Manlius township. 



J. S. CLAEK. 
J. S. Clark, a retired and wealthy farmer resid- 
ing at No. 816 South Jlain street in Princeton, his 
native city, was born October 19, 1839, his parents 
being George and Nancy (Matson) Clark. The 
father wiis born in St. Clairsville, Ohio, March 13, 
1811, and came to Bureau county in 183.'), settling 
on one hundred and sixty acres of land in Berlin 
township, hut later he purchased a homo in Dover, 
where he spent his last years in retirement from 
agricultural life. He and his wife had traveled 
life's journey together for fifty-six years at the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



833 



time of his demise. Mrs. Clark was a sister of 
Nehemiah Matson, who gave to the city of Prince- 
ton its library. She was born April G, 1814, and 
died in her ninety-first year, passing away in 
Princeton on the 30th of "December, 1904, while 
Mr. Clark's death occurred in February, 1800. In 
the family were four children, three of whom are 
residents of Princeton, while Enis Clark is an 
attorney of St. Louis, Missouri. 

J. S. Clark, whose name introduces this record, 
was educated in the common schools of Bureau 
county, Illinois, and always followed farming up 
to the time of his retirement. In 18GG he was 
married to Miss Annie E. Sapp, a native of this 
county and a daughter of Solomon Sapp, who 
arrived here in 1835. Two daughters grace this 
marriage: Fannie, the wife of H. A. Clark, of 
Princeton; and May, the wife of Thomas Joy, of 
Birmingham, Alabama. 

In 1882 Mr. Clark took up his abode in Prince- 
ton, where he has since lived retired, his judi- 
ciously placed investments bringing to him a splen- 
did income. His life has been passed without excit- 
ing incident or episode but stands as a splendid 
illustration of the force and power of energy, per- 
severance and integrity in business alTairs and the 
value of a high standard of conduct in winning 
the respect, confidence and good will of one's fel- 
lowmen. 



JAMES C. JENSEN. 

James C. Jensen, who owns, operates and occu- 
pies a valuable farm of one hundred and twenty 
acres in Gold township, has spent almost his en- 
tire life in this county, although he was born in 
Denmark in 1870. He is a son of Andrew and 
Mary Jensen, who w6re likewise natives of Den- 
mark, whence they sailed for America with their 
family when their son James was only a year old, 
making their way to Sheffield, Illinois. The 
father has devoted his life to farming, whicli oc- 
cupation he is now following in Manlius town- 
ship. 

At the usual age James C. Jensen began his edu- 
cation in the district schools and therein mastered 
the common branches of English learning which 
equip one for the tranisactinn of business in 
later life and qualify him for responsible duties. 
The periods of vacation were largely devoted to 
work n[iiin the fatlier's farm as lie assisted in the 
labors of field and meadow and the care of the 
stock, and after attaining his majority he began 
farming on his own account. He is now the 
owner of one hundred and twenty acres of good 
land in Gold township and has brought his fields 
under a high state of cultivaticm, using the latest 
improved farm machinery to facilitate the work. 
He has also added many modern equipments and 
conveniences to the farm. 

Mr. Jensen was married, in 1800. to Jfiss Han- 



.sene Jensen, who was born in Denmark and came 
to the United States when nineteen years of age. 
This marriage lias been blessed with tVo children : 
\\'allacd, three years of age; and Martha, a year 
old. The parents attend the Danish Lutheran 
church of Sheffield, while fraternally Mr. Jensen 
is connected with the Odd Fellows lodge, No. 808, 
at Sheffield, and politically is a democrat. He has 
spent practically his entire life in this county and 
many of his warm friends arc those who have 
known him from his boyhood days. 



JAMES O'BRIEN. 

James O'Brien is farming a quarter section of 
land in Macon township which he purchased in 
1900. He is one of the veterans of the Civil 
war and no adopted son of America has been more 
loyal to the interests and welfare of the nation. 
He was born in County Clare, Ireland, March 1, 
1844, and is a son of Patrick and Bridget (Rey- 
nolds) O'Brien, both of whom were born in Coun- 
ty Clare. Both died when about eighty years of 
age. They were married in Ireland and came to 
the new world in 1848 as pas.sengers on a sail- 
ing vessel which dropped anchor in the harbor of 
Quebec. They afterward proceeded to the state 
of New York, where they lived for a number of 
years and then came to Bureau county in 1856, 
locating in Indiantown township, where the father 
was first employed at fami labor and later pur- 
chased a farm comprising both timber and prairie 
land. He continued its cultivation throughout 
his remaining days, making it his home until he 
was called to his final rest. Both he and his 
wife were devoted members of the Roman Catho- 
lic church and in politics lie was a Jacksonian 
democrat. In their family were ten children, but 
only four are now living: James; Margaret; 
Anna, the wife of Philip Horan, of Tiskilwa; and 
Daniel, a resident. farmer of Indiantown township. 

James O'Brien was only four years of age when 
the parents left Ireland, bringing their family 
with them to America. In his youth he worked 
upon the home farm in the summer months and 
attended school in the winter seasons. He re- 
mained at home until after the outbreak of the 
Civil war, when on the 15th of .\ugust, ISfi'J, at 
the age of eighteen years, he enlisted at Tiskilwa. 
Illinois, as a member of Company E, Ninety-third 
[llinnis Volunteer Infantry, serving with that 
command until honorably discharged at Camp 
Douglas, Chicago. July 6, 1865. On the day of 
his enlistment he was promoted to the rank of 
rorporal and was in every battle and on every 
march in which his regiment partiripated. He 
took part in the engagement at Champion Hill, 
Mav 16, 186.3; was in the siege of Vicksburg 
from the 10th of May until the 4th of July of that 
year; was also in the Chattanooga campaign; the 
battle of 'Mission Ridge; the battle of Altoona, 



834 



PAST AKD PRESENT OP BUREAU COUNTY. 



Georgia, on the 5th of October, 1864; the cam- 
paign in the C'arolinas; and the grand review in 
Washington, D. C, on the 24th of May, 1865, 
where the victorious army marched past the stand 
on which stood the president and other noted men 
of the nation to welcome the returning army amid 
the cheers of thousands of loyal Union people 
who lined the streets of the capital city. The 
war being over, Mr. O'Brien then returned to his 
home with a most creditable military record. 

He came with the family to Bureau county and 
here, on the 1st of January, 1870, was married 
to Miss Mary Cahill, who was born in County 
Cork, Ireland, March 17, 1847. Her parents, Mor- 
ris and Margaret (Golden) Cahill, came to the 
United States in 18.51, sailing from Cork and land- 
ing at Boston, Massachusetts. They located at 
Salmon Falls, New Hampshire, where they lived 
until 1863, Mr. Cahill being employed in a cotton 
factory. In November of that year they came to 
Illinois, settling at Tiskilwa. He owned three 
hundred acres of land in Stark county and three 
hundred and twenty acres in Bureau county. His 
remaining days were spent as a farmer of this 
locality. Both he and his wife were communi- 
cants of the Roman Catholic church and his politi- 
cal allegiance was given to the democracy. Both 
died when about eighty-five years of age. In their 
family were eleven children, five now living: Mrs. 
O'Brien, Stephen, Morris, William and Agnes. 

The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. O'Brien has been 
blessed with nine children, seven of whom survive: 
Anna, the wife of Daniel Johnson ; Patrick : Mary. 
the wife of John Turner; Morris; Elizabeth; 
.Tames and Agnes Veronica. 

Following his marriage Mr. O'Brien began 
farming on his own account and throughout his 
entire life has carried on agricultural pursuits. 
He now has a well improved farm property, upon 
which he has lived since IDOO. It comprises one 
hundred and sixty acres of well cultivated land 
and his labors are annually rewarded by abundant 
harvests. He has served as school director but has 
never been a politician in the sense of office-seek- 
ing. His ballot, however, supports the democracy 
and he is loyal in citizenship, manifesting the 
same spirit of fidelity that he displayed when upon 
southern battlefields he followed the old flag. He 
and bis family are communicants of the Roman 
Catholic church. 



N. W. ISAACSON. 
N. W. Isaacson is the senior partner of the lead- 
ing dry goods firm of Princeton, and has a busi- 
ness record which any man might be proud to 
possess, for from a small beginning he has devel- 
oped an enterprise of extensive proportions, and, 
moreover, has the entire confidence, good will and 
admiration of his business associates, for he has 
never incurred obligations that he has not met 



nor made engagements that h6 has not fulfilled. 
The firm of N. W. Isaacson & Company are to- 
day proprietors of the "White House," and carry 
an extensive line of dry goods, carpets, millinery 
and cloaks, this being the largest enterprise of the 
character in Bureau county. 

The life record of Mr. Isaacson began in Chris- 
tianstadt, Sweden, January 20, 1853, his parents 
being Peter and Carrie (Johnson) Isaacson, both 
of whom have passed away, the father dying when 
about eighty-two and a half years of age and the 
mother when eighty-three years of age. They 
came to Princeton on the 12th of June, 1865, and 
made their home here throughout their remaining 
days. 

N. W. Isaacson had attended school in Sweden 
and completed his education in the schools of 
Princeton, whither he came with his parents when 
a youth of twelve years. When he put aside his 
text-books he watched for opportunities for favor- 
able entrance into the business world, and on the 
1st of March, 1870, became actively connected 
with the dry goods trade, in which line he has 
continued through the intervening years to the 
present time. For a quarter of a century he has 
been engaged in business on his own account, and 
the junior partners of the present firm are Miss 
Ohman and J. S. Anderson. From ten to twelve 
people are employed in the store, which is now 
an extensive establishment, unsurpassed by any 
commercial enterprise of this kind in Princeton 
or Bureau county. Mr. Isaacson erected the pres- 
ent fine building, which is forty-three and a half 
by ninety feet, and in 1895 he opened in this store 
the present stock of goods. The second story con- 
tains a suite of rooms occupied by Dr. Palmer 
and the Delmonti Club rooms. Mr. Isaacson gives 
his entire attention to the business, which is con- 
stantly growing. The stock is carefully selected 
with regard to the wishes of a general trade, and 
the enterprise, conservative business methods and 
yet progressive spirit which has always charac- 
terized the house have been the strong and salient 
features in its success. 

Mr. Isaacson was married, March 84, 1881, to 
Miss Almeda Spake, a sister of John L. Spake, 
deceased. Two children grace this marriage : 
Roger S., who is connected with the store, and 
Verna L., who is now a student in the North- 
western University at Evanston, Illinois, pursuing 
a regular classical course and also devoting spe- 
cial attention to languages. 

Since age confei'red u|ion ^Ir. Isaacson the rigJit 
of franchise he has always been a stanch repub- 
lican, though never an office seeker. He docs not 
se.'k or desire office as a reward for his party 
fciliv, which is given because of his earnest be- 
lief in the principles of the party and his desire 
that the best interests of the country may be pro- 
moted therebv. Socially he is connected with the 
Miisonic fraternity, in which he has attained the 
Royal .Arch degree, and he attends the Methodist 




N. W. ISAACSON. 




THE WHITE HOUSE. 



PAST AND I'lMiSENT OF lillUCAU COUNTY. 



,s;i!i 



Episcopal church. His interest extends to the 
material, intellectual, political and moral progress 
of his city and is manifest by tangiljle co-operation 
in many movements that have had direct bearing 
upon the general welfare. He is thorouglily iden- 
tified with the interests of Princeton and Jiureau 
county and is justly accounted one of the most 
prominent Swedish-American citizens. The fam- 
ily residence is on South JMain street, where Mr. 
Isaacson has erected a very comfortable and at- 
tractive home. 



THE WHITE HOUSE. 
The White House dry goods store, while it is 
not a department store, yet it is so systematically 
arranged that each particular line of goods is a 
complete store in itself. The store is divided into 
two parts by a double row of shelving down the 
center. That part facing north is filled with a 
co;nplete line of dress goods and silks at the front 
and table linens and flannels in the rear. That 
part facing south contains kid and fabric gloves, 
hojiery and velvets at the front and underwear 
in the rear The millinery department is located 
at the left as you enter the door, and is one of 
the strong features in the store. The south side 
of the store is filled to its utmost capacity with 
notions, prints, ginghams, cotton dress goods and 
stabiles. At the extreme rear, on the right, is 
found an up-to-dat. carpet, rug and linoleum de- 
partment, and a"; the left a full line of cloaks. On 
a balcony at the rear is the upholsterv department, 
comprising lace curtains, portieres, rhades, etc., in 
endless variety. 



GEORGE G. BEXNETT. 

George G. Bennett, a stock-raiser and shipper of 
Neponsot township, living upon a good farm prop- 
erty which he owns, is one of New England's na- 
tive sons, his birth having occurred in Peacham, 
Caledonia county, Vermont, March 10, 18.51. His 
paternal grandfather, Humphrey Bennett, was 
a lawyer by profession and died in the east on the 
1st of January, 1834, when only twenty-nine years 
of age. His wife, who bore the maiden name of 
Celinda Morrill, long survived him and passed 
away August 24, 1851, at the age of fiftv-threi* 
years. 

Humphrey Bennett, Jr., father of our subject, 
was born in Danville, Vermont, on the 6th of May, 
1822, and was reared in the (Jreen Mountain 
state, where, having arrived at years of maturity, 
he was married to Miss T>aura M. Blanchard. whose 
birth occurred in Peaehani. Humphrey Bennett, 
Jr., was only two and a half years of age at the 
time of his father's death but was carefully reared 
and educated. Attracted by the opportunities of 
the great and growing west, however, he left New 



England in the fall of 185G and made his way to 
Illinois, settling on section 35, Neponset township, 
where he secured one hundred acres of wild prairie 
land. He was a carpenter by trade and in the 
spring of 1857 he erected a residence upon his 
fami and was then joined by his wife and children, 
who came from Vermont to their new home in 
Bureau county. With characteristic energy he un- 
dertook the task of breaking the wild prairie and 
developing a farm. He planted trees upon the 
place and carried on the work of cultivation. 
eventually transforming the wild land into pro- 
ductive fields. Year after year he performed the 
task of plowing, planting and hai-vesting and his 
labor brought to him a goodly measure of success. 
He lived upon his original farm until 1874, when 
he sold that property and bought one hundred and 
si.xty acres in the same localitv as the Palmer 
Blanchard place. Then; he lived" until l.SHO, when 
he removed to Neponset and spent his remaining 
days. In 188G he was called upon to mourn the 
loss of his first wife, who died on the 22d of Octo- 
ber of that year at the age of si.xty-one years, eight 
months and fourteen days. In their family were 
five children, of whom four still survive, namely: 
George G.; Lizzie H. : H. H., who is living 'in 
Lincoln, Nebraska; and Hattie J., the wife of Wil- 
liam Studley, a resident of Macon township. The 
father was again married, h'ls second union being 
with Miss Lucretia Pearson, a native of Massa- 
chusetts, who still survives him. Mr. Bennett 
passed away on the 9th of Manh. 1905, at the 
advanced age of eighty-two years, ten months and 
three days. After coming to Illinois he served as 
a school director for a number of years and was 
also school trustee. His life was ever honorable 
and upright and he was a devoted member of the 
Congregational church and took a most active and 
helpful part in its work. For some time he taught 
the bible class in the Sunday-school, continuing 
this labor of love as long as his health would per- 
mit. He was also one of the deacons in the church 
for a number of years and was a most ardent advo- 
cate of the cause of temperance, doing all in his 
power for its promotion. His political support 
was given to the whig party until its dissolution, 
when he joined the ranks of the new republican 
party and marched under its banners throughout 
his remaining days. His position was never an 
equivocal one. He stood firm in support of his 
honest convictions and his influence was ever 
found on the side of right, justice, truth and 
progress. 

George G. Bennett, whose name introduces this 
review, was a little lad of only live summers at the 
time his parents left New England and came to 
Illinois. He was therefore reared in Bureau 
county and worked \ipou the home farm in his 
boyhood days during the summer months, while 
in the winter seasons he attended the common 
schools, thus acquiring a good English education. 
He was afterward employed by the month at farm 



840 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



labor in the neighborhood up to the time of his 
marriage, when he began farming on his own ac- 
count, securing one hundred and sixty acres of 
land, which he cultivated for some time. Later, 
however, he bought the farm on which he now 
resides and on which substantial improvements 
have been made. He raises graded cattle, horses 
and hogs and ships his own stock to market, send- 
ing about two carloads of hogs each year. 

On the 21st of January, 1880, Mr. Bennett was 
married to Miss Sarah A. Stabler, who was born 
in Neponset township, September 14, 1861, a 
daughter of Robert Joseph and Martha (Bram- 
bles) Stabler. This marriage has been blessed with 
six children, of whom four are now living: Claud 
G., who was boi-n March 9, 1881 ; Laura M., Sep- 
tember 27, 1883 : Guy R., October 29, 1885 ; and 
Nellie V., Mav 14, 1890. One son, Harry M., 
born March 28^ 1887, died August 16, 1900. 

Mr. Bennett is a republican and keeps well in- 
formed on the questions and issues of the day but 
has never sought or desired office, holding no 
public position save that of school director. His 
time is fully occupied by his business cares and in 
his farm work he has displayed close application, 
unremitting diligence and laudable ambition. 



JACOB FREDERICK SCHOETTLER. 

Jacob Frederick Schoettler, who was born No- 
vember 5, 1845, in Concord township. Bureau 
county, Illinois, is a son of Frederick and Marie 
(Schwarzentraub) Schoettler, both of whom were 
natives of Germany, and came to America at nn 
early day. The father first located in Ohio and 
was married in Butler county, in May, 1843, and 
in the same year came to Illinois, settling in 
Concord township, Bureau county, where he en- 
gaged in farming. 

Jacob F. Schoettler was reared to farm life in 
Bureau county and received his education in the 
country schools of Concord township. He re- 
mained upon the home farm during his boyhood 
and youth and gave his father the benefit of his 
services, receiving practical training in this line 
which later enabled him to start out in life on his 
own account. In 1871 he came to Buda, where he 
engaged in the draying and transfer business for 
many years, also dealing in coal and ice. In 
1904 he engaged in the harness and saddlery busi- 
ness, in which he has been very successful, having 
built up a good patronage not only in his imme- 
diate vicinity but throughout the surrounding 
country. 

Two years after coming to Buda, in 1873, he 
was united in marriage to Miss Abbie Jane Robey, 
the wedding ceremony being performed on the 8th 
of October of that j'ear. Mrs. Schoettler, with her 
parents, James D. and Patience L. Robey, came 
to Illinois from New Hampsliire in 1861. They 
have become the parents of one daughter, Grace 



Robey, born in December, 1879, who is a graduate 
of the Buda schools. 

Mr. Schoettler affiliates with the republican 
party. He is a popular and influential citizen of 
Buda, having served for three terms of two years 
each on the village board. He is also a member 
of the L'nitarian church and is now acting as 
treasurer of that organization. He is a progressive 
citizen, being interested in every movement which 
tends to advance the welfare of his to\\Ti and 
county, and by his reliable and honorable dealings 
with ins fellow citizens has built up a nice busi- 
ness, which adds much to the substantial develop- 
ment of his home town, and he and his family 
are highly esteemed throughout the community. 



WALTER L. GIBBS. 

Walter L. Gibbs, residing at No. 1225 South 
Main street, in Princeton, where he owns a fine 
new residence, has for the past twelve years been 
a traveling representative for the wholesale house 
of Hibbard, Spencer, Bartlett & Company, of Chi- 
cago. He was born in 1859 in the city which is yet 
his place of residence, and is a son of H. D. Gibbs, 
whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work. He 
was reared here to the age of seventeen years, after 
which he spent two years in Tiskilwa and then 
went to Chicago, as house employe and traveling 
salesman for fourteen years, for the hardware firm 
of Wells & Nellegar Company. He has thus de- 
voted most of his life to the hardware trade, in- 
cluding three years spent at Tipton, Iowa, as a re- 
tail hardware merchant. He is thoroughly conver- 
sant with the trade in every detail and is an ex- 
pert salesman, having built up a good patronage 
over the territory where he travels, so that he is 
one of the trusted and valued employes of the 
house. 

Mr. Gibbs was married in Princeton to Rosella 
J. Priestley, a daughter of C. M. Priestley, and 
they now have five children. Charles H.. who is 
assistant engineer of the Illinois Valley Railroad 
Company, and now has charge of the construction 
work of the line to Princeton, is a graduate of 
the University of Illinois of the class of 1905, at 
which time he won the degree of B. S. ; Forest 
L., who is piiTSuing a course of study fitting him 
for the profession of architect in the University 
of Illinois and will graduate with the class of 
1907 : Leigh H. is a student in the Princeton high 
school ; ^largaret R. and Rachel W. are both at 
home. 

In his political views Mr. Gibbs is a republican, 
having stanchly supported the party since age con- 
ferred upon him the right of franchise. Socially 
he is connected with the ^lasonic fraternity, in 
which he has taken the degrees of the lodge, chap- 
ter and coinriiandery, and the family are members 
of the Presbyterian church. He is a popular man. 
of genial nature, whose courtesy and deference for 




PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



841 



the opinions of others have gained him warm 
friends, and wherever lie is l^nowu lie is held in 
high esteem. 



I 



CHARLES T. BAIRD. 

Charles T. Baird, whose farm in La Moille 
township comprises one hundred and sixty-six 
acres of excellent land and who iu addition owns 
a farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Nebras- 
ka, came to Bureau county on the 22d of February, 
1S()5. He was then in his seventh year, having 
been born in Westmoreland county, Pennsylvania, 
on the 22d of November, 1858, of the marriage of 
Charles and Martha (Snyder) Baird. His parents 
were likewise natives of Westmoreland county, 
born June 30, 1818, and June 12, 1817, respective- 
ly. For many years they remained residents of 
this county, coming to Illinois in February, 18C5. 
They traveled life's journey together as man and 
wife for sixty-five years, sharing with each other 
its joj's and sorrows, its adversity and prosperity, 
and on the 16th of July, 1904, they were separated 
by the death of Mr. Baird. His widow still sur- 
vives and yet makes her home in this county. 

Of their eight children Charles T. Baird is the 
youngest and one of the number is now deceased. 
He attended the public schools and continued his 
education in Naperville, Illinois. His father gave 
him forty acres of land, which constituted the nu- 
cleus of his present extensive and valuable pos- 
sessions. The remainder he has acquired by his 
own hard work, his business integrity and capable 
management and his farm in La Moille townsliip 
now covers one liundred and sixty-six acres of ex- 
cellent land, from which he annually harvests good 
crops. He also has one hundred and sixty acres 
in Nebraska. Upon the farm are fine buildings, 
commodious and substantial, and everything about 
the place is in keeping with the ideas of modern 
agricultural progress. There is a gas well upon 
the farm where nineteen pounds of direct pressure 
is shown and this furnishes heat and light for his 
home throughout the year. 

Pleasantly situated in his domestic relations, 
Mr. Baird was married to Miss Margaret Splain, 
who was born in Massachusetts, October 31, IS.'iT, 
her parents being John and Elizabeth (Murphy) 
Splain. both of whom were natives of Ireland. In 
the year 186.5 thoy came to Illinois, settling in 
Dover township, liureau county, and of their five 
children, two of whom are now deceased, Mrs. 
Baird is the eldest. She was well educated in 
the country schools and in Dover academy and was 
a teacher under Professor Harrington for several 
years. She proved an excellent educator, impart- 
ing clearly and readily to others the knowledge 
that she had acquired and she is equally proficient 
in her housekeeping duties, managing the affairs 
of her home with capability and dispensing there 
gracious hospitality. Fnto Mr. and Mrs. Baird 



have been born four children: John A. L., born 
January 10, 1887; O.scar C, February S, 1888; 
Clillord, January 10, 18'J0; and Orpha" M., April 
22, 1895. 

The family attend the United Brethren church, 
although Mr. Baird was reared in the faith of 
the Methodist church. Since age conferred upon 
him the right of franchise he has supported the 
men and measures of the republican party and has 
served as supervisor of his township and for many 
years as school trustee. He and his family are 
most pleasantly situated in an attractive home 
supplied with all modern equipments and conve- 
niences and in his farm work he has made steady 
and consecutive progress, his labors placing him 
in the foremost ranks among the substantial agri- 
culturists of La Moille township. 



LISLE PRENTICE SMITH. 

Lisle Prentice Smith, one of Bureau county's 
native sons, now farming in Manlius township, 
was born in Princeton, September 3, 1S55, and is 
a son of Osmyn and Laura (Robinson) Smith, of 
Princeton. The father was a native of Pennsyl- 
vania and came with his parents from the east to 
Bureau county in 1836, the family casting in their 
lot with the pioneer residents of this part of the 
state who aided in reclaiming the district for the 
uses of the white race, for until a short time before 
it had still heen under the domain of the red man. 
The grandfather of our subject served as sheriff 
of Bureau county in an early day and Osmyn 
Smith afterward filled the same position while 
still in early manhood. He was at one time 
supervisor of ]\fanlius townsliip. His life was 
largely devoted to general agricultural pursuits 
and thus he provided for his family. Tie died in 
1896, at the age of sixty-nine years, while his 
wife passed away in 1892. at the age of sixtA'-five 
years. 

Lisle P. Smith, whose name introduces this re- 
view, was reared in his native county and the 
common schools of Ifanlius town.ship provided him 
his educational privileges, which he improved and 
thus was well prepared for life's practical and re- 
sponsible duties. He early became familiar with 
farm work in its various departments and re- 
mained with his father until twenty-two years 
of age, wlien lie started out in life for himself. 
When he was twenty-four years of age he bought 
one hundred acres of his present place, to which 
he has added until he now has two hundred and 
twentv-three acres, constituting a valuable and well 
improved farm. He raises Aberdeen Angus cat- 
tle and Shetland ponies. 

On the 39th of January, 1879, Mr. Smith was 
united in marriage to Miss Delphi J. Miller, n 
daughter of David .\. Miller, of Manlius town- 
ship. Thov have six children : Laura M., n grad- 



843 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUXTY. 



uate of the Princeton high school and now at 
home; Lisle Prentice, who is an auctioneer and 
makes his home with his parents ; Earl B., an en- 
gineer; Vivian Bivers, Orpha Delphine and David 
Osinvn, all at home. 

Mr. Smith has served his district as school di- 
rector for the past twenty-three years and be- 
lieves in employing competent teachers and in 
upholding a high standard of public instruction. 
He has also been road commissioner for the past 
three years. While he has lived the quiet life of 
a farmer he has foimd in it ample opportunity for 
the acquirement of success and, carefully directing 
his business interests, he has worked his way 
steadily upward and is now one of the men of af- 
fluence in Manlius township, owning an excellent 
farm property. 



JAMES M. GAEDNEE. 

James M. Gardner, deceased, was well Icnown 
in Tiskilwa and in Arispie townships, having for 
some years carried on general merchandising in the 
village, while in the township he became a repre- 
sentative and prosperous farmer. He was born in 
Osceola, Illinois, May 1, 1849, and there resided 
to the age of sixteen years, when in 1865 he came 
to Tiskilwa. He had gained his education in Os- 
ceola and after coming to Tiskilwa he made his 
home for ten or twelve years with J. H. Welsh 
and during that period attended Lombard univer- 
sity at Galesburg, Illinois, thus acquiring a liberal 
education. He was for some time in the employ 
of Mr. Welsh, one of the early and prominent mer- 
chants of the town, and later engaged in general 
morchanilising on his own account, conducting a 
store until three years after his marriage, when 
he removed to the farm whereon his widow now 
resides, there spending his remaining days. 

Mr. Gardner was iiiarried to Miss Clara P. Ben- 
son, of Arispie township, a daughter of Alanson 
and Sarah (Ijoop) Benson. She was born only 
about a quarter of a mile from her present home. 
Hor father, a native of Massachusetts, was born 
February 27, 1823, and was a son of Alanson Ben- 
son, while his grandfather was Aaron Benson, a 
soldier of the Eevolutionary war. The Benson 
family is of Scotch and English lineage. Alanson 
Benson started from Massachusetts in 1S38 and 
traveled by team across the couiitrv to Oliio, where 
he remained for a vear. There be purchased and 
operated a saw mill, but not liking the country 
he continued on his way westward to Illinois. His 
family at that time consisted of nine children, four 
sons and five daughters, of whom Alanson Ben- 
son, the father of Mrs. Gardner, was sixteen vears 
of ace. He was sent with his mother and the 
smaller children by boat on the Ohio river and 
thence by the Mississipni and Illinois rivers to 
Hennepin. Illinois, while the father and older 
chiblren of the fnuiilv made the journey witli 



teams and wagons across the country. On arriv- 
ing in Bureau county the grandfather of Mrs. 
Gardner settled in Arispie township, where he 
purchased one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
which had previously been entered from the gov- 
ernment by a Mr. Dunn. This land ]\Ir. Benson 
improved and thereon spent his remaining days. 
His son and namesake, Alanson Benson, Jr., was 
educated in Massachusetts and in Princeton acade- 
my, of Princeton. Illinois, and became one of the 
first teachers in Tiskilwa, where he taught for two 
years. While attending school in Princeton he 
worked for his board in the employ of Dr. Cham- 
berlin, but he spent the greater part of his life 
upon a farm and with the money made in teaching 
purchased his first land, a tract of forty acres in 
Arispie township, to which he added as his finan- 
cial resources increased and favorable opportuni- 
ty offered until he had extensive land holdings in 
Arispie township. At one time he resided in Prince- 
ton for a period of three years but subsequent- 
ly returned to the old homestead, whereon he spent 
his remaining days. For more than a half cen- 
tury he resided on section 21, Arispie township, his 
farm becoming one of the old landmarks of the 
county. On the 22d of February, 1851, he mar- 
ried Miss Sarah L. Loop, a native of Oneida, 
Xew York, who came to Bureau county in 1849, 
traveling by boat to Chicago and by wagon the re- 
maining distance. After living in Kane county 
for a year she became a resident of Providence, 
Bureau county. By this marriage there were born 
four children but only two are now living: Mrs. 
Clara P. Gardner; and Lorella, the wife of Edwin 
Cushing, of Arispie township. Those deceased 
are: Mrs. Lucina Battey, who died December 3, 
1892 ; and Alanson, who died at the age of eighteen 
years. 

Mr. Benson engaged quite extensively in farm- 
ing and stock-raising and in connection with a 
Mr. Xorris at one time owned a large stock ranch 
in ]\tontana. When he first began farming for 
himself he was a breeder of shorthorn cattle, but 
in later years he devoted his attention to polled 
Angus cattle. He fed stock largely and was recog- 
nized as one of the prominent stockmen of Bu- 
rau county and also as an honored and much re- 
spected pioneer citizen, whose many good qualities 
gained for him the esteem and trust of his fel- 
lowmen. Politically he was a republican and for 
many years served as county surveyor. He also 
filled the office of township assessor for some time 
and was supervisor of Arispie townsliip for two 
years. He discharged every duty with a sense of 
conscientious obligation and was rtiost faithful to 
every public trust. Both he and his wife were 
worthy members of the Baptist cliurch and were 
widely known as earnest Christian people, well 
liked hv all who knew them. Mr. Benson passed 
away June (5, 1898, having for about two years 
survived his wife, who died July 15. 189f). 

Mrs. Gardner was educated in the Princeton 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



843 



high school and in Mount Carroll seminary in 
Carroll county, Illinois, which she attended for 
two years. By her marriage she became the 
mother of three children, all now living : Alanson, 
who wedded Mary Hunter, and lives near his 
mother ; Marian and James Harlan, both at home. 
The death of the husband and father occurred in 
1890. He was rather independent in his politi- 
cal views. He held membership in the Baptist 
church, of which his wife and children are also 
members, and this association indicated much of 
the character of the man, for he was loyal to his 
professions and faithful to every trust which de- 
volved upon him either of a public or private na- 
ture. 

Mrs. Gardner owns several farms in Arispie 
township, which are well improved and have good 
buildings upon them. She has one of the finest and 
best homes in Bureau county with all modern im- 
provements, and its attractive furnishings indicate 
her refined and cultured taste. There are also splen- 
did barns and other outbuildings upon the place 
and her farm is devoted to the raising of the crops 
best adapted to soil and climate and also to stock 
raising, a specialty being made of the Hereford 
cattle. Mrs. Gardner displays excellent business 
capacity and management in the control of her 
property interests and, moreover, is a lady whose 
position in social circles is an enviable one. She 
represents one of the old and prominent families 
of this part of the state, without mention of whom 
the history of Bureau county would be incomplete. 



GEORGE PICKERING. 

George Pickering, who many years ago engaged 
in breaking the wild prairie with ox teams in Bu- 
reau county, has lived to see this district trans- 
formed into one of the best developed agricultural 
districts of this great commonwealth and as the 
work of general progress and improvement has 
been carried forward he, too, has made advance- 
ment and is today in possession of a comfortable 
competence acquired through years of former toil. 
His possessions are now sufficient to enable him to 
live retired and he is spending the evening of life 
in a well earned rest, at his home in the village of 
Neponset. 

He was born in Yorkshire, England, December 
17, 1829, and was a son of David and Elizabeth 
(Waite) Pickering, who were likewise natives of 
England, whore they spent their entire lives. Of 
their children all are now deceased with the ex- 
ception of George Pickering, who was the youngest. 
His parents were both members of the Church of 
England and the father died at the age of sevtmty- 
eight years, while the mother's death occurred 
when she was more than eighty years of age. 

Their son George was educated in the public 
schools and in 1856 crossed the Atlantic on a sail- 
ing vessel which weighed anchor at Hull, England, 



and eventually reached the harbor of Quebec. He 
thence proceeded by steamer to Hamilton, Canada, 
and by rail to Neponset. He spent the first year 
of his residence in this county in Mineral town- 
ship, where he engaged in farming and then re- 
moved to Neponset township. Throughout his 
active business life he carried on farming and 
stock-raising, being thus engaged until 1900, when 
he purchased a home in the village of Neponset, 
where he is now living retired. In early days he 
broke the wild prairie with ox teams and converted 
the land into richly cultivated fields. He had only 
fifteen dollars when he arrived in this county and 
with that meager capital he began life in Illinois, 
his diligence and perseverance being the salient 
features in a success which is as honorable as it is 
gratifying. He eventually became the owner of 
one hundred and sixty acres of land and greatly 
increased its value by the cultivation and improve- 
ments whiih he placed upon it. He continued to 
own this property for many years but eventually 
sold it to his son. 

Mr. Pickering married Miss Ann Stabler, who 
was born in Yorkshire, England, March 22, 1837. 
They traveled life's journey together for many 
years and were then separated by the deatli of the 
wife on the 28th of August, 1895. In their family 
were sixteen children, of whom twelve are now liv- 
ing: Betsy Ann, born March 24, 1857; Sarah Jane, 
July 16, 1858; Susanna D., November 29, 1859; 
Harriet 0., July 18, 1861 ; David, March 18, 1864; 
Emma Eliza, May 19, 1866; George W., Julv 27, 
1867; John E., October 4, 1868; Isabel, March 25, 
1870; Lottie May, July 22, 1871; Charles, May 
24, 1873; and Fred. March 9, 1877. 

Mr. Pickering was a school director for eight 
or ten years and has always been interested in the 
material, intellectual and political progress of the 
community. On taking out his naturalization pa- 
pers he became the champion of the democracy and 
has always voted with that party. He has never 
had occasion to regret his determination to seek a 
home in America, for here he found the opportuni- 
ties which ho sought and which, by the way. are 
always open to ambitious, resolute young men. By 
improving these advantages he made steady prog- 
ress toward the goal of prosperity and is now 
enabled to live retired. 



CHRISTIAN SIMON PETERSON. 
Christian Simon Peterson, who has made farm- 
ing his life work, was born in Denmark and is a 
son of Simon and Mary (Jergerson) Peterson, 
who came to America in 1854. They first located 
in Potter county, Pennsylvania, where the father 
purchased a farm and thereon they remained until 
1865, when they came to Bureau county, Illinois. 
Three years later the father purchased eighty acres 
of land for which he paid twenty dollars ])ct acre, 
and to the further development and improvement 



844 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



of that place he devoted his energies throughout 
his remaining days, passing away at the age of 
fifty-four years. His wife long survived him and 
died at the age of seventy-four years. 

Throughout his entire life Christian S. Peterson 
has lived on a farm with the exception of a brief 
period of five years when he worked at the carpen- 
ter's trade in Chicago. He was but a young lad 
when brought to the United States by his parents 
and he attended the common schools of Manlius 
township. In his youth he early became familiar 
with the best methods of carrying on farm work 
and cultivating the fields and he is now engaged 
in general agricultural pursuits and in the raising 
of good farm horses and sliorthorn cattle. His life 
has in a way been quietly passed and yet it shows 
forth many commendable qualities by reason of 
his faithfulness to every duty that has devolved 
upon him and his reliability in his business life. 

On the 14th of February, 1878, Mr. Peterson 
was married to Miss Belle Christina Nelson, a 
daughter of Christian Xelson. a farmer of Gold 
township. They have three children. Anna Sa- 
rena, who was born September 9, 18T9, is the wife 
of Albert Peterson, proprietor of a hotel at Man- 
lius, and they have one child, Herman. Wilbur 
Herbert, born July 11, 1881, is a bookkeeper in 
the ^^'estern Trust & Savings Bank of Chicago. 
Asa Simon, born in February, 1886, is at home. 

Mr. Peterson is a stalwart republican and has 
filled various positions of honor and trust. He was 
for about twelve years school director, has also 
been highway commissioner, was justice of the 
peace for four years and drainage commissioner 
for nine years. He belongs to the Danish Lu- 
theran church at Sheffield and was acting as one 
of the trustees during the erection of the par- 
sonage. His farm is in a perfect state of culti- 
vation and he has placed modern buildings upon 
it. Interested in the material, intellectual, polit- 
ical and moral progress of the community, he is 
justly accounted one of the leading citizens of 
Manlius township. 



ED MALONEY. 

Ed Maloney, engaged in general farming and 
stock-raising in Gold township, is a native of 
County Cork, Ireland, born in 1849, and is a son 
of William Maloney, now deceased. He spent the 
first si.xteen years of his life in the land of his 
nativity and acquired his education there. In 
June, 1865, he crossed the briny deep to America, 
and, making his way to Illinois, settled in Shef- 
field, since which time he has liocn largely en- 
gaged in agricultural pursuits. His business life 
has been marked by the steady progress which fol- 
lows consecutive and well defined labor, and as he 
advanced from a humble financial position to a 
place where he could command some capital, he 



made investment in land, and is now the owner 
of one hundred and sixty acres, whereon he is 
engaged in general farming and stock-raising. His 
fields have been brought under a high state of 
cultivation, and he also keeps on his place good 
grades of stock, which he raises, feeds and sells. 

Mr. Maloney was married in January, 1876, to 
Miss Nora Jones, a daughter of Roger Jones, who 
came from Wales in 1870 and was employed at 
railroading and on public works. His last days 
were spent in the east, where he went to live with 
relatives, and there he died in 1898. Unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Maloney have been born two children: 
William, who at the age of twenty-six years, is at 
home and assists his father in the operation of 
the farm ; and Rosa May, nineteen years of age, 
also at home. 

In his political views Mr. Maloney is a stalwart 
democrat, and keeps well informed on the ques- 
tions and issues of the day. About two decades 
ago he was chosen for the office of bridge and road 
commissioner, and served in that capacity' for about 
six years. He was also tax collector for one year 
and district overseer for one year, and his official 
duties have been promptly and faithfully exe- 
cuted. He and his wife are Catholics in religious 
faith and attend St. Patrick's church at Sheffield. 



SYLVESTER WALRATH. 

Sylvester Walrath, who by earnest, persistent 
toil has gradually worked his way upward from 
a humble financial position to one of affluence, and 
is now the owner of good farming property in 
Walnut township, was born August 25, 1846, in 
the state of New York, and when only two years 
of age was brought to Illinois by his parents, 
Daniel and Mary Ann (Shaffer) Walrath. In 
the paternal line he comes of German ancestry, 
the father having been born in Germany in 1831. 
The mother, however, was born in England, in 
1826. The former was not long permitted to en- 
joy his new home, for, arriving in Illinois in 1848. 
he passed away in 1851. He had located with his 
family in Hennepin, and there his death occurred 
about three years later. His wife long survived 
him and died in 1886. 

Sylvester Walrath was largely reared in Bureau 
township, and acquired his education in the dis- 
trict schools. When twentv-five yeare of age he 
removed to Walnut township, where he has since 
resided, and he is now the owner of one hundred 
and fifty-six acres of very rich and productive 
land, situated on sections 12 and 13, Walnut town- 
ship. He started out in life a poor boy, but he 
has toiled and saved until he has a fine home, 
standing in the midst of a valuable iam\. and is 
accounted one of the substantial agriculturists of 
the community. He has continuously made his 
lionu^ in Walnut township for thirty-five years, 




^^^^^^^^^r .^^f" ^ ^^^^^^^1 


■Tj 


■ 






^^1 


^P ^, m 


.^A '*■' 


^H 




^^^^^^■vT^^^^ 




H^i 


^^^^^^^^^^^^^B^^^^^^^^^^^^^H 





MR. AND MRS. SYLVESTER WALRATH. 



PAST Axi) i'i;i:si-:xT of lU'ifHAr rorxTY. 



847 



and is one of its well known residents, respected 
by all for his genuine pei'sonal worth. 

On the loth of March, 1808,, Mr. Walrath was 
married to Miss Hattie Westbrook, who was born 
September 21, 18-1!). They traveled life's journey 
happily together for more than a third of a cen- 
tury, and were then separated by the death of the 
wife, on the 20th of June, lilOU. She was a ladv 
who possessed many excellent traits of character, 
and her good qualities of heart and mind endeared 
her to all with whom she came in contact. By 
her marriage she had become the mother of three 
children, one of whom is deceased. The others 
are Albert Melvin, born June !1, 18611, and Amv 
L., born December 3, 1872. 

Mr. Walrath gives his political allegiance to the 
democracy. He is a member of the Church of 
Christ, and he has in his possession an old bible 
which belonged to his grand])arents, and which 
was printed in the eighteenth t'entury. It is one 
of the oldest bibles of tbe county, and is a treas- 
ured heirloom in the family. A life of activity, 
usefulness and honor have won for Mr. Walrath 
the confidence and good will of those with whom 
he has been associated, and his name is a synonym 
for business integrity and honor wherever he is 
known. 



THEODORE B. MATTESON. 

Theodore B. Matteson, living upon a farm in La 
Moille township, was born in Oswego county. New 
York, September 12, 184-5. His parents were Syl- 
vanus and JIary (Turk) Matteson, the former a 
native of Vermont and tlie latter of Oermany. In 
their family were twelve children, of whom Theo- 
dore B. is the sixth in order of birth. He remained 
a resident of the east until eighteen years of age, 
when in 1863 he came to Bureau county, Illinois, 
and was employed at farm lal)or, thus making a 
start in his new home. His education had been 
acquired in the public schools of his native county 
and under the j)areiital roof he was trained to 
iiabits of industry, frugality and perseverance. 

On the 2;)th of January, 1866, Mr. Matteson 
was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Wilkie, 
a resident of this county at tlie time of her mar- 
riage and a native of Ohio. They became the par- 
ents of two children: William S., born January 
29, 1867; and Bertha B., born March 20, 1874. 

As soon as his labors had brought him sufficient 
capital to justify his purchase of land Mr. Matte- 
son began farming on his own account and is now 
the owner of one hundred and fifty-five acres of 
choice land, upon wliich he has lived for thirty- 
three years. It is improved with a commodious 
residence and substantial barns and outbuildings, 
which afford ample shelter for grain and stock. 
There are fine old trees upon the place, some good 
fruit, and the fields are well cultivated, while in 
the pastures are seen good grades of cattle and 



horses. A life of industry has been crowned with 
success and his farm is now a valuable property, 
bringing to him a gratifying annual income. 

Mr. Matteson has long supported the republican 
party and is in thorough sympathy with its policy 
and its principles. Both he and "his wife are de- 
voted and faithful members of the United Breth- 
ren church. Mr. Matteson has served as school 
director and roadmaster, but while neglectful of 
no public duty his time and attention have been 
chiefly given to his farming interests. Both he 
and his wife enjoy the confidence and good will 
of all who know them, for they have led lives of 
uprightness and integrity. Mr. Matteson is a man 
of public spirit, generous and kindly, and their 
neighbors attest the excellent qualities of this wor- 
thy couple. 



EIGE.NE A. RIPPLEY. 

Eugene A. liippley, a jirogressive farmer of Bu- 
reau county, operating one hundred and twenty 
acres of land in Ohio township, is a native of 
England, having been born in Sheffield county, 
April 1."), 183'J. His parents are Dustin and Mel- 
vina (Palmer) Rippley, likewise of English birth. 
They removed to .\merica in 1841, believing that 
in this country they might enjoy greater business 
opportunities than were ollVred in their native 
land. Accordingly they made their way to Bos- 
ton, Massachusetts, where they remained until 
1889, when they took up their abode in Bureau 
county, Illinois. In their family were three chil- 
dren, of whom Eugene A. is the eldest and the 
only surviving member. 

Eugene A. Ripjiley was only two years old when 
brought by his parents from England to the 
United States. He was reared in the east and 
acquired a good e(]ucation in the schools of Bos- 
ton. After completing his education he followed 
the sea for a time but later learned the boiler- 
maker's trade, but thinking agricultural pursuits 
would be more congenial to him, he engaged in 
farming and for the past four years has operated 
a tract of one hundred and twenty acres, whicli is 
situated in Ohio township. He has been very 
successful in this venture and follows practical 
methods in the cultivation of his fields. lie raises 
corn, oats and hay and each year reaps abundant 
Jiarvests as the result of the care which he bestows 
upon the land. 

Mr. Rippley was nutrried to Miss Emmagene 
M. Remsburg, who was born in Bureau county, 
Illinois, November 6, 1868. Their marriage has 
been blessed with four children: Waldo R.. iiorn 
December l.j, 1886: Edward E., March 15. 1888; 
Louis E., February 16, 18!>4: and Willie, May 
14. 1898. Mr. Rippley is a republican in his po- 
litical faith but is not active in the work of the 
party, giving liis entire time and attention to iiis 
Imsiness interests, in which he is meeting with 
desirable success. He is orthodox in his Christian 



848 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



belief but is not identified with any church organi- 
zaiton. 

Mr. Rippley is a great student of nature and has 
traveled e.xtensively through the United States as 
well as in foreign lands, so that he is an interesting 
conversationalist, having gained that broad knowl- 
edge which can only be acquired by visiting the 
different points on the globe. Honesty and in- 
dustry have marked his business career and 
through these good qualities he has gained grati- 
fying success and is accorded the high esteem of 
his business as well as social friends. 



CLEMENT V. FIELD. 

One of the attractive farm properties of Bu- 
reau county is in possession of Clement V. Field. 
A splendid set of farm buildings, commodious and 
substantial, stand in the midst of beautiful shade 
trees and green fields which promise golden har- 
vests. In front of the same stretches a green, vel- 
vety lawn, while flowers and shrubs adorn the 
place. Everything about the farm indicates the 
cultured taste, progressive spirit and marked en- 
terprise of the owner, who is a careful, accurate 
business man, and who has added to his property 
until he is now the owner of two hundred and forty 
acres of rich land. It is indeed a valuable farm, 
worth two hundred dollars per acre, and its own- 
er is accounted one of the foremost representatives 
of agricultural interests in Berlin township. Mr. 
Fieki was born in this township Novemlx'r 1-"). 
1865, and is the fifth child of John and Catharine 
(Schnebly) Field, who were married in Peoria, 
Illinois, and came to Bureau county in 18.53. The 
father was born in Virginia, May 22, 1818, and at 
an early age became a resident of Ohio, whence he 
removed to Illinois, taking up his abode in Bu- 
reau county more than a half century ago. His 
wife was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 18.36, and is 
still living, but Mr. Field passed away in IftOO. 

The usual exneriences which fall to tlie lot of a 
farmer bov came to Clement V. Field in the days 
of his boyhood and youth. He aided his father in 
the work of plowing, planting and harvesting, and 
in the winter months attended school. He was a 
student in Dover Academy and completed his 
course at Dixon, Illinois. He was married on the 
5th of October, 1802, to Miss lietitia Barrett, a 
daughter of John H. and ilartha (Perkins) Bar- 
rett, who on coming to this state located first in 
La Salle coimty, whence they afterward removed 
to Bureau county. In their family were five chil- 
dren, of whom Mrs. Field is the youngest. 

Following his marriage Mr. Field located on his 
present farm, and he nearly doubled the property 
which he inherited from his father. This is one 
of the attractive homes of the county. He has 
splendid buildings upon his place and beautiful 
shade trees, which shelter his residence from the 
hot rays of the summer sim and add to the attrac- 



tive appearance of the farm. A well kept lawn 
surrounds his home, and everything is as attrac- 
tive as skill, labor and a knowledge of scientific 
farming can make it. In the care of the fields he 
is never at error in matters of business judgment, 
his practical experience and enterprise having 
made him a man of sound discernment. 

Politically ilr. Field is a democrat, following 
in the footsteps of his father, and giving stanch 
support to the party principles. He and his wife 
are Presbyterians in religious faith, attending 
and supporting the Arlington church. For six 
years he has served as school director, but other- 
wise has never been an office holder. The cause of 
education, however, finds in him a wann friend, 
and his efforts in its behalf have been far-reach- 
ing and beneficial. Mr. Field has not been active- 
ly engaged in farming since 1902, since which 
time he and his wife have spent a portion of each 
year in travel and sight-seeing. He is hardly yet 
in the prime of life, but has gained a measure of 
success which many an older man might well envy, 
and his position in business circles is attributable 
not to the fact of his inheritance, but to his capa- 
bility and strong purpose, supplemented by a 
broad outlook into business conditions and by thor- 
ough deference for the rights and privileges of 
others. He is regarded as a man thoroughly re- 
liable in all that he does, and has thus won an hon- 
ored name, as well as a fine property. 



W. S. REMSBURG. 

W. S. Remsburg, representing the agricultural 
interests of Bureau county, where he owns and 
operates a valuable tract constituting one hundred 
and ten acres, situated on the southeast quarter 
of section 8, Ohio township, is a native son of the 
township in wliich he yet makes his home, having 
here been born March 29, 1868. His parents were 
Louis E. and Emily J. (Cole") Remsburg, the for- 
mer a native of Sandusky county, Ohio, born De- 
cember 28, 1831, and the latter a native of Marvin, 
Chautauqua county. New York, born in 1832. The 
father came to Bureau county in the year 1853, 
and the mother arrived a year later. In their fam- 
ily were born six children, of whom our subject is 
the fourth in order of birth. 

W. S. Remsburg received his education in his 
native township, and on putting aside his text- 
books started out in life on his own responsibility. 
He inherited some property, but through indus- 
try and the careful management of his busiuess 
affairs he has added to this until he now owns a 
farm of one hundred and ten acres, situated on the 
southeast quarter of section 8. Ohio township, 
where he is engaged in general agricultural pur- 
suits. He has here added many improvements and 
accessories, making his property one of the val- 
uable farms of the county. He has a nice home 
and substantial outbuildings, good farm machin- 



TAST AXD I'HKSENT OF RUREAr COUNTY 



849 



ery which is used in the care and cultivation of 
the fields, and each year good crops are harvested 
as the result of his well directed labor. 

On the 14th of .J;inuary, 1903, Mr. Remsburg 
was united in marriage to Miss Maggie C. Har- 
dersen, a popular young lady of Ohio township, 
where she was born on the 3d of October, 1881. 
She is a daughter of Claus and Elizabeth (Par- 
chen) Hardersen, the former a native of Germany, 
whence he came to this country at ihe age of 
eighteen years. The mother was born in Bureau 
county, Illinois. Mrs. Eemsburg is the eldest of 
five children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Hardersen. 
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Remsburg has been 
blessed with two little daughters: Lila M., born 
February 27, 1904, and Etta J., born July 16, 
1905. 

Mr. Remsburg has always supported the men 
and measures of the republican party since age 
conferred upon him the right of franchise, al- 
though he takes no active interest in political 
questions, preferring to give undivided attention 
to his farming interests, and that he has been suc- 
cessful in his undertakings is indicated by the 
fact that he is now in possession of a valuable 
tract of one hundred and ten acres, on which are 
found many modern improvements and conven- 
iences. Mr. Remsburg and his wife are excellent 
young people, the hospitality of their home being 
greatly enjoyed by their many friends. 



JOSEPH ALBRECHT. 

Joseph Albrecht, a prominent merchant of Ohio. 
Bureau county, where he is engaged in the hard- 
ware business, having conducted his store for the 
past fifteen years, is a native son of Bureau 
county, Illinois, his birth having occurred on the 
11th of August, 1856. He is a son of Jacob and 
Barbara Albrecht, natives of Bavaria, Germany, 
and our subject is the sixth in order of birth in 
a family of seven children born of the father's 
second marriage. By a previous marriage there 
are four children. 

Joseph Albrecht, whoso name introduces this 
record, was educated in the schools of his native 
town and at Princeton, and after putting aside 
his text-books started out to make his own way 
in the world. He had no capital, but possessed a 
strong will and a determination to succeed, and 
that he has not been thwarted in his plans is in- 
dicated by the fact that he is today conducting 
a prosi)erous business in Ohio, dealing in all kinds 
of hardware and farm implements, in which he has 
built up a large and increasing trade. He has 
studied the needs of his patrons and carries a 
large and well selected line of goods to meet the 
general demands of the public. He is ever straight- 
forward in his business motliods. and has by hon- 
estv and fair dealing won the good will of all with 
whom he comes in contact. In addition to his 



hardware business Mr. Albrecht also owns three 
hundred and twenty acres of land in Wisconsin, 
besides a house and lot and a store building in the 
village of Ohio and one hundred and sixty acres 
near the town. 

On the 23d of May, 1878, Mr. Albrecht was 
united in marriage to Mi.ss Emma Knuth, who 
was born in Bureau county, December 21, 1859, 
A daughter of Ludwig and ]x)uisa Knuth, both 
natives of Germany, whence they emigrated to 
America in the early '50s. In their family were 
nine children, of whom Mrs. .Vlbrecht is the sixth 
in order of birth. She has lately come into pos- 
session of a part of the estate left by her parents, 
who are now deceased. The marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Albrecht has been blessed with five children, 
of whom one died in infancy. Those surviving 
are: Maria L., born February 23, 1880; Peter 
J., November 1:3, 1883; Lee R.. April 16, 1891; 
and Mabel J., born February 7, 1897. 

In politics Mr. Albrecht is a republican, al- 
though he does not adhere strictly to party ties, 
often casting an independent ballot, supporting 
the men whom he regards best qualified for otfice, 
regardless of party affiliation. He holds mem- 
bership with the Mennonite church, and fraternally 
is connected with camp No. 17, M. W. A.; lodge 
No. 47, Mystic Workers; and lodge No. 627, 
I. 0. 0. F., in which he has pas.sed all of the 
chairs. 

Mr. .\lbrecht is a self-made man, for he started 
out in life with nothing save industry and perse- 
verance, and with the possession of these qualities 
he worked his way upward year by year until he 
accumulated a comfortable competence. Later he 
inlieritcd some property from his father's estate, 
and to this he has added until he is now numbered 
among the wealthy and prominent citizens of 
Bureau county, having for the past fifteen years 
conducted a hardware business in the village of 
Ohio, which is one of the leading enterprises of 
the town, and in addition to his interests here he 
also owns a fine tract of land, constituting three 
hundred and twenty acres, situated in Wisconsin, 
and one hundred and sixty acre* near the village 
of Ohio, and also owns a store building and a nice 
home, which he occupies. Tie is an enterprising 
business man, ever watchful of opportunities that 
will lead to success, and he has many business 
and social friends, all of whom speak of him in 
terms of highest praise an<l commendation. 



WALLACE D. ANDERSON. 
Wallace D. Anderson, who has already achieved 
a measure of success in farming interests that ar- 
gues well for the future, makes his home iu La 
iloille township, where he owns one hundred and 
sixty acres of good land, lie was born November 
5. 1867, in this county, his [larcnts being David 
and Sarah (Kennedy) Anderson. The fatlier. a 



850 



I'AST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



native of Pennsylvania, tame to Illinois in 1858 
and the year of the mother's arrival here was 1860. 
Five children were born of their marriage, of 
whom Wallace D. is the third in order of birth. 
Reared to manliood under the parental roof, with- 
out special event to vary for him the routine of 
life, he devoted considerable of his youth to the 
mastery of those branches of learning which con- 
stitute the public-school curriculum and when not 
busy with his text-books aided in the labors of 
the home farm. He has always carried on general 
agricultural pursuits and his boldings today com- 
prise one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is 
well located and is very arable. From the age of 
seven years to the present time he has lived upon 
this place and it is now a valuable farm, to which 
he has added many modern equipments and ac- 
cessories. The home is surrounded by well tilled 
fields and every evidence of care and progressive 
supervision are here seen. 

On the 28th of January. ISHS, ilr. .Vnderson 
was married to Miss .\lice McDonald, who was 
born April 3, 1873, in this county, and is a daugh- 
ter of Lester and Rachel (Clark) McDonald, the 
former a native of Pennsylvania and the latter of 
Ohio. In the family were seven children, of whoni 
Mrs. Anderson is the second, anil by her marriage 
she has l)ecome the mother of one daughter, Alta 
P., born December 22, 1893. 

The social relations of the parents are very 
gratifying, being indicative of the genuine per- 
sonal worth which always wins recognition by those 
who have regard for intelligence and culture. Mr. 
Anderson attends the United Brethren church, of 
which his wife is a member, and he votes with the 
republican party, but while keeping well informed 
on questions and issues of the day he has never 
sought or desired office as a reward for party 
fealty, preferring to concentrate his energies upon 
liis business afl'airs. and although he is yet a young 
man he has won a place among the leading farmers 
of the county and it needs not the spirit of proph- 
ecy to foretell a still more prosperous future. He 
stands as a champion of education, of substantial 
development and of improvement in all those lines 
which have direct bearing upon the welfare of the 
community. He possesses, moreover, a generous 
spirit which has prompteil him to extend a hel|iing 
hand to friend and neighbor. His nephew. Cadet 
Anderson, seventeen years of age, is living with 
him and assists in the operation of the home farm. 



WILLIAM H. WINTER. 
William II. Winter displays in his business 
career that close application and persistency of 
purpose, combined with a tborougli understanding 
of his trade, which never fails to win success, and 
lie is now recognized as one of the leading paint- 
ing contractors and paper-hangers of Bureau 
county, employing a force of about fifteen work- 
men throughout the year. He also conducts a 



store for the sale of wall-paper, mixed paints, 
white lead and oil, etc., and has a large and 
liberal patronage in this line as well as in his con- 
tracting business as painter and paper-hanger. 

Mr. Winter is one of Princeton's native sons, 
having been born in this city in 18(31. His father, 
W. M. Winter, came here in the early '50s from 
New York, and had previously settled in the 
Empire state on his emigration from England to 
the new world. He was a grocer and conducted a 
Ijakcry for some time, but is now living retired, 
his home being on East South street, in Prince- 
ton. He and his wife are well preserved old peo- 
ple and are highly esteemed, their good qualities 
having gained for them many warm friends. Mrs. 
Winter bore the maiden name of Mary Ann Ab- 
bott, and is also a native of England. 

At the usual age William II. Winter began his 
education in the schools of Princeton and passed 
through successive grades. In 1875 he went to 
Hastings, Nebraska, when that was a small and 
inconsequential town. Later he engaged in the 
drug business in Juniata, Nebraska, not far from 
Hastings, whore he remained until 1893, when he 
returned and began business in his present line, 
which he has since followed. Gradually he has 
devolo])ed his business until it has assumed very 
extensive j)roportions, and he now does more 
painting and ])aper-hanging than any other house 
of the kind in the county. His work always gives 
satisfaction, and he shows considerable artistic 
ability in the adornment of homes through the 
utilization of the industrial art with which he is 
connected. He carries the largest and best stock 
of wall-paper in this part of the state, together 
with a complete line of mixed paints, also the 
leading brands of white lead and oil and paste 
for wall-pajier. He buys in very large i|uantities, 
thereby getting the ])ottom price and also securing 
a big saving in time for his men, who would other- 
wise have to do the mixing by hand. His large 
store is located Just east of the postoffice in Prince- 
ton, and Mr. Winter is the best posted man in his 
line (if trade in this part of the state. He 
is about to add to his store and enlarge his stock 
by placing a comjilete line of painters" supi)lies, 
being the only establishment of its kind in Bureau 
county. His pay roll is more extensive than that 
of any other representative of industrial, manu- 
facturing or commercial interests in Princeton, 
and he has the ability to capably control the labors 
of those who work for him, so that pleasant rela- 
tions are ever maintained between employer and 
employe. 

In 188 I Mr. Winter was married to Miss Clara 
B. Gentsch, who was born in South Bend, Indiana. 
They now have two children living, and they lost 
their first born, Alice Lucile, who died in Sep- 
tember, 1901, at the age of seventeen years. Those 
living are Marguerite, born February 17, 1900; 
and William S., born February 9, 1904. The 



PAST AND PKE.SKXT OP BPHKAU fOrXTY 



851 



family home is at No. 420 South Cliuri'h street, in 
Princeton. 

Mr. Winter is a member of the Tribe of Ben 
Hur and also of the Mystic Workers. He is es- 
teemed as one of the most prominent, energetic 
and prosperous business men of the city, belong- 
ing to that class ui>()n whom the commercinl ad- 
vancement and growth of the community depends. 
He allows no olistacles to obstruct his path if Uiey 
can be overcome by determined and honoraljle 
effort, and, moreover, he is a thorough master of 
his trade, possessing, too, not a little artistic taste, 
which is manifest in the excellent results which 
are produced through ell'ective device and coloring 
in painting and paper-hanging. He well merits 
the liberal patronage that is accorded him, and 
he is today enjoying constantly growing success. 



I 



I 



RICHARD HALL. 

The attractiveness of Bureau county as a place 
of residence is indicated by the fact that many 
of her native sons have remained within her bor- 
ders since attaining their majority and ha\e found 
opportunity here for advancement in business life 
and the acquirement of the success which each 
individual seeks. Mr. Hall was born in this 
county, August 31, 1859, being the sixth in order 
of birth in a family of ten children, whose par- 
ents were John and Charity F. (Smith) Hall. 
They were natives of New Jersey, and in the 
spring of 1859 took up their abode in Bureau 
county. In the fall of the same year their son 
Richard was born, and the days of his boyhood 
and youth were spent in his parents' home, while 
in the public schools he acquired his education. 
He was trained to farm work, early becoming fa- 
miliar with the duties and labors of the fields, and 
throughout his entire life he has carried on general 
agricultural pursuits. He has today a farm of 
two hundred and forty acres under his manage- 
ment and he owns eighty-five acres in anotlii?i- pai't 
of the township. 

On the 27th of November, 1879, Mr. Hall 
wedded Miss Martha J. Wade, who was born in 
Tuscarawas county. Ohio, June 1, 1859, and in 
1866 was brought to Bureau county by her parents, 
in whose family were ten children, she i)eing the 
fifth in order of birth. Mrs. Hall was also edu- 
cated in the schools of Bureau county, and to her 
husband has been a faithful companion and help- 
nuite on life's journey for more tlian a (|uarter of 
a century. He affiliates with the Modern Wood- 
men of America, his nu-mbership being in camp 
No. 827. and his political views accord with re- 
publican principles. Both he and his wife are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal church and 
are a worthy Christian couple, who have always 
enjoyed the confidence of neighbors and friends. 
They have long been permanently settled in this 
community and are now comfortably situated in 



life, meeting with a spirit of fortitude every ad- 
verse condition and steadily progressing toward the 
goal of prosperity by reason of their careful man- 
agement and business capacity. They are citizens 
worthy of the unqualified confidence of their fel- 
low townsmen and are well deserving of mention 
in this vr)lume. 



JoiLx iij:,\uy huseman. 

Among the native sons of Bureau county still 
residing within its borders is numbered John 
Henry Huseman, who was born in Princeton. 
March 16. 1858. He is of (ierinan lineage. His 
parents were Frederick W. and Mary (Kassing) 
Huseman, who came from Germany to the United 
States in 1852, settling first in St. Louis, Mis- 
souri, whence they removed to Princeton in 1856, 
remaining residents of the county seat until 1874. 
They then removed to Dover township, and in 1878 
took up their abode in Kansas. There Mr. Huso- 
man followed general agricultural pursuits, and 
he passed away in the Sunflower state in I.S99. at 
the age of seventv-seven vears, and his wife died 
in 1889. 

John H. Huseman is indebted to the public- 
school system of Princeton for the educational 
privileges he enjoyed, and when he entered upon 
his business career he took up the life of the 
farmer, but subsequently worked in a nursery. In 
1877 he went to Kansas, where he engaged in 
farming until 1880. when he returned to this 
county and was here employed at farm labor. Am- 
bitious and energetic, however, he could not con- 
tent himself by passing his life in the service of 
others, and, desirous of having a farm of his own, 
he carefully saved his earnings, and now has one 
hundred and twenty acres of huul in .Maid ins 
township, on which he has recently erected a hand- 
some modern home. He also has si.xty-six acres 
in Greenville township, and in addition to culti- 
vating his own land, comprising about two bun- 
dled acres, he has also rented and tills about four 
hundred and eighty acres besides. He is thus 
extensively engaged in carrying on agricultural 
pursuits, and in addition to ctdtivating the soil 
he also raises a high grade of cattle, horses and 
registered Poland China hogs. .\ nuin of resource- 
ful business ability, he is constantly watchful for 
opportunities to extend the scope of his activity, 
and in addition to managing his farming interests 
he assisted in establishing the Independent Tele- 
phone Company, and is a stockholder in the grain 
and coal company of Manlius. 

On the 1-lth (if Decendier. 1882. Mr. Huseman 
was married to Miss .\nna Helena Fenn. of Man- 
lius township, a daughter of George Fenn. a resi- 
dent farmer there. I'nto Mr. and .Mrs. Huseman 
have been born six children : Mary, who is em- 
ployed as a clerk in the store at Walnut, Illinois; 
.\nna, a school teacher; Alvina and Minnie, at- 



853 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



tending school in Walnut ; Emma and Leona, at 
home. The family attend the English Lutheran 
church of Manlius, and Mr. Huseman is a mem- 
ber of the Modern Woodmen of America and the 
Knights of the Globe. He has been school director, 
road commissioner and constable and has filled 
other local offices, and viewed from the standpoint 
of a citizen or a business man he has made an 
equally creditable record, while the extensive circle 
of his friends is indicative of the warm personal 
regard which he wins from those with whom he 
comes in contact. 



ROBERT JOSEPH STABLER. 

Robert Joseph Stabler, deceased, started out in 
life on his own account as a farm hand and at 
his death was the owner of a valuable property of 
four hundred and fifty acres. His success was 
attributable entirely to his diligence, perseverance 
and capable management, and his record should 
serve as a source of inspiration and encourage- 
ment to others. Born in Pocktrop, Yorkshire, 
England, on the 9tli of May, 1835, he passed away 
in this county, February 14, 1901. His parents 
were Robert and Elizabeth (Hood) Stabler, who 
were natives of England, in which country they 
were reared and married. They crossed the At- 
lantic to Quebec in 1857 on the .steamship North 
America, which was eleven days in making the 
voyage. They proceeded to Kingston, Canada, by 
canal and river, thence by rail to Port Huron, 
Michigan, over the Michigan Central Railroad to 
Chicago, where they boarded a train on the Chi- 
cago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad that brought 
them to Neponset, on the 22d of June, 1857. 

Robert J. Stabler acquired his education in the 
schools of his native country and remained under 
the parental roof throughout the period of his 
minority, accompanying his parents on their emi- 
gration to America in 1857. He was then a young 
man of twenty-two years and ho began earning his 
own living in the new world while working as a 
farm hand by the month. Carefully saving his 
earnings he was enabled in 1861 to make his first 
purchase of land and bought from Mr. Lyford 
eighty acres in Neponset township. Subse- 
quently he purchased eighty acres from Mr. 
Barrons. As his financial resources increas- 
ed he made furtiier investments in land 
until he owned four hundred and fiftv 
acres in Hlinois. Throughout his entire business 
career he followed general farming and stock- 
raising, and in his later years he retired, with a 
handsome competence, making his home in Ne- 
ponset from February, 1895, until his death. Dur- 
ing that period he enjoyed a well earned rest, de- 
riving from his farm an income sudicient tn su|)- 
ply him with all of the comforts and many u! the 
luxuries of life. 



In early manhood Mr. Stabler chose as a com- 
panion and helpmate for life's journey Miss Mar- 
tha Bramble, to whom he was married in England 
on the 22d of March, 1857. She was born in 
Munston, Yorkshire, England, November 14, 1848, 
and is a daughter of John and Martha (Willis) 
Bramble. Mr. and Mrs. Stabler became the par- 
ents of five sons and five daughters, namely : 
John, Henry, Sarah A., Edwin, Nellie, Alice 
May, Alfred G., Cora E., Walter J., and Ethel M. 
Of this number John, the eldest, died December 
5, 1905. 

Mr. Stabler exercised his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the repub- 
lican party, but was never very active in the sense 
of office seeking. He served, however, as road com- 
missioner and for twenty years or more acted as 
school director and was a stalwart champion of 
the cause of public instruction. He also contrib- 
uted to the support of the Methodist Episcopal 
church and was an advocate of every movement 
tending to promote the material, intellectual, so- 
cial and moral progress of his community. He 
deserved much success for what he accomplished 
in a business way, for he depended entirely upon 
his own resources. He brooked no obstacles that 
could be overcome by determination and earnest 
effort and gradually he worked his way upward to 
attiuence, so that at his death he left his family 
a goodly .estate and also the priceless heritage of 
an untarnished name. His widow still survives 
and now makes her home in Neponset, where she 
has many warm friends, and the family occupies 
an enviable position in social circles in the vil- 
lage, while wherever known they are held in high 
regard. 



FRANK C. JACOBY. 



Frank C. Jacoby owns and operates a good farm 
of one hundred and sixty acres in Westtield town- 
ship and makes a specialty of the raising of Po- 
land China hogs and shorthorn cattle. He was 
born November 19, 1854, in La Salle county, Hli- 
nois, and is of German lineage, his parents being 
Mathias and Catherine (Pantenburg) Jacoby, who 
were born in the old world, the father in Luxem- 
burg province and the mother in Germany. In 
the year 1852 Mathias Jacoby became a resident 
of Bureau county, Hlinois, having lived for some 
time previous in Michigan, where he was engaged 
in steamboatiug on the lakes. The mother went 
to La Salle county with her parents in 1847, the 
family being among the early settlers of this part 
of the state. About 1849 they removed to Bureau 
county and resided in W^estfield township, where 
Mr. anil Mrs. Pantenburg were identified with 
farming intorcsls until called to their final rest. 
Mathias Jac()l)y was also numbered among the 
active agriculturists of Bureau county, for many 
years continuing in business until his life's labors 



PAST AND PRESENT OF HUKEAU COUNTY. 



857 



were ended in doath in 1902. He had for several 
years survived his wife, who passed away in 1885. 

Frank C. Jacoby completed liis education in the 
schools of Westfield township and has always been 
a farmer. He was early trained to habits of in- 
dustry and economy and these qualities have 
proven essential factors in his success in later life. 
In early manhood he sought a companion and help- 
mate and was married on the 28th of January, 
1879, to Miss Ellen Skeffington, who was born in 
Gloucester. Canada West, April 2, 1854, her par- 
ents being Michael and Mary (Brennen) Skef- 
fington. both of whom were natives of Ireland. 
They removed from Canada to Bureau county 
thirty-four years ago, taking up their abode here 
in the month of May, and the father was thereaf- 
ter continuously connected with farming until 
his death, which occurred on the 28th of Septem- 
ber, 1880. His wife survived him for about twelve 
years and passed away August 10, 1892. Unto 
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Jacoby have been 
born five children, of whom Joseph, Katie and 
Mar}-, twins, and Robert are still under the 
parental roof. One daughter, Emmeline, died at 
the age of five months. Robert was graduated 
from the high school with honors and is entitled 
to free tuition at any normal school in the state. 

In order to provide a livelihood for himself and 
family Mr. Jacoby has continuously followed farm- 
ing and is the owner of one hundred and sixty 
acres of land pleasantly situated in Westfield town- 
ship. Here he cultivates corn, oats and other 
crops, and is also well known as a stock-raiser, 
making a specialty of Poland China hogs and 
shorthorn cattle. Both branches of his business 
are proving profitable and he is meeting with grat- 
ifying success in his undertakings. He and his 
family are all communicants of the Catholic 
church at Arlington. 



JOHN PETERSON. 

John Peterson, who dates his residence in Bu- 
reau county from 1864, has resided upon his pres- 
ent farm "since March, 1876, and in the thirty 
years which have since come and gone he has 
wrought a wonderful transformation here, for the 
fields have been brought under a high state of 
cultivation and the farm has been converted into 
a valuable and productive property. .\s the name 
indicates, Mr. Peterson comes of Danish ancestry. 
He was born on the island of LoUand, belonging 
to Denmark, August 15, 1844, and is a son of 
Peter and Marguerite (Miller) Rasmussen, who 
were farming people of that country, in which they 
spent their entire lives. 

John Peterson was reared in (he land of his 
birth, and when a young man of about twenty 
years, believing that he would have difficulty in 
making rapid business advancement there, and 
feeling that he would enjoy better opportunities 



in the new world, crossed the Atlantic to .\merica. 
The year 1864 witnessed his arrival at Sheffield, 
and he soon afterward secured employment at 
farm labor, being thus engaged for two years. He 
was afterward with the Rock Island Kailway Com- 
[nuiy at Bureau Junction for some time, and wiicn 
he had saved from his earnings sullicient capital 
to justify his purchase of land lie bought his pres- 
ent homestead of one hundred and si.xly acres and 
has resided thereon siiice March, 1876. 

It was aljout si.\ years before this, when on the 
9th of February, 1870, Mr. Peterson was married, 
the lady of his choice lieing Miss Christina Jensen, 
of Lojland, Demnark, who came to the new world 
in 1864. She was a daughter of Jensen and Ellen 
Christen, who remained in Denmark throughout 
their entire lives. Mr. and Mrs. Peterson now 
have eight living children: James F., who oper- 
ates a thresher and corn sheller and lives at home 
with his parents ; Albert C, who is proprietor of 
a hotel in Manlius ; Ella, the wife of James Hack- 
ett, a farmer; Martha, the wife of Dr. T. Sprague, 
a practicing physician of Siiclfield ; Harry E., an 
engineer, who for one year has been in the employ 
of the United States government; Emma G., at 
home; Carrie, now living in Moline; and Henry 
v., at home. They also lost one son, Peter Her- 
num. who died in Colorado at the age of thirty 
years. 

Mr. Peterson has been road commissioner for 
the past six years, school director for twenty 
years and a member of the drainage commission 
for the past I'ight years. lie takes a very active 
interest in politics as a stanch advocate of the 
republican party, yet he does not desire ofliee for 
himself, ami the positions which he has filled have 
come to him in recognition, on the part of his 
fellowmen, of his worth and ability. The family 
are members of the Danish Lutheran church of 
Sheffield, which Mr. Peterson aided in organizing, 
becoming one of its charter members, while for 
manv years he served as one of its trustees. His 
life has been spent in consistent harmony with 
his religious professions, and under all circum- 
stances he has been found loyal to justice, truth 
and right. 



MRS. -MAIiY J. (S.MIITl) CUAMBEHS. 

Mrs. Mary J. (Smith) Chambers is well known 
in Bureau county, where she has spent her entire 
life, now living in Ohio township, where she owns 
seventy-seven acres of choice land, which is op- 
erated by her .son. She was born .\ugust 26, 1852, 
and is a daughter of Daniel 1'. and Hachel (Mat- 
son) Smith, the former a native of Massachusetts 
and the latter of Belmont county. Ohio. In their 
family were thirteen children, of whom Mrs. Smith 
was the third in order of birth. 

She acquireil her education in the public .schools 
near lier father's homo and was carefully trained 



858 



PAST AXD PRESEXT OF BUREAU COUXTY. 



in the duties of the household, so that she was 
well prepared to take charge of a home of her 
own when on the 30th of March, 1871. she gave 
her hand in marriage to Leander Chambers, who 
was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio. August 2(5, 
1843. Mr. Chambers was also educated in the 
common schools of Bureau county, having been 
brought to Illinois in his early childhood. At the 
time of the Civil war, when a youth of about 
eighteen years, he responded to the country's call 
for aid, enlisting in ISGl as a member of Com- 
.pany B, Eightieth Ohio Infantry. The regiment 
was assigned to the Western army, and he par- 
ticij)ated in the battles of luka, V'icksburg. Sa- 
vannah, Corinth, the march under Sherman from 
Atlanta to the sea and in others of lesser note, 
making a most creditable military record. He 
was ever found at his post of duty, gallantly and 
valiantly defending the old flag and the cause it 
represented, and in 18G5, the war having ended, 
he was honorably discharged. He had veteranized 
at the close of his three years" term, and passed 
through all the experiences meted out to the sol- 
dier, and can relate many incidents of the war. 

Mr. and Mrs. Chambers have become the par- 
ents of two children : Amy Bell, born October 
25, 187S, and John W., born Xovember 30, 1873. 
The son is now operating the farm of seventy- 
seven acres of choice land which his mother in- 
herited from her father, and is accounted one of 
the enterprising young fanners of the county. 
He is engaged in the raising of corn, oats and 
hay, and has good stock upon the place. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Chambers are members of 
the Methodist Protestant church, and he is a re- 
publican in his political affiliation. Mrs. Cham- 
bers has spent her entire life in this county and is 
a representative of one of the worthy pioneer 
families of this part of the state, and in the 
community where she has now lived for more than 
half a century she has many wann friends. She 
has witnessed many changes in the county since 
her girlhood days, for the work of improvement 
and development has been carried steadily for- 
ward and time and man have wrought a marked 
transformation here. 



WILLIAM W. CLEMENT. 
William W. Clement follows farming on what is 
known as the old Clark farm, on section 19. ^\^leat- 
land township, and is serving as township super- 
visor, which office he has filled since 1902. He 
was born in Niagara county. New York, August 
19, 1840. and came to Bureau county in 18()5 after 
the close of the war. Pie is numbered among the 
veterans who wore the blue in defense of the 
Union, having enlisted on the 16th of .\ugust, 
1862, in the Nineteenth New York Independent 
Light Artillery from Niagara county. With this 
command he served until June, 1865. He spent 



two winter seasons in \\'ashington and afterward 
participated in the battles of the Wilderness and 
Spottsylvania Courthouse, also in other engage- 
ments that led up to the siege of Petersburg and 
Richmond; in fact, was in eveiy engagement with 
his company, which he never left for a day, for- 
tunately escaping all wounds. Few men in all of 
the war saw more hard lighting, and though he 
was continuously at the front he never faltered 
in his allegiance to the old flag, loyally and uncom- 
plainingly defending the interests of his country. 

When the war was over Mr. Clement came to 
Bureau county, and for two years was connected 
in business with L. D. Whiting. He afterward 
went to Missouri, where he spent two years, and 
then returned to Bureau county, where for thirty- 
four years he has continuously followed farming. 

Mr. Clement married Miss Clara E. Clark, who 
was born on this farm and is a daughter of 
Stephen M. Clark. They have become parents of 
ten children: Clarence A., who married Josie 
Mayo and is a civil engineer living in Chicago;" 
Emma L., at home: Flora Belle, who died at the 
age of eight years : William W., who married Ada 
Revnolds and lives in Oklahoma : Lora E., Jesse 
W.". Roy G.. Eva C. Leslie C. and Lillian G., all 
at home. Politically a republican. Mr. Clement 
has been supervisor of Wheatland township since 
1902 and chainnan of the board from 1904 to 
1906. He has also been justice of the peace since 
1890 and has served as highway commissioner, and 
his elections and re-elections to these various offices 
stand in evidence of his capable service and the 
confidence reposed in him by his fellow townsmen. 



JOHN BEHRENS. 

John Behrens, who arrived in this country from 
Germany empty handed and with no knowledge 
of the English language and yet who. adapting 
himself to altered conditions and environment, soon 
familiarized the different methods and customs 
of the new world, has gained in the course of years 
a place among the substantial agriculturists of 
Bureau county, having now one hundred and 
eightv acres of land in Manlius township. He 
was born in Germany, September 22. 1857. a son 
of John and Dorothy Behrens. who. crossing the 
Atlantic to America in 1881, made their way di- 
rect to this county, where they spent their re- 
maining days, the father passing away at the age 
of seventy-three years, while his wife died at the 
age of seventy-four. 

John Behrens, of this re\-i('w. on coming to Bu- 
reau cininty. secured employment at farm labor 
and worked for live years for a Mr. Howard. Am- 
bitious to engage in agricultural pursuits on his 
own account, he then rented the Curtis farm about 
a mile north of Sheffield and continued its culti- 
vation for six vears. during which time he lived 
carefuUv and frugallv and thus saved the capital 



TAST AND P1!KSI-;.\T OF BrUKAT' TOT'XTY. 



859 



sufficient to enable him to purchase his present 
farm. It was in 18!)2 that he bought tliis prop- 
erty, comprising one liundred am] eiglity acres in 
Manlius township, lie has improved the same by 
carefully tilling the fields and by erecting first- 
class buildings, including a house and barn, lie 
has always followed farming and the success he 
has achieved has come to him through his close ap- 
plication and ability in that line of work. 

On the 18th of December, 188G, Mr. Behrens 
was united in marriage to Miss Anna Barnokow, 
a daughter of John Barnokow, who was a native of 
Germany and came to the new world in 1882. 
Nine children have graced this marriage and the 
family circle yet remains unbroken by the hand of 
death. These are: Carrie, John, Jlary, Carl. W- 
fred. Max, Bernhard. Lizzie and Martha, all yet 
at home. 

Mr. Behrens is a democrat where national ques- 
tions and issues arc involved but casts an indepen- 
dent local ballot. He and his family are members 
of the German Lutheran church of Manlius and 
are esteemed as worthy people of the community. 
He was absolutely w'itlKjut money when he arrived 
in the United States and his present possessions 
are the fruits of his toil, indicating that his has 
been an active and useful life and showing what 
may be accomplished in this country where effort 
is not hampered by caste or class. 



GERALD F. STOODLEY. 

Gerald P. Stoodley, engaged in farming in 
Manlius township, was born in Gibraltar on the 
18th of July, 1848. His father. John Stoodley, 
was a military officer and chief of the commissary 
department in the British army. Prior to accept- 
ing that position he was connecte<l with the med- 
ical department, and he served in the army until 
his death, in lS-")7. It was while he was stationed 
at the military post of Gibraltar that the birth of 
his son Gerald occurred. His wife bore the maiden 
name of Eliza Fitzgerald. 

Following the return of the family to England, 
the subject of this review pursued liis education at 
Crewkerne, Somersetshire, England, and in 1870, 
when about twenty-two years of age, came to 
America, making his way to Bureau county, Illi- 
nois. About 1878 he purchased his present home 
of one hundred and si.xty acres and has since re- 
sided thereon, his time and energies being given to 
his farm and his stock. He has standard bred 
horses, cattle and hogs and has provided ample 
shelter for his stock and his grain in larg(> barns 
and sheds. The fields are well tilled and he an- 
nually gathers good harvests, for he thoroughly 
understands the best methods of farming and is 
practical in all that he does. 

On the 2d of May, 1877, Mr. Stoodley was mar- 
ried to Miss Addie V. Werick, of Manlius town- 
ship, and they are well known socially, having the 



favorable regard of many friends. Mr. Stoodley 
is a member of the Episcopal church or the Church 
of England, in the faith of which he was reared. 
Time has sanctioned and proven the wisdom of 
his resolution concerning his emigration to 
America, for here he has found good business op- 
portunities and through the improvement of con- 
ditions wherewith he has been surrounded he has 
gained a goodly measure of success. 



CHIUSTIAN D. SALTZMAN. 

Christian D. Saltzman, one of the wealthy and 
inlhicntial citizens of Ohio township, having ex- 
tensive landed possessions aggregating four hun- 
dred and twenty acres, most of which has been ac- 
quired tlii-oiigh his own labors, was born in Millen- 
burg, Louisiana, December 18. 1865. He is a son 
of Mitchell and Elizabeth (Schrock) Saltzman, the 
father born in Alsace, France, and the mother in 
Bavaria. Germany. The subject of this review is 
the youngest of their family of six children. 

Christian D. Sallznuin received a public-school 
education, which fitted him for life's responsible 
duties. In 1881 he came to J?ureau county, Illi- 
nois, where he engaged in farming. He began with 
eighty acres but through his careful management, 
industry and well directed labors has worked his 
way up year by year until he is now in possession 
of valuable farms of four hundred and twentv 
acres, which arc among the finely improved tracts 
of Bureau county. lie has added many modern 
improvements by building good fences, a beautiful 
residence, surrounded by fine shade trees, and 
am])le outbuildings for the shelter of grain and 
stock. He is practical and progressive in the meth- 
ods of carrying on his farm work, using only the 
latest improved machinery for facilitating his 
work, and thus year by year he harvests abundant 
crops whiili iind a ready sale on the market, for 
his products are always of the best quality. 

Mr. Saltzman chose as a companion and help- 
mate for life's journey Miss .\nna M. Zimmerman, 
to whom he was married September 1 1. 1888. She 
was born in Bureau county, Illinois, May 26, 1870. 
and was here reared and educated. She is the 
younger of tw-o children born unto .\ndrew and 
Elizabeth (Albrecht) Zimmerman, the father a 
native of France, and the mother a native of Bu- 
reau county. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Saltz- 
man has been blessed with four sons: Julius A., 
born April 11. 1890; Otto M., January 2. 1893; 
Edwin \V.. June 26, 1895 ; and Oscar C. born Sep- 
tember 19, 1!K)0. 

Mr. Saltzman is a republican in his political 
views. He has been called to till some township 
offices, having served as highway commissioner and 
as school director. He and his wife arc members 
of the Mennonite church, while three of their sons 
hold membership with the Methodist Protestant 
church. Mr. Saltzman has acquired the most of 



860 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



his landed possessions through his own efforts, for 
when he started out he had but eighty acres but 
has added to this until he now owns four hundred 
and twenty acres of very valuable land, constitut- 
ing one of the best improved tracts of the county. 
He is thus carrying on general agricultural pur- 
suits quite extensively, being assisted by his sons, 
whom he is training to habits of thrift and indus- 
try. He and his family are highly respected in the 
community in which they live, and he is today 
clased with the wealthy agriculturists of Bureau 
county. 



ZIMRI SMITH. 



Illinois, foremost among the great agricultural 
states of the Union, offers in its broad fields ex- 
cellent opportunity to him who wishes to engage 
in the tilling of the soil. The surface of the 
ground is generally slightly undulating, so that 
comparatively little artificial drainage is needed, 
and the rich black soil responds readily to the 
care and cultivation which is bestowed upon it, so 
that annually great crops are harvested and sent 
to the various markets of the country. Among 
the energetic business men who are devoting their 
time and labors to farm work in Bureau county 
is Zimri Smith, whose life record began in Berlin 
township on the 5th of February, 1858, his par- 
ents being Jonathan and Malumba (Ary) Smith, 
who came to this county in October, 18-iG. The 
father, a native of Virginia, was born in Rocking- 
ham county, October 14, 1814, while his wife was 
a native of Greene county, Ohio, born in 1818. 
By their marriage they became the parents of five 
sons and one daughter, of which number one has 
passed away. 

Zimri Smith is the fifth in order of birth, and 
under the parental roof the days of his childhood 
and youth were passed. At the usual age he en- 
tered the district schools in Berlin township, and 
thus continued his education until he became a 
student in Arlington. Later he engaged in teach- 
ing in this township and imparted clearly and 
readily to others the knowledge that he acquired. 
Much of his life, however, has been devoted to 
general agricultural pursuits, and he now owns 
eighty acres of fine land inherited from his father. 
By careful management and improvement the 
property has been doubled in value and is a very 
desirable farm, in the midst of which stands a 
beautiful residence amid attractive surroundings. 
All of the buildings are modern and first class in 
every particular and are kept in good repair. Mr. 
Smith is always to be found upon his farm, care- 
fully directing its interests, and in all that he 
undertakes he is practical, utilizing the means at 
hand to the best advantage and accomplishing re- 
sults which are very desirable. 

Fortunate in his home life, Mr. Smith was mar- 
ried February 12, 189fi, to Miss Emma G. McKee, 



who was born in Bureau county, September 14, 
1857. She is a daughter of Richmond and Mary 
(Borger) McKee, who were natives of Lehigh 
county, Pennsylvania, the former born in 1818 
and the latter in 1883. Both are now deceased. 
By their marriage there were thirteen children, 
three of whom have departed this life, Mrs. Smith 
being the seventh in order of birth. She was ed- 
ucated in the public schools of Selby township and 
in Princeton. 

Both Mr. and Mrs. Smith are widely known in 
this part of the state. They are believers in the 
Christian religion, and Mrs. Smith belongs to the 
Presbyterian church at Arlington. Mr. Smith is 
identified with Levi Lusk lodge, No. 370, A. F. 
& A. M., at Arlington; Princeton chapter, No. 
28, R. A. M., and Bethany commandery. No. 28, 
K. T., of Mendota, and he and his wife are mem- 
liers of the Order of the Eastern Star. He has held 
various offices in his lodge and represented it in the 
grand lodge in 1896. For six years he has been 
a school director and clerk of the school board, and 
in politics he is an independent democrat, usually 
voting with the democracy yet not considering him- 
self bound by party ties. He is a man of cordial 
nature and genial disposition, whose kindliness of 
spirit, geniality and deference for the opinions of 
others have made him popular with those with 
whom he has come in contact. His. entire life has 
been passed in Bureau county, and that he has 
lived worthily is indicated by the fact that many 
of liis stanchest friends are those who have known 
him from his boyhood days down to the present 
time. 



ROBERT S. BEATTY. 

Robert S. Beatty, pleasantly situated upon a fine 
farm in La Moille township, manifests in his bxisi- 
iiess career a spirit of enterprise and progress that 
lias made him a leading agriculturist and he now 
owns a valuable place comprising one hundred and 
ninety-one acres of land. He was born August 
10, 1865, in the township which is still his home. 
Ids parents being Franlv and Catherine (Smith) 
Beatty, the former a native of Canada and the lat- 
ter of Massachusetts. They became residents of 
Bureau county about 1855 and were married here. 
Unto them were born nine children, of whom Rob- 
ert S. was the fourth in order of birth. Three of 
the number are now deceased. 

Reared upon the old homestead farm, Robert S. 
Beatty acquired his early education in the public 
schools of Bureau county and continued his studies 
in Fulton, Illinois. He has always followed tarm- 
ing and his advancement in business circles is 
largely attributable to his unfaltering diligence 
and keen business discernment. He is now the 
owner of one hundred and ninety-one acres of val- 
uable land, on which he carries on the falsing of 
grain and stock. This fann was settled by a man 
of the name of Perkins and was purchased by Mr. 



1 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUiNTY. 



861 



Beatty lour yuars ago at a cost of uiuety-two dol- 
lars per acre. Today the place is worth from one 
hundred and seventy-live to two hundred dollars 
per acre by reason of the natural appreciation of 
land values and the improvements which he has 
placed upon the property. There are excellent 
buildings on this farm and the home is supplied 
with many of the comforts and luxuries of life. 
It is surrounded by broad fields of waving grain, 
giving promise of abundant harvests, and all of 
the equipments and accessories of the model farm 
of the twentieth century are here found. 

Mr. Beatty was married November 10, 1887, 
to Miss Lizzie Cheesman, who was born in Arling- 
ton, this county, April 27, 18G8, her parents being 
Jolm T. and Elizabeth Cheesman, who were natives 
of England. On coming to Bureau county in 1855 
they settled in Arlington, Westlield township, and 
their daughter, Mrs. Beatty, was the fifth of their 
children. By her marriage she has become the 
mother of seven children : Charles, born November 
2, 1888; Alta, December 3, 1889 ; Frank, June 10, 
1892; Robert D., March 20, 1894; Alice, February 
26, 1899: Viola, October 25. 1902; and Henry L., 
June 7, 1905. 

Mr. Beatty is a stanch republican, unfaltering 
in his allegiance to the party and yet without am- 
bition for public ollice. He and his family attend 
the United Brethren church, of which his wife and 
children are members. In the community they are 
held in high esteem, occupying an enviable posi- 
tion in the social circles in which they move. Mr. 
Beatty has long been recognized as a stalwart 
friend of the cause of education and has done ef- 
fective service in behalf of the schools during 
twenty years' connection with the school board. 
He owes his prosperity to his own olforls and the 
assistance of his estimable wife, who has indeed 
been a helpmate t<j him. They are both people 
of many excellent traits of character and the con- 
sensus of public opinion regarding them is alto- 
gether favorable. 



WILLIAM R. SMITH. 

William R. Smith, for many years a respected 
and representative agriculturist of Bureau county, 
died upon the old home farm on section 33, Selby 
township, on the 18th of December, 1900. He 
was born near Brownsville, in Brown county, Ohio, 
September 4, 1829, his parents being Isaac and 
Lucinda (Bartley) Smith. When their son Wil- 
liam was about nine years of age they removed 
from Ohio to Indiana, locating in Grant county, 
and later in Wabash county, where they continued 
to reside until tlie spring of 1852, when they re- 
moved to Bureau county. Illinois. The father pur- 
chased a farm in the northern part of Sclby town- 
ship, whereon he and his wife resided until called 
to their final rest. His death occurred in Febru- 
ary, 1869, when he was seventy- four years of age, 



while his wife died in 1866, at the age of sixty- 
eight years. Mr. Smitli was from the state of New 
York, and was of English and Welsh descent, while 
the Bartley family were from \'irginia. His entire 
life was devoted to general agricultural pursuits, 
and thus he supported his family of nine children, 
namely: Eliza and Joseph, deceased; William R., 
of this review; Margaret and Jane, who have 
passed away; Alva, who resides in Ottawa, Kan- 
sas ; Isaac, Jr., deceased ; Thomas, whose home is 
in Elfingham, Kansas: and Lucinda, who has also 
departed this life. Alva and Thomas were soldiers 
of the ('ivil war, enlisting from Bureau county, 
the latter being a member of the Ninety-third 
Illinois Infantry and the fonner of the One Hun- 
dred and Twelfth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers. 

William R. Smith resided in Indiana from the 
age of nine years until he became a resident of 
Fulton county, Illinois, in the spring of 1850, and 
in the following spring he came to Bureau county. 
Afterward, however, he returned to Wabash county 
and was married there in October, 1851, after 
which he brought his bride to Illinois and spent 
a year or more in farming on Green river. Coming 
to Selby township, he carried on farming until 
1859, when he removed to Douglas county, Kan- 
sas, but in 1860 again took up his abode in Selby 
township, purchasing a tract of land on section 31. 
This was his home until he .sold the property and 
bought the present home farm on section 33 in 
1876. There he carried on general agricultural 
pursuits and stock-raising. From a small start 
and by hard work — breaking prairie and tilling the 
soil — he accumulated an excellent property, and 
at his death left a valuable farm of one hundred 
and twenty-five acres. 

Mr. Smith was united in marriage to Miss 
Susan Ilartzell, who was born in Miami county, 
Ohio, October 20. 1831, a daughter of Leonard 
and Delilah (Weiss) Ilartzell, who were Penti- 
sylvania Dutch i)eo[)le, and removed from Ohio to 
Rush county, Indiana, and subse(|uently to Wa- 
bash county, that state, where they remained until 
the death of the wife and mother in IS 17. Mr. 
Hartzell aftei-ivard removed to Iowa, where he died 
in 1878, at the age of eighty years. He followed 
farming as a life w(U-k and owned a good tract of 
land in Indiana. In his family were eleven chil- 
dren: Willis and Lewis, both deceased: .\dam, 
who resides in Wyanet ; Susan, now ilrs. Smith; 
Mrs. Nancy ilcNuslin, of Cass county. .Nebraska; 
Mrs. Eliza ^founts, deceased; l']dwaril, who has 
also passed away; John, who resides in Kansas 
City, Missouri; Philip, living in Tanui, Iowa; 
Mary, deceased; and .\aron, who has departed this 
life. 

Unto the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Smith were 
born ten children: Melissa, who was born in 1S51 
and died in infancy; .\lonzo, born June 25. 1S56; 
Viola, who was l)orn October 15. 1S5S, and is the 
wife of .\ugusttis Marity. a resident of Selby 
township; Lilly 1?.. who was born Decembi'r 19, 



SGJ 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



18G0, and is thc3 wife of Timothy Kliyne, of Selby 
township; Mary L., who was born December 27, 
1862, and married Carlos Hosiar, of Bureau Junc- 
tion: John, born February 12, 18(i5 ; Nora, wlio 
was born February 20, 1.S(m, and l^ocame the wife 
of Charles Ketch, of Kingfisher, Oklahoma, and 
died in 1897; Joseph, who was born April 4, 1869, 
and died in 1897; Edith, wlio was born December 
28, 1873; and Linnie. July 10, 1S75. The last 
two are still at home. The Smith brothers, Alonzo 
and John, operate the home farm of one hundred 
and twenty acres and also own other lands in 
Selby township, comprising in all two hundred 
and twenty acres. They have improved the farm 
until it is now a splendid property, built a new 
barn and added other modern equipments. They 
raise good horses, making a specialty of the Nor- 
man stock, and own a pacing horse. Cyclone, with 
a record of 2:151,4. They also raise polled Angus 
cattle, and are very successful in their stock-rais- 
ing business. Politically they are supporters of the 
democratic party, and their religious views are 
indicated by their attendance at the Congregational 
church. 

William E. Smith, the father, was a stanch 
democrat, and in early life held membershiiJ with 
the Methodist Episcopal cliurch, but afterward 
became identified with tlie United Brethren 
church, and at the time of his demise was a mem- 
ber of the Congregational church. He lived a life 
of activity and usefulness characterized by un- 
faltering diligence and crowned with success. All 
that he possessed and enjoyed was acquired through 
his own labors, and, moreover, the business meth- 
ods which he followed won for him the unqualified 
respect of his fellowmen, because he conformed 
to a high standard of ethics. The family is a 
prominent and influential one in Selby town- 
ship, and well worthy of representation in this 
volume. 



JOHN QUINN. 

John Quinn was born upon a farm in Bureau 
county, January 23, 1863, and his entire life has 
been devoted to general agricultural pursuits. His 
parents, Thomas and Jane (Wood) Quinn, were 
natives of Ireland, and after coming to America 
located in La Moille township. Bureau county, 
upon a farm on section 20. They had a family 
of five children : James, Mary A., Alice J., Frank 
E. and John. Of this number James and Frank 
are still single and are living upon the old home- 
stead. They are partners of our subject in its 
ownership and operation, and also buy stock to- 
gether under the firm name of Quinn Brothers. 

Having acquired a good practical education in 
the public schools, John Quinn concentrated his 
energies upon his business aflfairs. He was mar- 
ried June 28. 1899, to Miss Florence Brown, who 
was born in Bureau county, January 2, 1869. She 
was educated in the district schools of La Moille 



township and in Princeton Commercial College. 
Her parents, George and Eebecca (Goddard) 
Brown, were natives of Massachusetts and of 
Leicestershire, England, respectively, and were 
married in Princeton, Illinois. This union was 
blessed with seven children, of whom Mrs. Quinn 
is the fifth in order of birth. 

The firm of Quinn Brothers own four hundred 
and twenty-six acres of land, of whieh one hun- 
dred and twenty acres is comprised within the old 
homestead farm whereon their parents resided. 
Here they raise and feed stock and gather good 
crops, both branches of their business proving prof- 
itable. They have clung loyally together through 
all the years, four of the number remaining single 
and keeping up the old home. They have ever 
been loath to sever the associations of their child- 
hood, and the brothers carry on their business in 
complete harmony, the labors of one ably supple- 
menting the efforts of the others, so that the best 
results are obtainable. 

John Quinn of this review is president of Father 
Mathews' Temperance Society, of which he has 
been a member for twenty-four years, ever loyal 
to tlic pledge which he signed in early life. His 
political allegiance is given to the democracy, and 
both he and his wife are zealous communicants of 
the Catholic church. 



WILLIAM BUEKE. 

Many of the residents of Westfield townshiji arc 
of Irish birth or lineage, and among this number 
is William Burke, who has displayed in his busi- 
ness life the versatility, ready adaptability and in- 
dustry characteristic of the sons of the Emerald 
isle. He deserves classification with the repre- 
sentative men of his community, and, having a 
wide and favorable acquaintance, his history can- 
not fail to prove of interest to many of the readers 
of tills volume. He was born September 30, 1804, 
in La Salic county, Illinois, his parents being 
Thomas and Bridget (McGraw) Burke, both of 
whom were born in Ireland. They became resi- 
dents of La Salle county with the early settlers 
and there reared their family. 

At the usual age William Burke entered ■'he 
pulilic schools and therein continued his education 
until he put aside his te.xt-books in order to devote 
his entire time and energies to the labors of the 
farm. He is still actively interested in general 
farming, and also conducts a livery barn in the 
village of Arlington, employing others to work his 
fields. He has been in the livery business for the 
past five years, and has a well equipped stable, 
having good horses and carriages, which he lets 
out on demand. His earnest desire to please his 
patrons, combined with his reasonable prices, hate 
secured him a volume of business which makes his 
investment a very profitable one. His le^idcnce 



w 

I 




\VII,hIA:\l BURKE. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



8G5 



in Bureau county dates from 1900, but he has al- 
ways lived in this section of the state, and is wdl 
known in both Bureau and La Salle counties. 

On the 7th of February, 1899, occurred the mar- 
riage of William Burke and Miss Mary Dutfy, who 
was born in Bureau county in 187 1, a daughter of 
John and Ellen (Prendergast) Dully, both natives 
of Ireland. Crossing the Atlantic to America, 
they became early residents of Bureau county, 
where tile father followed the occupation of fann- 
ing, thus providing a livelihood for his wife aJid 
children. In 1902, however, he was called upon 
to mourn the loss of his wife, who in that year was 
called to her final rest. He is now living retij-ed, 
making his home in Arlington, 'i'he fatlier of Mr. 
Burke is also living, and is a retired farmer of 
La Salle county, while Mrs. Burke, his wife, passed 
away on the 23d of August, 1900. Unto our sub- 
ject and his wife have been born a son and three 
daughters: John, Eleanor, Lucile and Angela, 
and the family circle yet remains uibroken by 
the hand of death. 

The farm which Mr. Burke owns comprises one 
hundred and twenty acres of good land in West- 
field township, and is a carefully improved prop- 
erty, on which large crops of corn and oats are 
annually raised. Land is now very valuable in 
this part of the state, and this farm is today worth 
from one hundred and seventy-five to two hundred 
dollars per acre. The family residence stands 
upon the farm, of which forty acres lie within the 
corporation limits of Arlington, but while giving 
his supervision to his agricultural interests Mr. 
Burke largely devotes his time and energies to 
the management of his livery business, while the 
work of the fields is carried on by others. Ilis 
fraternal relations are with Keenan council of the 
Tonights of Columbus, and he is a member of the 
Catholic church. He votes with the democracy, 
and for two years was alderman of Arlington, 
while for four years he has held the position of 
school director. His endorsement and co-opera- 
tion are given to many measures which have direct 
bearing upon the general good, and in an active 
business career his success is attributable entirely 
to his own labors. 



JOHN W. CHAMBERS. 
John W. Chambers, one of the younger repre- 
sentatives of agricultural interests in Bureau 
county, where he is operating a farm of seventy- 
eight acres belonging to his mother, is a native son 
of this county, his birth having occurred Novem- 
ber 30, 1873. He is a son of Leander and Mary 
J. (Smith) Chambers, who are represented else- 
where in this volume. His father was born in 
Tuscarawas county, Ohio, August 26, 1843, wliiie 
the mother's birth occurred in Bureau county, Il- 
linois, August 26. 1852. John W. Chambers is 
the younger of two children born unto Mr. and 



Mrs. Leander Chambers, his sister being Anna 
Bell Chambers, who was bom October 25, 1872. 

The subject of this review ae<iuircd his educa- 
tion in the public schools of his native county, and 
was here reared to farm life. He is now operating 
his mother's farm of seventy-eight acres, situated 
in Ohio township, to which he gives careful super- 
vision, each year harvesting good crops in return 
for the care which he bestows upon tiie fields. He 
is an enterprising young business man, thoroughly 
familiar with the best methods of farming the 
land and caring for tlie crops, so that he is num- 
bered among the substantial citizens of Bureau 
county. 

Mr. Chambers was united in marriage to Miss 
Nellie Stewart, the wedding ceremony being per- 
formed on the 19th of January, 1898. She was 
born in Bureau county, June 23, 1877, a daughter 
of James E. and Adeline (Lailerty) Stewart, the 
former likewise a native of this county, while the 
mother's birth occurred in Ohio. Mrs. Chambers 
is the second in order of birth in a family of seven 
children born unto Mr. and Mrs. Stewart. She 
received her education in Bureau county, com- 
pleting a high-school course at Princeton. 

Two children grace the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Chambers: Albert L., born December 1, 
1898; and Louie B., born June 19, 1901. Mr. 
Chanil)ers gives his political support to the repub- 
lican party, and his wife is a member of the Jlelh- 
odist Protestant church. Mr. Chambers is pro- 
gressive in his work of carrying on the cultivation 
of the fields, and he raises stock to some e.\tent. 
He and his wife occupy a beautiful home, sur- 
rounded by fine shade trees, and neatness jjcrvades 
the entire place. They are excellent young people 
and have a host of warm friends throughout the 
iDwn.shi]) in which they live. 



CHARLES A. ANDREWS. 
Charles A. Andrews, living in Manlius township, 
was born in Concord town.ship, November 24, 
1859. His parents were Henry P. and Su-san L. 
(Nash) Andrews. The fatlier came to Bureau 
county from Marvlnnd in 1851 and the mother 
came from Massachusetts to Illinois in 1834. The 
Andrews family on their westward trip proceeded 
down the Ohio river and thence up the jfississippi 
and Illinois rivers to Hennepin, I'utnam county, 
while the Nash family traveled by way of the lakes 
from Buffalo to Chicago and thence overland by 
ox team to Putnam county. In early manhood 
Henry P. .\ndrews conducted a general mercan- 
tile store in Sheflield, but after the war turned his 
attention to farming. He had previously followed 
that pursuit to some extent in Putnam county and 
he resumed agricultural life in Manlius township 
in 1868. There he engaged in tilling the soil for 
some years but at length retired on account of 
poor health and died in 1875, at the age of fifty 



866 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



years. His widow long survived him and passed 
away in 1905, at the age of seventy-five years. 

Charles A. Andrews, a native son of Sheffield, 
acquired his early education in the country schools 
and afterward spent a year and a half in work in 
machine shops in Buda. In 1884 he went to Ne- 
braska, where he engaged in farming, having taken 
up a homestead claim, upon which he remained for 
seven years. He then sold that property and re- 
turned to Manlius township. In 1891 he bought 
his fathers farm, purchasing the interest of the 
other heirs in the property, and has since resided 
thereon. Here he raises Hereford cattle, keeping 
registered stock and also standard bred horses, 
and he is well known as a leading stockman of the 
county. 

On" the 3d of May, 1883, Mr. Andrews wedded 
Miss Kittie McKenzie. of Buda, a daughter of 
Gideon and Carrie McKenzie, the father an em- 
ploye of the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Rail- 
road. Mr. and Mrs. Andrews have seven children : 
Henry G., George G., Paul M., Gwendolyn D., 
Lura N., Jessie C. and William P. The family 
circle vet remains unbroken and all are still at 
home. 

Mr. Andrews is a Master Mason, belonging to 
the lodge at Sheffield, and he is likewise a mem- 
ber of the Unitarian church at Buda. His politi- 
cal allegiance is given to the republican party and 
he has served as school director but has never been 
a politician in the sense of office seeking, prefer- 
ing to leave the contests of the political arena to 
others, while he gives his individual attention to 
his business affairs, wherein he is now meeting 
with a goodly measure of prosperity. 



GEORGE HUNT. 

George Hunt, deceased, was one of the pioneer 
settlers of Bureau county, who took up his abode 
here in 1846 and found many evidences of fron- 
tier life, for much of the land was still unclaimed 
and uncultivated, only a comparatively few roads 
had been made and the work of development and 
uplniilding had scarcely been begun In many dis- 
tricts of the county, while the now thriving towns 
and cities were then little villages. Mr. Hunt was 
a young man of twenty-six years at the time of 
his arrival, his birth having ocoirred in Massa- 
chusetts in 1820. His life portrayed many of the 
typical characteristics of the New Englander, in- 
cluding the thrift and industry which led him 
from humble surroundings to the plane of afflu- 
ence. In 186(3 he became the owner of what is now 
the old family homestead, comprising eighty acres 
of land in Gold township, whereon he continued 
to reside until his death, his attention being given 
to the further cultivation and improvement of the 
fields. 

Mr. Hunt was married to Miss Margaret Finley, 
who was born July 1, 1832, in Missouri, and came 



here in 1834 with her parents. Upon the home 
farm Mr. and Mrs. Hunt reared their family. The 
father there resided to the age of si.xty-four j'ears, 
when, in 1888, he was called from this life. For 
more than four decades he had been a resident of 
the county and had assisted in its early reclama- 
tion. He had kept in touch with modern prog- 
ress in agricultural affairs and his life was one of 
business activity and honor. His widow still sur- 
vives him, and resides upon the old homestead at 
the age of seventy-four years. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hunt were born six chil- 
dren : George C, the eldest, who is a farmer 
of Gold township; Charles D., who at the 
age of forty-six years is engaged in the raising 
of bees at New Bedford ; ilary, forty-four years 
of age, the wife of George W. Culberson, of Dover, 
Illinois, who is agent for the Reader Medicine 
Company, of Peoria : William L.. of whom mention 
will be made later; Bertha, thirty-six years of age, 
the wife of Arthur Williams, a resident farmer of 
Manlius township; and Cora, who has reached the 
age of tliirty-three and is the wife of Pearl Webb, 
a carpenter living in Buda. 

Of this family William L. Hunt is now man- 
aging the estate left by his father. He was born 
in 186T, was educated in the district school and 
was reared to the occupation of farming, which 
he has always followed. He is now manager of 
the estate, which as yet is undivided, and he keeps 
the farm under a high state of cultivation and 
makes many modern improvements thereon. 

William L. Hunt was married to Miss Ann B. 
Fay, and they became the parents of three chil- 
dren: Hazel, Virgil and Dora, aged respectively 
fifteen, thirteen and ten years, and all yet at home. 
Mr. Hunt served as a member of the police force 
of Sheffield for one year, 1900-1, but his attention 
is now confined to his farming interests. He sup- 
ports the republican party and is in thorough sym- 
pathy with its principles and purposes. Frater- 
nally he is connected with the t)dd Fellows lodge, 
No. 808, at Sheftield, and with the Modern Wood- 
men camp. No. 166, at New Bedford. The fam- 
ily are all Methodists in religious faith. The 
name of Hunt has long figured prominently and 
honorably in this county in connection with busi- 
ness affairs, the material interests and the intel- 
lectual and moral development, and is worthy of 
an honored place on the pages of the county's his- 
lovv. 



WILLIAM MERCER. 
William Mercer, representing the agricultural 
interests of Bureau, his native county, where he 
was born September 26, 1876, is operating a tract 
of one hundred and eighty-six acres, belonging to 
his mother. He is a son of Dr. Thomas D. and 
Margaret R. (Kasbeer) Mercer, likewise natives 
of Bureau county, Illinois. The father was a phy- 
sician and surgeon, practicing his profession for 



PAST AM) I'KKSKN r OF HlHEAi: COI'NTV. 



867 



many j-uars in the village of Ohio, but he is now 
deceased. In their I'amily were four children, two 
of whom have also passed away, the sister of our 
subject being Alice G. Mercer, who was born 
August l(i. 1ST9. 

William Mercer, the subject of this review, was 
reared on the place which is yet his home, and was 
educated in the public schools of his native place. 
He is now operating his mother's farm of one 
hundred and eighty-si.\ acres, located in Ohio 
township, and that he is an enterprising and pro- 
gressive young farmer is indicated by the fact that 
each year abundant harvests are gathered as the 
result of the larc and labor lie exercises in the 
cultivation of the land. He keeps everything 
about the place in good condition, so that this 
property is considered among the best in Ohio 
township. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. Mercer chose Miss Florence L. Limerick, a 
popular young lady of Bureau county, to whom 
he was married December 22, 1897. She was born 
July 2G, 1877, and was about twenty years of age 
when she gave her hand in marriage to Mr. 
Mercer. Her parents are Eobert and Mary ( Perry ) 
Limerick, both natives of Illinois, the father born 
in Bureau county, while the mother's birth oc- 
curred in La Salle county. Mrs. Mercer is the 
aldest of the four children born unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Limerick. Two sons and a daughter grace 
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Mercer: Eobert 
T., born September 10, 1898; John G., August 
21, 1900; and Gladys, May 3, 1904. 

In his political views Mr. Mercer is a republican, 
and while keeping informed on political questions, 
is not active in the work of the party, preferring to 
give his entire time to his farming interests, in 
which he is meeting with very desirable success. 
Fraternally he is connected with the American 
Stars of .Equity, belonging to lodge No. 33, at 
Kasbeer. and his wife is also a member of the 
order, while their church membership is with the 
Methodist Protestant denomination at Kasbeer. 
They are excellent young people, having many 
warm personal friends throughout the community 
in which thev live. 



HAERY W. PALMER. 
Ilarrv W. Palmer, actively associated with farm- 
ing interests in La Moille township, was born in 
Bureau county. May 22. 1875. His parents were 
Charles W. and Elizabeth (.Ames) Palmer, the 
former a native of Belmont. Ohio, and the latter 
of Wyoming county, Pennsylvania. They were 
married in the Keystone state, and, removing to 
the middle west, settled in Bureau county, Illi- 
nois. It was at an earlv period in the development 
of this locality that Charles Palmer took up his 
abode here, inaking a permanent location. He 
secured land and began the development of a farm. 



to the further cultivation and improvement of 
wliieh he devoted his energies tliroughout his re- 
maining days. He was a devoted husband and 
father and worthy citizen, and was held in high 
esteem by neighbors an<l friends. He was twice 
married, and by the lirst union had three children, 
while by the second nuirriagc there were born a 
son and daugliter, Harry W. and Ilattie J., twins, 
who are still at home with their mother, 

Harry W. Palmer of this review was educated 
in the schools of La Jloille, and is well known as 
a dealer in horses, which he l)ree(ls and raises, also 
buys and sells. He is an excellent juilgc of horses, 
being seldom at error in the valuation which he 
places upon an animal, and is thus able to make 
judicious purchases and profitable sales. He is 
an enterprising, active young business man, who 
has made a creditable record and won the respect 
and confidence of the entire business community. 

In connection with his motiier and sister ilr. 
Palmer owns a beautiful home within the corpora- 
tion limits of the village of La Moille, where they 
have eight and one-half acres of ground, and the 
residence is surrounded by many fine old shade 
trees and a well kept lawn, which adds much to its 
attractive appearance. In his political affiliation 
Mr. Palmer is a republican, having supported the 
party since age conferred upon him the right of 
franchise. He is orthodox in his religious belief, 
and, with his mother and sister, attends the serv- 
ices of the Methodist Episcopal chureh, of which 
they are members. All occupy an enviable posi- 
tion in social circles and are highly esteemed by 
many friends, whose number is almost as great 
as the number of their acquaintances. 



UAUUING PIPER. 

Among the more successful of the younger rep- 
resentatives of fanning interests in Bureau county 
is Harding Piper, of La Moille township. He was 
born in this county, August 7, lS7(i, and is a 
member of a prominent and well known family, 
his ]iarents being Harding H. and Mary A. ( Mc- 
Williams) Piper, in whose family of ten children 
he is the youngest. At the usual age he entered 
the public schools and therein mastered the 
branches of English learning which commonly con- 
stitute the curriculum of a district school. He 
was trained to habits of business activity and en- 
terprise under the direction of his father, one of 
the prominent and successful business men of the 
county and one of its largest landowners. Hard- 
ing Piper is now manager anil heir of five hundred 
and fifty-six acres of choice land belonging to his 
father, and in his business alfairs shows excellent 
executive force and keen discernment. He allows 
no obstacle to brook his path and is making steady 
advancement toward the goal of prosperity. 

In September, 1899, Mr. Piper wedded Miss 
Pollv E. Jullian, who was born in this county, 



868 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUEEAU COUXTY. 



September 25, 1878, a daughter of John and Mar- 
garet (Jay) Jullian, both of whom were natives 
of Ohio. The mother came to Illinois in 1851 and 
the father in 1855. and they were married in 
Bureau county, November 30, 1865. The death 
cf Mr. Jullian occurred July 17, 1892, and the 
community thereby lost one of its representative 
and honored citizens. In his family were nine 
children, of whom Mrs. Piper was the eighth in 
order of birth. Three children grace this mar- 
riage : Asa H., born January 28, 1900 ; Francis 
J., January 28, 1902; and Mary L., August 16, 
1903. 

Mr. Piper holds fraternal relations with camp 
No. 227 of the Modern Woodmen of America. He 
votes with the republican party, and while he 
keeps well informed on questions and issues of 
the day has never been an office seeker. He has 
served as school director, but otherwise has held 
no official positions in his township. He is a 
thoroughly progressive farmer, having a home 
equipped with all modern accessories and con- 
veniences. He keeps an automobile, and in all of 
his business and social interests manifests a pro- 
gressive spirit. The Piper family is one of the 
most prominent and influential in Bureau county. 
Its men having been noted for their prowess in 
acquiring wealth, while they are equally notable 
for the honorable methods followed in business. 
The sterling traits of character which Harding 
Piper has already displayed indicates that he pos- 
sesses the family characteristics in this regard, 
and he is now accorded a prominent position 
among the leading representatis'es of agricultural 
life in Bureau county." 



PATRICK H. HICKEY. 

Patrick H. Hickey, who is the owner of an 
excellent farm of one hundred and sixty acres 
of choice land on sections 12 and 13, Walnut 
township, and who, moreover, is entitled to rep- 
resentation in this volume, not only as a sub- 
stantial resident of Bureau county, but also as 
an honored veteran of the Civil War, having been 
one of the loyal defenders of the Union, was born 
in Tipperary, Ireland, Xovember 9, 1831. His 
parents were Thomas and Margaret (Maher) 
Hickey. The father, who was bom on the Em- 
erald isle in 1780, passed away in 1838, while his 
wife, whose birth occurred there in 1782, died in 
1882, at the remarkable age of one hundred years. 

Thomas Hickey was a farmer by occupation and 
thus Patrick H. Hickey was reared to farm life. 
His education was acquired in the schools of his 
native country, and he remained a resident of 
Ireland until 1861, when he came to America, 
settling in Sandwich, Illinois, where he made his 
home with his sister until his enlistment in the 
Union army in 1862. He proved his loyalty to his 
adopted country by offering his services to the 



government and going to the front as a member 
of Company K, Eighteenth Illinois Volunteer In- 
fantry. With that command he was in active duty 
until June, 1865, when he was transferred to the 
±ifty-ninth Illinois Volunteers and sent to Texas, 
where he remained until December 8, 1865. when 
he returned to Springfield, Illinois, for final dis- 
charge. He participated in many important and 
sanguinary battles, including the engagements at 
Stone Eiver, Liberty Gap, Chickamau^a, Mission 
Eidge, Knoxville. Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Peach Tree Creek, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Pulaski 
and Franklin, Tennessee. In the battle of Resaca 
he was wounded in the right limb just above the 
knee, the bullet passing through the knee, but 
in three weeks' time he was again vrith his regi- 
ment. 

Following- his return home ^Mr. Hickey began 
farming, and has since followed that occupation. 
Through earnest, unremittinff toil, accompanied 
by economy, he was at length enabled to make 
purchase of land, and is now the owner of a val- 
uable tract of one hundred and sixty acres on sec- 
tions 12 and 13, Walnut township, valued at from 
one hundred to one hundred and twenty-live dol- 
lars per acre. His possessions are now such as 
would enable him to spend his declining years in 
retirement from business. Following his return 
from the war he lived at Sandwich, Illinois, until 
1868, when he removed to Serena, but aftenvard 
returned to Sandwich, where he lived for five 
years. Subsequently he spent seven years in Lee 
county, Illinois, and then took up his abode in 
Walnut township, where he has since resided. 

It was on the 29th of August, 1868, that Mr. 
Hickey was married to Miss Hannah X'ora Hunt, 
who was born January 28, 1848, and acquired her 
education in Ireland, her native country. Her 
parents were Terence and Margaret (Morstan) 
Hunt, who were liKewise natives of Ireland. The 
father was born in 1811 and died in 1854, while 
his wite, whose birth occurred in 1817, passed 
away June 30, 1882. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Hickey 
have been born seven children, of whom four are 
yet living: Martin T., born May 28, 1869; Mary 
E., December 15, 1873 : Caroline I., November 
4. 1875, and Esther, March 6, 1884. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hickey and their children are members of the 
Catholic church. 

Mr. Hickey is a republican in his political views 
and stanchly advocates the principles of the party, 
although he has never sought office as a reward 
for party fealty. He belongs to Brewer post. No. 
577, G. A. E., at Walnut, and thus maintains 
pleasant relations with his old army comrades 
with whom, wearing the blue uniform, he marched 
in defense of the stars and stripes. Many vears 
of labor now enable him to enjoy an age of ease, 
and in the evening of life he can surround him- 
self with many of the comforts and luxuries which 
go to make life worth living. 




MT!. AXn AIKS. r. [1. IIICKEY 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



871 



JOHN CONDON. 

John Condon resides upon a farm in Manlius 
township, a portion of whit-h hu j)Uivliasi'd in 18(iT, 
and while giving much of his attention to general 
agneultural pursuits, he has also been connected 
with building operations and has worked on a 
number of important buildings in the county. 

John Condon was born June 13, 1829, in Ire- 
land, and came to America in 1838, when a youth 
of but nine years. In 1843, at the age of fourteen, 
he went to Syracuse, New York, and entered upon 
an apprenticeship to learn the mason's trade, at 
which he worked in the Empire state until 18.J4. 
That year witnessed liis arrival in Illinois, and he 
assisted in building the brick station and freight 
house at Mendota. Subsequently he removed to 
Princeton, where he erected a number of the best 
buildings, including the American House and 
other important structures there. He lived in 
Princeton for some years, working at his trade, 
and evidences of his handiwork are seen in the 
residence of Justice Stevens and also in the 
poor-farm buildings of Henry county. He like- 
wise aided in building a number of the business 
blocks of Sheffield and of Buda, and thus he has 
worked at various places in the county, becoming 
well known in building circles. In 1867 he pur- 
chased eighty acres of his present home place, and 
has since extended the boundaries of the farm until 
he now has one hundred and twenty acres. Here 
he has worked at his trade also, erecting the Cath- 
olic church in Sheffield and other buildings in this 
part of the county. He is likewise a stockholder 
in the Farmers" Mutual Telephone Company. 

Mr. Condon was married in Syracuse, New 
York, in November, 18.52, to Miss Bridget Flaher- 
ty, a native of Ireland, who was a maiden of nine 
summers when she crossed the Atlantic to the new 
world. They now have si.x living children: Wil- 
liam H., a farmer and mason of Sheffield ; John 
J., who also follows farming; Edward \'., pro- 
prietor of the Hotel Antlers at Taylorville, Illi- 
nois: Mary B., at home; Kate, the wife of James 
Coggins; and Anna, the wife of Patrick Curren, 
an engineer on the Northwestern Railroad, who 
was fortunate enough to draw land in the Rose- 
bud reservation. As her husband could not go, 
Mrs. Curren secured a car from the railroad and 
went to Bonestoel, South Dakota, whence she trav- 
leed overland with the car on wheels and there 
lived for eight months with her five children, ])rov- 
ing up the claim. Prior to her marriage she en- 
gaged in teaching school. Mr. and Mrs. Coiulon 
have lost four children: Eugene, who died at the 
age of thirteen years; Frank, who died at the age 
of twenty-nine ; and two who died in infancy. 

Mr. Condon supports the democracy and is an 
active worker for the party, while he and his fam- 
ily are communicants of the Catliolic church at 
Sheffield. He has now passed the seventy-seventh 
milestone on life's journey, and, reviewing the past, 
we note that he has ever been a busy, active man. 



placing his dependence upon the safe and sub- 
.■^lantial qualities of industry and perseverance in 
order to gain a good living and j)rovide for his 
family. Whatever success lie lias achieved is the 
direct result of his own labors, and while lie has 
never sought to figure prominently in public af- 
fairs, there has been much in his life tiiat is 
worthy of emulation. 



LOUIS II. W I.MAX, .V. B., M. D. 

Dr. Louis II. Wiman, an able and prominent 
meilical practitioner of Bureau county, living in 
the village of La Moille, was born in Yale, Illi- 
nois, .\pril 19, 1877, his parents being (Jeorge H. 
and .lane E. (Power) Wiman. natives of Illinois 
and Ohio resjiectively. In their family were seven 
chihlren, of whom Dr. Wiman is the second, and 
with the exception of the two youngest all are col- 
lege graduates. 

The Doctor spent his early life in attendance 
at the common and high schools of La Moille, 
being graduated from the latter with the class of 
1895. He afterward engaged in teaching schmil 
for one year and then entered .\ustin College, from 
which he was graduate<l with the degree of Bach- 
elor of .\rts in 11>00. He again engaged in teach- 
ing during the succeeding year and subsequently 
matriculated as a member of the sophomore ela.ss 
of the Medical College of Indiana in the fall of 
1901. He was under the preccptoragc of Dr. E. 
D. Clark, and he located for active practice in La 
Moille on the (Jth of August, 1901. 

On the 4th of .Vugust, inOl, I "r. Winian was 
united in marriage to Miss Myrtle Grogan, who 
was born in Crawford county, Illinois, September 
20, 1879. This union has been blessed with one 
t.on, Louis H., born June 5, 1905. Mrs. Wiman 
is a daughter of George W. and Elsie W. (Wilkin) 
Grogan, the former a native of Tennessee and the 
latter of this state. Their family numbered three 
children, of whom Mrs. Wiman is the eldest. She 
pursued her early education in the public schools 
of Crawford county, Illinois, and is a graduate of 
Liebling"s Conservatory of Music in Terre Haute, 
Indiana. She holds membership in the Methodist 
Episcopal church. 

In his political affiliation Ur. Winiaii is a repub- 
lican, ami while he never seeks or desires office, he 
nlways keeps well informed on the questions and 
issues of the day. He belongs to the Masonic 
lodge at La Moille, and both he and his wife are 
members of the Order of the Eastern Star. Dr. 
Wiman, in the line of his profession, is connected 
with the Bureau County Medical Society and the 
Stale Medical Society. Conscientious and zealous 
in his practice, a man of energy at all times and 
strong in his friendships, he has made for himself 
a creditable position in professional circles and in 
public reganl in this county. A lover of music, a 
friend of education, he stands for all that pro- 



872 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



motes intellectual, aesthetic and moral culture, and 
is, in the truest and best sense of the term, a 
manly man. 



ALLISON WILSON. 

Allison Wilson, who, starting out in life on his 
ovm account, has worked liis way steadily upward 
from a humble position to one of affluence, makes 
his home in Ohio township, where he owns a good 
farm of one hundred and eighty acres. His suc- 
cess in a business way would entitle him to repre- 
sentation in this volume, but he furthermore de- 
serves mention by reason of the fact that he is an 
honored veteran of the Civil war. He was born in 
Belmont county, Ohio, June 15, 1841, and has 
been a resident of Bureau county since 1858, when 
he was brought to this locality by his grandfather. 
He is a son of William and Ruth (Wilkinson) 
Wilson, also natives of Belmont county. His 
mother died in 1849, in that county, when he was 
very young, leaving four children, of whom Alli- 
son was the third in order of birth. The father's 
death occurred in Dover township, Bureau county, 
Illinois, in 1879. 

Brought to Bureau county when only seventeen 
years of age, Allison Wilson acquired his educa- 
tion, in the common schools and in his youth be- 
came familiar with farm labor. He put aside all 
personal and business considerations, however, at 
the time of the outbreak of the Civil war, enlist- 
ing at Dover in response to the country's call as a 
member of Company B, Ninety-third Illinois Vol- 
unteer Infantry. He served for nearly three years 
with the Fifteenth Army Corps and participated 
in many important engagements, including the 
battles of Champion Ililis. "S'ickshurg. Mission 
Ridge, Altoona Pass and others. He was twice 
wounded and was honorably discharged on account 
of his injuries after five months spent in a hos- 
pital. He carried a minie-ball weighing an ounce 
in his body for five years, three months and four- 
teen days. He had many narrow escapes while 
serving his country and met the usual experiences 
and hardships meted out to the soldier. 

It was not long after his return that Mr. Wilson 
was married, on the 7th of January, 1866, to Miss 
Maria Ary, who was born in this county, Decem- 
ber 31, 1847, the daughter of Tobias and Sarah 
(Ogan) Ary, who were natives of Greene county, 
Ohio. In that state they were married and in 1846 
came to Bureau county. They had but two chil- 
dren, of whom Mrs. Wilson, who was born De- 
cember 31, 1847, is the elder. She, too, is in- 
debted to the public-school system of this county 
for the educational privileges she enjoyed, and by 
her marriage she has become the mother of two 
children: Linconie, who was born April 8, 1868; 
and Herbert E., born February 3, 1875. Mrs. 
Wilson belongs to the Methodist Protestant church, 
and Mr. Wilson is orthodox in his belief although 
not a member of any church. His political allegi- 



ance is given to the republican party and he has 
alwavs stood as a loyal defender of that party, 
which was the champion of the Union cause in 
the dark days of the Civil war. 

Throughout his business career he has carried 
on general farming and is the owner of one hun- 
dred and eighty acres of choice land, valued at 
from one hundred and fifty to two hundred dol- 
lars per acre. His farm lies neav the village of 
Ohio and his fields have been brought under a high 
state of cultivation, responding readily to the care 
and labor bestowed upon them. Mr. Wilson has 
watched with interest the changes that have been 
made in the methods of farming and has kept 
abreast with the general progress and improve- 
ment. For eleven yearse he served as school di- 
rector and has done much to further public edu- 
cation in his home locality. He and his wife now 
occupy a beautiful residence and they enjoy the 
esteem of all who know them, being numbered 
among Bureau county's best citizens. Mr. Wil- 
son's residence here covers a period of almost sixty 
years and thus his memory forms a connecting 
link between the primitive past and the progres- 
sive present, for he recalls many scenes of pioneer 
life and the experiences incident to the develop- 
ment of a new farm upon the frontier. 



JACOB JAMES KINNICK. 

Jacob James Kinnick in 1849 took up his abode 
en his present farm in Gold township, comprising 
one hundred and sixty acres of land_, and has here 
since engaged in general farming and stock-rais- 
ing, keeping everything about the place in first 
class condition, evidences of modern agricultural 
progress being seen in all departments of the 
farm. 

He was born in Dover township, four miles 
north of Princeton, on what is known as the James 
Garvin farm, on January 4, 1846, and is therefore 
sixty years of age. He is a son of Walter and 
Susan Kinnick, who for some time lived upon the 
Garvin farm, where the death of the father oc- 
curred when he was forty-three years of age. Three 
sons of tlic family are still living: Walter, who 
has retired from business life and resides in Buda; 
Joseph, who makes his home in Park City, Mon- 
tana; and Jacob J., of this review. 

Jacob J. Kinnick was reared to farm life, and in 
the schools of Princeton acquired his education. 
He served for one year in the Civil war, enlisting 
in October, 1864, in Company H, One Hundred 
and Forty-sixth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, 
and during his year at the front saw arduous serv- 
ice, being honorably discharged July 8, 1865. He 
then returned to his home and has since followed 
farming in this county. At one time he owned 
forty acres of land in Concord township, near 
Buda, and he came to his present farm in Gold 



PAST AND PHESEXT UP lU'REAU COUNTY. 



873 



to\vnshi|) in 18ii4, at whii-h time he purc'liasod one 
liundred and sixty acres of land, whii.-h is now well 
tilled. The raising of cereals adapted to soil and 
climate constitutes one feature of his l)usiness, and 
he is also engaged in stock-raising, having some 
good cattle, horses and hogs upon his place. In- 
vestigation into the methods which he follows 
shows that he is not only thoroughly familiar 
with modern farm processes, but that he follows 
them and therefore derives from his work the best 
posible results. 

Mr. Kinnick was married to Miss Fannie 
Fletcher, who was born in Virginia, whence she 
removed to Ohio and thence came to this county in 
1844. Her father was a cooper by trade, but en- 
gaged in stock-raising after coming to the middle 
west. She was largely reared in this county, re- 
maining in her parents' home until she gave her 
hand in marriage to Mr. Kinnick in 1872. They 
are both well known in the county, where they 
have lived through many decades, being properly 
classed with the early settlers, their memory com- 
passing the period of early pioneer development 
anil improvement here as well as the later era of 
progress and prosperity. Mr. Kinnick is a mem- 
ber of the Grand Army post of Buda and his wife 
is a member of the Wesleyan church. 



JOHN A. MURPHY. 



John A. Murphy, deceased, who was a respected, 
worthy and successful farmer of Manlius township, 
was born in Kilkenny, Ireland, and was reared to 
farm life, early becoming familiar with the work 
cf field and meadow. He became a resident of 
Princeton, Illinois, in 1855, and, having no cap- 
ital, he at once sought employment, which he se- 
cured upon a farm. He was thus employed at 
farm labor until 1859, when he purchased his first 
land, consisting of fifteen acres near Princeton. 

As a companion and helpmate for life's journey 
Mr. Murphy chose Miss Catherine O'Toole, whom 
he married in Kome, New Y'ork, on the 8th of 
January, 1853. She is also a native of the green 
isle of Erin, and came to America when a young 
lady of seventeen years. Following their marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Murphy removed to Williams coun- 
ty, Ohio, where (hey remained for three years, and 
then settled in Bureau county, Illinois. Here Mr. 
Murphy spent his remaining days, his death oc- 
curring in Princeton on the 12th of November, 
1860. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Murphy were born six chil- 
dren who are yet living: Katie, the wife of Albert 
B. Elliott, a farmer residing in Princeton town- 
ship; James A., who follows farming in Manlius 
township; Michael F.. also a farmer of the same 
township; Mary A., the wife of Patrick Clinton, 
an agriculturist of Manlius township; and Anna 
E., the wife of Marion M. GrifTm, who likewise 



carries on agricultural [tursuits in Manlius town- 
ship. One son, John L. Murphy, died January 
20, 11105, at the age of forty-four years. 

Mrs. Murphy is now the owner of a valuable 
farm property of two hundri'd acres, from which 
she derives a good income, for the place is kept 
under a high slate of cultivation and the fields 
therefore return rich harvests. Her son James 
has a farm of eighty acres and Michael one hun- 
dred and twenty acres, so that thd family posses- 
sions aggregate four hundred acres. In politics 
the sons are supporters of the democracy, while 
the family are all members of the Catholic church 
of Sheffield. They are widely and favorably known 
in the community where they reside and are prom- 
inent lY'preseiilatives of the farming interests of 
this part of the county. 



MRS. ALICE McCLEARY. 

Mrs. Alice (Kasbeer) McCleary, living in Ohio 
township, is a representative of one of the pioneer 
families of Bureau county, and now owns and oc- 
cupies the original Kasbeer homestead, vacated by 
her parents in 1868. She was born March '^. 1865, 
and is a daughter of John S. and Hannah (Ross) 
Kasbeer. Her father was born in Tuscarawas 
county, Ohio, December 28, 1818, and the mother's 
birth occurred in the same county, February 12, 
1826. There were twelve children in the family, 
of whom four are now deceased. Mrs. McCleary, 
who is the tenth in order of birth, atten<led the dis- 
trict schools and also spent four terms as a student 
in Princeton and one term in the State Normal 
University at Normal, Illinois. 

On the 18th of February, 1902, she gave her 
hand in marriage to Daniel C. McCleary, who was 
born in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, September 
10, 185G, a son of Henry and Edith (Darlene) 
McCleary, who were likewise natives of that coun- 
tv, the former born January 8, 1821, and the lat- 
ter February 26. 1827. This worthy couple were 
the parents of seven well trained children, who 
were taught temperance habits, and of whom four 
have now passed away. Daniel C. McCleary, the 
sixth of the family, was educated in the common 
schools of Pennsylvania and Virginia and is today 
an industrious farmer and stock-raiser, making a 
specialty of polled .\ngus and Calloway cattle. He 
makes a large quantity of butter for market and 
raises a large number of chickens. On the 17th 
of March. 1880. in Cass county. Missouri, he mar- 
ried Elizabeth Marsh, a daughter of Jacob and 
Rebecca (Ross) Hunter. She was born in Bureau 
county, July i:i, 1S5.3. and died September 6. 1900. 
Of the two" children born of that marriage Nellie 
T/aurena was born November 19. 1881. and died 
May .30. 1891. and a little son died in infancy, 

Mrs. Alice McCleary remained long on thi' farm 
with her aged parents, attending to the household 



874 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



duties and assisting her father in business matters. 
Her farm adjoins the village of Kasbeer on the 
Jiorth, and the house was erected by her father 
sixty years ago, but has since been greatly re- 
modeled and enlarged, making it a very attractive 
home. The framework, sleepers, joists and laths 
were hewed out of hard timber. The late country 
home of the parents went to their youngest son, 
John William Kasbeer, at their death. Mrs. 
McCleary is the only lady notary public ever regis- 
tered at the courthouse in Princeton, and has 
served in that capacity for the past eight years to 
the entire satisfaction of ail concerned. She is a 
writer of considerable aliility, and has contributed 
many able articles to the press. 

Mr. and Mrs. McCleary are members of the 
Methodist Protestant church and are most highly 
esteemed residents of Ohio township. Their friends 
are many, and entertain for them the highest re- 
spect. They are interested in church work and all 
that pertains to the moral progress of the com- 
munity, and Mrs. McCleary was for twenty-one 
years teacher of a class in Sunday-school. She is 
also a member of the Woman's Foreign Missionary 
Society of her church and iiclongs to a temperance 
society which was organized in 187.5 and is still in 
existence. The family have long been stalwart ad- 
vocates of the cause of temperance, and are pidlii- 
bitionisls in their political faith and affiliation. 



.lOIIX J. COSTEHLO. 

Upon a farm in La Moille township lives John 
J. Costehio, who for ten years has had charge of 
the Stacy place of two hundred and ninety-three 
acres. He was born in the ncigliboring county of 
La Salle on the 20th of September, 18G8, and is of 
Irish lineage. His father, John Costehio, born on 
the Emerald isle, came to the United States in 
1861, and in Pennsylvania was united in marriage 
to Miss Katharine Hrennen. whose birth occurred 
in Lvlaud and who canu' to this country in 180.3. 
In a family of seven children who graced this mar- 
riage the subject of this review was the third, and, 
like the other members of tlie household, he was 
reared upon the home fami, acquiring his educa- 
tion in the schools of La Moille township, while in 
the summer months he assisted in the work of 
plowing, planting and harvesting. His labors 
proved a practical training school for the experi- 
ences of his later years when he started out in life 
on his own account. 

Happy in his home surroundings, Mr. Costehio 
was married on the 0th of October, 189G, to Miss 
Savilla Sterns, who was born in Ohio, October 0, 
1860. She was the second in a family of eight 
children whose parents were William and Sarah 
(Criswell) Dority, natives of Ohio, whence they 
came to Illinois in 1866. Mrs. Costehio was then 
a little maiden of six summers, and her education 



was acquired in the Bureau county public schools. 
There are two children of this marriage : Joseph 
J., born October 8, 1897 ; and James W., born 
February 11. 1900. 

Mr. Costehio is a communicant of the Roman 
Catholic church, and affiliates with the Modern 
Woodmen of America, while his political views lead 
him to indorse the principles of the republican 
party. He has had charge of the Stacy farm, con- 
sisting of two hundred and ninety-three acres, for 
the past ten years, and is here engaged in raising 
both grain and stock. He is a self-made man wlio 
started out in life a poor boy to make his own 
way in the world. His life exemplifies the phrase, 
"through struggles to triumph," for by hard work 
he has accumulated a nice competence, which he 
keeps invested in stock. He is an excellent judge 
of stock, being seldom, if ever, at errot in placing 
a valuation upon domestic animals, and this has 
been one element in his success. He is spoken of 
among those who know him as an excellent neigh- 
bor and a valuable friend, and. moreover, he has 
made a creditable record in the business world. 



GEORGE E. SEIBEL. 

(icorge E. Seibel is a representative of one of the 
old and prominent families of this county, and re- 
sides upon the Seibel homestead, in Manlius town- 
hsip, where he owns and operates one hundred and 
eighty acres of land. It was in this township that 
his birth occurred on the 5th of November, 1854, 
his parents being John J. and Priscilla P. (Fol- 
let) Seibel, who are mentioned elsewhere in this 
work. .\t the usual age George E. Seibel began 
his education and studied in Manlius and Slu'l'- 
fiold. When he put aside his text-books he took 
up farming with his father, and has always resided 
in Manlius township with the exception of a period 
of six years, which he spent in Gold township, 
where he now owns laud. He at the present time 
resides upon the old Seibel homestead, where a 
valuable fai-m of one hundred and eighty acres 
[)ays tribute to his labor, care and management. 
'I'he fields are rich soil and return good harvests, 
and everything about the place is kept in accord- 
ance with modern ideas of progressive agriculture. 

On the 20th of July, 1875, Mr. Seibel was mar- 
ried to ]\Iiss Eva E. ilcXaughton. a daughter of 
John F. and Elizabeth (Liddell) Mi-\aughton, 
farming people of Fairfield ownship. They came 
to Illinois from Vermont in 1856 and took up 
their abode in this county in 1874, spending here 
their remaining days. The father died at the age 
of sixty-nine years, while the mother passed away 
at the more advanced age of seventy-four years. 
In the last ten years of Mr. McNaughton's life he 
was engaged in the conduct of a hotel at Tainpico. 
Unto Mr. and Mrs. Seibel have been born five chil- 
dren, of whom two have passed away, while those 



PAST Ax\D I'KKSE.NT OF lUJHKAi: COINTV 



875 



living are: Grace L., born December 30, 1883; 
Vernon M., June 25, 1892; and Leonard M., 
January 29, 18!)S. All are still under the parental 
roof. One son, Frank J., died June 3U, 1880, 
when a year old, and a daughter, Ethel C., who 
was born May 10, 1887, died Decemter 12, 1903, 
at the age of sixteen years. 

In politics Mr. Seibel is a republican, and has 
served as school director, and was also justice of 
the peace, but resigned the latter position, for his 
aspiration is not in the line of otlice holding, al- 
though he stands for good government and does 
everything in his power to promote local progress 
and national advancement. He and his family are 
members of the United Brethren church of Man- 
lius, of which he is one of the trustees, and he is 
now serving on the finance and building commit- 
tees, having in charge the construction of a new 
church. He is interested in all that pertains to 
educational and moral development here, and his 
record has ever been in harmony with that of the 
prominent pioneer family which he represents. 



HEEBERT LESLIE LITTLEFIELD. 

Herbert Leslie Littlefield. now operating the 
old home farm of the family, was born in Boston, 
Massachusetts, February 15, 1867, and is a son 
of Joseph Emerson and Sarah Anne (Baker) Lit- 
tlefield, who were farming people and came to 
Sheffield in 1870. Near that town the father 
rented land for eight years and, living frugally 
and economically and carrying on his farm work 
with energy and determination, he at length se- 
cured a sum of money sufficient to enable him, in 
1878, to purchase the home farm of eighty acres, 
whereon he lived and labored until his death, 
which occurred on the IGth of February, 1905. 
He had for two years survived his wife, who died 
on the ISth of February, 1903. Mr. Littlefield was 
a native of Kennebec, Maine, born October 31, 
1828, and his wife was a native of Yarmouth, 
Nova Scotia, born March 24, 1831. Both w^ere of 
English descent and were people of genuine worth, 
whoso many sterling qualities won for them the 
fi'iendlv ri'gard of all with whom they came in 
contact. 

Herbert L. Litllelield was reared to farm life, 
early becoming familiar with the work of Held and 
meadow. He acquired his education in the public 
schools, his time being divided between the work of 
the schoolroom, the pleasures of the playground 
and the duties incumlient upon him as a farmer's 
son. He is now residing on the old homestead 
place, which he had worked with his father 
through the period of his minority and early man- 
hood. This farm was left to him and his sister, 
Mary Louise, who resides with him. She was also 
born in Boston and was brought by her parents to 
Illinois, where she has since resided. She supple- 



mented her early educational privileges by study 
in the Sheffield high school and in Kno.x College at 
Galesburg, after which she spent four years in 
Hoslon. but she is now living with her brother 
upon the old homestead, which is owned jointly 
by them. He is a republican with firm faith in 
the principles of the party but without desire for 
office, his atteiitioii being concentrated upon his 
business affairs, and in their management he dis- 
plays keen discernment and executive force as well 
as unfaltering diligence. 



HENHY PC PP. 

Henry Popp, who for a third of a century has 
been i<lentili('(l with the agrieultural interests of 
Macon township, was born in Frederickshafen, 
Bavaria, Germany, April 24, 1858. His parents 
were Lawrence and Lena (Fry) Popp, who were 
likewise natives of Frederickshafen, the former 
Ijorn in 1821 and the latter in 1830. The father 
was a farmer by occupation and was a man of 
considerable loeal prominence, serving for many 
years as mayor of his town. He was also a soldier 
of the German army for several years and held 
membership in the Lutheran church, in the faith 
of which he died at the age of si.xty-tlve. His 
widow is still living on the old homestead in the 
fatherland. In their family were si.x children, of 
whom three are now living: John and Mattie, 
being residents of Germany. 

At the usual age Henry Popp began his educa- 
tion in the jjublic schools of his native country 
and when twenty years of age he entered the Ger- 
man army, serving for three years as a musician. 
He also followed farming in his native province 
for one year and in October, 1852, he iiade adieu 
to friends and childhood's home and left his native 
soil for -America, landing at Philadelphia. He 
afterward made his way to South Ghieago, where 
he remained for about six months, and then came 
to Macon township. Bureau county, where he has 
since been a representative of its agricultural life, 
now farming one hundred and sixty acres of land, 
whereon he also raises some stock. His is one of 
the typically fine farms of Illinois, and the prop- 
erty has been acquired entirely through his own 
unaided labors. 

Mr. Popp was married, January 20. 1885. to 
Miss Mary .Mbrecht, who was born in Tiskilwa. 
this county, April 7, 1854, a daughter of Cliristian 
and Katherinc (Euggy) Albrecht, natives of Ba- 
varia, the former born in 1830 and the latter in 
IS 10. They are now residents of Tiskilwa and in 
their family are six children: John, who married 
Liz/.ie hViser; Lena, the wife of John Hingen- 
berg: Mrs. Popp; Katie, who married Samuel 
Simniion; T..izzie, and Kmnia, the wife of Peter 
Einkenberger. Mr. and Mrs. Albrecht came to 
the United States and settled in Bureau county 



876 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUEEAIT COUNTY. 



among its earliest residents, ilrs. Albrecht being 
but seven years of age when with her parents she 
crossed the Atlantic. In 1896, Mr. Albrecht, after 
having followed farming for many years, retired 
and has since lived in Tiskilwa without recourse 
to further labor, his competence being sufficient 
to supply him with all the comforts and some of 
the lu.xuries of life. He has also given to each of 
his children eighty acres of land. He and his wife 
hold membership in the Mennonite church and 
are most highly esteemed people. 

Mr. and Mrs. Popp also hold membership with 
the same religious demonination and in politics 
he is independent, voting for the best man. Their 
family numbers five children: Christian L., who 
was born February 9, 1886, and died June 10, 
1887; Ida, born September 7, 1888; Henry, Jan- 
uary 10, 1891; Laura, December 30, 1892; and 
Harry, November 18, 1898. In a review of his 
life during the last third of a century, in which 
time he has lived in this county, it will be found 
that Mr. Popp has displayed sterling traits of 
character, business rectitude, loyal citizenship and 
consideration for the rights of others, of which 
the regard in which he is uniformly held is the 
legitimate outcome. 



ELISHA W. FASSETT. 
The life of Eli-sha W. Fassett was so constant in 
its activity, so honorable in its purposes and so 
far-reaching and beneficial in its effects that it 
became an integral part of the history of La Moille 
and since he has passed from this life his name" 
has been honored and his memory cherished by all 
who knew him. A native of New Hampshire, he 
was born in Cheshire county, June 23, 1823, and 
his life record compassed the period between that 
date and 1891. His parents were Elisha and 
Lovina (Angier) Fas.«ett. natives of Fitzwill- 
iams, New Hampshire, which fact indicates that 
their respective families were estalilishod in 
America in colonial days. The Revolutionary war 
had been hrnuglit to a close only about a decade 
before the birth of the father, on "the 20th of Octo- 
ber, 1792. For many years he remained a resi- 
dent of the Old Granite state, but in June, 183,i, 
they sought a home in the then far west, coming 
to Bureau county, Illinois, which, liowever, at tliat 
time was a part of Putnam county. All of the 
conditions of frontier life were here in evidence 
and many were the hardships and privations 
which the family experienced, making their lot a 
very <lifferent one from what they had known in 
New England, where the older civilization enabled 
them to secure many of the comforts of life. Eli- 
.sha Fassett, of this review, was the voungest of 
their three children, the daughters l)eing Xancv 
and Rosijla. The wife and mother was not long 
permitted to enjoy her new homo, for her death 



occurred in La MoUle, August 1, 1837. Elisha 
Fassett, Sr., long survived her and departed this 
life in Canon City, Colorado, November 17, 1884, 
at the venerable age of ninety-two years. 

Elisha Fassett, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, was reared in the state of his nativity and is 
indebted to the schools of New Hampshire for 
the educational privileges he enjoyed. He was a 
young man of twenty-two years at the time of the 
removal of the family to Bureau count}% and here 
at the age of twenty-nine vears he was married, 
December 7, 1842, to :Miss"Parmelia W. B. Mor- 
ton, wliose residence in Bureau county antedates 
that of the great majority of its old settlers. She 
was born in Hatfield, Hampshire countv', Massa- 
chusetts, May 21, 1823, a daughter of Cotton and 
Nancy H. (Herrick) Morton, also natives of the 
Bay state. The Morton family is of Scotch ex- 
tracti(m, and for many generations have made 
their home at Hatfield. Massachusetts. Mrs. Fas- 
sett traces her ancestry back to Richard and Ruth 
Morton, both of whom lived to a ripe old age, the 
former dying April 3, 1710, and the latter De- 
cember 31, 1714. Soon after their marriage, in 
about 1668 or 1669, they removed to Hatfield, 
Massachusetts, where, for many generations, the 
family have resided, but the only one now living 
there is Silas Porter, a cousin of our subject, 
who is unmarried. 

From Richard and Ruth Morton, tracing to- 
ward the present time and omitting several gen- 
erations, we find the honored names of Lieuten- 
ant Jonathan Morton, and his wife Sarah, the 
latter of whom died October .5, 1760, at the age 
of seventy-three years. In some of the early 
wars, probably the French and Indian, the former 
gained his title. Jonathan Morton, the son of 
this worthy couple, married Eunice Smith, and 
their only child of whom we have any knowledge 
is William, who married Hannah Chambers June 
23, 1783. He died November 12, 1837, and his 
wife jiassed away February 2,5, 1838. 

Cotton ]\forton. the father of ilrs. Fassett, was 
one of their family of twelve children. His 
death occurred February 19, 1845. at the age of 
forty-nine years and ten months, and his wife de- 
parted this life in 1886, at the age of eighty-six 
years, her birth occurring November 30, 1800. 
^Irs. Fassett is the oldest in their family of seven 
children, the others being as follows: Plina F. 
married Eleanor Gannon, of New Jer.sey. who 
died in October. 189.5. and he now resides in Cal- 
ifornia. Caroline M. was married in 1856 to 
George Brush, who died March 12, 1888, in the 
sixty-ninth year of his age, and she is now making 
her home in La Jloille. Harriet N. is the wife 
of William Burnside. a resident of Riverside, a 
suburb of Chicago. Andrew J. wedded ^lary 
Cook, and died while on a visit to Chicago. Illi- 
nois. Nancy C. is the wife of Isaac Harkmess. of 
Bloomington, Illinois. Martdn V. B. married 
Marv .\damson, and is now livinsr in Princeton. 




£m^ 



li^^j^i^^ 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY 



879 



All of the children were bom in Hatfield, Massa- 
chusetts. 

Soon after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Fas- 
sett removed to La Moille and from that time 
until his death he was closely associated with its 
business interests and material development. For 
a long period he was a successful merchant, car- 
r3ing on a store in which he met with a good 
patronage, owing to his straightforward business 
methods, his reasonable prices and the earnest 
effort he made to please liis customers. He won 
an unassailable reputation in business circles be- 
cause of his strict conformity to a high standard 
of commercial ethics. He was never known to 
take advantage of the necessities of another in a 
business transaction and his prosperity was there- 
fore well merited. In community affairs, too, 
he was active and helpful. He recognized the 
duties and obligations of citizenship and he stood 
for improvement and progress along all those 
lines which contribute to public stability and the 
general welfare. He did much toward securing 
the Allen school building, of which the citizens 
of La Moille are justly proud. He held member- 
ship in the Baptist church, of which Mrs. Fassett 
is also a member, and to its support he contrib- 
uted generousl}', while in its various activities he 
did his full share. 

Six children were born to Mr. and ilrs. Fas- 
sett, as follows: Hattie L. P. is the wife of J. E. 
AVoods, a banker of La Moille, and they have three 
children — Parmelia F., Eiley F. and Lydia M. 
Fannie died at the age of fourteen years. Charles 
W. married Sarah B. Eambeau, now deceased. 
They had one son, Claude V. His second wife 
was Emma V. BorofF, by whom he has two chil- 
dren — Edith V. and Kittie H. Frank married 
Amanda Long and has two daughters, Florence 
Vienna and Lillian. Florence Vienna, the fifth 
child of our subject, died at the age of twenty 
months. Elisha Pearl, a resident of Chicago, mar- 
ried Jennie Penfield of Quincy, Hlinois, and they 
have three children — Leon Penfield, Elisha W. 
and Charles. 

The death of the husband and father occurred 
in La Moille October 17, 1891, when he was in 
his sixty-ninth year. He was worthy the respect 
and honor of his fellowmen because of the use 
he made of his talents and his opportunities and 
because his thoughts were not self-centered, but 
were given to the mastery of life problems and 
the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his rela- 
tions to his fellowmen and as a citizen in his 
relations to his home locality and his county. Mrs. 
Fassett still survives her husband and resides in 
La Mo'Ue, where she has lived for about sixty- 
four years, being the oldest resident of tlie vil- 
lage in years of continuous connection therewith. 
Her residence in the county covers a period of 
sixty-eight years, for in 1838 she accompanied her 
'inrcnts on their removal to Princeton. Pew have 
longer resided within the borders of the county 



and throughout all the decades which have been 
added to the cycle of the centuries since 1838 
she has been an interested witness of (lie changes 
which have occurred. Her mind bears the im- 
press of the early liistoric annals of the county 
and forms a connecting link between the primi- 
tive pioneer past and the present with all of its 
progression and higher civilization. 



JAMES WILLIAM COGGINS. 

James William Coggins is the owner of a pleas- 
ant home in the midst of a good farm in Manlius 
township. He first opened his eyes to the light of 
day in Sheffield, on the 4th of February, 18Ga, and 
is of Irish lineage, his parents being Patrick and 
Katherine Coggins, who came from Ireland, the 
father crossing the Atlantic at the age of eighteen 
years. He survived to the age of seventy-four 
years, passing away in 1902, and his widow still 
lives in Sheffield. 

Mr. Coggins of this review is indebted to the 
public-school system of his native town for the 
educational privileges he enjoyed and which quali- 
fied him to undertake the duties of a business 
career in later life. He first began earning his 
living by working in the coal mines, and was thus 
employed until May, 1893, when he purchased his 
present home of one hundred and sixty acres. His 
attention has since been given to general agricul- 
tural pursuits, and ho has developed his land, 
making it productive through the capable manner 
in which he has tilled the soil and rotated crops. 
He suffered a great loss by fire on the IGth of 
July, 1906, when all of the buildings upon his 
place were destroyed, but with resolute spirit and 
undaunted courage he set to work to retrieve his 
lost possessions, and has since erected a beautiful 
modern residence, containing ten rooms. He has 
likewise built good barns and made all other mod- 
ern improvements, and now has one of the best 
farms in the county. He raises good horses, cattle 
and hogs, all from registered stock, and this branch 
of his business is likewise proving to him prof- 
itable. 

Mr. Coggins was married September 15. 1885, 
the lady of his choice being Miss Kate Frances 
Condon, of Manlius township, a daughter of John 
Condon, who is mentioned elsewhere in this vol- 
ume. They have become the parents of seven 
children : Anna B., who is engaged in teaching 
school; Mildred C. ; John C. ; LelJoy J.; William; 
Eugene G. : and Evaline M. The family are now 
pleasantly situated in their new home, which is 
tastefully furnished and supplied with many mod- 
ern comforts. 

Mr. Coggins is independent in politics, voting 
without regard to party ties. He has .served as 
school director, but has never desired public office. 
Starting at the very bottom round of the ladder, 
he has steadily climbed upward, and has made a 



880 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAr COUXTY. 



business record wliich any man might be proud to 
possess. He has faithfully met all obligations and 
kept all business engagements, and although he 
started out for himself at the age of twenty-one 
years without capital, he had a pair of willing 
hands and strong determination, and with these 
he has builded his success, and is now one of the 
substantial farmers of Manlius township. 



VALENTINE WARKINS. 

Valentine Warkins, one of the prominent and 
intluoitia) residents of Bureau county, owning and 
operating a tract of land of one hundred and tv.-cn- 
ty acres, situated on sections 7 and IS, La Moille 
township, is a native of Rockingham, Virginia, 
born on the 10th of January, 1831. He is a son 
of St. Clair and Jane (Shiflett) Warkins, both 
natives of Virginia, the former born in 1809 and 
the latter in 1813. They removed to Illinois in 
1851, locating first at Princeton, where they re- 
mained for several years, but later made their way 
to Dover township. Bureau county. In their fam- 
ily were nine children, of whom Valentine War- 
kins is the second in order of birth. 

The subject of this review was reared in Ohio 
and Indiana, where he received a common-school 
education, and at the age of sixteen years started 
out in life on his own account. At that time he 
came to Illinois, the year of his arrival being 1847, 
and he first worked as a farm hand by the month, 
being employed by William Knox, with whom he 
remained for eight years. His place constituted 
the present site of Peru. By industry and econ- 
omy Mr. Warkins was enabled in a few years to 
purchase land of his own and engage in an inde- 
pendent business career. As he prospered in his 
undertakings he added to his property from time 
to time until he is now in possession of one hun- 
dred and twenty acres of valuable land, situated on 
sections 7 and 18, La Moille townsliip. Here for 
many years he has been engaged in general agricul- 
tural pursuits, each year adding to his financial 
resources, and he has placed many improvements 
upon the farm, including good fences, a nice home 
and substantial outbuildings, besides a gas well. 
He has been successful in his undertakings, so that 
he is now able to lay aside the more arduous tasks 
of a business life. 

On the 27th of March, 1857, Mr. Warkins was 
united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth Vickrey, who 
was born April 2, 1838, a daughter of Christopher 
and Mary (Aery) Vickrey, natives of South Caro- 
lina and Greene county, Ohio, respectively. They 
removed to Illinois at an early day, being num- 
bered among its first settlers. In their family were 
born twelve children, of whom Mrs. Warkins is the 
eleventh in order of birth. She was educated in 
the schools of Ohio and Illinois, and gave her hand 
in marriage to Mr. Warkins at the age of about 
nineteen years. She has become the mother of 



twelve children, of whom five are deceased, while 
the surviving members are: Amanda E., born 
December 9, 1858; Mary E.. born April 3, 1866; 
Sylvia J., April 11, 1869; William A., December 
14, 1870; Micha. July 5, 1876; Ada, April 5, 
1878: and Maggie, born March 20, 1880. 

Mr. Warkins is a democrat in his political views. 
He has been a hard working man, for he started 
out in life as a farm hand, but by industry and 
economy worked his way steadily upward until 
after a few years he was enabled to engage in busi- 
ness on his own account, having purchased a tract 
of land, to which he added from time to time until 
now, in his old age, he is the possessor of one 
hundred and twenty acres, from which he derives 
a good income, so that he and his wife may enjoy 
the evening of life in their quiet country home, 
surrounded by the comforts of life. Mrs. War- 
kins is an estimable lady, possessing many sterling 
traits of character, and she is loved wherever 
known. Having spent the greater portion of their 
lives in Bureau county, they have a wide acquaint- 
ance, and are classed among the highly respected 
citizens of this section of the state. 



JAMES W. SMITH. 

James W. Smith, who was formerly engaged in 
school teaching and is now carrying on farming, 
has spent his entire life in Bureau county, where 
he first opened his eyes to the light of day May 
20, 1864. In his father's family were but two 
children, the sister being Elizabeth A., who was 
born September 15, 1862. The parents are Joseph 
and ^lary J. (McNurlin) Smith, natives of Penn- 
sylvania. The father came to Illinois in 1852, and 
was married in this state in 1859. 

As a school boy James W. Smith mastered the 
branches of learning usually taught in the public 
sehools and continued his studies in Aurora (Illi- 
nois) Seminary, lie was thus well equipped by 
liberal educational j)rivileges for the profession of 
teaching, which he followed for twelve years, prov- 
ing a capable educator, who became quite widely 
known as a representative of public instruction in 
this state. Under his guidance the schools of 
which he had charge made rapid and satisfactory 
progress and maintained a high standard of in- 
tellectual development and training. On leaving 
the schoolroom Mr. Smith concentrated his ener- 
gies upon farm work, and has so continued to the 
j)resent time. He now owns an interest in the 
farm upon which he resides, and although it is not 
very large, comprising forty acres, it is valuable 
land, worth from one hundred and fifty to two 
huiulred dollars per acre. He is now meeting with 
success in what he undertakes, and, moreover, he 
deserves much credit for what he has accomplished, 
for he has made his own way in the world, securing 
his own education with funds that he earned, while 
since entering business life he has depended en- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



881 



tirely upon his own resources. Each advanced step 
that he has taken has brought him a broader out- 
look, and througli the improvement of his oppor- 
tunities he has already gained a good living for his 
family and is steadily progressing toward the goal 
of affluence. 

On the 5th of December, 1895, was celebrated 
his marriage with Miss Ida \' . Smith, who was 
born in this county, September 1, lS7o, her par- 
ents being Mark and Caroline (Lowe) Smith, the 
former a native of Ohio and the latter of New- 
Jersey. They came to Bureau county, Illinois, in 
1847, and were married in Livingston, this state. 
In their family were four children, Mrs. Smith 
being the third in order of birth. By her marriage 
she has become the mother of two children : Edith 
M., born December (i, liSIHi; and Florence B., born 
December 25, 1898. The family have a nice home, 
and the two interesting little daughters add life 
and light to the household. 

Mr. Smith stands for all that is progressive in 
citizenship, is a friend of the cause of education 
and keeps in touch with the interests and ques- 
tions of the day through broad and comprehensive 
reading. Matters of local progress and national 
advancement are both dear to his heart, and he 
stands among the representative men who keep in 
touch with the world's advanced thought, and while 
not neglectful of business interests or responsi- 
bilities, yet finds time for the consideration of 
those matters which bear upon the general inter- 
ests of society. 



MARTIN H. McMAIION. 

Martin H. McMahon owns and operates one 
hundred and sL\ty acres of rich and arable land in 
Manlius township. He was born in Ireland, July 
18, 1862, the place of his nativity being in County 
Clare. He was educated in the public .schools of 
his native country, and when nineteen years and 
eight months of age came to America, attracted 
by the favorable reports wliicli be had heard of 
its possibilities for business advancement. He iirst 
settled near Worcester, Massachusetts, where he 
worked as a laborer and farm hand for about seven 
months, when he continued on his westward way 
and became a resident of Bureau county, where 
lived his uncle, for whom he worked on a farm 
for one year, and three years, summer and winter, 
on the Cnshing farm, west of Providence. He 
then began farming on his own account on a tract 
of eighty acres, which he rented, and thiec years 
later, having prospered in his undertakings, he 
purchased his present home place in Manlius town- 
ship, comprising one hundred and sixty acres of 
rich and arable land, which responds readily to 
the care and labor bestowed up on it, yielding large 
crops. He also raises standard bred cattle, horses 
and hogs and has excellent stock upon his place. 

On the 9th of Februarv. 1888. was celebrated 



the marriage of Mr. McMahon and Miss Ellen 
Frances Dwyer, of Manlius township, a daughter 
of Patrick and Elizabeth (Molloy) Dwyer, the 
former a farmer by oc(uj)alion. Unto this mar- 
riage have been born eight thildreii : Bessie, Kath- 
erine, Paul, Marie, (ienevieve, .\nna, Margaret 
and Bertha. The family circle remains unbroken 
by the hand of death, and the children are still 
under the parental roof. 

Mr. McMahon and his family are members of 

St. Patrick's Catholic church at' Shelfield, and his 
political allegiance is given the democracy, for he 
is in hearty sympathy with its principles. He 
has been school director for the past twelve years 
and clerk of the school board for the same length 
of time, and he does everything in his power to 
promote the interests of the schools, realizing ho^ 
valuable is a good education as a preparation for 
life's work. 



.(UIIN (i. IJASMl SSON. 

John G. Rasmusson, farmer and stock-raiser, 
was iiorn in Denmark August 5, 18G4, and ac- 
(juired his education in that country while spend- 
ing his boyhood days under the parental roof. Both 
his father and mother are now deceased, having al- 
ways remained in Denmark — their native country. 

John (i. Rasmusson there remained until nine- 
teen years of age, when consideration of the busi- 
ness outlook there convinced him that the oppor- 
tunities of the country were comparatively lim- 
ited, and he resolved to try his fortune in .\merica. 
.\ccordingly he made the voyage to the new world, 
having little more than woubl pay his pa.ssage, and 
in (iold township, this couiily, he sought and ob- 
tained farm work. Thus he made his start in life, 
and he has always been industrious and diligent, 
realizing that unremitting labor is the basis of all 
success. 

Mr. Rasmusson was niarrieil in l!t()l to Miss 
.\mia D. Erickson, a native of tiold township and 
a daughter of Mads Erickson, who was of Danish 
birlh. Two children were born unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Rasmusson: Henry M., three years of age; and 
Marie, now in her Iirst year. Mr. and Mrs. Ras- 
musson reside u})on his mother-in-law's farm of 
one hundred and twenty acres, which is situated 
on section 2',i. Gold township, and here he carries 
on general farming and stock-raising, giving his 
attention unremittingly to the further di-velop- 
ment and improvement of the place. He also rents 
eighty acres on section 24. 

He and his wife hold membership in the Danish 
Lutheran church. Politically he is independent, 
voting for the candidates whom he regards as best 
qualified for office, without reference to party af- 
filiation. His fellow townsmen, recognizing his 
worth and fidelity, have chosen him for the office 
of collector for three years, and he has also been 
a school trustee. He had nothing when he came 



882 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



to America, but his stout heart and strong resolu- 
tion stood him instead of capital, and these qual- 
ities have enabled him to make progress along the 
high road to success since his arrival in the new 
world. 



JOHN S. ROBINSON. 

John S. Robinson, numbered among the pio- 
neer residents of Bureau county, where for more 
than a half century he has made his home, claims 
the far-off state of Maine as the place of his na- 
tivity. His birth occurred near Skowhegau, on 
the 11th of April, 1838, and he represents one 
of the old families of the Pine Tree state. His 
father, Josiah Robinson, was born in Hallowell, 
Kennebec county, Maine, in 1801, and became a 
pioneer settler of Somerset county, Maine, where 
he carried on business as a farmer and stock- 
dealer. He purchased cattle which he drove 
through to the old Brighton market near Boston, 
Massachusetts, making the entire journey on foot 
— a distance of two hundred and fifteen miles. 
He was not only active and successful in his busi- 
ness affairs, but was also one of the influential 
factors in community life and held a number of 
township offices. He and his family were mem- 
bers of the Baptist church and liis political al- 
legiance was given to democratic principles as ad- 
vocated by Jackson until 1854, when he became 
a republican. He had been reared in the Baptist 
faith, his father being a minister of that denom- 
ination, and his life was in harmony with his 
profession. He died at the age of fifty-five years, 
while his wife, wlio was born in Somerset county, 
Maine, June 5, 1804. died in the mouth of May, 
1850. In their family were four children : John S. ; 
Richard J., who was born June 6, 1832, and died 
in October, 1905; Judith, who was born December 
19, 1836, and is the wife of C. C. McDaniels, of 
Somerset county, Maine; and George H., who 
was born March 19, 1840, and is living in Macon 
township, this county. 

John S. Robinson in liis boyhood days worked 
on the home farm with his father, who engaged 
in the live stock business, and the son assisted 
him in driving cattle from his home in Maine 
to the Brighton market near Boston, being weeks 
at a time upon the road, for they journeyed on 
foot, following the herd of stock. They would 
travel through the forests and at times late in the 
year would get caught in heavy snow storms. 
This was before the Kennobec & Portland Rail- 
road, now the Maine Central Railroad, was built. 
After the construction of the line the father 
shipped his cattle by rail in the winter time. 

Mr. Robinson of this review became familiar 
with all the farm work in its different depart- 
ments, and at twenty-two years of age he left 
home to work for himself, being employed in the 
lumber camps and in driving logs down the Ken- 



nebec river. He also worked in the shipyards of 
Reed and Page, continuing his residence in Maine 
until April, 1852, when he left the Pine Tree 
state and traveled by rail to Buffalo, New York. 
There he took passage on the steamer Atlantic 
for Detroit, Michigan, where he boarded the 
Michigan Central Railroad and continued his 
journey to New Buffalo, Michigan, which was at 
that time the terminus of the road. He pro- 
ceeded by steamer to Chicago and then by boat 
down the Illinois & Jlichisan canal to La Salle 
and across the country by team to Princeton and 
on to the French Grove postoffice, where the town 
of Buda now stands. He soon purchased forty 
acres of land on the old state road at three dol- 
lars per acre. After a brief residence in this 
county, however, he went to Iowa and up through 
Minnesota, whence he crossed into Wisconsin and 
made his way through the woods to Sheboj'gan., 
that state. He thence proceeded by packet steam- 
er to Buffalo, New York, being five days on the 
lakes, after which he returned to Maine, where he 
resided until the spring of 1855. In that year he 
returned to Bureau county, settling in Macon 
township, where he purchased one hundred and 
sixty acres of wild prairie land, for which he paid 
six dollars and a quarter per acre. He built 
thereon a frame residence, which he occupied un- 
til 1881, when he erected a fine home in which he 
is now living. He has added to this land until 
he now owns four hundred acres constituting a 
very valuable property. His farm is well im- 
proved, the rich productive fields yielding him 
large harvests as a reward for the care and labor 
which he bestows upon them. He was formerly 
engaged extensively and successfully in breeding 
shorthorn Durham cattle, but at the present time 
is giving his attention to black Galloway cattle, 
having at this writing, in 1906, more than one 
hundred and forty head upon his place. He is 
also a breeder of Shropshire sheep and his flocks 
number two hundred and twenty-five head of 
sheep and lambs. He has shipped one carload of 
lambs to the Chicago market in the present sum- 
mer, as well as many summers previous, and there 
he secures the highest market price. He also 
breeds Poland China hogs, having seventy head 
upon his farm at the present time, and he likewise 
raises good horses, of which he has fifteen head. 
He says it costs less to raise good stock than those 
of inferior grades, and he is known as one of the 
foremost stock-raisers of this part of the county, 
carrying on his business on an extensive scale that 
results in the acquirement of very gratifying 
prosperity. 

On the 4th of July, 1857, Mr. Robinson was 
happily married to Miss Rose Bigelow, who was 
born in Somerset county, Maine. April 13, 1834, 
and died in November, 1891. She was a daugh- 
ter of Aholeb and Rebecca Bigelow. Her father 
was born in Bloomfield, Somerset county, Maine, 
while his wife was born in Anson, Maine. Mr. 




.lollX S. K'OIUXSON. 




.MKS. JOHN S. I.'OIMNSOX. 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



887 



Bigelow was a carpenter by trade and followed 
that pursuit iu the Pine Tree state until 1851, 
when lio came to Bureau county, Illinois, settling 
at French Grove, now the site of Buda. He 
boi]ght eighty acres of land, bordering the old 
state road, at three dollars per acre, building 
thereon a house, and engaged in breaking the 
■wild prairie and transforming it into cultivable 
fields. He was one of the early pioneers of the 
locality and his labors proved an important factor 
in reclaiming this district for the uses of civiliza- 
tion. He was also active in public life and served 
as road commissioner. His political support was 
given to the whig party and he was a member of 
the Baptist church. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bigelow 
were born six children, but only two are now liv- 
ing: Philena, the widow of George H. Wells; 
and H. E. Bigelow, who resides near Sioux City, 
Iowa. 

Mr. and Mrs. Robinson became the parents of 
a daughter and two sons: Lottie May, the wife 
of Charles Norton, of Neponset; Arthur M. and 
Richard W. The death of the mother was the occa- 
sion of deep and widespread regret in Neponset 
township and ilacon and Bureau county, where 
she had many warm friends. She was devoted to the 
welfare and happiness of her family, where her 
loss comes with greatest force. Mr. Robinson has 
been somewhat active in public life in Macon 
township, and for four years served as collector. 
He was also school director for several years, was 
road commissioner for four years and has held 
other offices. He cast a ballot for Abraham Lin- 
coln in 1860 and 1864, but in more recent years 
has given his political allegiance to the democracy. 
He has now traveled life's journey for more than 
seventy-eight years and his has been the record of 
an honorable, upright man, whose business af- 
fairs have been carefully directed and whose dili- 
gence and laudable ambition have con.stituted the 
basis of his success. He is, moreover, known as 
one of the early settlers of the county, having for 
more than a half century lived witliin its borders, 
so that he is largely familiar with its history and 
what to many are matters of record are to him 
matters of experience, as he has witnessed the many 
changes that have occurred, boarins his part in 
the work of public improvement and development. 



SOLOMON C. DOTY. 

Solomon C. Doty, engaged in general farming in 
Gold township, is a native of the Empire state, his 
birth having ociurrod in Milan, Dutchess county, 
New Y'ork, August 13, 1828. He is a son of Sam- 
uel and P^lizabeth (Sanford) Doty, both repre- 
resentatives of old New England families, founded 
in America during an early epoch in the history 
of the country. Joseph Doty, the emigrant, came 
over in the Mayflower. 

Reared to the occupation of farming, Solomon 



C. Doty has always followed that pursuit, and it is 
this line of business which is now utilized as a 
source of livelihood, bringing to him an annual 
income tliat classes him with the substantial resi- 
dents of Gold township. He has resided in this 
county since 18T6, and while the years have been 
devoted to the quiet pursuits of the farm and the 
conduct of his individual interests, he has yet 
found time and opportunity to manifest the qual- 
ities of good citizenship, to indorse progressive 
public measures and to co-operate in behalf of 
those movements which are a matter of civic virtue 
and civic pride. 

Mr. Doty was united in marriage November 25, 
1S54, to Miss Christine Wilsey, and to them were 
born three children, but one died at the age of 
seventeen years. Those living are: Seely, now 
thirty-nine years of age; and Willis, aged thirty- 
seven. The latter is married and resides in Ding- 
ley, where he is conducting a store and is also 
serving as postmaster, being one of the leading and 
influential men of the town. 

Mr. Doty is a republican, and keeps well in- 
formed on the questions and issues which divide 
the two great parties, so that he is able to defend 
his position by intelligent argument. For fifteen 
years he has filled the office of justice of the peace, 
rendering opinions which are strictly fair and im- 
partial and "winning goblon opinions from all 
sorts of people," as is indicated by his long reten- 
tion in otrioe. The welfare of the county is a mat- 
ter of deep interest to him, and he is thoroughly 
imbued with the spirit of enterprise and progress 
which have been the dominant factors in the up- 
building of the middle west. 



TIMOTHY FORD. 



Timothy Ford, a veteran of the Civil war, has 
since 1874 lived upon his present farm in Manlius 
township. His life record began in County Gal- 
way, Ireland, November 20, 1843, and coming to 
America in 1855, when twenty-two years of age, 
he began work on the Chicago, Burlington & 
Quincy Railroad, being thus employed until 18G1, 
when he gave evidence of his patriotic spirit and 
his loyalty to the American government by en- 
listing, on the 4th of October, as a member of 
Company K, Fifty-seventh Regiment of Illinois 
Volunteers. This command was engaged in the 
battles at Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, Shiloh and 
Corinth, and then marched through .\ial):tnia, 
taking jiarl in (he engagements at I)('(atur. Himts- 
ville. Bear Creek, Resaca, Rome Crossroads. Al- 
toona Pass and Rome. Ho was with the reserve 
and the rear guard during the siege of Atlanta, and 
marched with Shennnii to the sea. proceeding 
northward from Savanna!) through South Caro- 
lina and on to Gpldslioro and Ralcigii. North Caro- 
lina, to Richmcuid, and then to Wasiiington, D. C, 



88ti 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUXTr. 



where he participated in the grand review, the 
naost celebrated military pageant ever seen in the 
western hemisphere. He was mustered out at 
Louisville, Kentucky, July 7, 1865. 

Returning to Buda, Mr. Ford again worked for 
the railroad company until 1874, when his bank 
account had sufficiently increased to justify his 
purchase of one hundred and twenty acres of land. 
He then became the owner of his present farm in 
Manlius township, and has since engaged in gen- 
eral agricultural pursuits, ably performing the 
various duties connected with the capable manage- 
ment of a farm property along modern lines, using 
the latest improved nuichinery to facilitate the 
work of the fields and keeping everything about his 
place in a state of good repair. 

Sir. Ford is much respected in the community, 
and for thirty-five years he has been school director 
in his district, while for two years he was path- 
master. In politics he is a democrat, and the fam- 
ily are communicants of St. Patrick's Catholic 
church at Sheffield. 

On the loth of September. ISiiS. Mr. Ford was 
married to iliss Margaret Ili'nneman, of Wyanet, 
who is also a native of Ireland, and they now have 
eleven living children : Mary Emnui, the wife of 
John Brady, of Kewanee, Illinois; Margaret, a 
milliner of Sheffield; Patrick M., a carpenter; Ed- 
wa^-d J. and Francis, who follow farming; Alice, 
ac home ; Agnes, who is living in Concord town- 
ship; Uatherine, who is attending business college 
at Moline, Illinois ; Jennie, a school teacher ; An- 
gcline. who is attending school at Sheffield ; and 
William, at home. 

Such is the life record of Timothy Ford, who. 
with sound judgment, recognized the superior ad- 
vantages of the new world and came to America 
to cnjov the broader opportunities here. Xor has 
be bc'.n disappointed in his liope of bettering his 
tinancial condition, for. empty-handed at the time 
of his arrival, he is now in possession of a comfort- 
able comTutence. 



JAMES II. ('L.M!K. 
James II. Clark, who as a business nuui has l)een 
conspicuous among his associates not only for his 
success but for his probity, fairness and honorable 
methods, is now living in Buda. He has been for 
many years associated with financial and agricul- 
tural interests, his life being one of continuous 
activity, in which has been accorded due recogni- 
tion of labor. Today he is numiiered among the 
substantial citizens of Bureau county and is in 
possession of a handsome competence that enables 
him to rest from further business cares. His in- 
terests are thoroughly identified with those of the 
community in which he resides, and at all times 
he is ready to lend his aid and co-operation to any 
movement calculated to benefit this section of the 
country or advance its wonderful (ievelopnieul. 



A native of Pennsylvania, he was born on the 
19th of March, 1S42, near Uniontown, Fayette 
county, a son of John M. and Jane (Ilankins) 
Clark. His father being a farmer, he was reared 
amid rural scenes, becoming familiar with the 
duties of an agriculturist and acquiring fiis educa- 
tion in the common schools near his home. En- 
tering upon an independent business career at the 
age of twenty years, he operated a farm on shares 
which belonged to his uncle, and during tliat time 
succeeded in saving a small amount. He first 
came to Buda in March, 1867, and for five years 
thereafter was employed on a farm. He then re- 
turned to Pennsylvania, where he again operated 
a farm on shares for three years, on the expiration 
of which period he located at Lombardville, in 
Stark county, Illinois. There he conducted a 
grain business for three years in the employ of 
('. C. Warren & Company, after which he went 
to Dorchester, Saline county, Xebraska, where he 
followed the grain business on his own account 
from 1878 until 1890. He prospered in that 
undertaking and also became interested in banking 
as one of the organizers of the First Xational 
Bank of Dorchester, of which he was a prominent 
stockholder and director. He was elected its first 
president and re-elected seven consecutive terms, 
at the end of which time the bank went into volun- 
tary liquidation. The Citizens' Bank of Dorches- 
ter having gone into voluntary liquidation at the 
same time, the Dorchester State Bank was at once 
organized, composed of the stockholders of the 
two former banks, and Mr. Clark was elected its 
president, serving in that office for fifteen terms, 
making twenty-two years in all to the present time, 
a period of continued service as bank president not 
often exceeded. Mr. Clark has also served four 
vears as village trustee and at present is serving 
his second year as ]>resident of the village board of 
t rustees. 

On the 17th of April, 1877, ilr. Clark was 
united in marriage to iliss Celia Maria Chase, a 
daughter of Colonel Charles and Celia B. (Pitts) 
Chase and a native of Fairfield, Somerset county, 
ifainc. born February 6, 1839. She is descended 
from early New England families. Representa- 
tives of the name went from France to England 
at an early ilay and during tlie stormy years that 
followed the accession of the house of Stuart they 
came to this country soon after the landing of the 
Pilgrims. Several members of her grandfather's 
family served in the Kevolutionary war and two 
were in the battle of Bunker Hill and were not 
heard from afterward. Later — in 1824 — two of 
her ancestors were appointed escorts of Lafayette 
on his visit to Anu-rica and subsecjuently they vis- 
ited France. A cousin of her mother liad the con- 
tract for the building of the Bunker Hill monu- 
ment. 

Her father. Colonel Chase, was a master lum- 
bernuui and for twenty-eight years each spring 
l)i-oUirlit i-afts of lumber down the river. He was 



PAST AM) PRESENT OF BUUEAU COL.NTY. 



889 



also a iiieiiiljL'i- of the state legislature and served 
with the rank of eolonel in the stale militia. At 
the beginning of the Mexieau war he was olfered 
a eonunission as e(}lonel by the war department 
at Washington but deelined to enter service on 
aetount of business interests. Twin brothers of 
her mother, John A. and Ilirani A. Pitts, were 
inventors and manufaeturers of the Pitts thresh- 
ing niaehine with establishments at Buffalo and 
Chieago. 

Mi's. Clark lived in .Maine until about thirteen 
years of age and then accompanied her parents on 
their removal to Illinois in IS.ja, the family home 
being established near Buda. in which vicinity she 
has since resided. They traveled by the slow 
boats of the lakes and rivers. Leaving the Illinois 
river at the point nearest their destination, they 
proceeded by team to Buda, which was then a col- 
lection of a few farm houses scattered along the 
state road. On the farm, bearing the numy bur- 
dens that usually fall to the only daughter and 
sister, caring tenderly for her parents in their old 
age and never leaving them until they were laid 
to rest, she lived for many years. .\s stated, she 
gave her hand in marriage to Jlr. Clark April IT, 
ISTT. and some years afterward they came to the 
village of Buda, where she lived an exemplary life, 
devoted to her home an<l family. One who knew 
her well said : "She was unselfish in a marked de- 
gree; would deny herself comforts and pleasures 
that others might be benefited. She was in touch 
with nature. She dearly l(i\cd the birds, the trees, 
the flowers; all nature had charms for her. Her 
first years were sjient on the Ijanks of the Kenne- 
bec river and the beauty of Iut surroumlings lin- 
gered with her all her life, an ins])iration. She 
was a true friend, a faithful, loving wife, and a de- 
voted mother." She was a woman of unusual 
intelligence, having clearly defined opinions on all 
questions of the day. She held her opinions gra- 
ciously and was generous of her knowledge to those 
who wo\ild learn. On the greatest of all themes, 
that which relates to our highest and holiest 
duties, .«he held deiinite views. In her life she 
endeavored to follow (iod's precepts, and she re- 
joiced in the progress of Ilis kingdom. To live in 
the past as well as the present, to live in the whole 
world and watch its progress and rejoice in it, this 
was characteristic of Mrs. Clark. Time sonu'times 
adjusts a balance, as it were, for those whose life 
has been a ministry of care for others, and so for 
her there came later the I'omforts of luxury as far 
as she cared for them, and the joy of love of 
husband and son and family in her last years. 
She died July 1, 1!)0(), aged si.xty-seven years, four 
months and twenty-five days. 

T'nto Mr. and Mrs. Clark was bmii but one 
child, Walter C, whose birth occurred February 
2o, ISTS. Tie married Jessie (ioodcU and is now 
living in Buda. Mr. Clark was reared in tli(» faith 
of the democracy but has always been a slamh 
republican since casting his first presidential bal- 



lot for General Grant in ISfiS. lie has been with- 
out aspiration for the honors or emoluments of 
public office. Fraternally he is connected with 
Doric lodge, Xo. 118, .V. F. & A. M., and also be- 
came a member of the chapter at Crete, Nebraska. 
His life in its various business connections and 
phases has always manifested certain characleris- 
ties, among which are indefatigable energv and 
the successful aecomidishmenl of whatever he has 
undertaken. In all of his dealings he has been 
strictly fair and trustworthy and in his social and 
fraternal relations with his fellownu'ii has dis- 
jilayed those sli-rling trails which win warm 
friendship. 



CIIAKLKS (). WHITE. 

Charles O. White, of i'rinceton, secretary and 
general mamiger of the iiureau County Indepen- 
dent Telei)hone Company, of which he was also 
one of the incorporators in ISJMI, was horn in La 
Moille townshij). May ."). lS5!t, a son of Oziel and 
Jlinerva (Hammer) White. The father was a 
luitive of Warren county. New Jersey, and came 
to Bureau county in l!S.")0, spending most of his 
subse([uent life u])on a farm within its borders, 
lie died November 18, 1881. His wife, who was 
liorn in Indiana. May "..'. 1S:M, is a daughter of 
the late George Hammer, an early settler of Bu- 
reau county, and is now making her home in 
Princeton. 

Charles (). White supplemented his early edu- 
cati(ui, acquired in the ilistrict schools, by study 
in the academy at Dover, Illinois, from which he 
was graduated in 18T!I. His father lieing in |)oor 
health it largely fell to his lot to manage and oper- 
ate the home farm and from an early age he was 
familiar with the work of lield and nu^adow. He 
taught two winter terms of school in liis home 
ucigbboriuiod but otherwise gave his entire at- 
tention to agricultural pursuits from early man- 
hood, carrying on the tilling of the soil and also 
raising stock. His business interests were care- 
fully conducted and he met the success which al- 
ways crowns earnest labor. In 18!»!i he was one 
of the three incorporators of the Bureau County 
Independent Teleplume ('ompai\y, of which he wiu 
ihosen general maiuiger, while later he was elected 
secretary. He now liohls both otlices and gives his 
entire time and attention to the business, which 
under his guidance has nuide substantial growth 
and become an <'nler])rise of vast importatue in the 
i)usiness life of the county. Since ix-coming ac- 
tively interested in tlie teiephone business he has 
sold his farm in La Moille township but still ownB 
a farm in Missouri and sonu' land in South Da- 
kota. He al.so owns residence i)roperly in i'rince- 
ton. where he has made his home since March. 
l!)()(l. He has been one of the [)rincipal pro- 
nuiteis of the telephone comiiany and in extending 
its scojie has shown good nuinagi'Uient and ext^'U- 
tive skill. 



890 



TAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



On the 18th of January, 1883, Mr. White was 
married to Miss Ella Taylor, a daughter of 
Matthew and Catharine Taylor, of Dover, Illi- 
nois. Their children are Imia Belle, bom January 
24, 1884; Margaret Faith, June 19, 1890; and 
William Douglas, May 12, 1900. 

WTiile interested in public affairs Mr. WTiite has 
had no aspiration for public office, content to do 
his public service as a private citizen through co- 
operation in the movements which directly benefit 
the community. He has always been a republican 
in his political faith but does not consider himself 
bound by party ties. He is a member of the Mod- 
ern Woodmen camp and the Fraternal Reserve 
Life Association and he also belongs to the Meth- 
odist Episcopal church of Princeton. 



Such is the history of a self-made man, who has 
worked earnestly and persistently to secure a good 
property and has succeeded in his undertakings. 



JOHN KANE. 
John Kane, whose farm of one hundred and 
eight}' acres in Manlius township is the visible 
evidence of his life of labor and unremitting dili- 
gence, was born in Ireland, November 17, 1840, 
and after spending the first twelve years of his 
life on the Emerald isle came with his parents to 
America, the family home being established at 
Buda in 1852. There he acquired much of his 
education through attendance at the public schools, 
after which he was employed for a time as a farm 
hand and later he engaged in farming on his own 
account on rented land. He rented a farm with 
his father and thereon remained until 1871, when 
in October of that year he purchased eighty acres 
of land in Manlius township. To this he has 
added from time to time until he now has one 
hundred and eighty acres in the home place, all 
of which is well improved. There are good build- 
ings on the place, together with modern machinery, 
and the entire farm presents an excellent appear- 
ance, a glance being sufficient to indicate to the 
passer-by the enterprise and energy of the owner. 
He also raises standard bred horses, cattle and 
hogs. 

On the 2.5th of October, 1871— the year in 
which he purchased his farm — Mr. Kane further 
completed his arrangements for having a home of 
his own by his marriage to Miss Mary Cole, a 
daughter of James Cole, a farmer. They began 
their domestic life at their present place of resi- 
dence, and as the years have gone by eleven chil- 
dren have been born unto them: Richard, who is 
deputy sheriff of Valley county, Montana ; James, 
an agriculturist; Kate and Allic, both at home; 
Joseph and George, who follow farming; John and 
Edward, twins; Nellie; Jennie, attending school 
in Sheffield; and Mary, the wife of Daniel Hag- 
gerty, a farmer of Iowa. The family are com- 
municants of St. Patrick's Catholic church at 
Sheffield, and Mr. Kane is a democrat who for the 
past twenty years has served as school director. 



ARTHUR C. HUPP. 

Among the well known, alert and energetic busi- 
ness men of Westfield township is numbered Ar- 
thur C. Hupp, cashier of the Arlington State 
Bank. He was born in La Salle county, Illinois, 
December 11, 1877, and is a son of G. C. and 
Mary J. (Callaghan) Hupp. The father was also 
a native of La Salle county, while his grandfatlier, 
a resident of Pennsylvania, settled there in 1836. 
After the outbreak of the Civil war G. C. Hupp, 
responding to the country's call for aid, enlisted 
as a member of Company K, Eighth Illinois Cav- 
alry. He became first lieutenant and with his 
regiment was attached to the Army of the Po- 
tomac. He participated in many important and 
decisive battles, including tlue engagements at 
Gettysburg, Fredericksburg and Shiloh and made 
a splendid military record, characterized by valor 
and meritorious conduct on the field of battle. 
His mother was a native of Pittsburg, Pennsyl- 
vania, and her parents were natives of Ireland, 
arriving in the United States in 1838. 

Arthur C. Hupp spent the days of his boyhood 
and youth in the county of his nativity and is 
indebted to its public-school system for the edu- 
cational privileges he enjoyed. Coming to Bureau 
county in April, 1902, in search of a favorable 
business opening, he established a private bank 
in Arlington and in the following October it was 
converted into a state bank with the following offi- 
cers : Peter J. Cassidy, president : Mrs. Anna N. 
Kendall, vice-president; and Arthvir C. Hupp, 
cashier. From the beginning Mr. Hupp has been 
the active manager of the institution and its suc- 
cess is due to liis capable control and marked 
business ability. 



ALFRED NORRIS. 

Alfred Norris is one of the extensive landowners 
of Bureau county, whose holdings comprise eight 
liundred acres, all of which lie on section 31, 
Chirion township, and the east half of the east 
half of section 36, La Moille township. A man 
of excellent business ability and keen discernment, 
he carefully manages his invested interests, and 
Pleasant Fields — the name of his estate — is one 
of the finest country properties in Bureau county. 

Mr. Norris was born on the 20th of March, 
1863, in the townshi]) which is still his home, his 
parents Ix'ing William and Mary (Maiis) Norris, 
the former a native of Belmont county. Ohio, 
where lie was born May 20, 1885. He was a son 
III' l-ntbcr and Pleasant (Hoge) Norris, the for- 




A. C. HUPP. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



893 



mer being bom iu Frudorkk couuiy, Marylaud, 
February 4, i;'J3, aud died in Bureau county, 
Illinois, on March 20, ISli'J. Pleasant Hoge was 
born in Belmont county, Ohio, June !), ITUG, and 
died in the same county, on April 14, 1833. Luther 
Norris' parents, William and Mary (Hayes) Nor- 
ris, were natives ol Frederick county, Maryland, 
emigrating from there to Belmont county, "Ohio, 
in 180S. 

William Norris, tlic lather of our sulijcci, drove 
a team of horses from Bt4inout eounlv, Oliio, to 
La Moille, Illinois, in the fall of 184'(>, and the 
next year bought the quarter section where his 
son Alfred now lives. In 18.52 he drove a yoke 
of oxen to Sacramento, California, where he mined 
with poor success for one year. Keturniug to Bu- 
reau county, he devoted the rest of his life to agri- 
cultural pursuits aud stock-raising, and at one 
time owned the best herd of sliorthoru cattle in 
the county. Having a tliorougii knowledge of the 
productive value of Illinois laud, he added to his 
original one hundred and sixty acres until, at tlie 
time of his death, July 1, 1897, he owned two 
sections of land, lying iu Clarion, La Moille aud 
Westfield townships. Iu the fifty years of his resi- 
dence on this farm he made great improvements 
in the way of buildings and the planting of trees, 
until his was one of the most attractive places in 
the neighborliood. In August, 1853, he was mar- 
ried to Mary Maus, who came to La Moille in 
1852. They were the parents of six children, of 
whom Lundy and Elmer both died in infancy ; 
Pleasant, born May 7, 185«, died June 20, 1877 ; 
William L., born April 20, 185!), died May 23, 
1895; Alfred, our subject, born March 20, 18G3, 
as above stated; and Isaac IL, born July 4, 18Uti, 
and is now a resident of Yorkville, South Carolina. 
Mary Norris, the mother, died January 4, 1879. 
She was born in Quakertow'ii, Bucks county, Penn- 
sylvania, April 19, 1828. Her parents, William 
and Ann (Bawlings) Maus, were natives of Bucks 
county, Pennsylvania, the former being born there 
in 1780 and dying in the same county in 18()(i. 
Frederick Maus, father of William Maus, was 
born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1750 and 
was a revolutionary soldier, participating in the 
battles of Germantown, Pennsylvania, and Tren- 
ton, New Jcrsev, and died iu Columbiana county, 
Ohio, in 1833. ' 

Alfred Norris is indebted to the publii'-school 
system of Bureau county for the early educational 
privileges he enjoyed and completed his studies 
at the Princeton high school. Throughout his 
entire business career he has been identilied with 
general agricultural pursuits, and his home i.s very 
appropriately named "I'leasanl Fields." it is a 
tract of rolling prairie, splendidly located, and a 
most pleasing picture of rich and abundant har- 
vests. There are line buildings upon the farm, 
commodious, substantial and well ])ainteil. and 
are all equipped with the latest improved modern 



unprovenieuts conueeled with the purposes for 
which they were designed. 

On October 8, 1,S9,S Mr. N,,rris was married to 
Miss Orace L. Clark, who.se birth occurred iu 
Dover township, this county, April 18, 1SG3. The 
history of her parents is given in connection with 
tile sketch of h. P. Clark on another |)age of this 
work. 

Since age conferred upon him the right of fran- 
chise, Mr. Norris has given his political alk'giaiice 
to the republican parly and is in thorough sym- 
l)athy with its j)rincij)lcs. He is orthodox in his 
religious faith but is not a member of any church. 
His wife, however, belongs to the Congregational 
church. He is a man of broad experience and of 
wide general culture, who has traveled extensively, 
gaining the knowledge which is acquired only in 
that way. He has visited every state and territory 
iu the L niou, sjiending about three years in travel, 
and is thorougiily familiar with the many places 
of historic and scenic interest in this coiintrv. 
He and his wife live and enjoy life to its fullest 
extent, being abundantly able to gratify their de- 
sires in the way of travel, and they are, moreover, 
held in the highest esteem for their attractive 
social qualities and for their genuine ajipreciation 
of all that is truest and best in life. 



ANDPKW OLOFFSOX. 

Audrew Ololl'son, deccast'd, was numbered 
among the residents of Swedish birth who were a 
most important factor in reclaiming and improv- 
ing Manlius township, couverting it into one of 
the richest agricultural districts of this pari of 
the state. All who knew him respected him by 
reason of what he accomplished and the methods 
which he followed in an active business career. 
He was born in Sweden, September 23, 1831, a 
son of Olof Johnson. Upon the home farm he 
was reareil and in the common schools was edu- 
cateil. When a young man of twenty-two years 
lie resolved to li'y his fortune in the new world, 
reaching Princeton on the 8lli of June, 1851. 
From that lime until his death he resided continu- 
ously in Bureau county save for the period of the 
year 1807 which he spent in Iowa. In the sjiriiig 
of 18G9 he removed to what is now the old lionie- 
stead farm of three hundred and forty acres on 
section 25, Manlius township. Thronghoiit his 
entire life he carried on agricultural |)ursuits and 
year after year engageil in the tilling of the soil 
with the result that his labm-s were followed hy 
good crops and he was thus enal)led to add annu- 
ally to his income. 

On the 2(!th of August. IStiO. Mr. OlolFson was 
married to Badiel (Hosier) Clary, wlio was born 
in Indiana in 183(1. Her lirsl husband, a native 
of Ohio, died iu Iiidiaiia|iiilis. Indiana, in 18ti3, 
being at that time a mi'nJicr of Company (i of the 
Fort v-scveii 111 Indiana Infantrv. lie left two chil- 



894 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



dreu: Joliu Clary, wliu was Ijoiii Juul' Vi, iSOb, 
and was married September 13, Ititi'^, to Jilla J. 
Scott, a native of Bureau county, tlleir home being 
now in Whiteside county; and Sylvester M., 
who was boru April ID, 1SG2, and is a laniier of 
Bureau township. On the lUlh of February, 1886, 
he wedded Jiiiss Mary E. Garniau, who died Au- 
gust 10, ISDU, and he was married November 'J, 
isys, to Miss Emma Bearfoot, of Pittsburg, Penn- 
sylvania. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Ololfson were born 
four children. Francis A. was married, October 
30, 1889, to Miss Ida Lattey, of Bureau town- 
ship. Minnie A. was married October 20, 1892, 
to Edward C. Olson, a resident farmer of Manlius 
township. William A. is following farming in 
ilanlius township upon the old homestead. Ora 
J. Garlield is yet at home. 

Mr. Ololfson was a member of the United Breth- 
ren church and his influence was ever given on the 
side of right, progress and improvement. He voted 
with the republican party and in all matters of cit- 
izenship he was loyal and faithful, having a deep 
attachmeiit for his adopted country. He served 
his community as school director and was consid- 
ered a good man, worthy the respect of all who 
knew him. As the years passed by he won success 
as the reward of his earnest and indefatigable la- 
bor and thus when he was called from this life on 
the 24th of September, 1902, he was enabled to 
leave his family in comfortable financial circum- 
stances. Mrs. Ololfson still remains upon the old 
homestead in Manlius township, where she has 
about one hundred acres of land. 



BENJAMIN F. METCALF. 

Benjamin F. Metcalf, engaged in farming and 
stock-raising in La Moille, his native township, 
began his life record here on the 22d of April, 
1866. He is a representative of one of the old 
New England families. His father, Frederick C. 
Metcalf, was born in Williamstown, Vermont, No- 
vember 14, 1822, and during the pioneer epoch 
in the history of Bureau county came to Hlinois, 
where he has resided continuously since the j'ear 
1839. He married Sarah Ann Hubbard, a native 
of Pennsylvania, and for many years they traveled 
life's journey together but were separated by the 
death of the wife on the 26th of December, 1905. 
Mrs. Metcalf was then seventy-eiglit years of age, 
her birth having occurred on the 26th of June, 
1827, while Mr. Metcalf has attained the very ven- 
erable age of eighty-four years. They were mar- 
ried in Pennsylvania, June 10, 18.55, and became 
the parents of six clnldren: Sahara N., Rodolpho, 
Harriett, Benjamin F., Buena Vista and Maebell. 
Of this number Harriett and Maebell are deceased. 

Benjamin F. Metcalf, whose name introduces 
this record, entered the public schools at the usual 
age and completed his education in Dixon (Hli- 
nois) Business College. He was reared to farm 



life and has never felt a desire to change his occu- 
pation, gaining pleasure and proht from the iaith- 
iui disctiarge oi his daily duties. He now owns 
one hundrea and sixty acres of land and the farm 
is well improved with good buildings, which stand 
in the midst of tine old shade trees that were 
planted ILtty years ago by his parents and now 
make tlie place a most attractive one, suggestmg 
coolness and relief from the hot sun upon a suin- 
mers day. He has resided ahnost continuously in 
this county, although at the age of twenty-two 
years he went west to Tacoma, ^\ ashingtou, where 
he remained for five years, later spending eight 
\'ears in S23okane. He then returned to the old 
homestead, where he has resided continuously 
since, and his time and attention are now given 
to the farm, his labors being attended with a grati- 
fying measure of success. 

Mr. Metcalf was married to Miss Josephine 
Liudley, who was born in Eureka, Humboldt Bay, 
in Humboldt county, California, August 25, 1858, 
aud became a resident of Bureau county, Illinois, 
in February, 1901. She was educated in Cali- 
fornia, a daughter of Eliliu and Martha Jane 
(Darnell) Lindley, the former a native of Louis- 
ville, Kentucky, and the latter of Indianapolis, 
Indiana. In the year 1849 Mr. Lindley went to 
Eugene, Oregon, and afterward to California, 
where he died twenty-seven years ago, but the 
mother is still liviug in the Golden state. 

Both Mr. aud Mrs. Metcalf are members of the 
Congregational church and are deeply aud help- 
fully interested in its work. In politics he is a 
republican and a strong Poosevelt man, while fra- 
ternally he is connected with the Modern Wood- 
men of America, holding membership in the lodge 
at La Moille. His business interests claim the 
greater part of his time and attention and he now 
feeds all that he raises to his stock, fattening stock 
for the market. This is a most important branch 
of Ms business and is bringing to him an excellent 
return, for his sales are extensive. Life is made 
up of varied experiences and Mr. Metcalf has had 
many opportunities to learn valuable lessons in 
this way through his sojourn in the west as well 
as in Bureau county. He is a self-made and 
broad-minded man and with his estimable wife is 
leading a happy life u])on tlie old homestead farm 
of the family in La Moille township. 



FRANK B. PECKHAM. 
Frank B. Pcckham, engaged in the real estate 
business in Princeton, was horn in Tiskilwa, this 
county, in 1863, a son of James and Harriet 
(Head) Peckham, both of whom were of Eng- 
lisli birth, natives of Brighton and London re- 
spectively. The father has now passed away but 
the motlier resides in Tampico, Illinois. On corn- 
ins to the new world James Peckham made his 
way to Chicago and about fifty years ago ar- 



PAST AX11 ri{ESEXT OF J5UREAU COIXTV. 



895 



rived in Bureau county. He establislied his home 
south of Tiskihva, where he lived for a few 
years and then spent five years lialf way between 
Princeton and Tiskilwa. Subsequently he re- 
moved to a farm on Green river, where he re- 
sided until a year or two prior to his death, 
when he took up his abode in Tampico. He was 
a farmer by occupation and was the owner of 
two hundred and eighty acres of valuable land, 
from which he derived a handsome income. In 
politics he was a democrat, but was not partic- 
ularly active in political work. He and his wife 
held membership in the Episcopal cliurch in 
Tiskilwa during their residence there. Jlen who 
knew him respected him and those who came 
within the closer circle of his acquaintance gave 
him their warm friendship. In the family were 
nine children, five sons and four daughters, all 
of whom are living. The eldest daughter was 
born in England and the eldest son in Chicago. 
Three of the family are still residents of this 
county: William, who follows farming near New 
Bedford; ?^Irs. K. M. Heaton, of Wyanet; Frank 
B., of this review. The other members of the 
family are Thomas, Albert and David, who fol- 
low farming in Allen county, Kansas; Mrs. F. 
W. Smith, of Tampico; and ■:\Irs. R. M. Kumler 
and Mrs. H. S. Palmer, of Minneapolis. 

Frank B. Peckham was reared in this county 
to the occupation of farming, which he followed 
on the old homestead until eighteen years of 
age. He has since owned a farm and sometimes 
has owned two or more. For the past twenty 
years he has been engaged in the real estate bus- 
iness, mainly handling farm properties, and few 
men in this line are more thoroughly acquainted 
with realty values than he — a fact which enaiiles 
him to make judicious investments and profita- 
ble sales. He has negotiated many important 
realty transfers and has an excellent clientage 
in his chosen field of business. 

Mr. Peckham was married in Princeton to Miss 
Martha M. Moses. She was born in Petersburg, 
New York, in 1866, a daughter of Professor S. 
W. anil Mary E. ( Hovey ) Moses, wiio became resi- 
dents of Princeton twenty-nine years ago. Her 
father was a well-known professor of music, a 
violinist of rare ability and teacher of violin, 
piano and many other branches of music. In 
188.5 he opened a mu.sic store which he conducted 
for a number of years. He died in April, 1901, 
and his loss was deeply felt in musical circles. 
Mrs. Peckham is very prominent in musical cir- 
cles and has composed a number of vocal and 
instrumental pieces. She was reared in Prince- 
ton and studied music with her father a number 
of years, and later she continued her work in 
musical theorv at the American Conservatory of 
:Music. under' Mr. Adolf Weidig. Two cliildren 
o-race this union: Solon Moses, who was born in 
Chicago during a temporary residence in that city; 
and Mary Hovey, who was born in Princeton. 



The son and daughter are both now in school. 
The parents are members of the Cliristian Science 
church, and in political faith Mr. Peckham is a 
repul)li(an. Having resided almost their entire 
lives in this county, they have a wide acquaint- 
ance and are prominent socially, while in business 
circles Mr. Peckham has made a creditable 
name. 



.MAltCl S li. TilAlK.MlKl.'liV. 

The farming interests of Fairlieid towuslii]) are 
well represented by Marcus II. Thackaberry, who 
is living on section 'iO, where he owns and o\HiT- 
ates seven hundred and twenty acres of valuable 
land, all in one body, and improved witii three sets 
of farm buildings. His holdings, however, are 
much more e.xtensive, making him one of the 
leading landowners of this part of the county. 

His birth occurred in Fairfield township in 
1860 upon the farm whidi is now his place of 
residence, his parents being ^larcus and Mary 
(Gregg) Thackaberry, who were early residents 
of Princeton, coming from Pennsylvania to Bu- 
reau county in 1853. The father was born in 
Queens county, Ireland, April 25, 1817, while the 
grandfather was a native of Germany, whence he 
emigrated to the Emerald isle. Marcus Thacka- 
berry, Sr., leaving the latter country in 1816, 
sailed for the new world, attracted by the broader 
Inisiness opportunities liere alTorded. He was 
first employed in a foundry in N'ew York, where 
he remained until 1850, when he went to Pennsyl- 
vania, where he resided until his removal to Bu- 
reau county, Illinois, in 1853. In this county 
he retired from industrial |iursuits an<l turned liis 
attention to agricultural interests. He first rented 
a farm four miles north of Princeton and in its 
cultivation he won a measure of success that en- 
abled him in 1857 to purchase eighty acres of 
land. He invested in property to that amount in 
Fairfield township and grailually he extended the 
boundaries of liis property until at one time he 
was the owner of five liundrcd and twenty acres of 
valuable land in Fairfield township. His life 
was indeed a busy, useful and active one, and his 
unremitting diligence was crowned with a grati- 
fying measure of success. Ili^; death occurriMl 
December 18, 1880. when lie had reached the age 
of seventy-two years. He was married in Dublin, 
Ireland, to Miss Mary Gregg, a native of that city. 
She still survives him and is now living in Fair- 
Held township at a very advanced age, having 
passed the eighty-eighth milestone on life's jour- 
ney on the 6th of May. 1!)06. 

Marcus 1?. 'J'hackaberry spent tlie days of his 
l)ovhood and youth in his parents' home, where he 
worked at farm labor when not busy with his 
text-books until twenty-one years of age. His 
father gave him eighteen dollars per month for his 
services, and with the money thus earned he paid 
his wav through college, lie left home to attend 



89G 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



school at Valparaiso. Indiana, where he was a 
student in the Xortiu'rn Indiana Normal College 
in 1881 and 1882. He was preparing for the 
study of law and after leaving that institution he 
engaged in teaching for some time, proving a capa- 
ble educator, the schools under his charge making 
satisfactory progress. However, he determined to 
engage in farming as a life work and rented a 
farm of his father until the latter's death. He 
made his first purchase of land in 1884, becom- 
ing owner of a tract in Fairfield township. He 
afterward bought one hundred and twenty acres, 
adjoining the old homestead upon which his birth 
occurred, and subsequently he purchased the inter- 
est of the other heirs in the home property and 
thus acquired sole ownership. He has added to his 
hohlinus from time to time as opportunity has 
offered until he now owns seven hundred and 
twenty acres all in one body in Fairfield township, 
but this by no means represents his entire acreage, 
for he has four hundred and thirteen acres in 
Whiteside county and a half interest in two hun- 
dred and twenty acres southeast of the city of 
Princeton in Princeton township. He also owns 
eighty acres within eighteen miles of the Cook 
countv courthouse and an extensive tract of nine 
hundred and sixty acres in Beadle county. South 
Dakota, which ranch is stocked with horses and 
cattle, and all his different farms are well stocked 
with cattle, horses and hogs. He also has a sec- 
tion of land at Saskatchewan, Canada. He has 
been continuously engaged in agricultural pur- 
suits since he started for liimself in 1883. He was 
somewhat in debt at that time but he soon cleared 
away all financial obligations and has accumu- 
lated property until he has readied his present 
extensive holdings. He likewise has a fine herd 
of shorthorn Durham cattle, having handled this 
grade of cattle for the past ten years. He also 
raises Poland China hogs and as a stockman as 
well as a land owner is well known, success attend- 
ing his ventures in that direction. 

Mr. Thackaberry was married to Miss Clara 
Shugert, of Princeton, a daughter of Philip and 
Rel^ecca Shugert, botii now deceased. They were 
early residents of this county, coming in 1850, 
and for a long period they resided in Princeton. 
The father died February's. lilOf, at the age of 
eighty-one years, wliile the mother, who was born 
in Ohio, May 25, 1825, passed away in June, 1885, 
at the age of sixty years. Unto Mr. and Mrs. 
Thackaberry have heen born four children, three 
of whom still survive : Shugert, who was born 
November 0, 1890; Lucile, born December 31, 
1895; and Margaret, born August 31, 1898. The 
children are all now in school. The eldest daugh- 
ter. Fern, who was the second in order of birth, 
died March 3, 1904, when almost ten years of age. 

Politically Mr. Thackaberry is an earnest repub- 
lican and has served as township clerk, as col- 
lector, as justice of the peace and in other offices 
for a long period, but at the present time is filling 



no position of political preferment. His fidelity 
in citizenship, however, is above question and it 
is a well known fact that his co-operation can be 
counted upon to further and support any move- 
ment for tiie puiilic good. He ami his family are 
members of the Christian church, and in the work 
of which they are deeply interested. Mr. Thacka- 
berry has had a remarkable and most successful 
career since he began dealing in real estate. He 
is a man of action rather than theory, forms his 
plans readily and is determined in their execution. 
Among the most energetic, enterprising and suc- 
cessful business men of the county he is numbered 
and he is now controlling vast business interests, 
while in the world of trade his keen discernment 
and careful management are widely recognized as 
the basis of his prosperity. His methods are 
such as will bear the closest investigation and 
scrutiny and therefore the most envious cannot 
well grudge him his success. He is well known 
as a man of courteous manner, unflinching prin- 
ciple and unquestioned integrity and yet withal 
he possesses that practical common sense which 
never runs to extremes. He has contributed 
greatly toward assisting others in various ways. 



CHARLES DECKER. 

Charles Decker, deceased, who occupied a prom- 
inent position among the citizens of sterling worth 
in Princeton, was born in the village of Magee, 
Seneca county. New York, March 1, 1849. His 
father, William Decker, was a native of the town 
of Tyre, Seneca county, born July 21, 1818. The 
grandfather, Jeremiah Decker, was a native of 
Vermont, while the great-grandfather was born 
in Holland, and became the founder of the family 
in the new world. In the year 1843 William 
Decker was united in marriage to Margaret Magee, 
a daughter of John and Mary (McNeil) Magee, 
of Argyle, New York. Six children were born of 
this mari-iage: William Clarence, Charles, George, 
John, Edward and Ella. George died in early 
manhood, while the remaining four sons and one 
daughter lived to years of maturity. Edward re- 
sides on a farm near Providence. Ella is the wife 
of L. Maynard and lives on the old Maynard home- 
stead, a half mile east of Providence. 

William Decker spent thirty-four years in his 
native town, after which he removed to Virginia, 
where he remained until the outbreak of the Civil 
War. in 1861. He then came to Illinois, and spent 
four years in Fayette county, subsequent to which 
time he located in Bureau county, about a mile 
south of Providence, there residing until a few 
years prior to his death, when he left the old home- 
stead and removed to Tiskilwa, where he died De- 
cember 9, 1888, at the age of seventy-one years. 
He and his wife were members of the Providence 
Congregational church, and he was a man of gen- 
uine integrity and of unshaken honor. William 




CHARLES DECKER. 




MES. CIIAKLKS DKCKEIJ. 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



901 



Clarence Decker, his eldest son, was born at Ma- 
gee, Seneca county. New York, and in 1865 came 
with his father to Bureau county, where he resided 
upon a farm until his removal to Bradford, Stark 
county, this state, lie there engaged in the stock 
business and subsequently went to Chicago and 
accepted a position in the Columbia Live Stock 
Commission Company as its president, in the year 
1892. He had a wide and favorable acquaintance 
among shippers and stockmen generally, and was 
highly esteemed for his e.xceptionally honest and 
Christian character. He died in Englewood, Illi- 
nois. January 19, 1898, leaving a widow and two 
daughters. 

Charles Decker, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, resided in Seneca county, New Y'ork, until 
his father's removal to Virginia, where he lived 
for about nine years, coming to Bureau county at 
the age of fourteen. He remained with liis father 
upon the home farm near Providence until he be- 
gan farming on his own account, at the time of his 
marriage to Miss Janet Hillis Jardinc, of Provi- 
dence, Illinois, a daughter of James anil Mary 
(Murray) Jardine, the latter a daughter of IVter 
Murray, who was one of the earliest settlers in the 
Providence colony, coming from Ayrshire, Scot- 
land. His eldest child, Janet H. Jardine, was born 
in iluirkirk. Scotland, May 18, 1851, and in 1859 
accompanied lier parents to Tiskihva, while a few 
years later they located at Providence, where she 
resided until her marriage to Charles Decker. 
There were four children born of this union: 
Jessie M., the wife of C. A. Dexter, of Providence ; 
William J., Edna M. and Cora B. 

Following his nuirriage Charles Decker engaged 
in stock-raising to some extent, living on what is 
knov\Ti as the Dorr Hill farm of eight hundred 
acres lor thirteen years, during which time he 
bought and shipped horses and cattle. He was a 
natural horseman, took great pleasure in raising 
fine horses, and in his earlier years raised and 
trained a well-known pacer, Wood Shedd, with a 
record of 2:09i4. In the year 1892 he purchased 
the old homestead of one hundi'ed and sixty acres. 
a mile south of Providence, and took up his abode 
thereon, making it his home until 1900, when h(' 
removed to Princeton, where he died on the 51h ol' 
June, 1904. 

Mr. Decker was a man who was never idle. He 
was of a very practical turn of mind and of a re- 
tiring and modest disposition. He won and kept 
the regard of his many I'riends, to whom he was 
always loyal, and his word was as good as his 
bond. He was ever in sympathy with anything 
that was for the benefit of the community and 
county in which he lived, and his co-operation 
could"be always depended upon. He acted as road 
commissioner' in Indiantown tor some years while 
living there, and was also school ilirector at Dorr 
Hill '"and later at Providence. He was much in- 
terested in the building of the new school house 
there whib' aciitig as director, and the cause of 



education ever found in iiini a stalwart friend. 
In 1898 he united with the Providence church, 
and on coming to Princeton he and the other 
mendjers of the family transferred their member- 
ship to the First Congregational ciiurch. where he 
was acting as one of the trustees at the time of 
his death. Mr. Decker left a widow and four chil- 
dren, the eldest l)eing Mrs. C. A. Dexter, who re- 
sides with hei' husband and two children, Erma 
and Esther, on the 'I'homas Dexter fann, near 
Providence. William John, the second child and 
only son, is engaged in the jewelry business at 
(Iranville. Putnam county, Illinois, while the two 
(laughters, Edna and Cora, are with their mother 
in Princeton. 



JOHN RICHARD DALE. 

John Richard Dale, who has devoted his en- 
tire life to farming ami now has an excellent 
tract of land in Manlius townsiiij), under a high 
state of cultivation, was born in Bureau county, 
March 31, 1859, and is a son of Thomas Eclward 
and Eliza (Spargo) Dale, who are mentioned on 
another page of this work in connection with 
the history of their son, Thomas Henry Dale. 

Reared under tiie parental roof. John R. Dale 
at the usual age began attending the common 
schools and tlnis pursiunl his education in Fair- 
field townsbi]i. His training at farm labor was 
not meager, for from an eariv ago he began 
to assist in the work of the fiehls and soon l)e- 
came familiar with the tasks of plowing, plant- 
ing and harvesting. He has never desired to 
engage in other business as a life work, but on 
the contrary lias i)een fully content with fann- 
ing, which Ceorge Washington said, "is the most 
useful as well as the most honorable occu]iation 
of man." On starting out in business for him- 
self he rented eighty acres, which he cultivated 
and improved. Later, in connection with his 
brother. Thomas H. Dale, he rented two hun- 
dred and forty acres, which at the end of four 
years thev purchased. In 1893 they bought two 
hundred and forty acres more adjoining their 
original purchase and wbicii formerly belonged to 
their father. Subsequently thev added to their 
property until their hoMings embraced six hun- 
dred acres in all. They were thus closely asso- 
ciated in business for a number of years, or until 
1903, when they divided the property, John R. 
Dale retaining two hundred acres as his share. 
This constitutes his homestead farm and is a 
verv valuable and desindile property. The fields 
are now well tilled and bring forth rich harvests 
and all of the modern equipments and acccs,sories 
of a moilel farm are found upon bis place. He 
has devoted his entire life to general agricul- 
tural pursuits and he is al^o a stockholder in the 
Farmers' Elevator Company of Manlius. 

Plea.santly situated in his home life. Mr. Dale 
was married Fcbniarv 25. 1903. to Miss ^fargaret 



902 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUHI-:AU COUNTY. 



Jane Smith, of Gold township, a daughter of 
Robert Hamilton and Jane Rebecca (Murphy) 
Smith. Her father was born in Ireland, Feb- 
ruary 2, 1829, and came to America when 
eighteen years of age, spending his last days in 
Sheffield, 'where he died June 30, 1905, at the 
age of seventy-six years. When he first reached 
America he located in Phoenixvillc. Pennsyl- 
vania, where he resided for five years prior to 
his removal to Bureau county, where he spent his 
remaining days. 

Mr. Dale is a democrat, but takes no active 
part in politics aside from exercising his right 
of franchise in support of the men and measures 
of his party. He has always lived in Bureau 
county and therefore has a wide acquaintance, 
while good qualities have made him favorably 
known and gained for him warm friendship. 



Mr. McCabe is an enterprising agriculturist of 
Bureau county, having accumulated large landed 
intersts from which he derives an excellent in- 
come. He is a man of good business ability and 
straightforward dealing and is highly respected 
bv his many business and social friends. 



WILLIAM McCABE. 

William ilcCabe, owning and operating six 
hundred and eighty acres of land in Gold and 
Alba townships, is a native son of Bureau county, 
his parents being Michael and Hannah McCabe. 
both natives of Ireland. The parents emigrated 
to America in 1850, settling in Bureau county. 
where the father followed farming throughout his 
remaining days. Both the father and mother are 
now deceased. 

William McCabe, whose name introduces this 
review, was reared to farm life, assisting his 
father in the task of cultivating the home place 
and thus receiving practical experience which 
fitted him to later carry on business on his own 
account. He received his education in the schools 
of his home township and later attended a nor- 
mal school for three terms at Geneseo. He later 
started out in business on his own account, fol- 
lowing the occupation to which he had been reared. 
He has been very successful in his farming oper- 
ations and each year lias added to his financial 
resources, until today he is the owner of exten- 
sive landed interests, having six hundred and 
eighty acres of valuable land situated in Gold and 
.Vlba townships. On his place are found good 
buildings for the shelter of grain and stock and 
he uses the latest improved farm machinery to 
facilitate his work. 

In 1893 Mr. McCabe was united in marriage 
to ^liss Emma Burden, of Fairfield township, and 
unto them have l)een born three children. Mr. 
McCabe was appointed to act as supervisor of Gold 
township, filling out the unexpired term of F. W. 
Morrasy, in which capacity he served for eight 
months, and on the expiration of that period he 
was elected to the office, having served altogether 
for the past two years, and is the present incum- 
bent. In politics he is a democrat and in religious 
faith he and his wife are Catholics. 



EDWIN BASS. 



Edwin Bass, who owns and occupies a good 
farm of two liundred and fifty acres in Berlin, his 
native township, was born April 23, 1856, and is 
a representative of one of the pioneer families 
of Bureau county. His father, Edwin Bass, Sr., 
was born in Connecticut, January 28, 1816, and 
having arrived at years of maturity was married 
in 1842 to Emeline J. Stannard, who was born 
in the state of New York, ilay 3, 1824. In 
their family were the following named : Caro- 
line, deceased; Lucian : Luther G. ; Sidney and 
Charlotte, both deceased; Oscar S. ; Edwin; Heber 
and Howard, twins, also deceased; Wallace, and 
Alonzo C. 

Edwin Bass of this review spent the days of 
his boyhood and youth upon his father's farm, 
where he was early trained to the work of the 
fields. He was also afliorded good educational 
privileges and after attending the public schools 
of Dover became a student in the academy there, 
completing his course at the age of twenty-two 
years. Farming has been his life work from 
choice and his labors have been attended with a 
measure of success that makes him one of the 
prosperous agriculturists of the community. 
Since 1882 he has lived upon his present farm, 
having now two hundred and fifty acres of land, 
wliich is now valued at one hundred and fifty 
dollars per acre, owing to the natural rise in 
land values consequent upon the rapid settle- 
iiu'iit of the county and also owing to the many 
substantial improvements which he has put upon 
his place. He raises Poland China pigs and Dur- 
ham cattle and his well tilled fields produce good 
crops of com, oats and hay. 

On the 23d of February, 1882, at Maiden, Mr. 
Bass was married to Miss Lydia A. Steele, who 
was born in Berlin township. Bureau county, 
April 22, 1860, and acquired a public school edu- 
cation in Maiden. Her parents were Robert and 
^fary (Black) Steele, both natives of Ireland, 
the former horn July 12, 1826, and the latter in 
1824. ^Ir. Steele came to Illinois in 1854 and his 
family numbers four sons and four daughters, 
namelv : ]\rargaret. ^farv A., Bobert B., Lvdia 
A., Sanford F., Eliza J.'. Enos S. and William. 
The last named is now deceased. Unto Mr. and 
.Mrs. Bass have been born six children : Emma 
Ij., born January 9, 1883 ; George S.. April 6, 
1884; Nellie ^tay, who was born September 18, 
1885, ami died September 5. 190(1 • Pearl I., born 



PAST AM) PKE8EXT OF BUREAU C-QUXTV. 



903 



July 14. 18,sr; Sarah A., October 22, 1890; and 
Carrie, February 5, 1895. 

The political support of Mr. Bass is given to 
the republican party anil he ha.s l)eon called to 
local office, serving now for the third year as road 
commissioner of his township, while for si.\ 
years he has been a school director. His mem- 
bership with the Baptist church covers tliirty- 
four years and the family are also communi- 
cants thereof. His entire life, covering a half 
century, has been passed in Berlin township and 
in the years of his manhood he has so directed his 
business affairs that success has resulted and his 
record proves the value of integrity, enterprise and 
perseverance as factors in prosperity. 



WIXFEED K. TRIMBLE. 

Wiufred Kenneth Trimble, engaged in the 
practice of law at the bar of Bureau county, 
Illinois, was born in Princeton, July 25, 18G7. 
His parents were Harvey Jlarion and Margaret 
(Dakin) Trimble, whose records are detailed else- 
where in tliis volume. 

Winfred K. Trimble entered the public schools 
of Princeton at the usual age and continued his 
studies until graduated from the Princeton high 
school in the class of 1885. He immediately 
entered the employ of J. W. Templeton, as clerk 
in the postoffice in Princeton, which position he 
resigned in the spring of 1886 to engage in tho 
real estate business in Omaha, Nebraska, where 
he remained two years, leaving there at the ces- 
sation of the real estate boom to accept the 
offer of employment with Wemott. Howard & 
Company, of St. Paul, Minnesota. While at 
home on a vacation in 1889 he assisted J. W. 
Bailey, then supervisor of census, as the result 
of which service he was asked to come to Wash- 
ington, D. C, and accejit a position in the cen- 
sus office under Robert P. Porter, then superin- 
tendent of census, which offer he accepted, as it 
afforded him the opportunity he had long desired, 
to attend the Columbian (now the George Wash- 
ington) University to fit himself for the practice 
of law. He occupied his position in the census 
office (a part of the interior department of tho 
government) for nearly three years, during which 
time he pursued his studies at the Columbian 
University law school, from which he graduated 
in the spring of 1892, with tho degree of Bachelor 
of Laws. 

In September, 1892. he resigned his position 
with the census office and settled in Braidentown, 
Manatee county. Florida, in which state he was 
immediately admitted to the bar and began the 
practice of law, and where ho remained until the 
fall of 1898. when he returned to Princeton to 
accept the oppointment of deputy county clerk, 
which position he filled for two years. He was 
manager of the Jasper County ( Missouri) Ab- 



stract Company and receiver of the International 
Zinc Company, at Joplin, Missouri, in 1901. After 
the alfairs of both of these companies had been 
elosed he returned to Princeton to accept the 
appointment of master in chancery of Bureau 
county, which position ho held for four years. In 
addition to his individual law practice he is now 
assisting his father, Judge H. M. Trimble, as 
receiver of the Spring Valley Xational Bank, of 
Spring Valley, Illinois. 

Mr. Trimble has always been a pronounced 
advocate of the ])riuciples of the republican party 
and has always stood ready to perform his share 
of the work to ])romote the success of the party. 

He was married May 23, 1894, to Clara Mc- 
Neill Stoody, a native of Xew Philadelphia, Tus- 
carawas county, Ohio. While they resided in 
Florida they had two children born to them, 
Winfred Edward, born March 11, 1895; and an 
infant son. born .\]iril 7, 189T, who died on ^fay 
6, 18!)7. Since removing to Illinois, a daughter, 
Clara Elizabeth, was born to them on October 
19, 1905. 

Mr. Trimble is a member of the Elks lodge of 
Joplin, Missouri, and a member of the Knights 
of Pythias lodge, the Masonic blue lodge, the 
chapter of the council of Princeton, Illinois, and 
of Oriental Consistory and Medinah Temple of the 
ilystic Shrine, of Chicago, Illinois. 



JAMES E. STOTHARD. 

James E. Siothard, engaged in farming and 
stock raising in Clarion township, was born in 
Michigan, November 20, 18G3. His parents were 
James E. and Mary E. (Headland) Stothard. who 
were natives of England and came to America 
at an early age. settling in Michigan. In their 
family were twelve children. Their son, James 
E. Stothard, the fourth in order of birth, was. 
like the other members of the household, educated 
in tho common schools of Bureau county. He was 
early trained to farm labor and instructed in the 
value of industry, frugality and diligence as fac- 
tors in the acquirement of success. Throughout 
his entire life he has carried on general agri- 
cultural jnirsuits and he now has charge of fifty 
acres of land, owning the stock thereon. He is 
well known as a stock raiser and one whose opinion 
is seldom at fault in his valuation of farm ani- 
mals. Possessing energy and unfaltering deter- 
mination, he carries forward to successful comple- 
tion whatever he undertakes and has thus gained 
a L'ood living for himself and family as the years 
have passed by. 

It was on the 12th of Septendier. 1894. in La 
Moille. that Mr. Stotiiard was married to Miss 
Leah D. Dougherty, who was born in Ohio, May 
3, ISfifi. Bv this marriage there are two children: 
Dale E., born February 13, 190.1; and Chester X., 



904 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



born Augusl 38, 1904. Mrs. Stothard is a daugh- 
ter of John J. and Martha T. (Norman) Dough- 
erty and a native of Coshocton county, Ohio. She 
became a resident of Ilinois in 1878, when her 
parents removed to this state, bringing with them 
their four children, of whom Mrs. Stothard was 
the eldest. 

Interested in the political questions which af- 
fect the welfare of community, state and nation, 
Mr. Stothard gives his support to the republican 
party, the principles of which he has advocated 
since age conferred upon him the right of fran- 
chise. He is a man of genial, pleasant disposi- 
tion and kindly spirit, recognizing the rights of 
others and never taking advantage of the neces- 
sities of his fellowmen in any business transaction. 
He works for the best interests of the community 
at large, while at the same time laboring for his 
individual success in business affairs and during 
his residence in this county he has eagerly availed 
himself nf the opportunities which may alwavs be 
secured by those who desire a prosperous business 
life and have the will to dare and to do. 



JOSEPH HENRY EICKMEIER. 

Joseph Henry Eicknieier. now identitied with 
farming interests in Bureau township, was born 
in the city of Princeton, December 31, 1859. His 
parents, Joseph and Ricke Eickmeier, were both 
natives of Holland and came to the United States 
in the '50s, locating first in St. Louis, Missouri, 
where they renuiined for about two years. On 
the expiration of that period they came to Prince- 
ton, where Mr. P^ickmeier worked at the carpen- 
ter's trade for some time, being identified with 
the early building operations in that city. He 
was afterward engaged in the milling business 
and later he turned his attention to farming, 
which he carried on a short distance south of 
Princeton. For the past thirty years, however. 
lie has not been actively engaged in business and 
at the present writing makes his home in Kansas 
with one of his daugiiters. He has attained the 
age of eighty-one years and is now in quite feeble 
health. His wife died of consumption in April, 
1875. 

Joseph Henry Eickmeier acquired his educa- 
tion in the old Holiday school in Dover township, 
where he mastered the branches of learning usu- 
ally taught in such institutions. In his youth he 
also performed various labors such as devolve 
upon the farmer lad and lie assisted his father to 
the age of twenty-five years, when he was mar- 
ried to Miss Laura V. Stiles, who was born May 
4, 1868, in Bureau township, upon the farm 
where they are now living. She is a daughter of 
Alvah and Elvira (Darin) Stiles. Her fatlier, 
who was born in Greene county, Ohio, Februarv 
23, 1831, died in Princeton, October 13, 1900, at 
the age of sixty-nine years, seven months and 



twenty days. He was married in 1853 to iliss 
Elvira Darin, and came to Bureau county in 1855, 
at which time he took up his abode on a farm 
north of Princeton and there resided until 1893. 
He then removed to the county seat, where he 
lived until his death. His widow survived him 
for more than five years and passed away on the 
16th of January, 1906. The home of Mr. and 
Mrs. Eickmeier has been blessed with eight chil- 
dren, namely: Milton, Alvah, Georgie, Elvira, 
Marion, Lester, Laura and Lillian. 

At the time of his marriage Mr. Eickmeier be- 
gan farming on his own account and has since 
carried on general agricultural pursuits with the 
result that he is today one of the prosperous 
farmers of his community, owning two hundred 
and eighty-six acres of good land which is very 
rich and arable, returning excellent harvests for 
the care and labor which he bestows upon the 
fields. He is largely engaged in the cultivation 
of corn and oats and he also raises considerable 
stock, making a specialty of Poland China hogs. 

He and his family are members of the Wes- 
leyan Methodist church of Bureau township and 
are interested in its work and growth. Mr. Eick- 
meier has spent much of his life in his native 
county, but in 1885 he went with his family to 
Nebraska, where he engaged in farming for six- 
teen years. Five years ago he returned to this 
county and in 1905 he purchased the Stiles farm, 
which he has since been operating. His life has 
been one of unremitting diligence and persever- 
ance and he has brooked no obstacles that he 
could overcome by determined and earnest effort. 
Realizing that labor is the basis of all success, he 
has by his close application to his business nuide 
steady progress and is now a leading agriculturist 
of Bureau township. 



HERMAN H. KROOSS. 
Herman H. Krooss, a public-spirited citizen and 
one whose business interests have contributed to 
the agricultural development and progress of the 
community as well as to his individual success, 
now resides in La Moille township, where he is en- 
gaged in raising stock and in operating a large 
clay bed. He was born in La .Salle county, Illi- 
nois. August 21, 1870, and the following year 
was brought to Bureau county by his parents, 
Henry and Sophia (Wiegman) Krooss, who were 
natives of Germany and came to America in 
IHtiii. Four children were born of this union, of 
whom Herman H. is the youngest. Educated in 
the public schools of La Moille township, after 
putting aside his text-books he began farming and 
also maniiracturinu brick and tile and is a lead- 
ing repr('S(>ntative of the agricultural and indus- 
trial interests of this part of the county. Ho 
now owns a tract of one hundred and twenty-five 
acres adjacent to the village of Ija Moille and 



I 




Mi;. AM) miti. J. ii. i;i( K.\ii:ii:i;. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



907 



constituting a very valuable plate. He raises 
and feeds stock, using all of the products of his 
fields in this way. He owns the old homestead 
property which he occupies and there is a large 
deposit of clay, suitable for the manufacture of 
brick and tile, upon this farm. There is also a 
large factory for converting the clay into the 
finished product and the plant is now in full 
operation. Mr. Krooss is a very enterprising, 
wide-awake and active business man and owes his 
success entirely to his own efforts. He possesses 
superior business ability and executive force and 
brooks no obstacles that may bo overcome by de- 
termined and honorable etl'urt. He is now care- 
fully supervising his farming and mauutacturing 
interests imtil they bring him a handsome in- 
come and as the years pass his success will un- 
doubtedly be largely increased. 

Mr. Krooss is a member of the Modern Wood- 
men camp. No. 227, and in his political views is 
an earnest republican. He holds mpmi)prshi]i in 
the Congregational church and his life is devoted 
to much that is elevating and helpful in the de- 
velopment of honorable character. In manner 
he is genial, kindly and approachable, according 
to all the courtesy of an interview, and in relation 
to the general welfare he is regarded as a public- 
spirited and valuable citizen, whose efforts have 
been effective for tlie promotion of the general 
good, his labors being at all times of a practical 
as well as progressive nature. 



of the latter, a condition that is very essential 
to the prosperity and happiness of commuuities 
and indiviiluals. His niind is well stored with 
useful knowledge, actjuired both from reading and 
observation, and liis plain and unassuming ways 
make him a most desirable and useful citizen. 



T. CLARK HAYS. 

Among the residents of Wyanet to whom has 
been vouchsafed an honorable retirement from 
business cares and labors, is numbered T. Clark 
Hays, who in former v'ears was an active factor 
in commercial circles. He was born July 5, 1836, 
in Clinton county, Ohio, his parents being Elijah 
and Rachel (Thatcher) Hays. The father came 
with his family to Bureau county from Clinton 
county, Ohio, in 184.3, and took up his abode 
in Wyanet township, where he followed farm- 
ing and made his home until his death, which 
occurred in 1871. 

T. Clark Hays was reared in Bureau county 
and was educated in the common schools, wliile 
for one year he was a student in the .Fames H. 
Smith select school in Princeton, and later in 
Abingdon (Illinois) College. He engaged in 
teaching for several years in his early manhood 
— from 1856 until 1867 — and received his first 
certificate from .\aron B. Church, school com- 
missioner. 

'Nfr. Havs is a man of parts. He does his own 
thinking and looks at life rroni a phi]oso])hioal 
standpoint. He is not an extreme optimist nor 
is he in any sense a pessimist, biit his logical 
mind enables him to pilot his lifeboat between 
the elation of the former and the depression 



.vxi)i;i-:\\ c. SWANSON. 

Andrew C. Swanson, whose homcsioad property 
comprises eighty-tive acres of rich laud in Maulius 
township and who has liuancial holdings in busi- 
ness interests in the village of Alaulius, was born 
in Odeshog, Liiikoping, Sweden, November 24. 
184 T. His parents. Swan and Hannah (Johnson) 
Anderson, were also natives of Sweden and there 
spent their entire lives as farming people. Their 
son Andri'w, reared and educated in his native 
country, came to America in ISG'J wiien twenty- 
one ycais of age, hoping to improve las liuancial 
tondition by enjoying the broader business oppor- 
tunities that he had heard were afforded in the 
new world. He did not tarry in the east but came 
at once to the middle west, settling first in Prince- 
ton, after which he went to Tiskilwa. For two 
years he was employed at farm labor by Hart Jlor- 
ris and then, desiring that his work should more 
directly benefit himself, he l)egan renting farms 
and thus tilled the soil for six years. On the ex- 
piration of that period he took up his abode in 
Maidius township and purchased eighty-live acres, 
constituting his present homestead property. This 
is now well improved. A few years ago, however, 
he was unfortunate in having all of his buildings, 
fences and other imjirovements upon his place de- 
stroyed in a cyclone, entailing a severe loss. He 
has, however, rebuilt and now has modern and 
substantial structures upon his place, indicative of 
the progressive spirit of the owner. He is wide- 
awake, energetic and enterprising in all tliat he 
does and he has become a stockholder in the Man- 
lius Elevator & Coal Company and also in the 
First State Bank of Manlius. Wlu'n we consider 
that he came to this country empty-handed, having 
little more than would ])ay his passage to the new- 
world, his success seems indeed remarkable and 
his example, characterized by industry and integ- 
rity, may well be followed by others who desire to 
enter upon a successful and honorable business 
career. 

Mr. Swanson was married Hecember 24, 1871, 
to Miss Emilv J. .\ndei-son, who wa.s born in Swe- 
den. July !>, ISl."). and is a daughter <>f i'.ws- 
and Hannah Anderson, farming |)eople of that 
country. They now have six children: .Anna 
Maria." who was born Septenil>er 22, 1872, and fol- 
lows dressmaking in Joliet and Lockport. Illinois; 
Ada Josephine, who was born October 11, 1874, 
and is the wife of (Jeorge W. Dnhl. a rc-^ident 
fanner of Greenville township: Emma Matilda, 
who was born December 14, 18:6. and is the wife 



908 



PAST AXD PRESEMT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



of Hermau Draper, who likewise follows farming 
in (jreeuville township: Erauk Alfred, who was 
born August I'J, IST'J, and married Edith John- 
son, a daughter of Christian D. Johnson, and for 
tlie past two years has successfully engaged in 
farming on the Greenville place of one hundred 
and eighty-two acres; Jennie Amanda, who was 
born December 2, 1882, and is now the wife of 
Le Roy Banton, a machinist of Sterling. Illinois ; 
and Clarence Edward, who was born May IT, 188(j, 
and is at home, engaged in farming for himself. 
Mr. Swanson exercises his right of franchise in 
support of the men and measures of the repub- 
lican party. In his business life he has recognized 
obstacles as well as possibilities and has overcome 
the former by determined effort, while improving 
the latter through his energy and industry. In all 
of his work he has been practical and during the 
years of his residence in Bureau county has arisen 
from a humble iinancial position to one of afflu- 
ence. 



DAVID H. LAW. 

David H. Law is one of the pioneer residents 
of Bureau county, having been brought to Illinois 
by liis parents in early boyhood. He has thus for 
a long period been a witness of the changes which 
have been wrought here as the work of civilization 
and improvement has been carried forward and 
his memory forms a connecting link between the 
primitive past and the progressive present. He 
can recall the days when many of the homes were 
log cabins, when much of the land was unculti- 
vated and when one could ride for miles without 
coming to a fence or other sign of habitation to 
impede his progress. 

His birth occurred in Windham county, Con- 
necticut, November 9, 183.5, and he was educated 
in the private schools and in the Flaintield high 
school of that state. His parents were William A. 
and Polly (Henry) Law, who were also natives 
of Windham county, Connecticut, the former born 
December 27, 1810, and the latter December 29, 
1813. They were married September 8, 1834. 
Mr. J jaw, wlio was a carpenter by trade, continued 
to follow that pursuit in Connecticut until Sep- 
tember, 18.51. when he came to Illinois with his 
wife and three children. They journeyed from 
Connecticut to Worcester, Massachusetts, thence 
by rail to Buffalo, New York, and by steamer to 
Detroit. Michigan, whence they crossed that state 
by rail to St. Joseph, Michigan, where they em- 
barked on a steamer for Chicago. They then pro- 
ceeded down the Illinois and Michigan canal to La 
Salle and across the country by team to Indian- 
town, wliich is now Tiskilwa, stopping for dinner 
at the old I'rairie House at Princeton. They re- 
mained at Iiidiantown for about three or four 
months, after which they removed to Erencli Grove, 
now the town of Buda. Mr. Law began farming and 



on the 1st of April, 185G, he raised his house on 
section 3, Macon township, where he had one hun- 
dred and sixty acres oi wild prairie land. He split 
rails for fencing and in those early days shared 
in all of the hardships and privations incident to 
pioneer life. He never cared for public office yet 
kept well informed on questions and issues of the 
day. He preferred to give his time and energies 
to his business affairs, following farming and 
building, and his handiwork can yet be seen in the 
Blueville mill in Windham county, Connecticut. 
In addition to the tilling of the soil he built vari- 
ous bridges. He belonged to the Independent Or- 
der of Odd Fellows and was in hearty sympathy 
with the basic elements of that fraternity. He w'as 
also a consistent member of the Freewill Baptist 
church, and both he and his wife sang in the 
church choir at Chestnut Hill for a long peroid. 
His political allegiance was given to the democ- 
racy. He died in Bureau county, September 1, 
18G0, and was long survived by his widow, who 
passed away December 5, 1900. In their family 
were six children : David H. ; Helen M., who was 
born March 9, 1838, and is the widow of Harrison 
Bray and a resident of Chicago; Alfred N., of 
Putnam, Connecticut, who was born September 7, 
1840; Adeline F., who was born March 21, 1853, 
and died in infancy; and Dallas A., who was born 
November 26, 1856, and is living in Buda. 

David H. Law was a youth of about sixteen 
years when he accompanied his parents on the 
long trip by water to Illinois. He shared with the 
family in the hardships and privations of pioneer 
life and as the years passed by he aided more and 
more largely in the work of the fields as his age 
and strength permitted. He has seen this county 
transformed from wild prairie into finely im- 
proved farms and witnessed the introduction of 
the railroad. lie saw the first passenger train that 
entered Buda, James R. Cottle being the engineer 
and Mr. Denny the conductor. He has seen wild 
geese, ducks and prairie chickens by the hundreds, 
also wild deer. Following his father's death he 
operated the home farm and assisted in caring 
for the family up to the time of his marriage. He 
added one hundred and sixty acres of land to his 
place, so that he is today the owner of three hun- 
dred and twenty acres, constituting a line farm, 
all of which is well improved with the excejiliou 
of about twelve acres of wild prairie which he 
keeps in remembrance of the old times and which 
is well worth looking at. He raises some stock 
and ships directly to Chicago. 

David H. Law was married October 9, 1873, to 
Miss Lucy J. Fifield, who w^as born in Bureau 
county, May 13, 1850. and died July 28. 1900. 
She was a daughter of Saiiiui4 and Lurcna G. 
(Stevens) Fifield, both of whom were natives of 
Andover, New Hampshire. Her father died March 
23, 1869, at the age of fifty years, while his wife 
passed away March 20, 1902, at the age of seventy- 
two vears. In their familv were ten children, of 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF lU KEAU COUNTY 



909 



whoni seven are now living: Thomas J.j Lueien 
M. C; John S.; George; Chester D.; Frank; and 
Mary E., the widow of Charles Chichester. Mr. 
Fifield came to Illinois in the "408, locating at 
French Grove, now the town of Buda. He was 
one of the pioneer residents of that district and 
hewed out a farm in the midst of the wilderness 
and on the wild prairie, for the land which came 
into his possession was entirely uncultivated and 
unimproved. He held township otiices and was at 
one time postmaster of Buda, his election coming 
to him as a candidate of the democratic party. 
He held membership in the Masonic fraternity and 
was one of the organizers of Buda lodge. 

The home of Mr. and ilrs. Law has been blessed 
with two children, but Willie, the elder, died in 
infancy. Ernest H., born September 21, 1878, 
was married December 24, 1903, to Miss Laura 
Anderson, who was born in Macon township 
March 28, 1883. 

Mr. Law cares nothing for public office but sup- 
ports the democracy and advocates the principles 
expounded by Jackson. He attends the Unitarian 
church and has lived a life which will bear close 
investigation and scrutiny, for in all of its varied 
relations he has been true to high standards of 
manly conduct and has never been known to take 
advantage of the necessities of his fellowmen in 
anv business transaction. 



CHARLES L. SAVAGE. 
Charles L. Savage, one of the oldest living 
residents of Bureau county, residing in Selby 
township, near Depue, was born in Morgan county, 
Illinois, August 5, 1831, and has made his home 
within three miles of his present location through- 
out his entire life. His paternal grandfatlier 
served in the Revolutionary war, being taken 
prisoner with Burgoyne. His wife was Hannah 
Rich, a native of Vermont. His father, Peter S. 
Savage, was a native of Cayuga county. New 
York, and was married in the east to Miss Dolly 
Shontz, a native of Pennsylvania. Gn leaving liis 
native state, Peter S. Savage went to Indian- 
apolis, Indiana, making his way to that place 
by raft and ox team. In 1823 he made tlie 
shingles used for the old log state house there. 
In 1824 he went to Morgan county, Illinois, where 
he entered from the government a tract of land, on 
which the city of .(acksonx ilh' now stands, in 
1831 he sold that tract to a syndicate for sixteen 
thousand dollars and the same year entered an- 
other tract in Putnam county, this state, which 
is now known as the Lebe Coyle farm. He then 
returned to Morgan county, where he spent the 
winter, but in the spring of 1832 came again to 
Putnam county, locating on a claim two and a 
half miles east of Hennepin, and here in the 
winter of 1833-34 his wife died, in 1835 he was 
again married, his >;f'rnnil union being with Mi.ss 



Charlotte Hassler, and on the 1st of January, 
1836, the family removed to Bureau county, set- 
tling on a farm on section 32, Selby township. 
After residing for a number of years on this place 
he removed to Labette county, Kansas, wliere lie 
resided until his death in IHHO, when he iiad 
reached the age of eighty-four years. In the fam- 
ily of Mr. and Mrs. Peter S. Savage were the 
following named: Jane lirst married George W. 
Venchioneur, who died at Hennepin in 1835, 
and after his death wedded .Ichn G. Greener, 
whose death occurred in I'.tOO, and she is also now 
deceased, her death having occurred jn 1853. 
James, who accompanied his brother .Morgan to 
California in 184G and became conspicuous as an 
Indian chief, having several tribes and fully three 
hundred warriors at his command, died in tiiat 
state many years ago. Morgan, who while en 
route to California, was married to Miss Anna 
Brisben, who became the mother of twelve chil- 
dren, died in 1904 at Corvallis, Oregon. Harriet 
is the wife of Perry Piper and resides at Prince- 
ton, Illinois. William and Silas both died in in- 
fancy. Charles L. is the next member of the 
family. John, who served as a soldier in the 
Civil war, resided for a number of years in Bu- 
reau county but later removed to Red Willow 
cnunty, Neliraska, and subsetjuently to Frccwatcr, 
Oregon, where his death occurred in 19(14 at the 
Soldiers' Home. There were also two daughters 
of Mr. Savage's second marriage: Ann, who be- 
came the wife of William Pi|ier and is now de- 
ceased ; and Amanda, who married Frank Walker 
and resides in Nebraska. 

Charles L. Savage, having lost his mother 
when about two years of age, accompanied his 
father on his various removals and was reare<l 
to farm life, remaining at home and assisting in 
the operation of the home ]>lace until after he 
had attained his majority. He (hen, on the 8th 
of P'ehruary, 1853, was united in marriage to 
Mis-'o Henrietta Young, who has proved to him 
a faithful companion and helpmate on life's jour- 
ney. He then statred out in life on his own ac- 
count and was first employed at iireaking prairie 
and threshing. He has always been a hard- 
working, industrious man, and by the a.s«istance of 
his estimable wife he was enabled in a few years 
to purchase land of his own. adjoining the vil- 
lage of Depue, and with the exception of four 
vears spent in Depue continued to be their home 
for forty years but he recently sold this land to 
the Mineral I'oint Zinc Company, which corpora- 
tion is expending five million dollars in the erec- 
tion of a model plant. In 1894 he purchased 
ninety acres of land, which he made his home 
for several years bul which is now operated by his 
son Harry. In ^farch. 19(i|. lie iinught a farm of 
three hundred and twenty acres known as the Ren 
Smith farm, situated near Princeton, for whi<4i lie 
paid forty-seven thou.^and dollars, and in Janu- 
arv, 1905, he and his family removed to his 



910 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



home on section 34, Selby township. For over 
forty years Mr. Savage was also engaged as an 
auctioneer, having in 1862 taken up this line in 
connection with his farming interests. He has 
cried as high as ninety-eight sales, mostly on farm 
lands, in a year in northern Illinois, where his 
services have been highly satisfactory. 

Unto Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Savage have 
been born four sons: Charles Henry, born No- 
vember 17, 1853, is a farmer and engineer, re- 
siding at Depue. He is married and his children 
are: Warron who is married; James; Mrs. Lillie 
Pajjkcc; Henrietta, the wife of John Soaburger; 
and Jlarv. James Martin Savage, born in Jan- 
uary, 1855, died on the 35th of March, 1893. He 
had been married to Miss Betsy Olafson and of 
til is iiiiirriage there are two daugliters, Carrie, the 
wife of George Barnes, and Charlotte, who is 
the wife of John Marple. Perry Alvin Savage, 
born in 1869, died in 1882, when about thirteen 
years of age. Harry Charles Savage, born in 1871, 
and now operating the home farm, was married 
to Miss Nancy Fo.x and they have five children, 
Amanda, Morgan Charles, Lydia Carolee, Theo- 
dore, and baby. 

Politically Mr. Savage lias always been an ad- 
vocate of republican principles and has been a 
delegate to conventions of his party, and has al- 
way- been an active campaign worker. He was 
i:residcnt of tlic Depue council for several years, 
served as deputy sheriff for four years under 
Sheriff Beatty, and as deputy provost marshal 
undei' Norton during the Civil war. He has also 
been a reporter for the mercantile agencies of 
Dunn, Douglas, Brock and others of Chicago 
and New York for over forty years. 

Though starting out in life without capital, he 
possessed a strong will and through his persever- 
anc(! and industry is now in possession of a val- 
uable ju-operty being classed among tlie well-to-do 
and influential citizens of Bureau county, where 
he and his family are highly esteemed. Over the 
record of his public and private career there falls 
no shadow of wrong, for he has ever been most 
loyal to the ties of friendship and citizenship, and 
his history well deserves mention on the pages of 
ill is volume. 



JAMES G. LAUGHLIN. 

James G. Laughlin, who in former years was 
identified with asrieultural interests in Bureau 
county but for the past twenty years has lived 
retired in Princeton, where he took up his abode 
in 1885, was born in Bond county, Illinois, on the 
Cth of October, 1824, and is therefore in the 
eighty-second year of his age. His parents were 
Samuel Davis and Rebecca (Dunlavey) Laughlin, 
the latter a native of Ohio and the former of South 
Carolina. In the year 1807 Samuel D. Laughlin 
left his native state and with his parents removed 



to Brown county, Ohio, where in big youth he 
learned the blacksmith's trade, which lie followed 
until 1819. He then removed westward to Bond 
county, Illinois, where he engaged in business 
along the same line until 1830. In that year he 
Ijecame a resident of Putnam county, Illinois, and 
entered a fine farm of four hundred acres near the 
village of Florid, where he carried on general 
agricultural pursuits for a few years. He after- 
ward lived retired until his death, which occurred 
in 1849, when he was fifty-two years of age. His 
wife died a few days before but in the same week. 
In their family were eight children, but only three 
are now living: James G., of Princeton; one a 
resident of Putnam county, Illinois, and another 
of Kewaunee, Wisconsin. 

James G. Laughlin attended the public schools 
of Putnam county, Illinois, to which place he 
removed with his parents in his childhood. He 
also spent one year as a student in Galcsburg, 
Illinois, and received a good education. In his 
youth he learned the blackmith's trade with his 
father and was employed in that way for a short 
time, after which he purchased a farm in Putnam 
county, where he carried on general agricultural 
juirsuits until 1854. That year witnessed his ar- 
rival in Bureau county and he purchased land on 
section 18, Bureau township, whicli he converted 
into richly improved fields, carrying on general 
farming there for eight years. In 1868 he re- 
turned to Putnam county, Illinois, and settled in 
the village of Mount Palatine, where he entered 
into jiartnership with his brother John. They 
cstahlislied a lilacksmith and wagon shop and con- 
ducted a large business there for eight years, on 
tlie expiration of which period Mr. Laughlin of 
this review sold out and again turned his attention 
to farming near Mount Palatine, where he owned 
one hundred and sixty acres of land. He was 
tiius eniiagcd in general farming and stock-rais- 
ing until 1885. He placed his fields uiulcr a high 
state of cultivation, carrying on his farm work 
along progressive, modern lines and each year he 
harvested rich crops, for which he found a ready 
sale on the market. 

While residing in Putnam county Mr. Laughlin 
was married in Princeton on the 28th of Novem- 
ber, 1850, to Julia Smith, a native of I\Iohawk, 
Herkimer county. New Y^ork, born in 1829, a 
daughter of Beriah H. Smith, who left the state 
of New York in 1847 and came to the west with 
his family, settling in Putnam county upon a farm, 
lie there carried on the work of the fields until the 
death of his wife, after which he sold the farm 
and removed to Princeton, whore lie lived retired 
at the home of Mr. Laughlin until his demise. 
There were nine children born unto Mr. and 
Mrs. Laughlin: Mary, who died at the age of forty 
years; Charles Emmet, who is engaged in the 
cultivation of rice in Louisiana; Antoinette, the 
wife of James A. McNabb, who is ensaged in the 
iiardwarc business in the town of McNabb, Put- 



The following is from an article pub- 
lished in The Decatur Review, Friday 
evening, February 3, 1922, under the 
heading — 

VALUE OF OIL ROADS IS 
DEMONSTRATED 



BETTER THAN GRAVEL ROADS 
AFTER THAW THIS WEEK 



Oiled road has this wnter more em- 
phatically demonstrated its VcJue than 
ever before since road oiling began in 
this country. After the two days" thaw 
on last Tuesday and Wednesday, the oiled 
roads were in altogether better condition 
than the gravel roads. 

The ground was frozen to a depth of 
twelve to fourteen inches — or even more 
in places, and the partial thaw is the worst 
possible condition for gravel roads. After 
the thaw is complete the gravel roads im- 
mediately become firm. But the partial 
thaw did not seem to affect the oiled 
roads. They were hard and apparently 
dry on the surface when the gravel roads 
were soft and sloppy. Of course, the 
better a road was oiled, the better it was 
in that emergency. A road that leist sum- 
mer had three treatments of oil was much 
better than a road that had had only two. 
The effect of drainage was also plainly to 
be seen. 

BETTER OIL 

The success of oiling last year is at- 
tributed by Macon County Superinten- 
dent Hicks to the better quality of oil 
which was obtained. He says it was the 
best oil that the county ever used. 

vCampecQ 

^■^ PRODUCTS - ^ 



Note — ^We supplied the road oil used 
in Macon County, Illinois, last year. 



CAMDEN PETROLEUM COMPANY 

208 S. LA SALLE STREET 

CHICAGO 




JAMES G. LAUGIILIX. 




MRS. JAMES fi. r.AUGHLIN. 



PAST AND PliESEXT OF BUEEAL' COCXTV. 



915 



nam county, Illinois; John Bayard, who married 
Louise Fisher and is engaged in the lurniture 
business m Mount Vernon, Washington; Adelbert, 
a carpenter of \\yoniing; Jennie, the wife of Fred 
Lauder, of 8t. Joseph, Missouri; Samuel Fred, 
who married Eose I'ryor and is a farmer living in 
Wyanet township ; Howard F., of St. Joseph, Mis- 
souri; and Mabel, who died at the age of two 
vears. Mr. and Mrs. Laughlin also have an adop- 
ted daughter, Amanda Ferry, now the wife of L. 
Clay Barr, of Holdrege, Nebraska. The children 
were all given good educational privileges, most 
of them attending high school, while two of the 
daughters were teachers. 

Since coming to Princeton in 1885 Mr. Laugh- 
lin has lived a retired life. He served for some 
time as justice of the peace in Putnam county 
and in politics has always been a stalwart repub- 
lican. Both he and his wife are members of the 
Congregational church, and Mrs. Laughlin is an 
active worker in the Women's Christian Temper- 
ance Union. Their home is a nice large residence 
at No. 606 West South street and in addition to 
this property Mr. Laughlin owns a fine farm of 
one hundred and seventy acres in Wyanet town- 
ship, whereon his son resides, and another of one 
hundred acres in Berlin township. He and his 
wife have spent much time in the past years in 
traveling, visiting their children in the south 
and west, together with many places of historic 
interest. He is one of the leading and well-to-do 
retired citizens of Princeton, with a business rec- 
ord that is honorable as well as successful, so 
that he justly merits the esteem which is uniform- 
ly accorded him. 



JOSEPH H. SHOWALTER. 

Joseph H. Showalter, a veteran of the Spanish- 
American war and editor and proprietor of the 
La Moille Gazette, was born April 30, 1873, in 
the village which is still his home, his parents 
being Henry and Mary A. (Sullivan) Showalter. 
The father was born in Wayne county, Ohio, 
March 30, 1833, and became a resident of La 
Moille township, Bureau county, Illinois, in 1857, 
wlien a young man of twenty-four years. He was 
married in !Mendota in ]S6:5 to Miss Mary A. Sulli- 
van, whose birth occurred in the state of Xew York 
on March 25, 1838, and she became a resident of 
Illinois as early a? 1845, the family home being 
established at Oquawka, on the Mississippi river, 
whence she afterward removed to Troy Grove and 
later to Mendota, La Salle county Following the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Showalter they 
took up their abode in La Moille and unto them 
were born three children — Lewis, who died in 
1869, at the age of three years; Lucy E., born May 
25, 1871 ; and Joseph. The daughter was edu- 
cated in the high school of La Moille and com- 
pleted her studies in Dixon (Illinois) College. 



After several years devoted to teaching she be- 
came principal of the public schools of Bristol, 
this state, and in 1893 she joined her brother Jo- 
seph in the newspaper business as an equal part- 
ner in the ownership of the La Moille Gazette. 
While visiting some relatives in Goshen, Indiana, 
and on the eve of her brother's departure for 
Cuba as a soldier of the Spanish-American war 
she died and thus Joseph H. Showalter was left 
the only surviving child of the family. The par- 
ents are still living in I^ Moille and he makes 
his home with them, performing every filial serv- 
ice and duty possible to aid and cheer them in the 
evening of life. The father is a blacksmith by 
trade and has thus long been identified with the 
industrial interests of the town. 

In the public .schools of La Moille Joseph H. 
Showalter pursued his education. He remained at 
home through the period of his boyhood and youth 
and, becoming interested in military affairs, he 
joined Company K of the Sixth Illinois Infantry, 
w'ith which he served for two years as first ser- 
geant, beginning in 1892. He was then elected 
second lieutenant of his company, was afterward 
appointed batallion adjutant, wjiile subsequently 
he was commissioned first lieutenant He served 
with the latter rank throughout the Spanish- 
American war and his identification with the Na- 
tional Guard of Illinois is in the same capacity 
at the present time. He went with the regiment 
to Porto Rico under General ^liles and became 
familiar with all the modern methods of cam- 
paigning. 

Returning to his home, Mr. Showalter has 
since engaged in the publication of the La Moille 
Gazette, which is an excellent country newspaper, 
well edited and carefully published with regard 
to its appearance as a rej)resentative of the art 
preservative. He publishes the jiaper in the 
interests of the republican party and is a recog- 
nized leader in political circles, taking an active 
part in county and state politics, both as the 
champion of party principles through the col- 
umns of the Gazette and through personal effort. 
He is now serving as a nicm])er of tiie republican 
county central committee and has .served as a 
member of the village council. His efforts in 
behalf of the political ideas which he indorses are 
effective and far-reaching and have been an ele- 
ment in ro|)ub!iiaii successes in this Incalitv. He 
has also served as township treasurer and town- 
ship clerk and the various duties devolving upon 
him have been promptly and faithfully discharged. 
He is a member of La Moille lodge. No. .183, A. 
F. & \. M., and of Modern Woodmen Camp, No. 
227. 

In connection with his father he is the owner 
of three pieces of property in the village of La 
Moille and also farming land in the township. 
Dependent upon his own resources from an early 
age, when he entered business circles, he has been 
successful in life and at all times ha.« displayed 



916 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



unabating energy combined with high ideals. 
Reading and investigation have constantly broad- 
ened his mind and made him one of the well in- 
formed men of Bureau county. Because of his 
ability, his enterprise and laudable ambition, the 
future seems to hold much in store for him and 
he has already made a creditable name and place 
for himself as a factor in those interests which 
have direct bearing upon the welfare and progress 
of the community and the state at large. 



JACOB EIGSTI. 

Jacob Eigsti, owning and controlling a good 
farm of one hundred and sixty acres in Macon 
township, has passed the Psalmist's allotted span 
of three score years and ten, having now reached 
the age of seventy-three. He was born in Bavaria, 
Germany, x\ugust 19, 183.3, and is one of a family 
of nine children whose parents were Nicholas and 
Barbara (Gasho) Eigsti, both of whom were na- 
tives of France, in which country they were 
reared and married, subsequently removing to 
Germany. The father died in the latter country 
at the age of fifty years and the mother afterward 
came to America, spending her last days in Ma- 
con township, where she passed away at the age of 
eightj'-two. Five of tlieir children still survive. 
Barbara is the widow of .Josepli Burkey and lives 
in Nebraska. Phcebe is the widow of Christian Sear 
and is living in Illinois. Fannie married Andrew 
Hauter and their home is in Nebraska. John 
Eigsti is also a resident of Nebraska. 

Jacob Eigsti, the other member of the family, 
remained a resident of the fatherland until sev- 
enteen years of age, when, with his widowed 
mother and children, he crossed the briny deep 
to the United States, landing at New York city. 
They then proceeded by rail to Chicago and by 
canal to La Salle and on by boat to Hennepin, 
from which place they journeyed by team to 
Bureau county. Mr. Eigsti went to work as a 
farm hand and after a time removed to Macon 
township, where he invested his hard earned sav- 
ings in one hundred and si.xty acres of wild prai- 
rie land, on which not a furrow had been turned 
or an improvement made. There was not a tree 
in sight, but he set out trees and now has many 
fine ones upon the place. In 1876 he erected a 
new residence and in 1872 built a barn. His life 
has been characterized by the most unremitting 
toil and diligence, by close application and by ex- 
cellent business management. Tlius he has gained 
a measure of prosperity that is most gratifying 
and at one time he was the owner of seven hun- 
dred acres of valuable land in this county. Gen- 
erous with his family, he has given each of his 
children a farm and now retains for himself one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in Macon town- 
shi]), constituting a good home property, fi'om 
wbicli lie anunallv derives an ineoirie suiTicicni to 



supply him with the necessities and comforts and 
some of the luxuries of life. 

For many years there traveled by his side on 
life's journey one who was a most faithful com- 
panion and helpmate. She bore the maiden name 
of Fannie Albrecht and they were married in 1865. 
She was born in Hennepin, Illinois, in 18-14, 
and for thirty-eight years they lived happily to- 
gether, but were separated through the death of 
the wife September 29, 1903. Their family num- 
bers a daughter and two sons — Katie, John and 
Will. 

Mr. Eigsti holds membership in the Mennon- 
ite church and votes with the Democracy. He 
came to America with the intention of becoming 
a citizen of this republic and is most loyal in 
his attachment to the stars and stripes, still re- 
taining, however, a deep affection for Germany 
as the land of his birth. He has never had occa- 
sion, however, to regret his determination to seek 
a home in America, for here he has found good 
opportunities and through their improvement has 
worked his way steadily upward, gaining a good- 
ly measure of prosperity and at the same time 
winning many friends in the land of his adoption. 



HORACE R. BROWN. 

Horace R. Brown, practicing at the Bureau 
county bar, to which he was admitted in 1900, was 
born in Fairfield township, this county, on the 
22d of June, 1872. His father, Lee W. Brown, 
was a native of Vermont and in his boyhood days 
came to Illinois with his parents, who settled in 
Fairfield township. Bureau county, among the 
pioneer residents of this part of the state. There 
liCe W. Brown was reared to the occupation of 
farming, which he made his life work. When 
he had reached years of maturity he wedded 
Frances A. Whipple and they became the parents 
of five children, of whom Horace R. was the 
second in order of birth. Throughout his active 
business career the father carried on general agri- 
cultural pursuits and his death occurred in 1904, 
when he was fifty-seven years of age. 

Horace R. Brown was educated in the district 
schools and in the northern Indiana Normal 
School at Valparaiso, completing the commercial 
course in that institution by graduation and also 
pursuing several other courses. He taught school 
for four years in Bureau county and during that 
time devoted his leisure hours to the study of 
law, regarding teaching merely as an initial step 
to other professional labor. He pursued his regu- 
lar law course in Valparaiso, Indiana, where he 
was graduated in 1898. On the 1st of July of the 
same year he came to Princeton and entered the 
office of Judge Skinner. In 1900 he was admit- 
ted to the bar upon examination before the su- 
l)rpmo court and entered upon practice the same 
vear in Princeton, since which time he has been 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUREAT^ (OrXT^-. 



017 



continuously associated with Judge Sivinner. He 
has made an excellent record as an able lawyer, 
who is clear and cogent in his reasoning, forceful 
in the presentation of his cause and logical in his 
deductions. He is seldom, if ever, at error in the 
application of a legal principle to the points in 
litigation and has won some notable forensic vic- 
tories for one of his years. In January, 1906, 
he was appointed master in chancery. 

ilr. Brown is a stalwart advocate of repub- 
lican principles and has always worked for the 
success of his party, although he has never been 
a politician in the sense of ofBce seeking. He 
belongs to the Masonic lodge of Princeton and 
is an exemplary representative of the craft, being 
in hearty sympathy with its teachings and pur- 
poses. 

On the Srth of August, 1903, Mr. Brown was 
married to Miss Harriet Gray, a daughter of 
W. J. Gray of Galena, Illinois, and they have two 
children, Merville Lee and Marjorie Eliza. The 
yoiuig couple liave a wide and favorable acquaint- 
ance in Princeton and Mr. Brown is well known 
in the county, where his entire life has been 
passed. Realizing that close application and un- 
remitting diligence are just as surely concomi- 
tants to success in the arduous and difficult pro- 
fession of the law as well as in other departments 
of business activity, he has never feared that la- 
borious attention to detail or the work of the 
office wliich is so necessary as a preparation for 
the trial of causes before the courts. He is to- 
day enjoying a clientage which connects him 
with much important litigation. 



HON. OWEN LOVEJOY. 
The writer never had the privilege of meeting 
the Hon. Owen Lovejoy, of Princeton. Illinois, 
but in his boyhood days, while yet in his teens, 
at the old homestead nestled among the hills of 
Vermont, he heard and read of his nolilr deeds 
and he now recalls the admiration he then had 
for him. It was our privilege when but a lad to 
have access to the pages of the New York Tribune. 
and our attention was early called to those stormy 
scenes that were at that time agitating the whole 
people. And conspiciious among all tlie dcl'i'iiders 
of human rights stood Owen I^ovejoy — a man who 
had strong convictions and was ready to defend 
them. In the pulpit, on the rostrum and in the 
halls of congress Mr. Lovejoy stood like the ad- 
amantine rock for the cause of human justice and 
human freedom. Owen Lovejoy was born in Km- 
nebec county. Maine, on January G, 1811. He 
was the son of a clergyman who lived on a farm 
where Owen was born, and here he lived and la- 
bored until he was eighteen years of age, attending 
the public schools in the winter months and helj)- 
ing on the farm during the summer season. He 
prepared himself for a teacher and subsei|uently. 



by his own cllorts. pas.sed through the college 
course at Bowdoin college. In 183U he came to 
Alton, Illinois, where in November, 1837, his 
brother, Elijah P. Lovejoy, met his tragic death. 
He fitted himself for the ministry and upon the 
death of his brotJier he moved to Jacksonville, 
Illinois, where he was ordained as a preacher of 
tlic gospel. In lS;i8 be came to the Congrega- 
tional church in Princeton. Here he lived and 
labored during the seventeen years of his pastor- 
ate, not only preaching the gospel but fighting 
error and oppression wherever found. He was a 
man of great physical as well as mental power. 
The untimely death of his martyred brother 
aroused his whole being and his great heart beat 
anew in the cause of oppression and wrong, and, 
kneeling upon the fresh, new earth that covered 
all that was mortal of him who had given his life 
to the cause of human liberty, he swore eternal 
warfare upon the institution that made it possible 
for such things to be. Yes, beside the great 
"Father of Waters" which is forever moving on 
and on, whose banks had drunk up the life blood 
of this great disciple of truth and where now the 
sculptured marble raises its proud head, saying 
t" the world that this spot was the gateway to 
liberty, Owen Lovejoy covenanted with his God 
that liom that time on his life should be 'devoted 
to the abolition of American slavery, and right 
well did he keep it. Mr. Lovejoy, like all other 
reformers, had his warm friends and bitter ene- 
mies. His pathway was beset with thorns as well 
as tlowers. He could truly say with the servant of 
old, "A night and a day 1 have lieen in the deep," 
but amid it all he never faltered, his strong arm 
never lowered and his courage never quailed while 
there was an opportunity to do battle for the cause 
that lay so close to his heart. It is not our pur- 
pose to give an account of his personal encounters 
in his eventful life; his connection with what was 
called the underground railroad, his untiring zeal 
in defending those struggling for freedom, we 
leave for others to recount. Our desire is to place 
his strong and aggressive character before the 
reader in such a way as will best stimulate the 
rising generation to emulate his manly life. 

Mr. Lov(>joy was the candidate of the "lii)eral 
party"' for congress in 181-1. In 1S.")1 lie was 
elected to the Illinois legislature. In 18">il he 
was nominati'd, at Bloomington, for congress, after 
a long and bitter contest. His election was con- 
sidered doubtful, but by his masterly power upon 
the rostrum he succeeded in turning the tide his 
way and was elected by a good majority. He re- 
mained in congress until his death, which occurred 
on March 2T\. 1804. Mr. Lovejoy 's career was re- 
markable in many ways. He stood out before the 
world unique in .Xmerican history. His thought 
was not of himself but of others. Ilis ruling 
passion was to alleviate the sorrows and burdens of 
human life. His great soul thirsted for tlie liberty 
of the race. Fear ,«eeniinglv was a tiling unknown 



918 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



to him. He was the Savonarola of America and 
his burning words will glide down through the 
corridors of the coming centuries, growing grander 
and brighter as time rolls on. But his strong body 
and brilliant intellect at last felt the strain of his 
strenuous life and the burdens that he had carried 
60 many years were quietly, gently and lovingly 
laid aside and all that was mortal of Owen Lovejoy 
was placed under the grateful shade at Oakland 
and his spirit returned to "God who gave it." 



IRVING W. HOPPS. 

Irving W. Hopps, one of the prosperous land- 
owners of Bureau county, his home being near La 
Moille, has demonstrated his value as a citizen not 
only in his business life but also through his co- 
operation in those movements which promote the 
intellectual and moral development of the com- 
munity, ujjholding the political and legal status. 
He was Ixirn ^March 4, 18.54, in Clarion township, 
near La Moille, his parents being Martin and 
Hannah Maria (Little) Hopps. He comes of Ger- 
man and English ancestry, the latter on his grand- 
mother's side, the line being traced back to Gov- 
ernor William Bradford, of Massachusetts. Mar- 
tin Hopps, the father, was born in New Bruns- 
wick, September 17, 1813, and being reared in a 
timbered country he early developed a fondness 
for the forest and for the use of edged tools. He 
worked in the pine woods in the winter months 
and as he grew to manliood learned the car]ienter's 
trade. In 1836 he came to Illinois, locating at 
Princeton, where he had steady work at his chosen 
occupation until the year 1842, when he came to 
La Moille and bought a part of the farm on which 
he afterward made a permanent location. He was 
the owner of wliat was then a very commodious 
house at tlie time of his marriage to Mrs. Hannah 
Maria (Little) Kendall, a native of Vermont, who 
came to this county in a covered wagon with her 
first husband, Jarub Kendall, and young son Wal- 
lace E., now of Waterloo, Iowa. Mr. Kendall only 
lived for one year after their arrival in the new 
country. The representatives of the present gen- 
eration who are western born can hardly appre- 
ciate the work and hardsliips that fell to the lot 
of the early settlers in giving to them at the pres- 
ent time so fine a heritage. Martin Hopps as a 
carpenter had to make all the moldings used in 
finisliing the interior of the houses which he built, 
as well as the doors and window sash. His son, 
I. W. Hopps, still has in liis possession the plane 
used by the father in finishing the doors in the 
house of the late John Bryant, and some of his 
work can still be seen in that beautiful home, al- 
though considerable remodeling has been done 
since its erection. As a farmer Mr. Hopps hauled 
dressed pork to La Salle, where the highest price 
that ho could seciire was one dollar and a quarter 
per hundred weight. On one trip darkness and a 



snowstorm overtook liim on the prairie between 
La Salle and what is now Arlington. With noth- 
ing to mark the road he was soon lost. After a 
long search in the dark his feet struck the rough 
wagon road, which he followed by the side of the 
wagon until he came to the grove near Arlington. 
He was among those who established the first 
house of worship in La Moille — the old brick 
Baptist church — of which he remained an active 
member up to the time of his death. He was a 
man of benevolent and generous spirit and assisted 
many poor people in gaining a start by loaning 
them seeds, teams and even land to work, and on 
one occasion he built a small house for a family, 
who were empty-handed when they came to this 
country, but through the assistance given them by 
Mr. Hopps they soon became independent and now 
the sons of the family have over one thousand 
acres of good Illinois soil. In all of his business 
life Mr. Hopps showed close application and un- 
faltering energy and yet he found time to make 
several trips to his native land and also visited 
in Ohio, Vermont and Maine. He did not make 
the accumulation of wealth his sole aim and end 
in life, but found time for social and church in- 
terests. He was also one of the financial supporters 
of the old University of Chicago. He gladly em- 
braced the opportunity of sending his sons away 
to school that they might be qualified thereby for 
the responsible as well as practical duties of 
life. He was a man honored and respected by all 
who knew him and he had a wide acquaintance. 
At his death, which occurred on the old home 
farm near La Moille, February 5, 1877, he left 
behind him a host of warm friends as well as a 
goodly estate and his memory is yet cherished by 
many who knew him. 

To Martin and Hannah M. Hopps were born 
three sons, Herman K., Arthur D., and Irving W. 
Herman K. studied for the ministry, but was 
dro-mied at Providence, Rhode Island, in the 
twenty-sixth year of his age. Arthur D. is men- 
tioned elsewhere in this work. 

I. W. Hopps, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, acquired his early education in the district 
schools and afterward attended the University of 
Chicago, but during his father's last illness he left 
school and took up the care and management of 
the farm, which had been borne by his fatlier for 
so many 3-ears. He was made execiitor of his 
father's estate and therefore abandoned his college 
work in order to settle up the biisiness and divide 
the propert}', which was accomplished in 1877. In 
the latter part of that year Mr. Hopps purchased 
his brothers share in the estate and rented the 
portion left to his mother and half sister, Myra 
B. Hopps. The succeeding year ho had the farm 
all under his control, although his mother and 
Myra B. Hopps retained their residence on the 
farm. Since that time he has improved all of the 
opportunities for making judicious investment. In 
1 879 he bought twentv acres of .John E. Smith for 



1 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU LUUNTY. 



921 



eight hundred and thirty-three dollars, paying for 
it out of one shipment of hogs raised that year 
on the farm. In 1886 he paid thirty-four hundred 
dollars lor forty acres of the old lloibrook farm, 
and in 1882 he had purchased seven acres from 
George Grossman, for which he paid six hundred 
and thirty dollars. In 1899 he bought of the John 
Gill heirs one hundred and seventeen acres at sev- 
enty dollars per acre, and in 1902 he purchased 
his brother's share in the home property, which 
fell to him after the death of his half brother and 
sister, so that he is now the owner of little more 
than six hundred acres of valuable Illinois land, 
and is justly accounted one of the prominent rep- 
resentative and prosperous farmers of Bureau 
county. 

Mr. IIopjis was married November 7, 1878, to 
Miss Margaret D. Boyle, at the homestead near 
La Moille by the Rev. E. P. Bartlett. Mrs. Hopps 
was born in Missouri and after the death of her 
father she and her mother returned to La Moille, 
at which place the mother. Mrs. Jemima Boyle, 
became the second -n-ife of Martin Hopps, father 
of our subject. The father of Mrs. Hopps was 
Hugh Wilson Boyle, who was born in East Kil- 
bride, near Glasgow, Scotland, and his mother 
was a descendant of William Wallace. Mr. Boyle 
began his apprenticeship at the tailor's trade at 
the age of ten years and came to this country, Oc- 
tober 7, 1855. He remained for a brief period at 
Lighthouse, in Ogle county, Illinois, and in 1856 
came to La Moille. where he opened a tailor shop. 
He was married October 7, 1857, to Jemima Dun- 
can Mclntire, at Lighthouse. Ogle county, she be- 
ing also a native of Scotland. Soon after coming 
to America Mr. Boyle took out his naturalization 
papers and became a stanch republican. He lived 
in La Moille for about three years and then re- 
moved to Missouri, settling on a farm, which he 
operated through the summer months, while in 
the winter seasons he taught school. Eventually, 
however, he returned to Illinois and died at Bun- 
ker Hill, this state, January 28, 1861. He was 
a self-educated as well as self-made man and was 
a very active and well informed citizen, pro- 
gressive in his views and in his conduct. He was 
a man of strong personality, interested in every 
good work for the benefit of others. Reared in. 
the faith of the Presbyterian church he afterward 
became identified with the Baptist church on com- 
ing to La Moille. He served as librarian in his 
town and was active and influential in political 
circles, delivering many addresses during the presi- 
dential campaigns. As his activity extended to 
manv lines of life he developed thereby a well 
rounded character. Six children have been bom 
unto Mr. and Mrs. I. W. Hopps: Caroline L/., 
Grace G., Hester M., Hugh M., Alida B., ann 
one child who died in infancy. 

Mr. Hopps and all his family are members of 
the Baptist church, he having been converted and 
joined the church in 1867. He has been very 



active and helpful in Ciiristian work in conueciion 
with that church and has been a generous con- 
tributor to its 8up])ort. At different times he has 
served as trustee and clerk of the cliurch and col- 
lc>ctor and treasurer, and he has held other otHcial 
connections, being a director ol the La Moille 
cemetery and director of the IJued Drug Company, 
school director and school trustee and trustee of 
the .\llen high school fund, commissioner of high- 
ways, and supervisor of Clarion township. Further 
trust has been reposed in him through his appoint- 
ment as executor of two estates and as guardian 
of different children, and no trust reposed in hira 
has ever been betrayed in the slightest degree. 
He is most reliable at all times and under all cir- 
cumstances, and his probity stands as an unques- 
tioned fact in his life record. For thirty-<me 
years he has been a stalwart advocate of the re- 
publican party and its principles, and in the dis- 
charge of his official duties lie has displayed un- 
faltering fidelity as well as capability, lie has 
never sought to figure ])rominently in public life 
outside his own coiniuunity. but has been content 
to labor among the people wln^re he has always re- 
sideil and where he has so directed his laliors as to 
make his life one of signal usefulness and honor. 



C. A. PALMKR. M. D. 

Dr. C. A. Palmer, a leading physician and sur- 
geon who has attained distinction in the profes- 
sion and at tJie same time found opportunity for 
co-operation in progressive public measurt's, so 
that the city has benefited by his efforts, was born 
in Dover township, Bureau county, Septemiier 8, 
1855. His father, George M. Palmer, was a native 
of New York and came to Bureau county from 
Ohio in 1855. .\ farmer by occupation, he care- 
fully conducted his agricultural interests and was 
a prominent representative of that class. IFe mar- 
ried Ellen Russell, a native of Ohio. 

Dr. Palmer completed his more specifically lit- 
erary education by graduation from the Princeton 
high school and was graduated in medicine from 
the Northwestern University as a member of the 
class of 1876. He added practical experience to 
his theoretical training by active service as interne 
in Mercy hospital for a year and thus well 
equipped for the profession came to Princeton in 
1877 and has since been engaged in active prac- 
tice here. He has pursued various post graduate 
courses, including two in New York and three in 
Chicago, and at all times he keeps abreast with 
professional advancement in the ever widening 
knowledge of the profession, resulting from re- 
search and scientific experiment. The extent of 
his practice is the best criterion of his nbillty 
and few physicians of this section of the state can 
equal him in the volume of patronage accorded 
him. He was honored by election as the first pres- 
ident of the Bureau Countv Medical Society, of 



923 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



which he was one of the active organizers, and he 
also belongs to the Illinois State Medical Society 
and the American Medical Association. Some- 
what in the line of his profession, he was for 
twenty years a partner in the drug business as a 
member of the firm of Palmer & Trulson, but re- 
cently has disposed of his interest to Mr. Trulson. 

Dr. Palmer was married in 1882 to Miss Jane 
I. Eckels, a daughter of James S. Eckels of Bu- 
reau county, and they became the parents of four 
children, three daughters and a son who are living, 
while their second child, Charles, is deceased. 
Those who still survive are Margaret Ellen, Alice, 
Eckels and Jean Isabella. 

Dr. Palmer, prominent in Masonry, has attained 
the thirty-second degree of the Scottish rite and 
is a member of various other fraternal organiza- 
tions, including the Knights of Pythias. He has 
the distinction of holding the first commission for 
surgeon major for the uniformed rank of the 
Knights of Pythias. He belongs to the Presby- 
terian church and his interest and co-operation 
have extended to many movements for the ma- 
terial, intellectual and moral progress of his com- 
munity. He has been a member of the city school 
board and for eight years he was president of the 
high school board and from 18f)9 until 1903 was 
mayor of the city, giving a public spirited admin- 
istration looking to general improvement and ad- 
vancing civic virtue and civic pride. 



JOHN C. FIELD. 



John C. Field, a resident farmer of Berlin 
township, has erected his home upon an eminence 
commanding an excellent view of the surroimding 
country and has one of the attractive farm prop- 
erties of this section of the state. He still lives 
in Berlin township, which was the place of his 
nativity, his natal day being April 21, 18T0. His 
father, John Field, was born May 22, 1818, and 
became a resident of Bureau cormty in 18-53, at 
which time he located on section 10, Berlin town- 
ship. Later he bought two quarter sections of land 
on section 15 of the same township and persist- 
ently and energetically gave his time and energies 
to faiTO work, with the residt that the wild land 
was transformed into very fertile and productive 
fields that yielded good annual harvests. Mr. 
Field was married in Peoria, Illinois, about 1858 
to Miss Catharine Schnebly, who was born in that 
city in 1836. They became the parents of six 
children, of whom John C. is the yo\ingest, and 
two of the number have now departed this life. 

Reared under the parental roof, John C. Field 
at the usual age became a student in the common 
schools and later he completed his education in 
Geneseo (Illinois) College. During the periods of 
vacation he assisted in farm work and after his 
school days were over he aided in the labors of 



the fields. In fact throughout his entire life he 
has carried on general agricultural pursuits and 
is now a leading and prosperous farmer of his 
community, engaged in the raising of short-horn 
cattle, Poland China hogs and Norman horses 
in addition to cultivating the cereals best adapted 
to soil and climate. He has made a success in his 
business career and although he now rents his 
fields he yet gives supervision to his place. When 
his present farm came into his possession it was 
one vast corn-field, but he has erected good, sub- 
stantial buildings upon a rise of ground, giving 
him an excellent view of the surrounding country 
unsurpassed l)y that secured from any other farm 
residence of the county. 

On the 21st of December, 1892, was celebrated 
the marriage of Mr. Field and Miss Eva Booth, 
who was born March 8, 1871, a daughter of Wil- 
liam and Ann E. (Pierce) Booth, who were 
natives of Illinois and have spent all of their lives 
in Bureau county. They became the parents of 
two children, Eva and ilay, the former now the 
wife of Jlr. Field. This marriage has been 
blessed with one daughter, Helen R., ))orn May 
30, 1895. 

In his fraternal relations Mr. Field is a Mason, 
and has attained the Knight Templar degree, 
belonging to Arlington lodge. No. 270, A. F. & 
A. M., and to Princeton Temple Commandery, 
No. 20, K. T. His religious faith is indicated 
by his membership in the Congregational church 
at Dover, in which he has been treasurer for sev- 
eral years and is still holding the office. His 
interest in community affairs is deep and sincere, 
matters of local progress and national improve- 
ment being causes dear to his heart, so that his 
co-operation and aid can always be counted upon 
for the furtherance of any progressive public 
movement. He has prospered in his business, and 
through his capable management has been enaliled 
to double the farm since it came into his posses- 
sion. He today owns one hundred and sixty acres 
of good land in Berlin township, and his well 
directed labors have been the resultant factor in 
his acquirement of a success which is as enviable 
as it is gratifying. 



DAVID H. BARKMAN. 

David II. Barkman has for the past six years 
resided upon his present farm in La Moille town- 
ship. His life record liegan in New Jersey on the 
23d of February, 1802, and his residence in Illi- 
nois dates front the 27th of March, 188G, when 
he located in Bureau county. In a family of 
twelve children born unto Henry M. and Marinda 
(Reinliart) Bnrknian he was the eighth. His 
parents were likewise natives of New Jersey, where 
they were reared and married and made their 
lionie upon a farm. 

In the public schools of his native state David 



PAST AND rRKSKXT OF BUREAU COUNTY 



923 



H. Barknian aequirod his education and received 
ample training at fami labor, for he was early 
instructed in the best methods of cultivating the 
fields and by practical experience became well 
qualified for work in this connection. Thinking 
to enjoy better business opportunities in the mid- 
dle west he came to Illinois when a young man of 
twenty-four years and has since resided in Bu- 
reau county. A life of diligence and business ac- 
tivity has made him the owner of one hundred 
and eighty-one and a fourth acres of excellent 
farming land which is well located and is im- 
proved with good buildings and beautiful shade 
trees. Here Mr. Barkman has lived for six years 
and the value of the place is constantly increasing 
by reason of the modern equipments and acces- 
sories he has added. He uses the latest improved 
machinery to facilitate the work of the fields and 
his farm is neat and thrifty in every department. 

Mr. Barkman was married on the 27th of 
August, 1889, to Miss Ida B. Wood, who was born 
near Sandusky, AVisconsin, November 27, 1801. 
Her parents were Samuel and Frances (Gray) 
Wood, the former a native of Nev/ York and the 
latter of Ohio. In their family were five children, 
of whom Mrs. Barkman is the eldest and one of 
the number is now deceased. She completed her 
education in the Princeton high school and by her 
marriage has become the mother of three children : 
Henry L., born Mav 2, 1891 ; Cecil L., August 23, 
1897 ; and Viola B.", October 22, 1900. 

Mr. and Mrs. Barkman attend the services of 
the Methodist Episcojjal church, of which she is 
a member, while he holds membership relations 
with Ohio lodge of the Knights of the Globe. 
He exercises Ms right of franchise in support of 
the men and measures of the republican party 
but has never been an aspirant for office, prefer- 
ring to concentrate his energies upon his business 
affairs, which are now bringing him gratifying 
success. He made no mistake in choosing the 
middle west as a favorable location and by utiliza- 
tion of the opportunities offered here he has gained 
a place among the substantial residents of the 
county, being now classed with the leading and 
prosperous farmers of Tja Moilie township. 



W. C. GRISWOLD, M. D. 
Dr. W. C. Griswold, who for many years de- 
voted his life, with gratifying success, to the prac- 
tice of medicine and surgery, is now living retired 
in Princeton, where he lias made his home since 
1900. He is a native of .Mlegany county, New 
York, and a son of George W. Griswold. who came 
to Bureau county in IS.'ifi, settling in Milo. For 
twenty years the father devoted his life to teach- 
ing in the high school there and also carried on 
general , agricultural pursuits. He likewise filled 
the office of town clerk for two years and was 
actively and helpfully interested in all matters 



of local progress and improvement. Both he and 
his wife died in this county. 

Dr. Griswold pursued his early education in 
New York and afterward atended the Northwest- 
ern University. The completion of his more spe- 
cifically literarj' course was followed by several 
years of teaching and he then entered upon prepa- 
ration for the practice of medicine as a student in 
Chicago Medical College, of Chicago, from which 
ho was graduated March 0, 18C4. Immediately 
afterward he joined the array and acted as assis- 
tant surgeon until the close of the war, whereby 
he not only rendered effective and valuable aid 
to his country but also promoted his own efficiency 
through the broad and varied experience which 
comes to the military surgeon. 

For a year after the close of the war Dr. Gris- 
wold practiced in Princeton and then removed 
to Memphis, Tennessee, where he remained for 
thirty-five years as one of the able general prac- 
titioners of medicine and surgerA' with a large and 
lucrative patronage. He was also examining sur- 
geon f(ir pensions in Tennessee and was a member 
of the Loyal League and other beneficiary so- 
cieties in that state. lie not only attained profes- 
sional prominence but was also a candidate for the 
legislature on the republican ticket and recog- 
nized as a leader in public life in the community, 
exercising considerable influence in affairs of gen- 
oral moment. In 1900 he returned to Princeton, 
where he has since lived retired. 

Dr. Griswold was married to ^liss Josephine R. 
.\ntliony in 1879, tiie wedding being celebrated 
in Providence. Bureau county. Mrs. Griswold is a 
daughter of Alfred Anthony, one of the earlier 
settlers of the county, who came here in 18.'?7 and 
followed the occupation of farming. Both Dr. and 
Mrs. Griswold are members of the Christian 
church and they reside at No. 902 South Fourth 
street in Princeton, where be owns a beautiful 
home that he has erected since locating here. It 
is a large two-story residence standing in the midst 
of a fine lawn. Since his retirement from the 
active practice of the profession the Doctor ami liis 
Avife have enjoyed many pleasures, including a 
trip to the Orient. Thcv were gone five months 
and during that period thcv visited France, Italy, 
Rome, Paris, Constantino|ile, Black Sea. Smyrna, 
.Top|)a, .Tcrnsalcm. .Tcriclio, the Jordan, the Dead 
Sea, Bethlehem, .Alexandria, Cairo, and traveled 
up the Nile for six hundred miles. Tbey also vi.s- 
ited Madeira, Malta, Algiers, Spain, Switzerland. 
Greece, Txmdon and Liverpool, thus viewing many 
points of modern, historic and scenic interest. 
Dr. Griswold is a stockholder in the Bureau 
County Independent Telephone Compnnv and oth- 
er corporal inns, his capital being jiidi<i»\isly 
placed. He is a member of the Afempliis Alodicnl 
Society of Memjihis, Tennessee, th.- Princeton 
Medical .\s.sociation. the Tri-State Medical .\.*so- 
ciation of Tennes,«ee ami the .\nierican Medical 
.Vssociation. He attained considerable prominence 



924 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



in his profession and the years of his active labor 
therein were crowned with a success that now en- 
ables him to enjoy much that life has to offer in 
the way of jjleasures and comfort. 



DAVID YOUXT. 

David Yount is the owner of a valuable farm 
of three hundred and twenty-eight acres in Macon 
township. He was born in Bedford county, Penn- 
sylvania, April 5, 1835, and is one of the eight 
children whose parents were Jacob and Sarah 
(Koontz) Yount. The father was born in Bed- 
ford county, Pennsylvania, and lived the life of 
an agriculturist, spending his entire days in his 
native county, where he owned and operated two 
hundred and forty acres of rich and arable land. 
He held various township offices, to which he was 
elected on the democratic ticket. He held mem- 
bership in the Christian church and his life was 
upright and honorable, winning him the respect of 
all with whom he associated. He died in 1865 
at the age of fifty-five years, while his wife, long 
surviving him, passed away March 20, 1898, at 
the age of eighty-three years, eleven months and 
t«'enty-seven days. Her last days were sjient in 
the home of her son, John Yount. in Bedford 
township and she was the last survivor of her 
father's family. .She was a faithful member of the 
Reformed church for more than half a century. 
For more than three years prior to her demise she 
was a confirmed invalid but she bore her ills with 
Christian resignation and although she outlived 
the alotted time of man her mind remained per- 
fectly bright and clear to the last. Of the seven 
sons and one daughter born of her marriage five 
are now living: John, Scott, Jacob, George and 
David, while Henry and Peter are deceased. 

David Yoiint, whose name introduces this rec- 
ord, was reared to farm life and his attention 
was largely given to the work of the fields until 
about nineteen years of age, when he learned the 
trade of a brick and stone mason, being employed 
along that line until 18.59. He then removed to 
Springfield, Missouri, where he remained until 
the fall of 1861, when he came to Macon town- 
ship, Bureau county, where he now resides. In 
1865, soon after his marriage, he began farming on 
his own account and that he has prospered as the 
years have gone by is indicated by the fact that he 
is today the owner of three hundred and twenty- 
eight acres of valuable land, whereon he tills the 
soil and raises crops, his business proving profit- 
able. 

Mr. Yount was married Januarv 36, 1865, in 
Macon townsliip, to Miss Elizabeth Cariior, wlio 
was born in Bedford county, Pennsylvania, a 
daughter of John Carper, who was a native of that 
county and died at the age of sixty-one vears, 
while his wife passed away when her daughter, 
Mrs. Yount, was a little child. In their family 



were seven children, of whom four are now living : 
Jacob John, Adam, Henry and Christina. The 
father, Mr. Carper, was one of the pioneer resi- 
dents of Macon township and held a number of 
local offices during the period of his connection 
with this county. He belonged to the Church of 
God and his political views were in accord with 
the principles of the whig party until its dissolu- 
tion, when he joined the ranks of the new repub- 
lican part\'. 

In 1901 Mr. Yount was called upon to mourn 
the loss of his wife, who died on the 10th of May 
of that year at the age of sixty-one. In the 
family were two daughters and a son, John, Delia 
and Allie. The elder daughter is now the wife of 
T. Pratt, a resident of Macon township. 

Mt. Yount holds membership with the Church 
of God and in politics is a stalwart republican 
but has never cared for public office. He has 
served, however, as school director for about 
fifteen years and is interested in public education. 
His success has been by no means the result of for- 
tunate circumstances. It has come to him through, 
energy, labor and perseverance directed by an 
evenly balanced mind and by honorable business 
principles. He finds his greatest social enjoyment 
at his own fireside and he has many friends, who 
esteem him for his genuine personal worth. 



HOWARD H. PRIESTLEY. 

Howard H. Priestley is a member of the Priest- 
ley Hardware Company, the largest enterprise of 
this character in Bureau county, and as such needs 
no introduction to the residents of Princeton or 
the surrounding country. He is one of the native 
sons of this city, born August 25, 1861. His fa- 
ther, C. M. Priestley, who was in the hardware 
business here for a short time, arrived in Bureau 
county in 1856 from Johnstown, Pennsylvania, 
and is still living in Princeton. 

At the usual age Howard H. Priestley entered 
the public schools and passed through successive 
grades until he had completed the high school 
course by graduation in the class of 1879. Since 
that time he has been engaged in the hardware 
business and as a member of the Priestley Hard- 
ware Company is active in the control of the larg- 
est enterprise of this character in Bureau county. 
The store is located on North Main street, where 
they handle all kinds of hardware, stoves, fur- 
naces, cream separators, refrigerators, hammocks, 
tinware and wire fencing. The business was or- 
ganized here on the present site in 1855 and has 
always been a foremost factor in the commercial 
interests of the county. The company is now com- 
posoil of Howard H. Priestley, Harper N. Noble 
and L. P. Larson. In addition to the above men- 
tioned line of goods which they carry they also 
handle all kinds of builders' hardware, iron and 
blacksmiths' supplies, the woodwork for wagons 




H. H. PIJIESTLEY. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



927 



and buggies, mechanics' tools, tinware and all 
kinds of kitchen utensils, and are the Bureau coun- 
ty agents for the Round Oak and Munson furnaces. 
From the beginning the house has sustained an 
unassailable reputation for honorable dealing and 
has found that honesty is the best policy, in proof 
of which theirs is now an extensive enterprise. The 
firm does more business and carries a larger stock 
than any house in the state outside of Chicago with 
one or two exceptions. 

In 1890 Mr. Priestley was married to Miss Ma- 
bel Sisson, of Galesburg, Illinois. They are both 
widely and favorably known in this city and Mrs. 
Priestley is acting as a member of the Princeton 
high school board. IMr. Priestley holds member- 
ship in the Presbyterian church and politically is 
a republican. He stands for progress and improve- 
ment in municipal affairs and has been a co- 
operant factor in many piovements that have had 
direct bearing upon the welfare and advancement 
of the city and county. He is a typical represent- 
ative of the spirit of the age, being an alert wide- 
awake business man, who holds clear conceptions 
of trade interests, conditions and possibilities and 
who has wrought along modern business lines with 
the result that his success is demonstrated in one 
of the leading commercial enterprises of the 
countv. 



GEORGE R. WEISE, M. D. C. 
Dr. George R. Weise, a leading veterinary sur- 
geon of Bureau county, with office at 4.38 South 
Main street, in Princeton, has a largo practice and 
is considered one of the best representatives of his 
profession in this part of the state. A native of 
Bureau county, he was born in 1861. His father, 
Andrew T. Weise, was born in Morris county, 
New Jersey, February' 28, 18.32, and was a son 
of Jacob and ^lary Weise, both of whom were 
natives of the same state and were of Gennan de- 
scent. Andrew T. Weise was the eighth in order 
of birth in their family of nine children and was 
reared in his native state to the age of sixteen 
years, during whicli time he attended the common 
schools and then came with his parents to Bureau 
county. The grandfather died in Princeton at 
the age of eighty-two years. Andrew T. Weise 
remained at home until 1852. when he made a trip 
across the plains with an ox team to California, 
being six months on the road. He remained in 
California for five years, being engaged in mining 
principally, but for a time was on a ranch. In 
18.57 he returned home by way of the Panama 
route to New York city, making the trip in twen- 
tv-two days, .\fter a sliort visit in Chicago he 
came to tjie old homestead and for two years was 
engaged in farming. In 1860 he married Miss 
P. J. Cartwright, a native of Pennsylvania, in 
which state she wa.s reared to the age of eighteen 
vears, when she came with her father to Bureau 



county, Illinois. Immediately after tiieir marriage 
Mr. and Mrs. Weise locatetl on a farm on North 
Prairie, where they remained for two years and in 
the spring of 1863 they located upon his present 
farm, where they have since reniaincHl with tiie 
excejition of a period of seven years spent in Texas. 
Mr. Weise is a democrat in his political views and 
affiliations and is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity, in which he has attained the Knight 
Templar degree. He enjoys tiie confidence and 
respect of the entire community and the circle of 
his friends has constantly grown as the circle of 
his acquaintance has widened. Unto him and his 
wife have been born four cjiildren: George R., 
Frank H., Will M. T. and Mary T. 

In the public schools of this county Dr. Weise 
pursued his early education and determining upon 
the practice of veterinary surgery as a life work, 
he began preparations to that end in Chicago Vet- 
erinary College, of which he is a graduate. He 
has since practiced in Princeton and his ability 
places him with the foremost members of the jiro- 
fession and has secured for him a large patronage. 
His early youth was spent upon the farm and on 
leaving home he went to Texas, where he spent 
two years on the ranch. He afterward conducted 
a butcher shoj) in ^falden, Illinois, and then en- 
tered the veterinary college, since whicli time he 
has devoted his energies to the practice of veteri- 
nary .svirgery in Princeton. 

In 1895 Dr. Weise was married to Jliss .\ddie 
B. Russell, of Leepertown, a daughter of Samuel 
Russell, who is now living. Mrs. Weise passed 
away in Febnuiry, 1905, leaving a little daughter 
six months old, who is now with her mother's 
people at Bureau. Dr. Weise also lost one child. 
In his political afrdiations he is a democrat. The 
greater part of his life has been passed in this 
county, where he is widely k-nown and there 
through his interest and efficiency in his profes- 
sion he has gained a liberal patronage. 



H. T. JACKSON. 
H. T. Jackson, a.«sociated with the manufactur- 
ing and building interests of Princeton as a nu^m- 
ber of the firm of Berrv- & Jack.«on, proprietors 
of a large planing mill, was born in Bureau county 
in 1871, his parents being Robert J. and Emily 
(Thomas) Jackson. The father was of Scotch 
descent and came from the land of hills and 
heather to .\merica. Tiie mother was born near 
Princeton in 1837, and her sister, Mrs. Mary 
Hobert, now of Oregon, was the first white child 
bom in Bureau county. The grandfather, Henry 
Thomas, came to this county in 1898 and as a pio- 
neer settler aided in reclaiming the region from 
the domain of the red man and converting it into 
the uses of civilization. The father was a me- 
chanic and later a farmer, devoting many years to 
general agricultural pursuits. He is now de- 



928 



PAST AXD PliESEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



ceased but his widow yet resides upon the old 
homestead. 

At the usual age H. T. Jackson entered the pub- 
lic schools, wherein he continued his studies until 
he had mastered the common branches of learning 
that qualify one for the duties of an active busi- 
ness career. When not busy with his text-books 
his time was largely devoted to the work of the 
fields and other farm labor and he was identified 
with general agricultural pursuits until 1901, 
when at the age of thirty years he began working 
at the carpenter's trade and on the 1st of Janu- 
ary, 1905, purchased an interest in the planing 
mill in which he is now associated with J. W. 
Berry under the firm style of Berry & Jackson, Mr. 
Jackson having charge of the men who work out- 
side. The present mill was built by Mr. Berry 
in 1898 and is located at No. 607 North Main 
street in Princeton. It is a well equipped plant, 
supplied with much modem and improved ma- 
chinery and the company manufactures all kinds 
of porch work, fancy stair work, carved moldings, 
window and door screens, window and door frames 
and sash and doors. They also handle window and 
plate glass and art windows and paints and oils, 
and thev do turning and scroll sawing. The busi- 
ness is constantly growing and has long since be- 
come one of the profitable enterprises of the city. 

Mr. Jackson votes with the repiiblican party 
and served as constable of Bureau township for 
six or seven years. Socially he is connected with 
the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He pos- 
sesses the determination that enables him to carry 
through to successful completion whatever he un- 
dertakes and in his business life he is just and 
upright, never failing to do his part. 



CHARLES JONES RICHARDSON. 
Charles Jones Richardson was born on a farm 
in Brattlcl)oro. Vermont, November 1.'), 1825, and 
in the paternal line is descended from English 
ancestry, representatives of the name locating in 
New England in 1G34. The paternal grand- 
father, Isaiah Richardson, was a resident of New 
England. His son, Isaiah Richardson, Jr., was 
born in Athol. Massachusetts, in 1792, and in 1799 
removed to Vermont. He married Miss Betsey 
Stearns, November 25, 1815, who was born in 
Brattleboro. Vermont, in 1792. and was a daughter 
of Ruben Stearns, who was of Scotch lineage, and 
lived to be eighty-eight yearsold. Isaiah Richardson, 
Jr., was a farmer by occupation, and on the same 
day he was married began farming on forty acres 
of land. He never left that farm until lie had 
been married for fifty years, when he retii'cd from 
active business. He had worked earnestly and 
persistently in tlie interval and had become the 
owner of three hundred and twenty-seven acres 
of land. Mr. Richardson's parents celebrated their 
golden wedding November 25, 1865. The next 



day thej- left the old homestead, where their ten 
children were born and reared, and- moved into 
a beautiful new home, purchased for them by their 
sons Charles and Frederick, in the village of West 
Brattleboro, where they enjoyed a quiet life until 
the death of Mrs. Isaiah Richardson, July 3, 
1874, at tlie age of eighty-three years. Her hus- 
band passed away at the advanced age of ninety- 
five years. Mr. Richardson's grandmother lived 
to be more than ninety-four years of age; both 
the Richardson and Stearns families being noted 
for longevity. Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Richardson 
had ten children, seven sons and three daughters, 
and they all lived to be married and had families 
except one. Two sons still survive; Frederick G. 
residing in Chicago. 

Charles was the third son of Isaiah and Betsey 
Stearns-Richardson. When fourteen years of age 
he was placed in a country store, at a salary of 
twenty-five dollare a year and his board. He 
clerked for aljout eight years. Late in the year 
1848 the news of the discovery of gold in Cali- 
fornia reached New England, and Mr. Richardson 
decided to become a member of the Nari'agansett 
Mining and Trading Company, and sailed from 
Boston on the bark "Velasco" ou the 14th day of 
February, 1849. He reached his destination. San 
Francisco, on the Gth day of October, after two 
hundred and thirty-four days on the water. They 
had forty-two days of wind and storm otf Cape 
Horn. i\hile in California Mr. Richardson was 
interested in mining, employing men to do the 
actual work in the mines, and he was also con- 
nected with other lines of business. He bought 
a ranch of twenty-eight hundred acres, and sub- 
sequently conducted a store and blacksmith shop; 
also a hotel and a stage coach station, owning the 
first stage line in that part of the country. He 
utilized the advantages which came to him, and so 
directed his business affairs as to win success. 
Mr. Richardson remained in California eight years, 
returning to the states in 1856, but returned to 
California to dispose of his interests there. 

On the 18th day of November, 1857, Mr. Rich- 
ardson was married to A^ictoria McArdle, at Re- 
public, Seneca county, Ohio. Mrs. Richardson 
was the daughter of John P. and Betsey Haines 
McArdle. Her father was the son of one of the 
Irish patriots who fled, after tlie rebellion in Ire- 
land, to this country in 1797. Her father was 
born in 17S5, and her mother was the first white 
child born in Mount Vernon, Knox county, Ohio, 
in 1800. Mr. McArdle brought over the mountains 
in a wagon the first printing press that was ever 
brought to the west side of the Alleghenies. He 
printed the "Mount Vernon Banner" in 1812. The 
old printing press is now in a museum in Cincin- 
nati, Ohio. He was a prominent representative of 
journalism in that early day. 

From this union five children were born: Eliz- 
abeth M., born November 21, 1858, married John 
True Garland, and they now reside in Minneap- 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



929 



olis, Minnesota. Harry Chase, bom May 19, 18(i0, 
died October 23, 1883. Victor Oscar, born March 
10, 1864, died on the 10th of July of the same 
year. Charles Prentice, born September 20, ISC'.i, 
married Frances Green, a native of Battle Creek, 
Michigan, and they are now living in Spokane, 
Washington. Anne Stewart, born March 10, 1873, 
is the wife of Herbert Fielding Luers, of Owaton- 
na, Minnesota, who is editor of the Journal Chron- 
icle of that place. 

In the spring of 1858 Mr. and Mrs. Kicliardson 
came to Bureau county, settling on a farm in Man- 
lius township, and to which development and cul- 
tivation he gave his energies until May, 18G2, 
when he entered the employ of the govermuent at 
St. Louis. His duties called him to various parts 
of this state, and also west of the Mississippi river. 
He resigned in November, 186-1, and entered into 
active business life. In May, 1869, he returned 
to Illinois, settling in Princeton, and has been a 
factor in its business interests ever since. For a 
quarter of a century he has been a director of the 
First National Bank of Princeton, Illinois. Mr. 
Richardson is a republican; he has continuously 
supported the party since its inauguration. He 
was chairman of the executive committee of the 
first Matson Library Board, and also its treasurer. 
He gave especial attention, with the valuable as- 
sistance of the other members of the board, to the 
interests of the library. They opened the doors 
to the public library, which had then some one 
thousand volumes, and which has since grown to 
more than seven thousand. Mr. Richardson's co- 
operation and assistance has been given to many 
movemeuts for the public good, and he has mani- 
fested a helpful spirit in working for the interests 
which were of benefit to the community. His 
record has lieen such as to command respect, and 
may well serve as a source of inspiration to others. 



Mr, Moseley was married August 12, 1884, to 
S. Louise Jones, a daughter of Dr. Jones, for- 
merly of La Moille, but now deceased. They have 
one child, Frances Louise Moseley. 



DOUGLAS JIOSKLEY. 

Douglas Moseley, president of the Citizens Bank 
of Princeton, was born April 18, 1860, and is a son 
of Frederick Moseley, who came to Bureau county 
with his parents in 1831. He was a son of Roland 
Moseley, who came from Massachusetts direct to 
Bureau county and settled on a farm in Princeton 
township, so that the family has long been con- 
nected with the history of this portion of the state. 

Douglas Moseley acquired his more specifically 
literary education in the schools of Princeton, 
being "graduated from the high school with the 
class of 1879. He afterward attended the Harvard 
Law School for one year, and in 1884 he entered 
the Citizens National ]?ank as l)ookkecper. He 
has since progressed in his business life, becoming 
assistant cashier and still later cashier, while in 
1902 he was elected to the presidency of the in- 
stitution, which is one of the strong financial con- 
corns of the countv. 



WILLIAM E. WII.VPLES. 

William E. \Vhaple8, of the Exchange Bank of 
Neponset, a prominent business man and repre- 
sentative of one of the leading pioneer families of 
the county, was Ijorn March 31, 1861, in the citj' 
where he still resides, and is descended from New 
England ancestry. His great-grandfather, Elisha 
Whaples, Sr., was a native of Connecticut and of 
French extraction. He participated in the war 
of 1812 and subsequently engaged in farming. His 
son, Elisha Whaples, Jr., was lx)rn in Newington, 
Connecticut, in 1800, and died in the year 18.')4. 
His wife, who bore the maiden name of .\inanda 
A. Hart, was born in Avon, Connecticut, in 1806, 
and passed away in Newington, that state, in 1S30. 
Their children were ilrs. Nancy A. Deniing, War- 
ren Day, and Shubal H. 

Warren D. Whaples, father of William E. 
Whaples, was born in Newington, Conncvticut, 
July 3, 1832, and there pursued his education, 
after which he followed farming and also engaged 
in teaching school for two terms. In 1S.")6, at the 
age of twenty-four years, he came to the Missis- 
sippi valley, settling in Nejwnset, Bureau count)'. 
Soon after his arrival here he bought a fourth in- 
terest in the town lots and otherwise dealt in lands, 
which he subsequently sold. He had been a resi- 
dent of Neponset for only a brief period when 
he established a store, and from that time until his 
death was engaged in merchandising and in bank- 
ing. For a year he was employed as a clerk, and 
on the expiration of that period he formed a 
partnership with Joseph Lyford, condutting a gen- 
eral store until 1860, when the n^lation between 
them was discontinued and Mr. Whajjles formed 
a ])artncrsliip with his brother, Shubal H., which 
continued until the clase of the Civil war. War- 
ren D. Whai)les was afterward alone in business, 
and was very successful, commanding an excellent 
trade as a merchant and thus prospering in his 
undertakings. In 1873 he established the Ex- 
change bank, and although he met with a heavv 
loss shortly afterward, through the failure of a 
Chicago bank, his own banking venture neverthe- 
less proved a decided success, and has since l)oen 
one of the reliable finaneial concerns of tlie county. 
In 1883 he erected a fine business bhxk, mcupying 
the two lower rooms for store and banking pur- 
poses. He built a lire-proof vault and also i)laco<l 
in it a burglar-proof safe, adding also the equip- 
ments and devices of a modern banking estab- 
lishment. 

On the 20th of NovemlK'r, lS.-)8, Warren D. 
Whaples was united in marriage to Miss Mary E. 



930 



PAST AND PKESEXT OF BUEEAU COUNTY. 



Lawrencf, who was born September 23, 1837, in 
East Canaan, Connecticut, and they had two sons : 
WUliani E. and Walter L., the latter born July 
5, 1SG3. The father was an active member of 
the Congregational church and took an active in- 
terest in all things pertaining to the welfare of 
the community, while his private business inter- 
ests were of a nature which also contributed to the 
general business activity and prosperity. In his 
fraternal relations he was a Good Templar, which 
indicated his attitude on the temperance question, 
and his political allegiance was given the repub- 
lican party. 

Born, reared and educated in Neponset, AVilliam 
E. Whaples, when twenty-one years of age, be- 
came associated with his father in business and in 
1S!)0 joined him in his lianking enterprise. Since 
his father's death, which occurred September 2-1, 
18fll, he has Ijeen connected with his mother and 
brother in the ownership and control of the Ex- 
change Bank, and is well known in financial cir- 
cles in this part of the state, conducting the bank 
along conservative lines, and yet not without a 
spirit of progress in keeping with modern bank- 
ing ideas. 

William E. "\Miaples was married October 24, 
1885, to Ida M. Baker, who was born in Nepon- 
set, February 11, 1863, a daughter of George W. 
and Marian (McCreath) Baker. Her father was 
born in New York city, January 9, 1828, and the 
mother in Glasgow, Scotland, October 31, 1833. 
They were married in the Empire state and became 
residents of Kewanee, Illinois, in 18.5.5, removing 
the following year to Neponset, where Mr. Baker 
followed his trade of carpentering and also en- 
gaged in fanning until 1883, when he retired from 
agricultural pursuits and is now enjoying a well 
earned rest at his home in Neponset. He exer- 
cises his right of franchise in support of the re- 
pulilican party. In his family are a son and 
daughter, the former being James Baker, now de- 
ceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Whaples have three living chil- 
dren : George Warren, born August 9, 1886 ; Jes- 
sie M., born January 24, 1888 ; and Lesley H., 
born May 10, 1891 ; while Prudence, who was born 
Decembe'r 10, 1892, died March 10, 1894. 

Interested in the upbuilding and progress of the 
village, William E. A^Tiaples has co-operated in 
many movements for the general good. He has 
been school treasurer for twenty-five years and 
treasurer of the village for many years. He has 
likewise been treasurer of the Congregational 
church for the past tn'enty years, and the financial 
interests thus entrusted to his care show the confi- 
dence reposed in him by his associates. He is a 
member of Neponset lodge. No. 803, A. F. & A. M., 
anil he and his wife are members of the Eastern 
Star lodge, of which she is worthy matron, while 
Mr. Whaples is worthy patron. Both are members 
of the Congregational church, and their influence 
is ever on the side of a?sthetic and moral culture 



and of all that tends to promote public progress 
and improvement. Although ilr. Whaples came 
into possession of a business already established, 
in enlarging and controlling this he has displaj'ed 
excellent business ability, proving that success is 
a matter of judgment, experience and diligence, 
and not the result of genius or of fortunate cir- 
cumstances, as held by many. 



CHAKLES N. KEITH. 



Charles N. Keith, a representative of commer- 
cial interests in Princeton, where he is engaged 
in real estate, farm loans and insurance, was born 
November 29, 1857, upon a farm in Ohio town- 
ship. Bureau county, his parents being Melvin J. 
and Betsy (Perkins) Keith, both of whom were 
natives of the Empire state. The father was 
about twenty years of age at the time of his arri- 
val here in 1847. Being greatly impressed with 
the possiblities of this new but rapidly developing 
ccnintrv, he soon afterward purchased a tract of 
land and liecame an active and enterprising agri- 
culturist of this portion of the state. He has also 
been quite prominently identified witli public af- 
fairs and has wielded a wide influence in matters 
relating to the general progress. He has capably 
served as county clerk and outside of office has 
put fortli effective effort in behalf of the general 
good. He and his wife now reside in the village 
of Dover, Bureau county, Illinois. 

Fpon that farm Charles N. Keith was born 
and reared to the age of twenty-five years, remain- 
ing there continuously save for the ]5eriod of four 
years spent in school. In the fall of 1882, having 
six months before located a homestead claim in 
Spink county, in the territory of Dakota, and 
having faith in the future of that northwest 
country, in company with Hon. L. G. Johnson of 
ilorrison, Illinois, he organized an excursion 
party, whose destination was the northwest. Their 
efforts were wonderfully successful and on the 6th 
of September, 1882, in charge of a special train, 
Mr. Keith accompanied a party of over three 
hundred home seekers to Dakota. In all the years 
that immigration has been pouring into that coun- 
try this excursion exceeds all others in point of 
numbers. Mr. Keith established a newsjiaper, 
the ]\Iellette Tribvne. and also opened a land of- 
fice at Mellette, Dakota. He became a prominent 
and influential factor in public life there and 
aided in shaping the policy of the territory dur- 
ing its formative period. In the fall of 1883 he 
was elected a delegate to the constitutional con- 
vention called by citizens of the territory for the 
])urpose of drafting a constitution and presenting 
a memorial and petition to congress for admission 
as a state. At that convention Mr. Keith was 
appointed chief census enumerator and at once 
appointed county enumerators to proceed to take 
the census of the inhabitants of that portion of 



PAST AND PKESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



931 



the territory afterward admitted as tlie state of 
South Dakota. 

On the 2Gth of November, 1884, Mr. Keith 
was married to ,A[iss Elizaljetli Edwards, of Men- 
dota, Illinois, a daughter of Samuel Edwards, and 
they now have one child, Lillian. Closing out his 
business at Mellette, Mr. and Mrs. Keith removed 
to Watertown, South Dakota, where for a num- 
ber of years he was special land examiner for the 
Dakota Loan & Trust Company. In 1890 the 
company made him manager of its business in the 
state of Nel^raska, his headquarters being at 
Broken Bow, where he spent the succeeding three 
years. In the fall of 1893 lie returned to Bureau 
county, where he engaged in farming and in the 
manufacture of brick. About the same time he 
located his family in Princeton, where he is now- 
engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance 
business, conducting a profitable Inisiness here. 
He owns over four hundred acres of land in South 
Dakota and Nebraska and also valuable property 
at Watertown, South Dakota. In the years of an 
active business career he has been watchful of 
opportunities pointing to success and his keen 
sagacity and enterprise have made him a valued 
exponent of substantial development in the north- 
west as well as in his home county. In politics 
he is an active democrat and has been cluiirman 
of the Bureau County Democratic Central Com- 
mittee. 



GEORGE P. PETTEE, JR. 
George P. Pettee, Jr., a resident of Princeton 
and cashier of the Seatonville State Bank at Sea- 
tonville, in which capacity he has served since 
its organization in 1904, is one of the native sons 
of Bureau county, having been born upon his 
father's farm in Concord township in May, 1859. 
He is a son of George P. Pettee, of French de- 
scent. The father was born February 2-'), 1834, 
in Rutland county, Vermont, and is therefore 
seventy-two years of age at this writing. His par- 
ents were George W. and Eleanor (Wrisley) Pet- 
tee, both of whom were natives of the Green 
Mountain state. George P. Pettee attended the 
schools of Vermont, obtaining a good practical 
education, and in 18.').'), at the age of twenty-one 
years, he left the parental roof and the hills of 
his native state to make his home upon the broad 
prairies of Illinois. On coming to Bureau county 
he operated rented land near Princeton until 
1858, when he made his first purchase of eighty 
acres on section 10, Concord township, constitut- 
ing a part of his present fine fann. He has ex- 
tended its boundaries by additional purchase 
from time to time until the place comprises three 
hundred and sixty acres of valuable land and the 
improvements thereon have been made by him. 
He planted the seed from which have sprung the 
fine maple trees that ndorn the place and he has 



continued the work of development in accordance 
with modern ideas of agricultural progress. His 
farm is now well supplied with good buildings 
and the land has been brought under a high 
slate of cultivation. On the 7tii of July, 1857, 
he was joined in wedlock to Miss Margaret Sin- 
nott, a ilaughter of Nicholas and Johanna (Bry- 
ant) Sinnott. Five children were born unto Mr. 
and Mrs. Pettee: Mary E. ; George P.; John C; 
Alice A., who died November 10, 1890; and Will- 
iam J., a graduate of the I'rinceton high school and 
of the Gem City Business College of Quincy, Illi- 
nois. In his political views George P. Pettee, Sr., 
has always been a democrat since casting iiis first 
presidential ballot for James Buchanan in 1856. 
For nuiny years he served as a member of the 
school board and has always been tiie champion 
of matters relating to general progress and de- 
velopment. About five years ago he retired from 
active farm life and is now living in Princeton. 

In taking up the personal history of George P. 
Pettee, Jr., we present to our readers the life rec- 
ord of one widely known in Bureau county, where 
he has always lived. He attended the district 
schools and also the schools of Shetlield and after- 
ward engaged in teaching for some time in Sea- 
tonville. Subsequently he went to Chicago, 
where he attended the Bryant & Stratton Business 
College, and later took up the study of pharmacy 
in Illinois Pharmaceutical College. Returning to 
Seatonville. he again engaged in teaching for some 
time and in I'rinceton has conducted a hardware 
store, being thus closely associated with its com- 
mercial interests. He went to Seatonville before 
the town was started and after its establishment 
he served for four years as postmaster under 
President Cleveland. He is now cashier of the 
Seatonville State Bank, which was organized in 
1904, with a capital of twenty-five thousand dol- 
lars. 'Mr. Pettee has been a most active and help- 
ful factor in the growth of Seatonville and 
his name is insejiarably interwoven with its inter- 
ests and devclo])ment. 

In 1895 occurred the marriage of George P. 
Pettee and Miss Neva Mvrtle Brookie. of Bureau 
county, a daughter of .\rthur Brookie. Her father 
was born in St. Tjouis, ilis.souri, .\pril ?9. 1850, 
and is a son of Dr. John and So|)liia (Keody) 
Brookie, the former a native of l,ouisville. Ken- 
lucky, and the latter of Boonsboro, Washington 
county, Maryland, her birth having occurred 
within a mile and a half of the battlefield of .\n- 
tietam. Dr. Brookie started out in business life 
as a farmer, but later took up the study of medi- 
cine under Dr. McDonald, of St. Tx)ui8, and en- 
gaged in practice at that place for many years. 
Before removing to the city he had lived with n 
brotjier-in-law, ^Ir. Kane, in Noble county. Illi- 
nois, and he planted the first fruit tree set out 
within the borders of that county — a morilla 
cherry. He died in Peru, IllinoiB, August 18, 
18(i5. at the age of fiftv-six years. Both he and 



933 



PAST AND PEESEXT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



his wife were consistent members of the Chris- 
tian church. Mrs. Brookie passed away in Aug- 
ust, 1855. She was the daughter of Jacob and 
Priscilla Keedy, who removed from Maryland to 
Noble county, Illinois, in 1868 and there both 
died in 1881. Unto Dr. and Mrs. Brookie were 
born eight children: Sarah, Fannie, Mary, Will- 
iam F., Anna. Eugenia, Arthur and James. 

Of this family. Arthur Brookie was educated in 
the common schools and has spent his life as a 
farmer. On first coming to Illinois he located 
in La Salle count}-, but later returned to Mary- 
land, where he engaged in farming for three 
years. On the expiration of that period he became 
a resident of Bureau county. Illinois, and clerked 
in his brother-in-law's store for a time. He after- 
ward again spent a year in Maryland, but once 
more came to Bureau county. He was married 
December 8, 1870, to Miss Lora E. Munson, a 
daughter of H. W. and E. J. Munson, in whose 
family were the following named : Plansina, who 
was drowned July 4, 1862 ; Augusta ; Lora, the 
wife of Arthur Brookie: and William H. and 
James Munson. ilr. and ^Irs. Brookie have be- 
come the parents of five children : Howard and 
John, twins, but the latter is now deceased; Neva 
M)Ttle, now Mrs. Pettee; Lida Eugenia: and 
Anna Belle. Mr. Brookie is a democrat and is a 
member of the Knights of Pythias fraternity, 
while he and his wife hold membership in the 
Congregational church. 

LTnto ^Ir. and Mrs. Pettee have been born two 
children, Harold and Marguerite, aged, respec- 
tively, eight and seven years. Politically Mr. 
Pettee is a democrat, with rather independent 
tendencies. He and his wife hold membership 
in the Congregational church. He owns land in 
Nebraska. He has in his possession the bow and 
arrows and deerskin sheath that once belonged to 
Spotted Tail, chief of the Sioux Indians, and 
these things are still in a good state of preserva- 
tion, the sheath showing wear through carrying. 
It is a very valuable and interesting relic. Mrs. 
Pettee is a relative of the Hall girls, who were 
kidnapped by the Indians in the Black Hawk war. 
Both are representatives of prominent old pioneer 
families and are surrounded at their home by a 
circle of friends, who appreciate their true worth, 
entertaining for them warm regard. 



OLIVER J. FLINT, M. D. 
Among the younger practitioners of medicine in 
Princeton is Dr. Flint, a native son of Bureau 
county, bom on the 6th of November, 1870. His 
father, Milan Flint, was a native of New York 
and became a resident of Illinois in the early '50s. 
He was associated with the educational develop- 
ment of the state, being engaged in teaching school 
here at an early day, and he also engaged in farm- 
ing, while the moral progress of his community 



found in liim a promoting factor as he labored 
earnestly and zealously in proclaiming the gospel 
as a minister of the Methodist church. He died 
in the year 1875 and those who knew him recog- 
nized the loss of a man worthy of all respect and 
honor. His wife, who bore the maiden name of 
Frances Wilhite, is a native of Kentucky. 

Oliver J. Flint pursued his education in the 
public schools of Bureau county, completing the 
high-school course in Princeton with the class of 
1888. His medical education was obtained in 
Northwestern University and was completed by 
graduation in the class of 1898. He commenced 
practice in Princeton in January, 1899, and has 
been a partner of Dr. C. A. Palmer during the 
period of his connection with the medical frater- 
nity of his native county. He is esteemed in pro- 
fessional circles and is secretary of the Bureau 
County Medical Society. He also belongs to the 
State iledical Society and the American Medical 
Association and reading and investigation are 
adding to his knowledge and promoting his effi- 
ciency. He maintains a high standard of profes- 
sional ethics and enjoys the regard of his profes- 
sional brethren as well as of a host of friends of 
social life. 



MICHAEL FACtAN. 

Michael Fagan, who is enaged in the meat and 
stock business in Ohio, was born in Ottawa, Can- 
ada. December 28, 1849. His father was James 
Fagan, who was born in Wicklow, Ireland, and 
went to Montreal, Canada, about 1816. After a 
period of about thirty-three years he removed to 
Bureau county, Illinois, and he died in La Moille, 
this county, on the 15th of August, 1865. He had 
settled upon a farm in La ^Moille township of two 
hundred and eighty acres, which he purchased in 
1853 at two dollars and a quarter per acre. 

ilichael Fagan was reared in this county amid 
iiioneer scenes and conditions and he can remem- 
ber back to the early days, when he saw a great 
drove of wild deer. He acquired his education 
in the common schools, which he left in 1868 in 
oi-der to devote his undivided attention to work 
upon the home farm, where he remained until he 
attained his majority. He then engaged in the 
butchering business in Ohio for a period of one 
year, when he sold his interests and established 
a meat market in Chicago, where he remaiiied 
for one year. He then returned to the home 
farm, but a year later again came to the village 
of Oliio, in which he has since engaged in the 
meat and live stock business in a very successful 
n>anner. He has a good trade, which has con- 
stantlv grown, and he enjoys the confidence of all 
with whom he comes in contact. 

Mr. Fagan was united in marriage to M'ss ATary 
E. Shcehan. who was born in Lee county, Illinois, 
in 1852. They were married in Amboy. Illinois, 
ill 187."^ and have become the parents of the fol- 




DK. 0. J. FLINT. 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BLKEAU COUNTY. 



935 



lowing named: Kstollu, the wife of F. B. Kaiser, 
a resident of ilount Auburn, Iowa; Jlay, the wife 
of 0. J. Conner, residing in Ohio; Anna", at home; 
William D. ; and Martin J., who died April 19, 
1904:. The family are communicants of the 
Catholic church and in his political affiliation Mr. 
Fagan is a stalwart democrat. He served as vil- 
lage trustee for a period of twenty-two years and 
the interests of the town were largely benefited by 
his active and public-spirited co-operation in every 
movement for the general good. Fraternally he 
is connected with the Modern Woodmen and the 
Knights-- of the Globe. 'He has prospered and 
progressed in his business life and in addition to 
his Inisiness interests in Ohio he owns a half sec- 
tion of land in Alberta county near High Kiver, 
Canada. 



JUDGE inCHAT?D :\r. SKINNER. 

Judge Richard M. Skinner, occupying the bench 
of the Circuit court, has for a third of a century 
been a member of the Bureau county bar and is 
widely recognized as one of the leading lawyers 
of this part of Illinois. His activity has been so 
closely interwoven with the development of tlie 
county along many lines as to make his life rec- 
ord an integral chapter in its history. Its social 
and financial affairs have felt the stimulus of his 
co-operation and have profited by his practical 
methods and keen discernment. 

Elected judge of the thirteenth judicial circuit 
in 1903, his record on the bench is in harmony 
with his record as a man and a lawyer, distin- 
guished by unsw-erving integrity and by a mas- 
terful grasp of every problem presented for solu- 
tion. 

Judge Skinner was born in Morris county. New 
Jersey, April 13, 1847, a son of John C. and 
Mary (Stevens) Skinner, likewise natives of that 
state. In 18.53 the father, accompanied by his 
family, removed to Oliio and in 18.54 sought a 
home in Bureau county, Illinois, settling upon a 
farm near Princeton, where he spent his remain- 
ing days, his death residting from an accident in 
1877, when he was sixty-three years of age. His 
wife survived him until 1893, departing this life 
at the age of seventy-eight years. Their family 
numbered two sons and tliree daughters: Sarah 
S., the wife of Henry TT. Bacon of Ottawa, Kan- 
sas ; Richard M. ; George S., an attorney at the 
Princeton bar; Mary E., the wife of Elijah P. 
Lovejov ; and Eliza J., librarian in the Congres- 
sional library at Washington, D. C. 

From the age of seven years Judge Skinner 
was reared to farm life and his primary educa- 
tion was acquired in the district schools. .Ambi- 
tions for further intellectual (raining, however, he 
entered the high school at Princeton, from which 
he was graduated with the class of 1870, the first 
class .sent out from that institution. His scliola.s- 



tic training w-as continued in Cornell University 
at Ithaca, New York, where lie pursued a ])Mrtial 
course, when having resolved to make the practice 
of law his life work he matriculated in Albany 
Law School of Union College and following liis 
graduation in 1873 was admitted to practice in 
all the courts of the state of New York. For a 
brief period, however, his attention was not given 
to his chosen profession. He spent two terms as 
a teacher in the high school of Princeton and 
then in 1873 entered \\])<m the active practice of 
his profession as a member of the Bureau county 
bar, wherein he was destined to win the distinc- 
tion which conies from close and unremitting at- 
tention to the profession and from broad and 
comprehensive understanding of the principles of 
jurisprudence. He has practiced in all of the 
courts of the state and is recognized as the peer 
of many of the ablest members of the Illinois 
bar. From 1876 until 1880 he was state's attorney 
of Bureau county and again from 1888 until 
1892. His official duties were ever discharged 
without fear or favor and his high standing at 
the bar, his recognized ability in the interpreta- 
tion and correct application of jirinci])les of law 
led to his selection for the bench. . Fairness and 
impartiality cliaractcrize his decisions, together 
with a thorough and comprehensive understanding 
of legal principles, and he displays a marked 
sense of conscientious obligation in the discharge 
of the duties of the office to which life, liberty 
and property interests must look for protection. 
Aside from the profession he has extended his ef- 
forts to other lines and lia.s served as director of 
the Farmers National Bank and as director and 
general attorney of tlic Citizens National Bank of 
Princeton. Conservative in all business matters, 
his judgment is relied upon by his associates and 
the public has confidence in the stability of an in- 
stitution conducted by such men. 

Judge Skinner was married on the 12th of 
June, 1878, to Miss Mary Ella Sharp, a daughter 
of John N. and Nancy (McCrackcn) Siiarp, of 
Hackettstown, New Jersey, later of Brooklyn, New 
York. The five children of this marriage were: 
Dewitt, who died in 1892 at the age of twelve 
years ; Walter R. ; .Anna B. ; John S. : and Richard 
M. The family attended the Congregational 
church. 

Judge Skinner is perha))s best known aside 
from his professional activity by reason of the 
prominent part which he has taken in political 
interests. He was reared in the faith of the re- 
publican party and his rriature judgment has sanc- 
tioned its principles as most conducive to good 
government. He has delivered many campaign 
addresses in support of parly measures and he 
stands for progress, improvement and reform. 
Wherever there is a public-spirited attempt to 
dislodge misrule in municipal affairs he is to be 
found working with the loaders of the movement. 
A thorough temperance man from principle, be 



936 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



has always opposed the licensing of saloons and 
in 1895 was elected mayor of Princeton on the 
no license ticket. He brought to his official du- 
ties a firm determination to execute the laws and 
exercised his official prerogatives in support of 
every movement and measure which he deemed 
would prove of permanent benefit. His course as 
chief executive won the commendation of the most 
progressive and law-abiding element. He served 
on the bench as county judge of Bureau county 
from 1897 until 1903. In the public-school sys- 
tem of the state he has always taken a lively in- 
terest and for eighteen years was a member of 
the board of education of the Princeton high 
school district, being one of the first graduates of 
the high school and one of the first of its alumni 
to occupy the position of a teacher in it. The in- 
terest manifested as student and teacher has ever 
been maintained. The Princeton high school oc- 
cupies a peculiar position, being the first high 
school in Illinois to be organized under a special 
charter from the state. Its standing as an ad- 
vanced school has always been the highest and to 
Judge Skinner much of the credit of its efficiency 
is due. For years he has been either president or 
clerk of the board and is familiar with every de- 
tail of the work connected therewith. He has 
served as a member of the Matson public library 
board and he is the champion of all that stands 
for intellectual progress and for all that upholds 
the political and legal status of his community. 
He has left and is leaving the impress of his in- 
dividuality upon public life in Bureau county and 
his clear judgment, his lofty patriotism and his 
public spirit well render him a leader of thought 
and action. 



WILLIAM BANSCHBACH. 

After a useful and well spent life ^Villiam 
Banschl)ach is now living retired in Princeton, en- 
joying a well earned rest and the f I'uits of former 
toil. He was born in Baden, Germany, on the 
12th of June, 1S37, his parents being Martin and 
Caroline (Bischofberger) Banschbach, who came 
to America in 1854, and settled in Bureau county, 
Illinois. For a time the father resided near Mai- 
den and then removed to Selby township, where 
he bought a farm which continued to be the home 
of himself and his wife until called to their final 
rest. Tie died in August, 185T, and she passed 
away on the 12tb of August, 1887, at the age of 
seventy-five years and eighteen days. In his na- 
tive land he served in the German army and then, 
coming to America, followed brick-making and 
the burning of lime and tile in connection with 
farming, but in this country devoted his atten- 
tion almost exclusively to agricultural pursuits. 
He had five children, namely: Martin, who is rep- 
resented on another page of this work; William, 
whose name introduces this review ; Charles, who 



resides in Chicago and was for forty years fore- 
man of the roundhouse for the Illinois Central 
Eailroad Company, but recently resigned that po- 
sition though still employed in the shops there; 
Louis, who is a farmer by occupation and has 
made his home in Christian county, Illinois, for 
the past thirty-five years; and Henry, who enlisted 
at the age of sixteen years in Company G, Twenti- 
eth Illinois infantry, and was wounded in service, 
dying at the general post hospital at Jackson, Ten- 
nessee, October 29, 1862, when only nineteen years 
of age. 

William Banschbach spent the first fifteen years 
of his life in liis native land, and in 1852 crossed 
the broad Atlantic with his brother ^lartin, be- 
coming a resident of Pittsburg, Pennsylvania, 
where he remained for two years, and at the end 
of that time took up his abode in Bureau county, 
Illinois. He worked as a farm hand in Selby 
town/-hip until he had attained his majority and 
later followed the harness business for twenty 
years at Depue, JIalden, Hollowayville and Prince- 
ton, being at the last named place for nine years. 
Selling out his business in 1878 he later devoted 
his attention to the drug trade from 1880 until 
1883, disposing of his store in the latter year. 
He once acted as administrator and guardian for 
some eighteen or twenty years, but in the fall of 
1905 retired from business and has not actively 
engaged in any enterprise since that time. 

On July 2, 1872, ilr. Banschbach was united in 
marriage to Miss Elizabeth Ann Eedlingshafer. 
She was also born in Germany in 1848, but was a 
mere infant when brought to America, learning 
to walk on shipboard when crossing the Atlantic 
with her 2)arents, who came to the United States 
that year. She was practically reared in Iowa 
and was married at Sheridan, that state. Having 
received a good common school education, supple- 
mented by a four years' college course at Ames, 
Iowa, she successfully engaged in teaching for 
twenty-one terms in Lucas and Delaware coun- 
ties, Iowa, prior to her marriage. Five children 
have been born to l\Ir and Mrs. Bansehbacli. name- 
ly : Edward Aaron, now of Chicago, who for 
years acted as salesman for typewriters, and is 
now selling the Burroughs adding machines ; Will- 
iam Martin, who married Edith French, and con- 
ducted a sporting goods store and repair sliop at 
Princeton for some time, doing a good business, 
but now makes his home in Portland, Oregon; 
Ohmer Lott, now at Yokohama, Japan, as pay 
clerk in the United States Navy on the U. S. S. 
Raleigh ; Winnifred G., who is a graduate of 
Knox Conservatory of Music and is now success- 
fully engaged in teaching music at Princeton; 
Tjitta Celia, who was graduated at the Illinois 
State University in June, 1906, and is now pur- 
suing a post-graduate course at the TTniversity of 
Illinois. 

Mr. Bansclibiicli was a supporter of the repub- 
lican party until the election of Cleveland, but 



PAST AND TRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



937 



since that time has voted independently. Social- 
ly he has been afliliated with the Odd Fellows fra- 
ternity for thirty-five years, being a member of the 
order at Princeton. His wife is connected with 
the Daughters of Rebekah and the Woman's 
Christian Temperante Union. She is an active 
member of the Methodist Episcopal church and 
botli are heLi in high regard by all who know 
them. They have a nice home at No. 5 South 
Pleasant street, where hospitality reigns supreme. 



STEPHEN A. NAWA. 

Stephen A Nawa, who carries on farming and 
stock-raising on section 32, Selby township, is a 
native of Germany, his birth having occurred in 
Schlesien on the "20th of December, 1857. His 
parents, John and Johanna (Stokony) Nawa, con- 
tinued to make their^ home in that country 
throughout life and both died in 1882. The father 
was overseer of timber lands for a forester. In 
his family were seven sons and three daughters, 
namely: John, Edmond, Emanuel, Franz, Casper, 
Stephen, Paul, Mary, Augusta and Annie. Of 
this number Casper came to America and died in 
Reading, Pennsylvania, where he was for some 
time engaged in agricultural pursuits. With the 
exception of our subject all remained in Germany. 
During his boyhood and youth Stephen A. Nawa 
attended school in his native land, completing his 
education by a collegiate course, and ho was thus 
well fitted to start out in life for himself. After 
leaving school, at the age of twenty years, he 
served for three years in the German army, as did 
nlfo all r,! his brothers. Before coming to Amer- 
ica he wac united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth 
Kalthoff, who was born in Rhine province, Octo- 
ber 25, I860, and is a daughter of John and 
Annie (Pauss) Kalthoff. Her father, who was a 
coal miner, died in Germany and her mother sub- 
sequently came to the United States, where she 
passed away some sixteen years ago. Mrs. Nawa 
has one sister. Mrs. Yocks, who lives at De Pue, 
Illinois, and has two half brothers, Clement Wolf, 
a painter of De Pue, and William Wolf, who is 
also engaged in business at that place. 

Thinking to better his financial condition in the 
new world, Stephen A. Nawa crossed the Atlantic 
and in 1882 became a resident of Bureau county, 
Illinois, residing for some years at De Pue. There 
he followed coal mining for four years and was 
emploved at check weighing. He then rented 
a fann from Charles Savage for six years and 
at the end of that time ]iurehased his present 
place. He now has one hundred and thirty acres 
on section 32, Selby township, and eighty acres 
on section 29, upon which he has made excellent 
improvements, his place being supplied with pri- 
vate waterworks, for use in both house and barn. 
Here he has made his home for the past nine 
years and to its further cultivation and improve- 



ment he devotes his entire time and attention. Ue 
is an energetic and progressive farmer and stock- 
raiser and the success that he has achieved in life 
is due entirely to his own well directed ellortfl, as 
he came to this country practically without cap- 
ital. 

Ten children have come to bless the home of 
Mr. and Mrs. Nawa, five sons and five daughters, 
namely : Matilda, now the wife of Walter Thurs- 
ton, a farmer of Bureau county; and William, 
Frank, Benjamin, Fred, Kmma, .\nnie, Mary, 
John and P^-eda, still under the parental roof. 
Mr. Nawa is not identified with any political or- 
ganization, but votes for the men whom he be- 
lieves best qualified to fill the office, regardless of 
narty ties. For a time he served as alderman at 
De Pue, and has always taken an active and com- 
mendable interest in public affairs, giving his sup- 
port to any enterprise which he believes will prove 
of public benefit. Socially both he and his wife 
are members of the Toilers, while two of their 
children belong to the Mystic Workers, and in re- 
ligious faith the family are Catholics. They stand 
high in public regard and have a host of friends 
throughout Bureau couiitv. 



PALMER E. ANDERSON. 

Palmer E. Anderson, engaged in the real es- 
tate, loan and insurance business with otlices on 
Jlain street, is numbered among Princeton's na- 
tive sons, born on the 2!)th of March, 1874. His 
parents were Jonas and Elizabeth (Nelson) An- 
derson, both of whom have now passed away, the 
father having died on the 1st of March, 1899, 
while his wife's death occurred February 1, 1890. 
Mr. Anderson was a carpenter and house mover 
and came to I'rinceton in 1853. A native of 
Sweden, he estalilished his home in St. Charles, 
Illinois, on coming to the new world, and subse- 
quently removed to Bureau county, where he was 
closely associated with industrial interests as a 
carpenter and house mover. He possessed many 
of the sterling characteristics of the Swedisii race, 
including unfalti'ring industry, adaptability and 
intcgrilv, and these qualifies rcnilcrcd hiii\ a 
valued resident of his adopted city. He took an 
active part in politics and served as collector and 
in other local oflices. 

Palmer E. .\nderson was indebted to the |)ublic- 
school system of Princeton for tiie educational 
|>rivilcgcs he enjoyed and entering upon his iiusi- 
ness career he become connected with the dry- 
goods trade as a young man and so continued until 
1904. He was for some time a junior member of 
the firm of N. W. Isaacson & Company, with 
whom his business connection continued for sev- 
eral years. On withdrawing from commercial pur- 
suits he become connected with the real estate, 
loan and insurance business and now has well ap- 



938 



PAST AND PRESEXT OF BUREAU COUXTY. 



pointed offices ou Main street. As representative 
of fire insurance he is associated with H. A. 
Clark, but he handles the other departments of 
his business independently. He has secured a 
good clientage, is thoroughly acquainted with real- 
estate valiies, and is thus enabled to make judi- 
cious investments and profitable sales for his 
clients. 

;Mr. Anderson was married in Princeton to Miss 
Winnie Mae Spake, also born and reared in this 
city, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jolm L. Spake, 
now deceased. Her father was born in Djursdala, 
Kalmar Lau, Sweden, March 20, 1839, and when 
ten years of age came with his parents to Amer- 
ica, "the family home being established in Chi- 
cago, whence two years later they came to Prince- 
ton. Mr. Spake was engaged in the drug business 
in this cibt' for many years, the leading represent- 
ative of commercial circles here. He married Miss 
Mary Stern, who was born in Sweden, December 
8, 1840, at Asby Loken, Linkoping Lau, and came 
to the United' States in 1852, accompanied by 
four sisters and a brother. They settled in 
Princeton and on the 10th of November, ISTO, she 
gave her hand in marriage to Jolm L. Spake. Two 
children were born of this union : Darlena Louisa, 
the wife of George E. Case ; and Winnie :Mae, the 
wife of Palmer E. Anderson. 

Mr. Anderson exercises his right of franchise 
in support of the men and measures of the re- 
publican party and in 1903 was elected town clerk, 
since which time he was twice been re-elected, so 
that he is now serving for the third term. He is 
a member of the board of education of the Union 
school of Princeton, to which he was elected in 
1906, and he manifests a public spirited interest 
in all that is of value to the community in the pro- 
motion of those measures and movements which 
have direct bearing upon the welfare and pros- 
perity of town and county. In his public service 
and business life he is alike alert and energetic 
and is justly accounted one of the best known 
and enterprising young business men of Princeton. 



EGBERT CURTIS. 
Egbert Curtis, engaged in the live stock busi- 
ness at Princeton, where for the past thirty years 
or more he has devoted his time and energies to 
buying and shipping stock, was born in Stock- 
bridge, Berkshire county, Massachusetts, August 
15, 1827, and though now nearly four score years 
of age he is still an active factor in business life 
and his record should put to shame many a man 
of much younger years, who, growing weary of 
the strxiggles and trials of a business career, would 
relegate to others the burdens that he should b(>ar 
in supporting himself and family. Mr. Curtis has 
always been most active and enterprising, indo- 
lence and idleness being utterly foreign to his na- 



ture, and his success has come as the direct re- 
ward of his perseverance and energy. 

His parents, Henry and Phoebe (Churchill) 
Curtis, came to Bureau county in 1859, and re- 
mained residents of Princeton until they passed 
away, the father dying twenty-two years ago, at 
the age of eighty-six years, while the mother's 
death occurred twenty-three years ago, when she 
was eighty years of age. Both were natives of 
Stockbridge, ilassachusetts, and the father fol- 
lowed the occupation of farming there. The Cur- 
tis family war; founded in America in 1643 by 
three brothers, who came from Stratford-on-Avon, 
England, locating first at Weathersfield, Connecti- 
cut. The great-grandfather of our subject re- 
moved to Berkshire county, Massacliusetts, and his 
son, Elnathan Curtis, resided there, as did Henry 
Curtis, father of our subject. In the family of 
Henry Curtis were five children, all of wliom are 
still living, and a reunion was celebrated in the 
latter part of August, 1906, at the home of the 
eldest brother. S. C. Curtis, at Lafayette, Indiana, 
the youngest Ijeing Henry Curtis, now sixty-three 
years of age. In order of birth the members of 
the family are: S. C, of Lafayette; Egbert; Mrs. 
Worthington, of Albion, Michigan; Phoebe J., of 
Princeton : and H. S., also of Lafayette, Indiana. 

Egbert Curtis spent the first thirteen years of 
lijs life in the state of his nativity and then ac- 
companied his parents on their removal to New 
York. He came to Bureau county in 1854, when 
twenty-seven years of age, and has since made his 
home in Princeton with the exception of a brief 
period of a year and a half. For sometime he was 
connected with mercliandising, conducting a hard- 
ware store, but his attention has been mainly de- 
voted to the live stock business and he is one of 
the oldest and most prominent representatives of 
this line of business activitv' in Bureau county. 
For thirtv' years or more he has operated in live 
stock, making extensive purchases and shipments, 
and in the conduct of his business he has showed 
himself to be an excellent judge of stock so that 
he has made judicious purchases and profitable 
sales, 

Mr. Curtis was married in Princeton on tlie 
19th of March. 1856, to Miss Elizabeth Walter, 
who died in February, 1906, at the age of more 
tlian seventy years. She was born in the state 
of Ohio and during her infancy was brought to 
Bureau county by her parents, John and Eliza 
(Smith) Walter, who were among the earliest res- 
idents of this part of Illinois. Her father was 
well known as a pioneer settler, who aided in 
laying broad and deep the foundation for the 
present development and progress of the county. 
From Chicago lie hauled the lumber used in 
building his house at Princeton. He was a tailor 
liy trade and conducted a shop in this city for 
many years, but later engaged in other lines of 
business. He and his wife were members and 
were also numbered among the founders of the 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COINTY. 



939 



Congregational cIuutIi in Princeton, and they 
were most highly respected citizens there, occupy- 
ing a foremost place in social circles and in the 
regard of those who knew them. Mr. Walter died 
in 1899, while his wife passed again in 19(11, 
when more than eighty years of age. Fnto Mr. 
and Mrs. Curtis was born one son, William W. 
Curtis, D. D. S., who is now about forty-seven 
years of age and resides in Chicago. He was born 
in Princeton, is a graduate of the high school of 
this city, and also of the Dental College at Ann 
Arbor, Michigan. He married ^Miss Xaiinie J. 
French of Newport, Rhode Island, and for sev- 
eral years has been successfully practicing his pro- 
fession in the western metropolis. 

]\Ir. Curtis is a stalwart republican, having ;;up- 
ported the party since its organization. Tie has 
served in various offices, as trustee and alderinau 
and as highway commissioner of the city of Prince- 
ton. In this capacity he began the first graveling 
of roads and to him and his fellow members on 
the board at that time much credit is due for the 
fine roads of Princeton and vicinity. He has al- 
ways stood for progress and improvement and liis 
efforts have been effective in promoting general 
good along many lines. The family favor the 
Congregational church and have contributed gen- 
erously to its support. For more than a half 
century Mr. Curtis has resided in Princeton and 
is one of its best known and most honored citi- 
zens. He has ever stood for all that is progres- 
sive and commendable in business life and his ac- 
tions have ever measurecl u]) to tlie standard of 
honorable manhood. 



GEORGE A. ROBINSON. 

George A. Robinson, whose name is inseparably 
interwoven with the commercial history of Prince- 
ton, having for many years been engaged in the 
retail shoe business in this city, was born in Ches- 
terfield, Hampshire county. l\Iassachusetts, on the 
27th day of March, 1841, his parents being Elca- 
zer and Caroline (Benton) Robinson, who were 
natives of Massachusetts. The father engaged in 
farming and spent the greater part of his life in 
Hampshire county, where both he and his wife 
passed away. 

George A. Robinson was educated in the com- 
mon schools of his native county and when not 
busy with his text-hooks assisted his father on the 
home farm until, thinking to find other occupa- 
tion more congenial, he secured a position in the 
express office in Pittsfield. Massachusetts. lie 
was thus employed for a few years, after which 
he accepted a clerkship in different dry-goods 
stores in Pittsfield, his time being thus given to 
commercial interests until after the outbreak of 
the Civil war. A spirit of patriotic ardor being 
aroused in him by the attempt of the south to 
overthrow the Union, he ofT(>red his services to 



the country during the first year of the war and 
enlisted as a member of the Thirty-fourth Massa- 
chusetts Infantry under Captain Cooley, The 
regiment participated witli the military move- 
ments in the Shenandoah Valley and in many 
battles of importance which were a factor in the 
final result that crowned the Union arms. Mr. 
Roi)inson was never wounded or taken prisoner 
but became ill with pneumonia and was in the 
hospital for several weeks. He afterward rejoined 
his company and in December, 1864, he was made 
sergeant, filling that position until honorably dis- 
charged at the close of the war in ISfi"). 

In the meantime a Jlr. Bates, a friend of Mr. 
Robinson, in Hampshire county, Massachusetts, 
had come to the middle west, locating in Prince- 
ton, where he was engaged in business. He in- 
duced Mr. Robinson to join him here, although 
the latter remained a resident of Pittsfield. Mas- 
sachusetts, until 1867, when he came to Bureau 
county and accepted a clerkship in the store of 
his former friend, Mr. Bates. lie acted as a 
salesman for a few years and then removed to 
Sidney, Champaign county, Illinois, where he 
formed a partnership with his cousin in the es- 
tablishment of a general store, which Mr. Robin- 
son managed. He continued its conduct for two 
years, when he returned to Princeton and en- 
tered into partnersliip with his friend, Mr. Hates, 
uM(h''r the firm style of Robinson & Bates. They 
established a retail shoe business, their store being 
located on Main street near South street. For a 
few years they were in business together, after 
which Mr. Bates sold his interest to a Mr. Mur- 
]iliy and the firm then became Robinson & i[ur- 
phy, under which style the business was success- 
fully conducted until the death of the senior part- 
ner. 

George A. Robinson was married in Princeton 
to ^liss Charity Bryant, a native of this county 
and a representative of one of the oldest and most 
jjrouiinent families of this part of the state. Her 
father was Cyrus Bryant, of whom mention is 
made on another page of this work. Unto Jlr. 
and Mrs. Robinson were born four children, of 
whom one died unnamed in infancy. Agnes M., 
Marcus B.. and .Mice J., all residing at home. 

^Ir. Robinson never fully recovered from the 
illness which he sustained during the Civil war. 
but he remained actively in the shoe business in 
Princeton until his demise, which occurred on the 
20th of April, 1889. He was a member of the 
Grand .Vrmy Post of Princeton and of the Ma- 
sonic lodge here and of both organizations was 
accounted a valued and ])opidar representative. 
He voted with the republican party and held mem- 
bersliip in the Congregational church, in the work 
of which he took an active and heljifid interest, 
serving as trnsteo and also as deacon for many 
years. His life was actuated by honorable prin- 
ci))lcs and characterized by manly conduct and in 
all relations he maintained an unassnihible repu- 



940 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUREAU COUNTY. 



tatiou. In citizenship he was as loyal to his coun- 
try as when he followed the stars and stripes on 
southern battlefields and in business he was thor- 
oughly honorable and straightforward. His best 
traits of character, however, were reserved for his 
family, to whom he was very devoted, considering 
no personal sacrifice on his part too great if it 
would promote the welfare or enhance the happi- 
ness of his wife and children. The family are 
also members of the Congregational church and 
they reside at No. 203 West Peru street. 



WILLIAM G. JOHNSON. 

The agricultural interests of Fairfield township 
are well controlled and managed when in the 
hands of such men as William G. Johnson, 
who is alert, enterprising and progressive and 
moreover possesses that laudable ambition 
without which success is never achieved. He lives 
on section 26, Fairfield township, where he has 
a good fanning property. One of Illinois' na- 
tive sons, he was born October 19, 1841, his 
parents being Loyal T. and Mary C. (Good- 
hart) Johnson, the former a native of Wayne 
county. New York, born May 13, 1808, 
and the latter of Columbus, Ohio. The paternal 
grandfather of our subject served as a colonel in 
the New York militia, while William R. Good- 
hart, the maternal grandfather, was a native of 
Scotland and for seven years served in the French 
navy, taking the place of an Englishman, who 
hanged himself rather than fight against his na- 
tive land. He was with Napoleon in the Russian 
campaign and saw the destruction of Moscow. On 
leaving the French service he joined the English 
army against the United States in the war of 
1813, and was taken prisoner in the conflict on 
Lake Erie, when Commodore Perry won his great 
victory. Three Indians were placed under his 
charge, and while he was called below to get orders 
that part of the ship in which they were stationed 
was shot away. After the battle was over lie was 
surprised to see the Indians emerge from the coal 
hole. Many years afterward while living at 
Bloomington Grove, now Bloomington, Illinois, he 
came across some Indians, one of whom stepped 
forward and called him captain, telling him that 
he was one of the three. Mr. Goodhart made his 
escape and later joined the .\merican forces, serv- 
ing under Ooncral Harrison until the close of the 
war. 

In Franklin, Oliio, August 2, 1814, was cele- 
brated the marriage of Mr. Goodhart and Miss 
Sarah A. Clouse, and at that place he secured a 
claim. During his residence there he made a trip 
to New Orleans on a flatboat which required six 
months. In 1819 he had his leg broken by a 
falling tree and during his illness meditated on 
religion. Soon afterward ho was converted under 
the preaching of Elder Wright, who was holding 



a camp meeting, and subsequently became an ex- 
horter of the Methodist Episcopal church, holding 
a license issued by Peter Cartwright. At an early 
date he prepared to come west but his wife refused 
for several years. Finally in the fall of 1824, with 
wife and six children he emigrated to Mackinaw 
township, Fayette county, Illinois, where the set- 
tlers gave him a liearty welcome and built his 
cabin. Indians were still very numerous, and dur- 
ing his absence on a visit to Bloomington Grove 
they caused his family much uneasiness. Later 
when removing to that place the red men came 
upon them yelling, so that their horses were 
frightened and upset the wagon. They were 
drunk, but under the control of two sober Indians, 
and finally ceased their disturbance when Mr. 
Goodhart spoke to them in French. The family 
located in Bloomington where the Illinois Central 
depot now stands, and some apple trees are still 
there which were planted by Mr. Goodhart over 
seventy years ago, on what is known as the Judge 
McClume place. Upon his farm was manufac- 
tured the first brick in McLean county. From 
1830 until his death in 1842 he continued a resi- 
dent of Bloomington, where he was numbered 
among the honored and highly respected citizens. 
In his family were ten children, as follows : Jacob, 
who died in June, 18.5.5 ; Elizabeth C, wife of 
William H. Rankin, of Kansas ; Mary C, who was 
the mother of our subject ; George W., deceased ; 
William R., who died of cholera in 1850; Anna 
C, who marled Joseph Douglass; Mrs. Sarah M. 
Livingston, deceased ; John H., who was a member 
of the Union service, and was killed at Merri- 
weather's Ferry, Tennessee, in July, 1862 ; James 
G.. of Bloomington; and Mrs. Julia A. P. Doug- 
las, deceased. 

Loyal T. Johnson, father of our subject, was 
reared in his native county and on removing west- 
ward in 1836 settled in Canton, Illinois. He was 
married in Peoria, this state, January 3, 1840, 
and soon afterward removed to Bloomington, 
where he conducted a tannery and engaged in the 
shoe business. He was one of the early settlers 
of Fulton county, Illinois, establishing the first 
linot and shoe store in Canton. In 184.5 he be- 
came a resident of La Salle county and the year 
1857 witnessed his arrival in Bureau county, at 
which time he took up his abode in Wyanet town- 
ship when it was largely an unclaimed and uncul- 
tivated wilderness. While erecting a house upon 
liis claim the men tliat worked there saw a herd 
nf fifty-two deer, which fact plainly indicates the 
unsettled condition of the country. Our subject 
was only a little boy at that time. 

Mr. Johnson was offered the land where the 
village of Wyanet now stands for three dollars and 
a half per acre. He was an enterprising, indus- 
trious man, fond of travel, and he was killed by 
the cars at Newman, Kansas, February 26, 1878. 
His widow survived until 1896, passing away at 
tbi' home of her daughter, Mrs. Mary Elizabeth 







MRS. W. G. JOHNSON 



15- 




W. G. JOHNSON. 



PAST AND PIJESKXT OF HKUKAU COUNTY. 



945 



Lampher. In the family of this worthy coui)lo 
wore nine cliihlren, eight of wliom are still living: 
Ellen D., wife of Harrison Webb, of Montana; 
Mrs. Esora M. JIurphy, of Seattle, Washington; 
Mrs. :Mary E. Lampher, of Princeton, Illinois; 
Mrs. Elura C. Self, near Gliddon, Iowa; Oren S. 
and Loyal L., of Gold township, Bureau county; 
and Wilbur L., of ^^IcLean county. Illinois. 

William G. Johnson was a little lad of only 
about six years when brought by his parents to 
Bureau county and amid the wild scenes and en- 
vironments of pioneer life he was reared. The 
public schools afforded him his educational ]irivi- 
leges and when not busy with his text-books his 
attention was largely given to farm work. At the 
time of the Civil war, however, he put aside all 
business and ])ersonal considerations, offering his 
seiTices to the government as a supporter of the 
Union cause. He became a member of Company 
B, Sixty-fourth Regiment of Illinois Volunteers, 
known as Yates sharpshooters, and remained in 
the service for three years, during which time he 
participated in the engagements at New Madrid, 
Island No. 10. the siege of Corinth, Chambers 
Creek, Tuscumbia Creek, Resaca, Snake Creek 
Gap, Kingston, Yanvort, Dallas, Farmington, 
luka, Mississippi, both battles of Corinth, New 
Hope Church, Ackworth, Big Shanty, Kenesaw 
Mountain and Decatur. He was wounded at 
Kenesaw Mountain on the 87th of June, 1863, 
and he was often in the thickest of the fight. 
When his term had expired he was honorably dis- 
charged and returned home with a most creditable 
military record. 

While a soldier of the war Mr. Johnson was 
married on the 11th of September, 1864, to Miss 
Malvina Galer, who was one of three children, her 
brothers being Joseph and George. Her father, 
Adam T. Galer, came to Illinois from Highland 
county, Ohio, in 1834 with his parents, Peter and 
Elizabeth (Allen) Galer, natives of Virginia, who 
here entered three hundred and twenty acres of 
land, on which they continued to reside until 
called to their final rest. Mrs. Johnson's parents 
died while living with her. To Mr. and ^frs. 
Johnson were born seven children, of whom 
Tliompson G.. Ollie A. and Eugene H. all died of 
di])hfheria on the old Galer homestead. Those 
still living are: Adam I^., of Gold township, who 
married Anna Gudgol and has three children, 
Loval T., Virgil and Hai-vey ; William C, of P'air- 
field township, who married Margaret Rollo and 
had five children, fo\ir living, Clark, Thompson, 
Cecil and Annie; Mary M.. the wife of Charles 
Gudtrel, of Gold township, by whom she has six 
children, John, William, Homer, Mary, Hazel and 
Melvina; and Nellie J., who married Lemuel F. 
Kolp and after his death wedded John Decker, 
their home bein? in Gold township. They have 
three children, William, Mary and Edith. 

It was on the 3d of February, 1870, that Mr. 
Johnson took up his abode on his present fine 



farm. He first lived in a little log cabin, which 
was later replaced by a frame dwelling and in 
1S92 he erected his fine two-story residence, which 
is neatly and tastefully furnished. The farm com- 
prises four hundred and twenty-live acres of rich 
and ])roductive land lying in Fairfield and Gold 
townships and is a splendidly improved property, 
the fields having been brought under a high state 
of cultivation. f:verything about the farm is indi- 
cative of his thrift, enterprise and careful manage- 
ment and indicates him to be a man of progressive 
spirit and practical ideas. From the age of eigh- 
teen years he has provided for his own support 
and has made steady progress toward the goal of 
prosperity. He is a man worthy of the trust and 
good will of all and that he lias the confidence of 
his fellow men is indicated by the fact that he has 
been called upon to settle six estates. He main- 
tains i)loasant relations with his old army com- 
rades through his membership in the Grand Army 
of the Republic and he is also vice-president of the 
Bureau County Soldiers Association from Fair- 
field township, there being a vice-president from 
each townshij) of the county. He also holds mem- 
bershi]! with the Masonic lodge at Princeton and 
is vice-iiresident of the Fairfield Society of Old 
Settlers. All who know him — and his acquaint- 
ance is a wide one — respect and honor him, for 
throughout his entire life he has manifested those 
traits of character which in every land and clime 
cnminand resjicct and regard. 



CHARLES GARVIN. 

Charles Garvin, one of the venerable citizens of 
Ne]ionset township, where he is now living a re- 
tired life, was l)orn in County Down, Ireland. 
May 25, 1819. His parents were .Alexander and 
l*]liziibeth (Wilson) Garvin, al.so natives of County 
Down. The former died on the Emerald isle at 
tiie age of forty-six years and the mother's death 
there occurred when she was fifty years of age. 
lie was a weaver by trade and always followed 
that occupation in order to provide for his fam- 
ily, which numbered throe children: Charles, 
Bessie and John, liut Charles is the only one now 
living. Reared in his native country, Cluirles 
(iarvin acquired a limited education in that land 
and then started out in life on his own account. 
He was married in County Down to Miss Sarah 
.Vnn Gunning, who died in the old country at the 
:\;^i' of forty-five yeare. Seven children, four'sons 
and three daughters, have been born of their mar- 
riage, nauiely : Bessie G., who liecome the wife of 
Tinuithy Driscoll and died at the age of thirty 
vears; Charles: Jane, the wife of Jajnes McGef- 
fett : Thomas; Sarah, the wife of George Combes; 
John ; and .\lexander. Following tlie death of hie 
wife, the father came to America with his seven 
children. He bade adieu to friends and native 
country in 1870 and the ve.«sel on which he sailed 



946 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



reached New York harbor on Sunday morning, 
July 14:, 1870. On Monday morning they left 
the steamer and on Tuesday morning left New 
York city, arriving in Neponset on the following 
Saturday evening. Since that time Mr. Garvin 
has made his home in Bureau county. He first 
purchased eighty acres of land in Stark county, 
where he lived for six years, and later he bought 
one hundred and sixty acres additional of prairie 
land and thirty acres of timber land. For many 
years he carried on general agricultural pursuits, 
meeting with success in this undertaking, but he 
is now living a retired life, spending his time 
with his children. He has made his home in 
Bureau county for about ten years and is one of 
its venerable citizens, having now passed tlie 
eighty-seventh milestone on life's journey. He 
was always a man of marked industry and en- 
terprise, who labored earnestly to win a compe- 
tence and thus provide a comfortable home for 
his family. Both in his native land and in this 
country he made good use of his opportunities and 
the success which he enjoyed was attributable en- 
tirely to his own efforts. On taking up his abode 
in America he became a naturalized citizen and 
has continuously supported the republican party. 
His religious faith is that of the Presbyterian 
church and his Christian belief has been manifest 
in his daily conduct, in his relations with his fel- 
low men and in his honorable business life. He 
is truly worthy the high respect which is uniform- 
ly accorded him and with pleasure we present to 
our readers his life record. 



THOMAS GARVIN. 



Thomas Garvin, one of the leading and ener- 
getic agriculturists of Neponset township, was 
born in County Down, Ireland, August 14. 1838, 
his parents being Charles and Sarah Ann (Gun- 
ning) Garvin, who are mentioned above. The 
mother died in Ireland, and in 1870 the father 
brought his family to the new world, so that 
Thomas Garvin continued his education in the 
public schools of Stark county, Illinois, where the 
family home was established. He was reared to 
farm life, early becoming familiar with the work 
of field and meadow, as ho assisted in the task 
of plowing, planting and harvesting. At the age 
of twenty-one years he started out in life on his 
own account, and is now farming three hundred 
and twenty acres of rich and productive land, the 
fields annually returning to him abundant harvests 
as the reward of his care and labor. He also has 
twenty-two head of horses on his place, and raises 
about one hundred head of hogs annually, together 
with forty head of cattle. He ships most of his 
stock to the Chicago market, and is well known 
as a progressive farmer and stockman, whose close 
application and unremitting diligence constitute 
the salient features of his success. 



On the 1.5th of September, 1886, Mr. Garvin 
was united in marriage to Miss Hessie Carney, 
who was born in County Down, Ireland, Septem- 
ber 2, 1863, and is a daughter of Barney and Eliz- 
abeth (Lennon) Camey, who were likewise natives 
of County Down. Her father became a resident 
of Bureau county, Illinois, in the year 1877, lo- 
cating in Neponset township, where he followed 
the occupation of farming until his life's labors 
were ended in death in 1895, when he was seventy- 
five years of age. His political allegiance was 
given to the democracy, and he was a communi- 
cant of the Roman Catholic church. His widow 
still survives him and is now living in Neponset 
township. In their family were twelve children, 
of whom the following yet survive. These are: 
Mary Ann, the wife of Timothy DriscoU; Kate, 
the wife of Thomas Curran; Sarah, the widow of 
Thomas Smith; Mrs. Garvin; Maggie, the wife of 
William Stone ; Ella, the wife of Henry Smithers ; 
Lena, who married F. Rouse; Theresa, the wife of 
ilorgan Hunnel ; John ; Robert ; and Bennie. 

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Garvin has been 
Ijlessed with ten children, of whom seven yet sur- 
vive, namely: Margaret, Sarah, Thomas, Mary, 
Elizabeth, Catherine and Alice. Mr. Garvin is 
desirous that his children shall enjoy good school 
advantages, and has done efl^ective service in be- 
half of education through the employment of com- 
petent teeahers in the school district in which he 
is a director. He votes with the republican party, 
and his interest in community affairs is that of a 
public-spirited citizen. Since starting upon his 
btisiness career he has displayed many sterling 
traits of character, including unfaltering perse- 
verance and diligence and a laudable ambition. 
He has in this way attained a measure of success 
that is very gratifying, and he is now accounted 
one of the progressive and prosperous agricul- 
turists of his community. 



SEWARD MARTIN. 



Seward Martin, whose farm of one hundred and 
ninety-six acres in Bureau township is largely de- 
voted to the breeding and raising of pure blooded 
Galloway cattle, whereon are some of the finest 
specimens of this breed to be found in northern 
Illinois, was born in Manlius township, Decem- ■ 
ber 23, 18.'J9, his parents being Thurlow W. and 
]Mary L. (Alvard) Martin, who became early resi- 
dents of this part of the state. No event of spe- 
cial importance occurred to vary the routine of 
fann life for their son Seward in his boyhood days. 
He attended the district schools and worked in 
the fields, and, as the years passed by, gained in 
l)roficiency and his knowledge of the best methods 
of carrying on farm work. 

On ihe 7lh of February. 1889, he was united 
in marriage to Miss Sarah R. Morgan, a daughter 
of W. IT. and Barbara L. (Jontz) Morgan, the 



PAST AXl) I'ltESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



:<{', 



former a native of England and the latter of 
Bureau township, this county. It was in the year 
18.5 r that Mr. Morgan came from his native coun- 
try to the new world and took up his abode in 
Bureau county. The nuirriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Martin has been blessed with five children, but 
their first born, Mabel, is now deceased. Those 
still living are William, Everett, Barbara and 
Florence. 

ThroughoHt his entire life Mr. Martin has 
carried on farming, and has found tluit diligence 
constitutes a safe basis upon which to build the 
superstructure of success. Day after day, week 
after week and year after year he has labored per- 
sistently, his efl'orts being guided by sound judg- 
ment and business capacity. Today lie is the 
owner of one hundred and ninety-six acres of land 
in Bureau township, where are seen well tilled 
fields, promising golden harvests, while in his pas- 
tures arc found fine sjiecimens of Galloway stock. 
He is making a specialty of the breeding and rais- 
ing of cattle of this kind and is finding it a suc- 
cessful venture. 

His political allegiance is given to the repub- 
lican party, and he is well informed concerning 
the questions and issues of the day. Fraternally 
he is identified with the Modern Woodmen of 
America, and in matters of citizenship he is found 
progressive and active, manifesting the same spirit 
of enterprise which has made him successful in 
his business career. Measures for the general good 
receive his hearty indorsement and he does what 
he can for the benefit and welfare of the com- 
nuinitv. 



CHARLES M. SAPP. 
Charles M. Sapp, who, having retired from farm 
life, makes his home in Princeton, was born in 
Wyanet township. Bureau county. May 30, 1804. 
His father. Henry Sapp, is practically retired from 
farm life, but still manages his agricultural inter- 
ests in ^^^■anet township, although for the past 
four years he has made his home in Princeton. 
He was born in Kent county, Delaware, December 
13, 1834, a son of Solomon and Ann (Carter) 
Sapp, both of whom were natives of Delaware. 
Tliey became residents of Bureau countv in Jul}', 
183.3, and, after a brief residence in Princeton, 
settled about four miles west of the city, in what 
is now Wyanet township. This was at that time 
a pioneer district in which few settlements had 
been made, the most of the land being unclaimed 
and uncidtivated, while many of the now thriving 
towns had not yet sprung into existence. At a 
later date Mr. and Mrs. Solomon Sapp spent eight 
months at Galena, Illiuois, but afterward returned 
to Bureau county, and he entered a large tract of 
land from the government in Wyanet township, 
becoming owner of between four and five hundrcil 
acres. As the years passed he prospered, and, in- 
vesting more and more largely in real estate, be- 



came the owner of over twelve hundred acres, fol- 
lowed fanning and stock-raising, and wliile culti- 
vating part of his land, he leased much of it, de- 
riving therefrom a good income. He served as 
justice of the peace for years, but was never very 
active in politics in the sense of ottice seeking. His 
political allegiance was given to the democracy for 
a long period, but in later years lie was a prohi- 
bitionist, for the party emliodicd his ideas ujion 
the temperance f[U(>stion. Both he and his wife 
were life long Melliodists, and were most earnest 
Christian jieople. His death occurred in Decem- 
ber. 1891, when he lacked but four days of being 
eighty-four years of age. He was twice married 
before he wedded Ann Carter, and by a former 
inarriafre had one .son, Joiin W., who .'served in 
the Civil war and died after returning home. Mre. 
Aun Sapj) passed away about 1880 at an advanced 
age. By this marriage there were eight children, 
of whom four are now living, two died in child- 
hood, a daughter passing away in infancy and 
Solomon at the age of eleven years. The other 
si.x arrived at maturity, namely: Alfred B., who 
died upon his farm in Wyanet township in 1892, 
leaving three children; Julia, who became the 
wife of E. K. Jlercer. and dietl in .\ugust, 1905, 
when fifty years of age: Elijah, a farmer residing 
west of Wyanet; Mrs. Sarah E. Foreman, whose 
home is in Iowa; Ann E., the wife of J. S. Clark, 
of Princeton ; and Henry. 

The last named was reared in Bureau county 
from the age of six months, and has here lived for 
seventy-one years. He attended the public schools 
and a private school at Princeton, and was also 
a student in northern Illinois, pursuing his stud- 
ies at one time at Mount Morris, in Ogle count)'. 
He has successfully followed farming and stock- 
raising and still owns two farms, one of one hun- 
dred and sixty acres and the other of eighty acres, 
both lying in Wyanet township. To these he yet 
gives liis personal supervision, although he leaves 
the active work of the farm to others. His life 
has been one of industry and enterprii^e, and indo- 
lence and idleness are utterly foreign to his nature. 
In 1859 Henry Sapp was married to Miss Martlia 
Mills, who was born in Hamilton county, Ohio, 
and came to Bureau county in 1857 with an aunt. 
Her parents, John ){. and Ann (Marshall) Mills, 
had arrived in 185t>. The father dieil in the "808, 
at which time he was a retired fanner at Tiskilwa. 
Mis wife passed away in .Vugust, 19()ti, at the very 
advanced age of ninety-three years, and iiotli were 
laid to rest in the Tiskilwa cemetery. Mrs. Sapp 
was one of seven children, five daughters and two 
sons. The latter are now deceased, l>ut the live 
sisters are all living, though they arc widely scat- 
tered. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Henry Sapp were born 
two children who yet survive, and they also lost 
one in infancy. The daughter, Euellii, is the wife 
of M. M. Cusic, residing at Chicago, who for years 
has l)een engaged in the boot and shoe business. 
They have one child, Dennis, who is about twenty- 



948 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



three years of age and is connected with a steel 
company at Chicago. Politically Mr. Sapp has 
given his support to the democratic party through 
much of his life, although he is practically inde- 
pendent in politics. He has filled some local offices, 
but has never been anibitous in that direction. 
He now resides at No. 204 East Peru street, in 
Princeton, and is comfortably situated as the re- 
sult of his enterprise and labor in fonner years. 
He woi'ked persistently to acquire a competence, 
and as the years have passed he has gained that 
success which is the legitimate outcome of earnest 
and unfaltering labor. 

The subject of this sketch was married to Miss 
Nell R. Yirden, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. R. 
Virden, mentioned on another page of this vol- 
ume. She, too. was l)orn and reared in Bureau 
county and educated in the district and city 
schools. Two children grace this marriage: Ed- 
ward Virden, who was Itorn in 1886, and is now a 
stenographer in the freight office of the Chicago, 
Burlington & Quincy Railroad, having graduated 
in the business college in Princeton on the com- 
pletion of the commercial course; and Charles 
Ijee, eighteen years of age, at home. 

In his political views Mr. Sapp has always been 
a democrat, yet never active in the work of the 
partv. He is prominent in Masonry, having taken 
the degrees of the lodge, chapter and commandery, 
and his wife is connected with the P. E, 0., while 
her religious faith is indicated by her membership 
in the Methodist Episcopal church. They have a 
pleasant home at No. 521 West South street, and 
are ]irominent in social circles of the city, having 
a \\u\i' and favorable acquaintance, while the hos- 
l)itality of many of the best homes of Princeton is 
Gordiallv extended them. 



WARREN L. MERCER, 

Warren Tj. Mercer, residing in the village of La 
Moillc, is an enterprising and wide-awake busi- 
ness man, who has charge of his father's estate. 
A native son of the county, he was born May lo, 
1873, his parents being George W. and Sarah 
(Little) Mercer, the former a native of Ohio and 
the latter of New Jersey. They were married in 
1870 in this county and located ujwn a farm. Mr. 
Mercer successfully carried on general agricultural 
pursuits, making judicious investments in ]ii-op- 
erty until he is now tlie owner of six lumdred 
acres of very valuable land. LTnto him and his 
■wife were born seven children. 

Warren L. Mercer, the second in oi'dcr of birth, 
was a student in the La Moille schools until he 
had mastered the branches of learning tlierein 
taught, after which he turned his attention to the 
farming and live stock business. He now owns 
property in the village of La Moille and his time 
and energies are largely occupied with the man- 
agement of his father's extensive interests. He 



has charge of the farming of si.\ hundred acres 
of land and in its care displays excellent business 
abilitj' and executive force. 

On the 20th of August, 1891, Mr. Mercer was 
married to Miss Ida McCray, who was bom 
August 18, 1874, in La Moille township, a daugh- 
ter of Joseph ]McCray. They now have three 
children: Alma E., born April 8, 1S!)4: Gladys 
E., October 7, 1898; and Gaylord, July 26, 1900. 
In liis political views Mr. Mercer is 'a republican 
and he and his family are members of the Metho- 
dist Protestant church. He is a man of fine 
physique, who has attained proficiency in various 
athletic sports and is a model citizen, wliose in- 
terest in public affairs is manifest in the tangible 
co-operation which he gives to many movements 
of direct and permanent benefit to the community. 
In his bu.siness affairs he has attained distinction 
lis one thoroughly familiar with his chosen line 
of activitv and also thoroughly competent therein, 
and in the control of the interests of which he 
now has charge he is dis23laying excellent ability 
and executive force. 



HENRY D. STEELE. M. D. 

Dr. Henry D. Steele, physician and surgeon of 
Princeton, with large patronage, indicative of the 
public confidence in his professional skill and 
knowledge, was born in Dover, Illinois, June 17, 
1869. His father, Andrew L. Steele, was a native 
of New York, and married Susan Zearing, a native 
of Pennsylvania and a relative of the Zearing 
family of Bureau county. The marriage was cele- 
brated in is."i2, and Andrew L. Steele followed 
merchandising in Dover, Illinois, thus providing 
a comfortable living for his family. He took a 
warm interest in public affairs, and has always 
!)een numbered among the highly respected citizens 
of the ditt'erent communities in which he has lived. 
He now nuU<es his home in Princeton, where he is 
enjoying a well-earned rest after long, active and 
honorable connection with commercial pursuits. 

Dr. Steele, having comi)leted his literary edu- 
cation in Dover Academy, entered upon the study 
of medicine as a student in the medical depart- 
ment of the Northwestern University of Chicago, 
from which he was graduated in the class of 1892. 
After S)iending a year as a student in John Hop- 
kins hospital at Baltimore. Maryland, he located 
for practice at Buda in 1893, where he renuiined 
until 189.5, when he pursued a special course of 
study on the eye, ear, nose and throat in Chicago 
Polyclinic. Later he went to Moline, Illinois, 
where he remained from 1896 until 18!)9. and in 
the latter year he went west to Colorado for the 
benefit of his health. He was greatly improved 
by his sojourn in that state and engaged in prac- 
tice there, being so successful that he took his 
family to the west, continuing his residence in 
Colorado until 1900. when he came to Princeton, 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUKEAU COUNTY 



949 



where he has since been KK-atod. 

On the 13lh of November, 18^1, Dr. Steele was 
joined in wedlock to Miss Alta M. Mesenkop, a 
daughter of W. H. Mesenkop, of Princeton, and 
they have one son, William Henry. Dr. Steele 
holds membership in the Masonic lodge of Prince- 
ton, the council and the conunandcry, and is a 
worthy exemplar of the craft. He possesses the 
enterprising spirit which has been the dominant 
factor in the uplniilding of the middle west, and 
his laudable ambition and close application have 
made him an able representative of his profession, 
with broad, thorough and accurate knowledge. 
He is seldom, if ever, at fault in the iliagnosiug 
of a case or in anticipating the outcome of dis- 
ease, and anything which tends to bring to man 
the Key to that complex mystery which we call 
life is of interest to him. A love of scieutilic re- 
search and broad humanitarian principles combine 
to make him a successful physician. 



ALBERT PIPER. 

The broad acres which constitute the farm of 
Albert Piper are well cultivated, and golden har- 
vests are annually gathered as the reward of his 
labors. He is one of the most ]H-ogressive agri- 
culturists of his community, and that he keeps 
in touch with modern progress is indicated by the 
fact that among his possessions is included a fine 
automobile, whereby he is enabled to cover the 
distance of twelve miles between his home and 
the county seat in thirty-five minutes. Born in 
Bureau county on the 1st of April, 1875, he is a 
son of Hiram H. and Amanda (McWilliams) 
Piper, who were married December 18, 18.59. The 
father was born in llarveyslntrg, Ohio, December 
11, 1828, and the mother's birth occurred Janu- 
ary 16, 1841. Hiram H. Piper arrived in Bureau 
county in 1836, and has since lived within its bor- 
ders, taking a prominent part in shaping its agri- 
cultural development. He is now one of the ven- 
erable citizens of the county, and well deserves 
mention in this volume as a pioneer who has aided 
in subjugating the wilderness and extending Die 
frontier. 

All)ert Piper at the usual age became a public- 
school student, and through the winter seasons 
mastered the branches of learning usually taught 
in the public schools, while in the summer mouths 
he was trained to farm labor, with which he Ije- 
canie thoroughly familiar, gaining accurate knowl- 
edge of the best methods and time of ])lanting his 
crops and of caring for the fields during the season 
of development and of harvest. As a companion 
and helpmate for life's journey he chose Miss Ella 
M. Turner, whom he wedded on the 1st of October, 
18116. She was born September 18, 1874, in this 
coiintv, and her parents, Clarence L. and Mary .V. 
( I'almer) 'i'urner, were also natives of this <'onnty 
and are now living retired in Princeton at the age 



of si.xly years. Like her husband, Mrs. Piper waa 
educated in the ])ublic .sdiools here. They attend 
the Methodist Ei)iscopal church at Maiden and 
contribute to its support, while Mr. Piper follows 
in the political footsteps of his father and gives 
unfaltering allegiance to the re|)ul)liean party. 
He belongs to the Knights of Fytiiias fraternity, 
his membership being in Dauntless lodge, No. 150, 
and is also identified with the Modern Woodmen of 
America. 

While his is a well rounded nature, in which due 
attention is given to the various interests i)t'aring 
upon nuurs jjhysical, mental and moral develop- 
ment, his tinu; naturally is given mostly to his 
business affairs, and he is now the owner of two 
Inuulred acres of choice land, in the management 
of which he displays excellent business foresight 
and sagacity. He is seldom at error in matters 
of judgment, is capal)le and honest, and success 
has come to him as the result of well directed ef- 
fort. He bids fair to repeat the work of his father, 
who has long been numbered as one of the pros- 
])erous and leading farmers of the county. Al- 
ready he has a fine farm, in the midst of which 
stanils a handsome residence. Near by are good 
barns and outbuildings for the shelter of grain 
and stock, and these in turn are surroun<led with 
broad fields, giving promise of golden luirvests. 
No modern equipment of a model farm is lacking, 
and be is always interested in everything that 
pertains to agricultural progress. Fifty years ago 
people were riding to town in this part of the 
state behind the slow plodding oxen. Today Mr. 
Piper covers a distance of twelve miles in thirty- 
five minutes in his automobile. Equally pro- 
nounced progress has been made in other depart- 
ments of farm work and with all Jlr. Piper has 
kei)t in touch. Jloney making is not the sole 
end and aim of his life, for while he is successful 
ho believes also in enjoying life and in his home 
hospitality reigns supreme, the Pi]ier residence 
being a favorite resort with Die many friends of 
the familv. 



WILLIA]\I E. .W'DERSON. 

William E. Anderson, who, having retired from 
active farming lite after many years of connection 
with general agricultural interests, is now living 
in a comfortable home in ^[ilo township, was 
born in Hiireau county, Illinois, in 1858. He is a 
son of I'hnanuel .\nderson, wlio came to this 
CDuniy from Pennsylvania and seltled on the 
farm where Peier Bauekninn now lives. He as- 
sisted in im])roving this land and subseipiently 
went to Iowa, but after a time removed to Ne- 
braska, where he <lied in 1!I01 at the age of 
seventy-seven years. He had four children, three 
sons and a daughter, of which number three arc 
now living, nnmely: William; Francis, who re- 
sides in Oregon: and Mary, the wife of .Terorac 
T-iCwis of Kansas. 



950 



PAST AND PJJKSEXT OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



William Anderson was educated in the common 
schools and has always followed farming. He 
hought his first tract of land in 1885, becoming 
owner of two hundred and forty acres at a later 
date. He has prospered in his undertakings, his 
investments have been judiciously placed and as 
the result of his careful management and enter- 
prising business affairs he is now in possession 
of a handsome competence that enables him to 
live retired. 

Mr. Anderson married Miss Charlotte Hunter, 
a daughter of Edward Hunter, an old settler of 
Bureau county, who came here when a boy about 
1S50. They now have four children, two sons 
and two daughters: Charles, who is a graduate 
of the Tiskilwa high school and is now attending 
college at Champaign, Illinois; Hiram McClellan, 
a graduate of the Tiskilwa high school ; Ethel ; and 
Inez. 

Mr. Anderson is a repul)lican who has served 
as road commissioner, as school trustee and school 
director, and the duties devolving upon him in 
these connections have been faithfully performed, 
for in all matters of citizenship he is loyal to the 
best interests of the community. He holds mem- 
bership with the Masonic fraternity at Tiskilwa 
and he and his wife favor the Methodist Episco- 
pal church. In former years Mr. Anderson was a 
leading farmer and stock man, who raised hogs 
and cattle for the market. By his close applica- 
tion and unremitting attention to his business, 
combined with unfaltering industry, he steadily 
worked his way upward, reaching the plane of 
affluence. He built a beautifiil home on the farm 
where he now resides, but he has recently disposed 
of this property and will take up his abode in 
the town, his capital being sufficient to supply 
him with the comforts and many of the luxuries 
of life without recourse to further labor. 



A. M. BRYAN. 

A. M. Bryan resides at No. 104 South Fourth 
street in Princeton and is well known throughout 
the county and this part of the state as a promi- 
nent and prosperous breeder of registered short- 
horn cattle and Poland China hogs, to which busi- 
ness he has devoted his energies for twenty-three 
years. He was born in Ohio in 1853 and in 1S55 
was brought to Bureau county by his parents, 
James and Julia (Leanham) Bryan. His mother, 
a native of Ohio, had a family of si.xteen children, 
of whom tliirteen are now living. She still sur- 
vives, but the father passed away in 1801. 

A. M. Bryan acquired his education in the com- 
mon schools of Bureau county and throughout his 
business career has been identified with farming 
and stock-raising interests here save for a period 
of two years spent in northwestern Iowa. In 1901 
he purcliased a farm of two hundred and fifty 



acres east of Princeton, which he still owns. He is 
one of the pronrinent stock-raisers of northern Il- 
linois and keeps about forty head of cattle and 
three humlred hogs. He has pigs born every 
month in the year and sells hogs each month in 
the year. He has made sales of hogs in thirteen 
states of the Union, including Texas, Pennsyl- 
vania, South Dakota, Delaware, Oklahoma and 
others. He makes a specialty of the breeding and 
raising of hogs and for this purpose buys the best 
stock regardless of price. He now owns Junction 
Chief, eleven years old and weighing one thousand 
pounds. In 1905 he bought a hog, U. S. Sun- 
shine, two years old, weighing eight hundred and 
fifteen pounds and measuring eleven inches on the 
smallest part of the leg. Captain E. Bruton, liv- 
ing ten miles north of Princeton, who has the 
reputation of lieing the best pork producer in Bu- 
reau county, has bought two male hogs each year 
from Mr. Bryan for seventeen consecutive years. 
In his business Mr. Bryan has been very success- 
ful. He advertises in breeders' Journals and has 
become well known in stock-raising circles 
throughout the country. His business has reached 
very extensive and profitable proportions and he 
has become the owner of valuable property hold- 
ings, including a fine farm of two hundred and 
eight acres just south of Princeton, where he 
carries on his stock-raising interests. He has there 
a fine two-story residence and large barns. He 
also owns two hundred and fifty acres east of 
Princeton and his present residence is situated at 
104 South Fourth street, just opposite the Prince- 
ton liigh srhool, in which his daughters are being 
educated. 

Mr. Bryan was married to Miss Maggie Elliott, 
a daughter of J. F. Elliott, of Iowa, and a sister 
of Simon Elliott of Princeton. ^Ir. and Mrs. 
Bryan now have two daughters, Zathoe and Viv- 
ian. The parents and daughters are members of 
the Presbyterian church. IMr. Bryan is a demo- 
crat with independent tendencies and though he 
keeps well informed on questions and issues of the 
day he has never sought for office, preferring to 
concentrate his attention upon his business inter- 
ests. He does not possess a dollar that he has not 
himself honestly earned. It has been through in- 
domitable perseverance and a hard struggle that 
he has worked his way steadily upward and the 
story of his achievement should inspire all young 
men who read it with a truer estimate of the value 
of industrv and the sure rewards of character. 



LEWIS :\r. LONG. 

Lewis JI. Lung, whose life has been an active 
and useful one, deserves much credit for what he 
has acomplished. He was bom in Ottawa county, 
Ohio, December 13, 1851, and was only six years 
of age when brought to Bureau county by his 
iiarents in 1857. He was the eldest of five chil- 




A. M. BKYAN. 



PAST AND PEESENT OF BUliEAU COUNTY. 



953 



dreu born unto Frederick and Rachel (St. Clair) 
Lon?, the former a native of Germany and the 
latter of Ottawa county, Ohio. 

Being but a young lad when he arrived in Bu- 
reau county, Lewis M. Ix)ng began his education 
in the public schools here and continued his 
studies in the graded schools at Sublette, Lee 
county, Illinois, and again was a student in Bu- 
reau county for one term. His mental training 
was an excellent discipline for the practical and 
responsible duties of later life and on putting 
aside his text-books he entered upon the task of 
making a farm and home for himself. He has 
met with some financial reverses, but under all 
conditions has maintained an unassailable reputa- 
tion for integrity and honor, and as right event- 
ually triumphs, Mr. Long is again numbered 
among the substantial residents of his community. 

On the 3d of September, 1873, occurred the 
marriage of Lewis M. Long and Miss Eliza F. 
Cresap, who was born in Bureau county, July 10, 
1856. She is a daughter of Van 0. and Ruth 
(Ravenscroft) Cresap, who were natives of Ohio 
and became residents of Illinois in 1840. Her 
father was a farmer by occupation and reared a 
family of six children, of whom Mrs. Long is the 
fifth. By her marriage she has become the mother 
of thi-ee children : Pearl, born August 10, 1877 ; 
Elva Ruth, born January 16, 1883, and Daisy M., 
born April 29. 1884. Mrs. Long attends the 
L^uited Brethren church, of which she is a mem- 
ber, and his views upon the temperance question are 
plainly indicated by the allegiance which he gives 
to the prohibition party. The home farm com- 
prises one hundred and tw^elve and a half acres of 
excellent land and Jlr. Long lias always followed 
farming and stock-raising. He has been a di- 
rector of the schools for twelve years and the 
cause of education finds in him a warm friend. 
Socially he and his wife occupy an enviable posi- 
tion and he is a pleasant, genial gentleman, whose 
kindliness and deference for the opinions of others 
haye made him po])ular. At all times he has 
maintained an unassailable reputation for hon- 
orable dealing, and his personal worth classes him 
with tlic valncil and representative citizens. 



PETER J. CASSIDY. 

Peter J. Cassidy, figuring prominently in agri- 
cultural and financial circles in Arlington and 
Westfield town.<hi]i as president of the State Bank 
of the former and as a leading and successful far- 
mer of the latter, is numbered among that class of 
representative American citizens who in promoting 
individual success likewise cnnlribiitc to the gen- 
eral prosperity. Moreover, lie lias maintained an 
active and helpful interest in public all'airs and is 
justly accounted one of the representative men of 
this part, of the state. 



He was born in Canada, August 4, 1845, about 
twenty miles from the city of Ottawa. His pa- 
rents, Patrick and Joanna (Coughlin) Cassidy, 
were both natives of Ireland and at a very early 
age became residents of Canada, where they were 
reared and remained until their removal to the 
United States in May, 1847. They resided for 
a short time in Stark county, Illinois, coming 
later to Bureau county, where they took up their 
abode in Westfield township before the close of 
the same year. Patrick Cassidy and his father, 
Peter Cassidy, entered claim to eighteen tracts 
of land of eighty acres each near to and adjoin- 
ing tiie village of Arlington, which was at that 
time called Lost Grove. Practically the work of 
development and improvement bad not been start- 
ed in that part of the county, the land being 
still in its primitive condition. Patrick Cassidy 
first purchased a yoke of oxen and was obliged 
in the early days to drive this ox team thirty miles 
to mill in order to get bread stuffs. It frequently 
required two days to make the trip, for he had to 
wait his turn at the grist. He brought flour back 
with him to sell to bis neighbors. In the com- 
munity he was widely known and wa.« an influ- 
ential factor in public iife and in the business de- 
velopment and improvement of the community. 
Peter Cassidy, Sr., died in the spring of 1864 at 
Ottawa, Illinois, while Patrick Cassidy died July 
16, 1855, on what is now the old homestead farm 
on section 10, Westfield township. Bureau county. 
They were both [irominent jiioncer settlers and 
their names are closely interwoven with tlie early 
history of this pari of the state. 

Patrick Cassidy had four brothers, two of 
whom, Peter and Terrence Cassidy, served as sol- 
diers in the Civil war. Terrence enlisted at Ot- 
tawa early in the war and was wounded at At- 
lanta, being sliot in the hand. He died shortly 
after the close of the war, passing away in 1865. 
Peter Cassidy, uncle of our subject, was drafted 
in 1864 and served until the close of hostilities. 
He died in the winter of 1881. Phillip Cassidy, 
another brother of this family, pas.sed away at 
Omaba. Nebraska, in 1893, while the fourth broth- 
er, James Cassidv, died in Arlington, Illinois, July 
3, 1895. 

Two years of age when brought by his parents 
from Canada to Illinois, Peter J. Cassidy of 
this review began his education in the district 
schools and continued his studies in the high 
school in Princeton. He engaged in teaching 
school for a time through the winter terms and 
during the summer months followed farming. He 
has always led a busy and useful life, his energy 
and enterprise being crowning features in his 
career and from early manhood to the present 
time haf been closely associated with agricultural 
interests. He is now the owner of two hundred 
acres of land in Westfield township valued at from 
one hundred and seventy-five to tw-o hundred dol- 
lars per acre. This constitutes a very tine farm. 



954 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUREAU COUJsTY. 



being equipped with all modern conveniences and 
accessories and everything about the place is in 
keeping with the most advanced ideas concerning 
agricultural development. Mr. Cassidy also be- 
came an active factor in financial circles when in 
1903 he was one of the organizers of the Arling- 
ton State Bank. He served as a director from 
the beginning and on the 28th of May, 1904, he 
was chosen president of the bank, which is his 
present connection therewith. He is a man of 
keen discernment in business affairs, his judgment 
being seldom, if ever, at error and his wise coun- 
sel is a valued factor in the successful control 
of the interests, public and private, with which 
he has been connected. 

On the 19th of November, 1877, Mr. Cassidy 
was married to Miss Mary A. Lawler, who was 
born in the village of Arlington, June 26, 1857, a 
daughter of Luke and Catherine (O'Malley) Law- 
ler. both of whom were natives of Ireland. The 
father came to Bureau county in the early '40s 
and was the first blacksmith in Westfield tovm- 
ship. Unto Mr. and ^Irs. Cassidy have been 
born three children : Harry Vincent, who died in 
infancy; Jennie, wlio died in 1896; and John L., 
who is" still with his father. The wife and mother 
passed away April 26, 1883, and as she was a most 
estimable lady, possessed of many good traits of 
heart and mind, her death was deeply regretted 
by those who knew her. 

Mr. Cassidy has served as asse.'^sor of Wcsttield 
township for several years and was towmship treas- 
urer for four years. In polities he is an independ- 
ent democrat, supporting the candidate rather than 
the party and always laboring for the best inter- 
ests of the commuunity. He ever places the gen- 
eral good before partisanship, nor has he sought 
political preferment as a reward for aid which 
he has rendered in matters pertaining to the wel- 
fare of the community. Realizing the obligations 
which have devolved upon him as an individual 
and as a citizen he has in public and private re- 
lations of life faithfully discharged every duty 
and thereby commanded the esteem and confidence 
of his fellowmcu. 



BENJAMIN F. PATTERSON. 
Benjamin F. Patterson, who has spent his en- 
tire life in Bureau county, where his birth oc- 
curred August 2, 1868, has throughout the period 
ot his manhood carried on general farming in- 
terests and now owns and operates one hundred 
and twenty acres of land in Berlin township. His 
parents were David and l\Iary (Davis) Patterson, 
botli natives of Pennsylvania, whence they removed 
westward, becoming residents of Bureau county, 
Illinois, during a comparatively early period in 
its development and upl)uilding. They lived upon 
a farm and thus Benjamin F. Patterson was 
reaied to general agricultural pursuits, early be- 



coming familiar with the duties and labors that 
fall to^ the lot of the farmer as he tills his fields 
and harvests his crops, while during the winter 
seasons he acquired his education in the common 
schools. 

On the 6th of January, 1891, in Bureau coun- 
ty, he was married to iliss Dadie D. Jay, who was 
born ]u Berlin township, December 30, 1872, and 
is a daughter of Andrew J. and Rebecca (Kinna- 
mon) Jay, both natives of Ohio, the former born 
in 1829 "and the latter on the ISth of October. 
1833. Mrs. Patterson obtained a common-school 
education in Bureau county and by her marriage 
h,:is become the mother of one daughter, Euth E., 
born April 17, 1894. 

3[r. Patterson, in order to provide for himself 
aad family, is devoting his energies to general 
agrici-iltural pursuits and is a wide-awake busi- 
ne:-s man. alert and energetic. He now has one 
hundred and twenty acres of land, which is rich 
and pi'oductive and the place is well equipped 
with modern improvements and accessories, the 
fields being well tilled, while in the pastures are 
found good grades of stock. Socially he is con- 
nected with the Modern Woodmen and in his po- 
litical views is a republican. His wife is a mem- 
ber of the Methodist churcii and both are highly 
(!steemed people, who have spent their entire lives 
in this county and have a large circle of warm 
friends, many of whom have known them from 
early iifc to the jiresent time. 



HERMAN N. HOLLER. 
Herman N. Holler, comfortably situated in life 
upon a farm in Westfield township, is one of 
the native sons of La Salle county, this state, 
h.aving been born in Dimmick township, Novem- 
ber 13, 1864. He is a son of Phillip and Eliza- 
beth (Ott) Holler. His father, a native of Cham- 
bersburg, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, became 
one of the early residents of La Salle county and 
for many years followed farming as a source of 
livelihood, but is not actively engaged in business 
pursuits at the present time. He resides upon 
the boundary line between Bureau and La Salle 
counties on the old family homestead, which has 
been his place of residence through a long and 
tminterrupted period. His wife was born in Cum- 
berland county, Pennsylvania, and with her hus- 
band came to La Salle county in 1846. She died 
November 15, 1899. Mr. Holler is yet a very 
active old gentleman, who, although eighty-five 
years of age retains his hearing and eyesight tm- 
impairod. He is so hale and hearty that it is dif- 
ficult to realize that he has passed the four score 
mark on life's journey. He has been a member 
of the Masonic fraternity for over forty years 
and was one of the first to join Peru lodge. He 
has attained the Knight Templar degree in St. 
Johns conimanderv and is one of the oldest Masons 



PAST AM) 1'I!HSI:NT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



1)55 



in tho state. He has reared a family nf ihililren 
and now has graiidehiklren and great-graudehil- 
dren, so that there are lour living generations of 
tlie tainily in tliis part of Illinois. 

Herman X. Holler at the iisual age entered the 
district schools, wherein he pursued his studies 
until he put aside his textbooks to givo undivided 
attention to farm labor. The oecupalion to which 
he was reared he has always made his life work 
and he is now the owner of one hundred and 
twenty acres of fine land valued at from one hun- 
dred and seventy-five to two hundred tlollars per 
acre. Upon this place he raises corn, oats and 
other crops and also keeps some stock. He is 
principally a grain farmer, however, and his iiclds 
are now well cultivated, bringing to him good 
annual harvests. He has recently erected a fine 
new residence upon his ]>lace and there are also 
substantial barns and outbuildings. The land is 
divided into fields of convenient size by well kept 
fences and none of the equipments of a model 
farm are here lacking. 

Mr. Holler was married December 16, 1898, to 
Miss Jennie Xeill, wlio was born in Peoria, Hli- 
nois, a daughter of William and ilargaret (Coak- 
ley) Neill, the former a native of Ireland and (he 
latter of this state. Four children bless this mar- 
riage: Howard, Botert, Blanche and Phillip. 



THO]\rAS r. CALLIXAN. 

Thomas C. Callinan is among the worthy resi- 
dents of Bureau county furnished by the Emerald 
isle. His birth occurred in County Clare, Ireland, 
and he came to America in 1860, making his way 
direct to Princeton, and after four years' residence 
in the new world he offered his services to his 
adopted land as a defender of the Union cause, en- 
listing in 1864 and serving until the end of the 
war. He took part in a number of battles and was 
wounded on several occasions. He was in the en- 
gagement at Altoona Pass and in various battles of 
the Atlanta campaign, and after the capitulation 
of the city of Atlanta went with Sherman on the 
celebrated march to the sea. He Joined the army 
as a private of Company I, I'hirtieth Illinois In- 
fantry, and became captain of a forage company, 
in which capacity he was led into many places of 
danger, but he never faltered in the performance 
of any task that was assigned him. 

Peturning to his home at the close of the war, 
then but eighteen years of age, Tliomas C. Cal- 
linan gave his attention to farm work and 
throughout his entire life has carried on general 
agricultural pursuits. In 18T() he purchased one 
hundred and sixty acres of land, for whidi he ])aid 
seventy-two and a half dollars per acre and wliicli 
is today worth one hundred and seventy-five dol- 
lars per acre. He has placed many substantial 
improvements upon his property and uses excel- 
lent macbinorv to facilitate (he work of the fields. 



He raises the cereals best adapted to soil and cii- 
iiuite and altogether has a well improved, model 
farm. 

^ On tile 24th of February, 1870, in Maiden, Mr. 
Callinan was married to Miss Mary A. Piiiker, 
who was born in this county in .\ugust, 1852. 
Their children are: ilurty A., who was born 
Jlarch ;J1, 1871, and married Becca A. Hoan ; and 
Eva, who was born Xovemher 11, 187S, and is 
now the wife of J. E. Selli.'^burg, by wiioni she 
has one child, Jacob E., now in his third year. 
Jlr. Callinan provided his children with excellent 
educational advantages. His son, who was a stu- 
dent in the high school of Princeton, completed 
his education in San Francisco, California, and 
the daughter, after attending the Princeton high 
school, pursued her studies in the Moody school in 
ilas.5acluisetls and was afterward graduated on 
tlie completion of a course in both vocal and in- 
strumental music in Oberlin College at Oberlin, 
Ohio. She is a musician of rare ability, botli as a 
performer and vocalist. 

.Mr. Callinan has attained high rank in ilasonry, 
belonging (o Princeton lodge. No. 587, A. F. & 
A. M., l'rincc(on rhap(cr, Xo. 28, 1!. .\. M., Coun- 
cil X'o. 8, l{. & 8. M., and Temple commandeiy, 
X'o. 20, K. T. He is also a member of Ferris 
post, No. 309, G. A. P., and of Dauntless lodge, 
No. 150, K. P., at Maiden. He votes with the 
republican party, to which he has always given 
stanch support, standing firm in his advocacy of 
the organizati(ui which was the cham])ion of the 
Union during the dark days of tlie Civil war and 
lias always been the promoter of reform and 
progress in the country. For four years he served 
as deputy sheriff, but otherwise has held no public 
ofiiccs. In his religious faith he is a Presbyterian, 
belonging to the First Church of Princeton. Jjoyal 
in military service, faithful in citizenshiji and ac- 
curate and reliable in his business alTairs, lie lias 
during the years of his residence in Bureau county 
won a place among its foremost citizens. 



FRIOD ALBRECHT. 

Fred Albrecht, owning and operating two hun- 
dred and eighty-two acres of valuable farming 
land on section 5, Ohio township. Bureau county, 
and also having extensive landed possessions in 
Wisconsin, where he owns thirteen liumlred and 
sixtv acres, was born in the township which is 
still" his home, on the fitli of January. 1859. His 
parents were Jacob and Barliara (Kingerbcrg) .M- 
brcclit, both luitives of the cast, whence tjiey came 
to Illinois at an early day. In their family were 
five children, of wliich (he subject of this review 
is the youngest. By a )u-rvious marriage the 
father had four children. 

Fred Albrecht was reared to farm life and ac- 
quired a common-school education. Although lie 
inherited some of his property lie has through 



956 



PAST AXD PRESENT OF BUliEAL" COUNTY. 



industry and integrity added thereto until he is 
now the o'WTier of two hundred and eighty-two 
acres of very valuable farm land, situated on the 
southeast quarter of section 5, Ohio township, 
Bureau county. He has added many modern im- 
provements to his place, uses good farm machin- 
ery in carrying on the cultivation of his land, and 
by practical and modern methods has enhanced 
the value of his farm until it i.< worth from one 
hundred and fifty to two hundred dollars per acre, 
and is one of the best tracts in Ohio township, and 
in fact in Bureau coimty. He is engaged in gen- 
eral agricultural pursuits, and annually harvests 
excellent crops of grain, his products finding a 
ready sale on the market, where they command the 
highest prices, owing to their good quality. Be- 
sides this farm on which ]Mr. All]recht makes his 
home, he also owns a tract of thirteen hundred 
and sixty acres in Wisconsin. 

Mr. Albrecht was married on the 25th of Octo- 
ber, 1885, to Miss Anna B. Bumgardner, who was 
born in Bureau county, July 9, 1866, a daughter 
of Henry C. and Anna M. Bumgardner, the for- 
mer born in Switzerland, whence he came to 
Auierioa in the "oO.s. The mother was boi'n in 
Bureau county. Unto our subject and his wife 
have been born seven children : Christian H., born 
July 20, 1886; George P., September 11, 1887; 
Albert D., Januarv 23, 1889; Amelia M., Feb- 
ruary 4. 1891 ; Sad'ie, January 11, 1893 ; Pearl C, 
Januarv 27. 1902, and Florence E.. .lanuarv 4, 
1903. 

i[r. Albrecht gives his political support to the 
Democratic party, having firm faith in its prin- 
ciples, and he and his family are identified with 
the German Evangelical church. Although our 
subject came into ownership of some of his prop- 
erty througli inheritance, he has been industrious 
and persevering, carefully managing his business 
interests, so that year by year he has added to his 
financial income and he has been enabled to make 
additional purchases until he is today in posses- 
sion of a handsome competence, being numbered 
among the most prominent and substantial farm- 
ers of Ohio township. He and his family are ex- 
cellent Christian people, possessing sterling qual- 
ities, wliich have won for them warm and lasting 
friendshiiis. 



GENERAL THOMAS J. HENDERSON. 
General TJiomas J. Henderson, of Princeton, 
was l)orn in Brownsville, Tennessee, Novemlier 
29, 1824, a son of Colonel William H. and Sarah 
M. (Howard) Henderson. His father, born in 
Garrard county, Kentucky, November IG, 1793, 
enlisted at the age of nineteen in Colonel Richard 
M. Johnson's Regiment of Mounted RiHemen and 
served in the war of 1812. In 1823 he removed to 
Stewart county, Tennessee, where he followed the 
profession of surveying and filled various jKisi- 
tions of honor and trust. On coming to Illinois, 



he located in what was then Putnam but is now 
Stark county, and two years later, in 1838, was 
elected to the state legislature, where he was the 
contemporary of Lincoln, Edwards, and other 
notable men. He met with the last legislative 
session at Vandalia and the first at Springfield, 
and in 1842 he was the whig candidate for 
lieutenant governor. In 1845 he removed to 
Johnson county, Iowa, and died January 27, 1864, 
at the age of seventy-one years. He was married 
in Stewart county, Tennessee, January 11, 1816, 
to iliss Lucinda Wimberly, and they had three 
children. The mother died in Haywood county, 
Tennessee, and Mr. Henderson married Sarah M. 
Howard, who was born in Sampson county. North 
Carolina. September 15, 1804, and died in 
Marshalltiiwn, Iowa, in January, 1879. They had 
five children. 

General Henderson of this review was a student 
in the public schools and in the academy at 
Brownsville. Tennessee, until eleven years of age, 
when he accompanied his fathers family to Stark 
county, Illinois, where he resumed his studies in 
the pioneer schools. Nine years later he went 
with the family to Johnson county, Iowa, and 
spent one term in the State Lhiiversity, at Iowa 
City. He then returned to Stark county, Illinois, 
and after teaching for a term spent nearly a year 
as clerk in a store. In the fall of 1847 he was 
elected clerk of the county commissioners' court 
and served as such until the office was changed 
to that of clerk of the county court, to which he 
was elected, serving until 1853. In that time he 
continued his law studies, was admitted to the 
bar in 1852, and on retiring from the office in 
1853 began practice in Toulon. The following 
year he was elected to the state legislature, and in 
1856 was chosen to represent his district in the 
state .senate, being the j-oungest member of that 
body. It was an exciting epoch in the history 
of the country — that preceding the Civil war. As 
an anti-Nebraska man he was elected to the house 
and as a republican he was chosen to the senate. 
When the war was inaugurated he stood for the 
Union, and in almost every school district in 
Stark county addressed his fellow citizens, urging 
enlistments and pleading with all to stand l)y the 
administration. 

In the summer of 1862 General Henderson en- 
listed, raisine a company whicii was attached to 
the One Hundred and Twelfth Illinois Volunteer 
Infantry. The regiment was permitted to elect 
its colonel, and ^Ir. Henderson received the unani- 
mous vote of officers and privates. After being 
mustered in September 22, 1862, it was sent im- 
mediately to the front, participating in the cam- 
paigns through Georgia and Tennessee, and ilajor 
General J. D. Cox said of Colonel Henderson, 
"Always hopeful, always jironijit, always coiir- 
ageous. he was a most loyal subordinate and a 
most al)le antl devoted leader.'' M the battle of 
Resaca, ^lay 14, 1864. he was severely wounded. 



PAST AND TKESENT OF lUliHAT CorNTV. 



957 



and after soiiiu tinir ^pmi in the liospital was 
gi-auted a furlough and returned home. After re- 
joining liis regiment, the Third Brigade, Third 
Division, Twenty-third Army Corps was returned 
and he was assigned to its command, thus serving 
until the close of the war, when he was hrevetted 
hrigadier general, the c-ommissioji dating Xovem- 
her 30, 1864. 

The war over, General Ilenderson returned to 
Toulon, Illinois, and resumed his law practice. 
In March, 1867, he removed to Princeton and was 
a partner of Joseph I. Taylor in the ])racticc of 
law until 1871, when he was ap]iointed by Presi- 
dent Grant as United States collector of internal 
revenue for the fifth Illinois district, with head- 
quarters at Peoria. He filled the office for two 
years ami on his return to Princeton in lS7o 
joined Judge H. M. Trimble in the formation of 
one of the strongest law firms that has ever prac- 
ticed at the Bureau county bar. In 1868 Gen- 
eral Henderson was one of the presidential electors 
for the state at large and supported General 
Grant. In ISTO he was an unsuccessful candidate 
for nomination for congress, but in 1874 was 
elected to the forty-fourth congress from the 
sixth Illinois district, and during that term 
served on railways, canals and pension commit- 
tees; in the forty-fifth congress he served on 
claims ; in the forty-sixth on commerce ; in the 
forty-seventh was chairman of the committee on 
military affairs; in the forty-eighth, forty-ninth 
and fiftieth congresses he served on the commit- 
tee on rivers and harbors; in the fifty-first was 
chairman of the committee on river and harbors ; 
and in the fifty-second and fifty-third .served on 
the rivers and harbors committee, and also on 
hanking and currency. For eight years he repre- 
sented the sixth district, and for twelve years the 
seventh district, and after his first term was al- 
ways renominated by acclamation, continuing in 
congress for twenty years. 

On tlie iOth of May, 1849, General Henderson 
married Henrietta I^utler, of Wyoming, Illinois, 
who was born in New York city, August 11, 
1830, a daughter of Captain llciiry and Pebccca 
(Green) Butler. They have become the parents 
of four children: Gertrude R., who married 
Charles J. Dunbar, of Princeton; Sarah E., who 
became the wife of Chester M. Durly, of Prince- 
ton; ifary L., who married John Famsworth, of 
Washington, D. C; and Thomas B., a business 
man of Princeton. 

General Henderson has attained high rank in 
Masonry in connection with tiie York and Scot- 
tifih rites, belonging to the commandery and con- 
sistory. A contemporary biographer has said : '"A 
man more honest and devoted to the best interests 
of his constituentt; never entered the halls of con- 
gress, and those who know him best do not hesi- 
tate to say that ho is in every respect a noble type 
of .\merican manhood. His name stands for hon- 



esty, integrity and eveiytliing that is good in pol- 
itics and jmblic life, and no man in Bureau 
county has stood nearer to the lu-arts of the 
people." 



WIIJJA.M H. BOOTH. 

William II. Booth, who in former years was a 
I'cpresentative farmer of Berlin township but i8 
now living retired in Princeton, was born in Put- 
nam county. Illinois, October '^l, 1847. His pa- 
rents were Jeremiah ami Elizabeth A. (Carver) 
Booth, nativi's of Ohio, whence they came to Illi- 
nois in lS4(i, locating in Putnam county. Their 
marriage was celebrated in the former state and 
they became the parent.s of six children, of whom 
William H. was the fifth in order of birth. His 
youth was passed in his parents' home, wliere he 
was earlv trained to habits of industry and econ- 
omy. His preliminary education was supplement- 
ed by study in Dover Academy and after leaving 
school he went upon a farm and has devoted al- 
most his entire life to general agricultural pur- 
suits. 

On Chri.stmas day of 1867 he was united iu 
nuirriage to Miss Ann E. Pierce, who was born 
^lay 11, 1848, a daughter of James A. and Esther 
((ijccn) Pierce. Mrs. Booth was also educated 
in DovtT .Academy and is a lady of natural cul- 
ture and refinement. By this marriage have been 
born two children: Eva I'j.. who was born March 
8, 1871, and is the wife of J. C. Field, a resident 
of Berlin townshi]) ; and May P., who was born 
June 28. 187.'"), and is still at home. 

Jlr. Booth owns one hundred acres of land in 
Heilin township but now resides in the city of 
I'rinceton, renting his farm. This land, which 
was purchased for five dollars per acre, is now 
worth from one hundred and seventy-five to two 
hundred dollar,-; ]icr acre and the rental therefrom 
brings him a good income. He lias up to recent 
years led a very bu.sy, active and useful life. His 
])lace is situated in one of the liiiest farming sec- 
tions of the county and is adorned with excellent 
buildings, beautiful .shade trees and all modern 
equipments and accessories which go to render it 
an ideal country home. There he r.iisod and fed 
stock in addition to the various cereals host adajited 
to soil and climate. Ilis ])rosperity is attributable 
entirely to his own cITorts. having lx>eu acquired 
through honcsl, earnest labor, through economy 
and careful management. Whatever he undertook 
Mr. Booth ciUTied forward to successful comple- 
tion and his business affairs were so ably directed 
that he is now in possession of a very handsome 
competence. 

Mr. Booth holds mcmbersliip in Levi Lii«k 
lodge, \o. 270, A. F. and A. M., at Arlington; 
in Princeton chapter. No. 28. R. A. M. ; in Temple 
commandery. No. 20. K. T. : and the entire fam- 
ilv belong to the Ea-^tern Star lodge of Princeton. 



958 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



They are also iiienibers of the Congregational 
church and take an active and helpful interest 
in its work. Mr. Booth has filled all of the offices 
in the I\Iasonie lodge and in his life exemplifies 
its beneficent spirit. In politics he has always 
been a republican, voting with the party since 
age conferred upon him the right of franchise. 
For several terms he has served as school director 
and tlie cause of education finds in him a stal- 
wart friend and supporter. He and his wife were 
numbered among the leading citizens of Berlin 
township and left behind them many friends when 
they removed from the farm to the city, where 
they now reside and where they have already 
gained the favorable regard of those with whom 
they have become associated. Mr. and Mrs. Booth 
have always provided their children with good 
educational privileges and the youngest daughter 
is a graduate of the Princeton high school. The 
family stand for educational progress, for material 
improvement and for advancement in all those 
walks of life that are of benefit to hiimanity at 
large and those who know tlicm entertain for them 
the warmest esteem. 



CHEISTOPHEE BOYLAND. 
Christopher Boyland, a farmer of Westfield 
township, where he owns a fine tract of eighty 
acres, was born in Dimmick township. La Salle 
county, Illinois, February 5, 1854, his parents 
being Thomas and !i[ary (O'Brien) Boyland, both 
natives of County Mead, Ireland, who emigrated 
from that country to America in the 3'ear 1846, 
their destination being La Salle county. The 
father there engaged in farming until 1862, when, 
on the 6th of April of that year, he removed to 
Bureau county, [llinojs. settling on a farm on 
section 13, Westfield township, where he con- 
tinued his farming operations until his death, 
which occurred on the 4th of August, 1888, while 
his wife survived him for only a few years, pass- 
ing away on the 15th of September, 1895. 

Christopher Boyland, the subject of this re- 
view, was reared to farm life, assisting his father 
in the work of cultivating the land, planting and 
harvesting the crops when not engaged with his 
tasks in the school room. His educational priv- 
ileges were received in Morris McDonald's dis- 
trict school No. 7, now No. 91. When he had 
put aside his text-books and was ready to start 
out in life on his own account he chose the oc- 
eu]>ation to which he had been reared, and, as he 
was energetic and industrious, always alert for 
every opportunity that woidd prove of benefit to 
him, as the years have passed liv lie has prcs- 
pered in his undertakings until lie is today the 
owner of eighty acres of very valuable farming 
land, situated in Westfield township. He has im- 
proved his land, keeping the best farm machinery 
in order to facilitate his lalior.-;, and on his farm 



are found good, substantial buildings for the 
shelter of grain and stock. He has recently com- 
pleted a new corn crib, which has a capacity of 
si.x thousand bushels of corn and five thousand 
bushels of oats. Besides raising the grain best 
adapted to soil and climate, Mr. Boyland is also 
engaged in raising stock, having horses, cattle 
and hogs of fine grades, and thus he has been 
very successful in both farming and stock-rais- 
ing interests. 

On the 28th of February, 1881, was celebrated 
the marriage of ilr. Boyland and Miss Catherine 
■\IcDonald, who was born December 17, 1856, a 
daughter of Thomas and Nora (McDonald) Mc- 
Donald, both natives of Ireland, from whence 
they emigrated with their respective parents to 
Newfoundland, where they were engaged in the 
fishing business. The McDonald families later 
removed to Bureau county, Illinois, the year of 
their arrival here being 1853. Here Thomas Mc- 
Donald engaged in railroading for a number of 
years, or until 1862, when he turned his atten- 
tion to agricultural pursuits until his death, which 
occurred on the 2nd of July, 1901. He had been 
marrie<l in 1854 to Miss Nora McDonald and she 
yet survives her husband, making her home on 
the old farm homestead. 

Unto our subject and his wife have been born 
eight children, namely: Richard, Thomas, Ed- 
ward, John, Patrick, Agnes, Mary and Marcella. 
Politically Mr. Boyland is a democrat and he and 
his family are communicants of the Catholic 
church at Arlington. He is also a member of the 
^Modern Woodmen camp, No. 3111, at Arlington. 

Mr. Boyland is numbered among the substan- 
tial farmers and stock raisers of Westfield town- 
ship, having a fine tract of eighty acres on which 
he has placed all modern improvements and 
through his industry and careful supervision of 
his business interests he is meeting with gratify- 
ing success. He and his family have many warm 
friends and are classed among the best people of 
their community. 



CLIFTON D. COCHRAN. 
Clifton D. Cochran, who was one of the heirs 
of a fine farm of one hundred and eighty acres in 
Westfield township. Bureau county, was born in 
Hall township, this county, March 1, 1865, a son 
of David A. and Melissa (Dewey) Cochran, both 
natives of New York, and the latter a cousin of 
Admiral Dewey. The grandfather, David Coch- 
ran, Sr., came from New York to Bureau county 
in 1848 and in the eai-ly '50s purchased from the 
government the south half of section 32, pay- 
ing the usual price of one dollar and a quarter 
per acre, the patent bearing the signature of Pres- 
ident James K. Polk. The father accompanied his 
parents from New York to this state, and the 
inothci' ai-rivcd in the year 1861. The fonncr is 




DA\li) L'OL'IJJ.'AN'. 



PAST AND PHKSEXT OF F.riJKAL: COUNTY. 



961 



now deceased, his death occurring July 1, 1881, 
and his wife still survives, making her home in 
Ladd, Illinois. Fred Codiran, a brother of our 
subject, was born April 8, 1870, and lives in Ladd 
with his mother. 

Clifton I>. Cochran was reared to farm life, as- 
sisting in the operation of the home farm, and 
thus receiving practical training which lilted him 
for carrying on a farm of his own in later years. 
He pursued his education in the Bureau school 
in A\'cstfield township, and after putting aside his 
text-books he continued to follow the occupation 
to which he had been reared, and at one time 
owned a valuable tract of land in Westfield town- 
ship, which was entered from the goveriunent by 
his grandfather many years ago. 

On the 13tli of March, 1881, occurred the mar- 
riage of Clifton D. Cbchran and Miss Sylvia 
Cheesman, who was born July 15, 186;?, and is a 
daughter of John T. and Elizabeth (Barke-) 
Cheesman. The father is a native of England, 
and the mother claims Canada as the place of her 
birth. They came to Bureau county prior to the 
Civil war. The father is now deceased, but the 
mother still survives, and makes her homo in 
Peoria county with her daughter, Mrs. Carrie 
Brown. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Cochran have been 
born five children: Carrie, ^Yalter, Jean, Sylvia 
and David. 

Mr. Cochran is a Mason, belonging to Levi Lusk 
lodge, No. 270, at Arlington. He is now serv- 
ing as a trustee of the Bureau Baptist church in 
Westfield township, although not a member of that 
denomination. He is a republican in politics. For 
the past twenty years he has served as school di- 
rector, and is now acting as clerk of the school 
board. He is interested in the cause of education, 
and does e\'erything in his power to advance the 
system of pulilic' instruction. He has followed 
farming as a life work and has been very suc- 
cessful in his undertakings, and is a man highly 
esteemed by his many friends and acquaintances. 



WILLIAM Pi;.\T'l^ BUSWELL. 

William Pratt Buswcll, tlceea.sed, who was con- 
nected with larming interests in Bureau county, 
and in business life won prosperity and llic re- 
spect of his fellowmen, was born in I'eaciiani, Cal- 
edonia countv, Vermont, August 23, 1824, and 
died in Neponset, Illinois, July 20, 1891. He 
was descended from one of the oldest New Eng- 
land families, tracing his ancestry back to Isaac 
Buswell. who left England on (be ship Caroline, 
April 11, 1638, and died at Salisbury, :^ras.sachll- 
setts, July 8, 168:?. Without referring sjiecifical- 
ly to s\icceeding generations, we come (lo\wi to 
Nicholas Colby Buswcll, the father of James Bus- 
well. The latter was born in Peacham, Ver- 
mont, in 1793 and married Chloc Pratt. 

At an early period in the first half of the nine- 



teenth century James Buswell brought liis family 
to Illinois and William Pratt Buswell acquired 
his education in the district schools of Osceola, 
Stark county, and in Kno.\ College, at Oales- 
liurg, Illinois. Ever of a studious nature and di.s- 
position, be was a great reader of history and 
English literature, and conlin\iaily enriciu'(l and 
broadened bis mind by his reading and research, 
which acquainted him with the works of the 
master minds of all ages. Throughout bis active 
business life be was connarteil with agricultural 
pursuits and the purchase and improvement of 
farui lands. 

On the -Mtli of .Iidy, 1S:>I, Mr. Buswell was 
marrietl tn Miss l<;iizabetli llnlgate, a daugbter of 
Judge James llolgate, of Wyoming, Stark coun- 
ty, Illinois, and tlie memiieis of tiie family are: 
James Jay, who married Elsie Fowler, a daugb- 
ter of Morris Fowler of Bradford, Illinois; Ward 
IT., who married Elizabeth Boynton. of Cialva, 
Illinois; May IT.; Scott; and June. 

In politics Mr. Buswell was a stanch rejuiblican 
and took a deep and active interest in the work 
of tlie ]>arty and its growth and success. Gifted 
liy nature with good intellectual powers which be 
cultivated by reading and study, he was always 
interested in life-problems and was conscientious 
in the fulfillment of his duty as a man in his re- 
lations with his fellowmen and as a citizen in his 
relations to his countv and his countrv. 



FRED Or. BAUER. 

Fred G. Bauer, whose valuable farming inter- 
osts comprise three hundred and twenty acres of 
land and who in addition to the development and 
improvement of his farm has been engaged in 
threshing for the past thirty years, was born in 
Clarion township, .Vi>ril 13, 1858, and it is in Uie 
same section of the C(ninty that he still resides. 
His ))arents weie John and Kalbcrina (llc(fncr) 
Bauer, both natives of Bikeheim, Germany. They 
came to America in the latter part of the '408, 
piohably about 1848, and were among the earlier 
settlers of Burea)i county, taking up their abode 
on a farm on section 28, Clarion township, where 
thev remained for seven or eight years. Subse- 
()nently th(\v settled on section 16 of Ihe same 
townsbij) and there the mother is still living, but 
Hie father ])assed awav on the 15th of .Vugust, 
1875. 

Frederick G. Bauer completed bis education in 
the Clarion township schools and (hroughout his 
entire life has carried on general agricultural 
nnrsuils. That be has prospereil is indicated by 
the fact that he is today the <iwiier of extensive 
landed interests covering three hundred and twen- 
ty acres in Clarion townsbij) valued at from one 
hundred and seventy-five (o two hundred dollars 
per acre. Every accessory of the model farm is 
here found in the good residence, the substantial 



962 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



outlniildings and well kept fences, the richly cul- 
tivated fields and the good grades of stock. He 
has Jed a life of industry crowned with success 
and his example serves to prove what may be ac- 
complished through unremitting diligence and 
carefuUv executed plans. 

On tlie 13th of Novemi)er, 1883, Mr. Bauer was 
marrietl to Miss Mary Frese, who was born in 
Germany, January 4, 1861, a daughter of Henry 
and Anna (Ehlers) Frese, who were likewise born 
in the fatherland. Mr. Frese came to Bureau 
county with his daughter, Mrs. Bauer, his wife 
having died three years previously in the old 
country. Unto Mr. and Mrs. Bauer have been 
born five children, who are yet living: John E., 
Herman C, Tillie E., Hattie M. and Paul J. 
They als^i had one son, Robert, who died in in- 
fancy. The parents are members of the German 
Lutheran church and are actively interested in 
its work. Politically Mr. Bauer is a republican 
but without aspiration for office. In disposition 
he is jovial and genial and is a man loved by his 
many friends. His entire life has been spent in 
this county and he is very popular with all with 
whom he has come in contact. 



LOUTS KUMPF, JR. 
Louis Kumpf, Jr., of La Moille township, owns 
two hundred and twenty acres of fine land lo- 
cated in one of the best farming districts of Bu- 
reau county. He is well situated financially for a 
young man of his years, for he has just com- 
pleted his third decade, having been born in Bu- 
reau county on the 14th of January, 1876. His 
father, Louis Kumpf, was born in Germany and 
came to America in 1841. In 1848 he established 
his home in Bureau county and was married in 
the United States to Miss Sylvia Garinger, also a 
native of Germany. As the years passed their 
family numbered eleven children, of whom Louis 
was the seventh in order of birth. Of this num- 
ber five arc now living in Nebraska and the others 
in Illinois. To a boy wide awake and full of life 
there is always something of interest happening 
and though Louis Kumpf passed his youth upon 
the farm it was not an uneventful period, for he 
acquired the education and laid the foundation 
for the dovclopnipnt nf a character that has en- 
abled him to win a place among the leading farm- 
ers of La. ]\I(iille township in later years. A life 
of diligence and enterprise has been crowned with 
a gratifying measure of success and he is today 
the owner of two hmidred and twenty acres of 
fine land in La Moille township. This is rated 
at the highest market price and through the ju- 
dicious investment of his capital and the careful 
improvement of his land IVIr. Kimipf has doubled 
his wealth in five years. The farm is supplied 
with excellent buildings, which are commodious, 
modern and well painted. There are fine trees 



upon tlie place, which add to its value and attrac- 
tive appearance and the home is a pleasantly hos- 
pitable one, presided over by a most estimable 
lady, who gave her hand in marriage to Mr. 
Kumpf about seven years ago. 

It was on the 14th of December, 1899, that 
the marriage of Louis Kumpf and Miss Bertha 
Schwab was celebrated. She was born in Green- 
ville township. Bureau county, February 18, 1878, 
and is a daughter of Chris and Eva (Schneider) 
Schwab, who were natives of Germany, but were 
married in this country. They had a family of 
five children, of whom Mrs. Kumpf is the fourth. 
Like her husband, she was educated in the district 
schools of La Moille township. Their union has 
been graced with three children : Lillie, born June 
10, 1900 ; Verna, bom April 27, 1903 ; and Min- 
nie, born May 14, 1906. 

The parents are members of the German Lu- 
theran church at Hollowayville and Mr. Kumpf 
votes with the republican party, believing that its 
principles are most conducive to good govern- 
ment. He and his family are very comfortably 
situated in life and he has already gained a place 
among the substantial men of affluence, attaining 
a measure of success superior to that of most men 
of his years. Straightforward business dealings 
and indefatigable perseverance have marked his 
way and those with whom he has had trade and 
social relations speak of him in terms of praise 
and commendation, for in his history there has 
been naught that savors of underhand dealing or 
questionable practices. 



FRED B. STEIN. 

Fred B. Stein, a farmer, owning and operating 
one hundred and fifty-four acres of land in West- 
field township. Bureau county, Illinois, is a na- 
tive of this county, having been born in Clarion 
township in 1870, his natal day being September 
22. He is a son of Henry and Minnie (Meisel) 
Stein, both natives of Germany, who came to 
America at an early age and settled in Bureau 
county, being numbered among its early pioneer 
settlers. During his active business career the 
father always followed agricultural pursuits, but 
he has now retired from all business connections 
and with his wife is now living retired at Mon- 
dota, Illinois. He was always an energetic and 
industrirus farmer and his rest fi-cmi further toil 
is well merited. 

Fred B. Stein, whose name introduces this 
record, was reared in the usual manrer of farm 
lads, assisting in the work of cultivating and de- 
veloping his father's land, and he was thus well 
fitted for carrying on business on his own account 
in later years. He received his education in the 
district schools of Clarion township. After put- 
ting aside his text-books he continued agricultural 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



963 



pursuits, which has always been his life work. 
When he started out on his own account he pros- 
pered in his undertakings, and year by year has 
added to his income until toilay he is the owner 
of one hundred and tifty-four acres of line farming 
land, situated in Westlield township, which he has 
improved, adding all modern accessories, until it 
is now one of the Hue farm homes of the town- 
ship. He is here engaged in raising coi"n and 
oats and each j^ear the land yields splendid crops, 
owing to the care he bestows upon the fields. He 
is also engaged to some extent in raising Norman 
horses, and he finds this branch of his business a 
very profitable one. 

On the 18th of January, 189-1, ilr. Stein was 
united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Klein, a na- 
tive of German}', born on the 5th of June, 1873, 
a daughter of Peter and Frances (Kindersvelt) 
Klein, who were likewise natives of that country. 
Mrs. Stein was nine years of age when her par- 
ents emigrated to America and settled in La Salle 
county, Illinois, the year of their arrival being 
1882. The father there engaged in agricultural 
pursuits and he and his wife still reside there. 
Mr. and Mrs. Stein are the parents of five chil- 
dren, namely: Edward, Viola, Minnie, Laurina 
and Florence, and the family are members of the 
German Lutheran church at Mcndota. Mr. Stein 
is a democrat in his political views, altliough he 
does not adhere strictly to that jiarty and some- 
times votes an independent ballot, regarding the 
men whom he thinks best qualified for office rather 
than adhering to party ties. 

He is an enterprising agriculturist, as is mani- 
fested by the finely improved condition of his 
land, which is a very valuable ])roperly, being 
worth from one hundred and seventy-five to two 
hundred dollars per acre. Here he is engaged in 
the raising of grain and stock and ranks among 
the most successful farmers of Westfield town- 
ship. He and iiis wife are hospitable people and 
have a host of warui friends. 



VICTOR A. NELSON. 
Among the citizens of Bureau county of foreign 
birth is numbered Victor A. Nelson, wliose life 
record is creditable alike to the land of his na- 
tivity and of Ids adoption. He was born in 
Sweden, May 2C,, ISf!!), has been a resident of 
America since 1888 and is now actively interested 
in farming operations in La Afoille townshiji, Bu- 
reau county. He pursued liis education in Swe- 
den, where he was reared under the parental roof, 
and in the year 1888 he came to .\mcrica, hoping 
to benefit his financial condition in the new world, 
of whose opportunities and privileges ho liad heard 
very favorable reports. For eight years he has 
resided upon tlie farm whicli he now owns and 
occupies, comprising ninety acres of good land in 
La Moille townsliip, for which he paid one hun- 



ilred dollars per acre. The improvements placed 
upon it and the natural rise in realty values have 
made it today worthy one iiundred and fitly dol- 
lars per acre. ilr. Nelson is a grain farmer, his 
llelds producing large crops of corn, oats and ha)-. 
'I'Jie place is one of the finest farms of the county, 
splendidly equipped with all modern conveni- 
ences and accessories. It is supplied with natural 
gas for heating and cooking purposes and the 
buildings are model farm structures in every par- 
ticular. The attractive residence is surrounded 
by fine shade trees and in tlie rear stand comnio- 
tlious barns and outbuildings for the shelter of 
grain and stock. These in turn are surrounded 
by well tilled fields, which are divided into tracts 
of convenient size by fences that are ever kept in 
good repair. 

On the 26th of December, 1895, Mr. Nelson 
w;is married to Miss Catharine Fetzer, who was 
born in this county, August Iti, 1S()8, a daughter 
of Casper and Fredericka (llufiman) Fetzer, who 
were natives of Germany, and after coming to 
America establisheil their home in Bureau county. 
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson now have one child, Estah 
Nelson, born July 23, 18UG. They attend the 
United Brethren church and are progressive peo- 
ple who stand Cor all that is of value in the wel- 
fare anil substantial development of the com- 
munity. Mr. Nelson votes with the republican 
party and no native-born son of the new world 
manifests a more loyal spirit in his support of the 
institutions of the republic. He has never had 
occasion to regret his determination to come to 
tlie United States, but on the contrary has found 
here the opportunities he sought, which, by the 
way, are always open to ambitious, energetic young 
men. He has had here full scope of his energy 
and determination — his ilominant qualities — and 
as the years have passed he luis wrested fortune 
from the hands of fate and is already one of the 
substantial agriculturists of La Moille township 
with valuable property holdings. Everything look- 
ing to the betterment of town and county receives 
his endorsement and in his public life, as in 
his business interests, he has the genius for de- 
vising and executing the right thing at the right 
time. He anil his wife are esteemed by many 
friends, being always spoken of by their neigh- 
bors in terms of kindly ami appreciative regard. 



JOHN CLANCY. 

John Clancy, dealing in fine wines and liquors 
in i\rlington, is a son of the EmeraM isle, where 
his birth occurred June 21, 1870. His parents 
were Patrick and Johanna (Power) Clancy who 
were likewise born in that country, where the 
falber still lives, but the motltci- ]i.\-r.f^ away in 
ISSfi. 

Jolin Clancy remained a resident of his native 
land through niuch of the period of his youth 



964 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAr COUNTY. 



and ou the 20th day of May, 1888, he came to 
Arlington, since which time he has lived in Bu- 
reau county. He was identified with agricultural 
])ursuits here for about eleven years, but is now a 
business man of Arlington, where he is dealing 
in fine wines and liquors. He holds membership 
in the Catholic church. 



J. F. WAGNER. 

J. F. Wagner, o\raer of the largest Ijrickyard 
and tile manufacturing establishment in Prince- 
ton, which business has been under his personal 
control for a number of years, although estab- 
lished by his father in 1857, is a man whose in- 
tense and well-directed activity has gained him 
prominence in connection with the productive in- 
dustries of the county, while in all his business 
relations he has manifested the spirit that places 
him with that class of representative men who, 
while promoting individual interests, also con- 
tribute in substantial measure to general progress 
and pi'osperity. He was born in Princeton in 185T 
and is a son of John Wagner, a pioneer of Bureau 
county, who arrived in 1848, coming from Ger- 
many to America when young. After his arrival 
in this country he learned the trade of brick and 
tile making and in 1857 established in Princeton 
tlie brickyard which is now being conducted tjy 
hi? son. The new enterprise prospered from the 
beginning and in the course of years he built up 
a large business, the output being of such a qual- 
ity as to find a ready sale on the market, while 
his straightforward business dealings won for the 
house an imassailable reputation. He was united 
in marriage to Miss Katherine ^fichel, who also 
arrived in this county in 1848. They had seven 
children, but J. F. Wagner is the only one now 
living. The father departed this life in 1894, but 
the mother still survives and makes her home with 
her son at the advanced age of eighty-six years. 

J. F. Wagner, spending his boyhood and youth 



under the parental roof, was educated in the 
schools of Princeton and in his boyhood learned 
liis trade under the direction of his father. He 
has always been connected with this line of busi- 
ness and one element in his success is undoubtedly 
the fact of his persistency of purpose in the occu- 
pation in which he embarked as a young trades- 
man. Admitted to a partnership in the business, 
he" eventually became sole proprietor and has de- 
veloped the enterprise along modern lines, result- 
ing in the establishment of an extensive industry 
which has long since reached very profitable pro- 
portions. The output is more than a million 
brick and two hundred thousand drain tile an- 
nually and he ships to a considerable extent. In 
addition to this large and paying business he also 
owns one hundred acres of land adjoining Prince- 
ton, which is very valuable and wliich he farms, 
finding interest and relaxation from other inisine.ss 
duties in the supervision of his agricultural pro- 
ject. 

Mr. Wagner was married to Miss H. M. Molln, 
of ilendota, and they now have three sons, Gil- 
bert, Wilhelm and Harold, aged, respectively, 
eighteen, sixteen and ten years. The family home 
is a fine residence on East South street and its 
warm hearted and cordial hospitality is one of its 
most attractive features, while its tasteful furnish- 
ings indicate the refined and cultured taste of the 
owners. In politics Mr. Wagner is a democrat, 
who has served as supervisor of his township for 
two terms and was a mmeber of the city council 
for three terms or six years. He exercised his of- 
ficial prerogatives in support of every movement 
of a reformatory or progressive nature and whether 
in office or out of it has always maintained a high 
standard of citizenship, working for those inter- 
ests which are a matter of municipal honor and 
civic pride. Tlie family are all members of the 
Presbyterian clnirch and in the city of his na- 
tivity, where his entire life has been spent, ^fr. 
Wagner is without invidious distinction classed as 
one of its foremost residents. 



INDEX 



HISTORICAL 



Chapter I. Introductory 5 Chapter XII. 

Chapter II. Northwest Territory. lUinois 7 Chapter XIII. 

Chapter III. Early Settlement of the County 20 Chapter XIV. 

Chapter I\'. Early Settlement — Continued 25 Chapter XV. 

Chapter V. B lack Hawk W ar .S5 Chapter X\'I. 

Chapter VI,^--'''"'T5rganization of the County 51 Chapter XVII. 

CHAPTfjrTlI. Religions 58 Chapter XVIII. 

Chapter \'1II. Educational 77 Chapter XIX. 

Chapter IX. The Press 84 Chapter XX. 

Chapter X. Courts and Bar 88 Chapter XXI. 

Chapter XI, Legislative 94 Chapter XXII. 



CouTity Officers gg 

Medical idq 

Banking |oi 

Princeton 1^3 

Railroads and Public Improvements ll»8 

Townships m 

Civil War 127 

Fraternal Societies 1^7 

Miscellaneous 144 

Bureau County Fair 148 

Illustrious Dead 150 



BIOGRAPHICAL 



Abbott. C. \V 539 

Abbott. H. E 490 

Abell, Augusta E 308 

Adams, J. W 49!) 

Albrecht, Fred 95a 

Albrecht, Josepli S49 

Allen, 3. B SliJ 

Allen. W. C 81U 

Anderson. C. K 7C6 

Anderson. J. G 627 

Anderson. P. E OS- 
Anderson, Wi'liam 171 

Anderson, W. D 849 

Anderson, W. E 949 

Andrews. C. A 865 

Ansteth, E. L 055 

Anthony. E. B S7S 

Anthony, \V. II 286 

Apgar, M. H 2B1 

Atkinson, Ephraim 587 . 

Attig, Jacob 756 

Baechler. Oliver 215 

Bailey, H. U 574 

Baird, Charles T 841 

Barkman, D. II 922 

Barrett, Or. C. C 265 

Barth, W. J 259 

Bash, B. F 750 

Bass, Edwin 902 

Bass, O. S 737 

Bass, Wallace 192 

Battey, B. R 1«5 

Battey, E. E 299 

Battey, L. A 7.1S 

Battey, Silas 502 

Banschbach, Martin 496 

Banschbach, William 936 

Bauer, F. G 901 

Bauer, George D 489 

Beatty, R. S 860 

Becker, John C 454 

Behrens, John 858 



Belknap, H. K 413 

Bennett, G. G 839 

Bennett, T. N 341 

Bentley, Festus 813 

Berge, T. J 027 

Berry, J. W 210 

Bill. E. 1) 560 

Blackburn, Dr. M. H 348 

Blazey, B. A 361 

Bloom, W. C 320 

Boal. A. D 810 

Bohm, William 701 

Bonnell, Albert 663 

Bonnell, .Shannon 761 

Booth. C. N 372 

Booth. U. C 623 

Booth. Newton 205 

Booth. W. H 957 

Borop. C. E 426 

Boyden. .Mbcrt W 560 

Boydcn, C. VV 376 

Boyden. (icorge F 281 

Boyden. G. W 235 

Boyland, Christoiihcr 958 

Boyland, John R 817 

Brady, Dennis 637 

Brigliani, J. .\ 000 

Brokaw. W. C 580 

Brooks, E. II 284 

Brown, Constant 190 

Brown, H. K 916 

Bruton, Robei I 331 

Bryan. A. M 950 

Bryant. Arthur 544 

Bryant, Cyrus 189 

Bryant, E. R 223 

Bryant. Elijah W 174 

Bryant, Guy .\ 538 

Bumphrcy. J. P 249 

Burden, Thomas 651 

Burkr, William 868 

Burnett, W. .\ 227 

Burnham, J. P 419 



liuswell, W. P 961 

Huller, Dr. J. 1' 1193 

Caltinan, T. C 955 

Campbell. W. F 210 

Capperrune, Irwin 724 

Carpenter, C. .M 214 

Carpenter, II. E 511 

Carpenter, J. 1 826 

Carpenter, M. 1). D »6« 

Carper, .\dani 615 

Carper, .\ndrcw 573 

Carper. Samuel H SOI 

Cass, Royal V «S8 

Cassidy, P. J 96S 

Cater, Carrie E 818 

Cauffman. John I' 427 

Cecil James 4SS 

Chambers, John VV 865 

Chambers, Mary J 887 

Chase. C. Z 440 

Chesney. William 809 

Chritzman, Jacob 718 

Clancy, John WW 

Clark, I), u 410 

Clark, Jamos II (188 

Clark, John N 448 

Clark, J. S 882 

Clarke. S. P 790 

Clement. W. W 888 

Cochran. C. D 988 

Cddington. H. C 780 

Coddinglon, J. H 192 

Coddinglon. J. W 338 

Coffey, M. F 680 

Coggins, J. W 870 

Coleman. C. W 75,% 

Condon. John ^71 

Conrad. Peter J .'il 

Conley, Charles C '49 

Conley. Tames, Jr ^J* 

Conner, O. J 888 

Conner, William 478 



966 



PAST AND PRESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



Corey, Charles L "71 

Corey, Harry F 644 

Corss, Henry 271 

Costehlo, J. J 874 

Coulter, James L 772 

Craig, George E 413 

Crater, John F 758 

Crisman, W. A , 653 

Crownovcr, James ../ 450 

Crowiiover, J. D. . / 475 

CuTtis, J. M..... 301 

Curtis, Egbert 938 

Curtis. II. E 667 

Uahlet, F. L 781 

Dablcr. C. W 727 

Dabler, James E 11)5 

Dahlgren. Charles 406 

Dale, J. H 588 

Dale, J. R 901 

Dale, K. J 588 

Dale, T. H 805 

Daniels, J. W '■ 397 

Davis, J. A 764 

Dean, D. H 362 

Decker, Charles 896 

Decker, Rev. H 729 

Delano, C. H 034 

Delano, John H 436 

Dewey, B. F 417 

Dorr, C. B 435 

Doty, Marion 512 

Doty, Solomon C 887 

Dow, Benjamin F 525 

Downing, E. 41ii 

Draper, Dennis I) 256 

Draper, Wilson W 575 

Dreman, F. W 244 

Drummer, Greg W 810 

Dunbar, \V. W 472 

Duncan, F. C 815 

Dunne, John 694 

Dunteman, Henry 510 

Dwyer, John 747 

Eddy, Dr. \V. E 447 

Edwards, Evelyn 1' 439 

Eickmeier. J. II 904 

Eigsti, Jacob 916 

EUbcrg, James E 250 

Elliott, Simon 278 

Ely, E. J 457 

Emerson, Jesse 695 

Ennis, J. M 807 

Erikson, Nels 828 

Evans, Samuel S 736 

Faber, Charles II 595 

Fagan, Michael 933 

Fahs, Henry 70S 

Fairbanks, Roy L 517 

Fassctt, E. W 876 

Fate, W. H 705 

Faubic, Alice C 728 

Fay, D. F 191 

Fay, E. M 251 

Fetrow, A. W 310 

Fctzcr, William 814 

Field, C. V 848 

Field, J. C , 922 

Fifield, T. J 665 

Fisher, James 781 

Flint, Dr. O. J 932 

Follct, J. P 801 

Ford, Timothy 887 

Fordham, C. W 629 

Foster, H, L 722 



Franklin, Dr. J. H 585 

Frazec, .Milford 250 

Fuller, Henry 706 

Fuller, J. S 685 

Gardner, James M 842 

Garten, M. D 618 

Garvin, Charles 945 

Garvin, Thomas 946 

Garwood, Dr. J. I' 714 

Gebeck, Frank 553 

Germain, Hector 749 

Geuther, Gabriel 499 

( libbs, Howard G G44 

Gibbs, Walter L 840 

Gingery, Daniel 305 

Gingrich, John J 521 

Gingrich, Otto 501 

Golby, James A 291 

Golding, W. L 699 

Gosse, Andrew 282 

Gould, J. B 354 

Gould, W. H 173 

Graham, James 634 

Graves, George W 247 

Gray, Hermas 432 

Gray, Jay N 222 

Gray, W. Z 587 

Greener, M. J 570 

Greenwood, A. R 296 

Griswold, Dr. W. C 923 

Guither, Edward 650 

Gunkel, C. W G5U 

Gunning, H. G 526 

Gunning, Dr. T. J 160 

Gustavson, John ,\ 585 

Gutshall, J. L 334 

Haines, J. H 817 

Haines, William H 717 

Hall, E. J 780 

Hall. Richard o5] 

Hamilton, J. F »76 

Ilamrick, J. C 783 

Ilamrick, J. W 231 

Haney, Johnston D .'01 

Hanley, Jacob 617 

Harrington, Clement 582 

Harrington, G. B 358 

Harrington, N. A 344 

Harlz. George l*" ^15 

Hartz, William 814 

Hasenyager, August 591 

Hasslcr, William 576 

Hatch, H. D 403 

Hawthorne, W. H 440 

Hayden, Ulysses G 563 

Hayes, Enos M 552 

Hays, T. Clark 907 

Hazen, J. K 394 

Hechtncr. C. S 806 

Ilcinze, Nicholas 702 

Hcitz, T. J 596 

Henderson, T. J 956 

Hcnsel, George W 696 

Hcnsel, Harvey E 292 

Hens',-1, M. J 288 

Hensei. Philip 405 

Herbolshcimcr, Sebastian 501 

Herzog, .\nton 469 

Hewitt, G. W 693 

Hickey, P. H 868 

Hickman, Dr. L. D 495 

Hills, Z, S 771 

Hohertz. John F 695 

Holler, Herman N 954 

Holmes, L. J 652 



Holroyd, D. A 332 

Hoover, Michael 384 

Hopkins, J. K 228 

Hoppler, George 414 

Hopps, A. D 464 

Hopps, I. W 918 

Houghton, L. C 581 

Howard, H. S 371 

Humphreys. Z. I* 679 

Hunt, George 866 

Hupp, A. C 890 

Hurst, Henry, Sr 764 

Huseman, J. ii 851 

Immaculate Conception Church 640 

Immke, H. W 624 

Ireland, Wiiber 471 

Isaacson, N. W 834 

Jackson, H. T 927 

Jacoby, Frank C 852 

Jagodzinski, I. J 643 

Jensen, James C 833 

Jensen. Peter, Jr 782 

Johnson, Hugh 460 

Johnson, Watts A 300 

Johnson, W. G 940 

Johnson, W. H 391 

Johnson, W. M 702 

Jontz, Cornelius 428 

Kane, John S90 

Kasbeer, .\sa W 757 

Keel, C. W 353 

Keith, C. N 930 

Kelley, C. H 426 

Kendall, L. J 598 

Kinnick, Jacob J 872 

Kipp. n. E 527 

Kirkpatrick, G. W 270 

Kitterman, John 203 

Knipi)le, N. J 798 

Kno.'C, ."i. H 248 

Knox, S. M 608 

Knudson, Rasmus 793 

Knudson, Soren 823 

Kramer, Henry 500 

Krooss, H. H 904 

Kumpf, Louis. Jr 962 

La Due. E. .\ 527 

Lamb, Marshall M 805 

Landis, Dr. B. F 237 

Larkin. Edgar D 518 

Laughlin, J. G 910 

Law, David H 908 

Lawton, E. W 163 

Lawton, W. F 186 

Lewis, G. M 237 

LindnCT, F. G 792 

Link. Jacob 479 

Littlefield, H. L 875 

Littlewood, George 744 

Lockwood, T. J 586 

Long, L. M 950 

Lord, G. W 606 

Lord. James G 831 

I.ovejoy, Owen 917 

Lungren. Alfred 547 

Luther. J. H 598 

Lyic, H. T 723 

Lyle, O. M 713 

McCabc, Edward 469 

McCabc, William 902 

McCleary, Alice 873 

McCray. Joseph 490 



PAST AND rrtESENT OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



967 



McCreedy, James 724 

McDonald, G. VV 500 

\[cEIroy, W. ,T 227 

McGann, John .i 714 

Mclntyre, M. T 506 

McKenzic. O. W 690 

McMahoii, M. II s.sl 

McManis, C. J Ifiu 

McManis, Elizabeth 36S 

McManis, GeorRe G 700 

McWilliams, J. F 612 

Makutchan, II. E 436 

Malaney, Edwin ' 367 

Malm, Dr. A. H 453 

Maloney, Ed 844 

Markee, Joseph 200 

Markee, J. W 311 

Marriott, E. H 684 

Marshall, Dr. J. R 215 

Martin, Frank C 404 

Martin, Seward 946 

Mason, C. P 802 

Mason, John 757 

Mason, O. W 727 

Mason, P. N 772 

Mason, W. K 449 

Mathis, Edward 333 

Mathis, E. R 708 

Matson, C. F : 744 

Matson, Marian 375 

Matteson, T. B 847 

Matteson, W. S 521 

May, George 735 

May, L. 741 

May. William 548 

Mercer, William 866 

Mercer, W. L 948 

Metcalf, B. F '..'. 894 

Metcalf, F. C 442 

Meyer, W. H 673 

Michael, P. P 181- 

Miller, Alba E 448 

Miller, Darius 689 

Miller, D. L 639 

Miller, W. J 260 

Miller, W. W 294 

Mitchell, Burr 387 

Monier, J. E 774 

Moran, Dr. J. J 623 

Morgan, D. JI 470 

Morrasy, Anthony 630 

Morris, David K 532 

Morris, N. F 30."> 

Moseley, Douglas 929 

Mosher, _ PZIijah 269 

Mount, Elisha J 348 

Mou-nt, J. W 321 

Murphy, J. A 873 

Murtaiigh, William 738 

Myer, Andrew 270 

Myers, Augustus 337 

Myers, Levi tf. 255 

Nawa, Stephen A 937 

Ncill, W. H 338 

Nelson, A. W 773 

Nelson, George T 680 

Nelson, Peter 832 

Nelson, Victor A 963 

Norris, Alfred 890 

Norton, E. F 743 

Norton. W. H 825 

Oakford. B. F 162 

Oakford, E. E 305 

Obcrg, Samuel 650 

Oberschelp. E. H. H 699 

O'Brien, James 888 



Odell, W. S 397 

O'Hollaran, J. J 434 

Olds, John II 238 

Oloffson, Andrew 803 

Olson, C. F 679 

Olson, .\. F. B 664 

Oppenheim, A 404 

Ottoson, George 831 

Paddock, Dr. S. .\ 238 

Paddock. S. G 308 

I'aden, John R 800 

Palmer, Dr. C. A 921 

Palmer, Harry W 867 

Parker, H. I 405 

Patten. F. .\ 762 

Patterson, B. F 964 

Patterson, 1). E 631 

Peckham, F. B 894 

Pendleton, C. L 633 

Perkins, L. M 180 

Perry, J. A 231 

Pervier, Clayton C 706 

Pervier, S. L 707 

Peterson, C. S 845 

Peterson, John '. 857 

Peterson, E. .\I 735 

Peterson, Peter 790 

Pettee, G. P.. Jr : 931 

Pettee, G. P., Sr 604 

Petteys, C. H 728 

Pettigrew, J. N 689 

Pettit, J. W 325 

Phelps. Georgi- R 322 

Phillips. G. S 666 

Phillips, J. H 783 

Pickering, George 843 

Pierce. C. J 748 

Pierson, Frank 877 

Pierson. John W 393 

Piper, Albert 949 

Piper, A. D 343 

Piper, A. L 300 

Piper, Harding 867 

Piper, O. J 255 

Piper, W. , T 427 

Pittman, J. B 715 

Poole, Warren 403 

Popp, Henry 875 

Porterfield, J. E 701 

Prendergast, J. G 612 

Prescott. S. P 522 

Priestley, H. H 924 

Prunk. G. W 797 

Prutsman, M. E 038 

Ouinn. lohn 802 

Racklcy, George 581 

Rackley, George F 820 

R.ackley, Nathan 674 

Rasmusson. J. G 881 

Rawson, J. H 2lt 

Reed, Henry C 392 

Reed, E. H 086 

Reid, J. L 774 

Remsburg, M. B 824 

Rcmsburg. Grant S <70 

Remsburg, G. W 721 

Rcmsburg, >V. S 848 

Reynolds. John 702 

Rhyne. Timothy «9« 

Richardson, C. J 028 

Richardson. Dr. G. R 611 

Rick, J. C «"» 

Riley, C. W 794 

Riley. James E... 827 

Riley. John E 643 



Riley, Wilson 40} 

Rippley. E. ,» 847 

Roberts. H. C 182 

Robinson, G. A 030 

Robinson, J. S 882 

Rogers. F. S 643 

Rollins. Mrs. S. E 807 

Ross. Andrew g]Q 

Ross. Elijah 357 

Ross. George R 377 

Ruck, William J97 

Runft, J. F 869 

Russell, R. L 540 

Russell, S. S $76 

Ryan, Michael 028 

Salmon, S. P ;,2g 

Saltzman, C. D 850 

Sandberg, Hans S63 

Sapp, Charles M 947 

Sapp. Elmer 300 

Sapp, J. R 202 

Sapp, W. E 308 

Savage, C. L gog 

Schendcl, G. F jgi 

Schoeitler, J. F g4o 

Schultz, J. F itii 

Schuneman. Christian 790 

Schwarzcniraub. J. K 811 

•Scott, Edward 715 

Scott, Henry 469 

Scott, M. O Its 

Scott, Sidney W Cg4 

Searl. B. F 6S2 

Scarl, E. Grant 490 

Seguinc, W. S 789 

Seibcl, G. ■ E 874 

Scibel, Max P 000 

Showalter, J. H 015 

Shugart, J. J S4T 

Simington. C. A igs 

Sislcr, C. E 489 

Sitterley, J. C 809 

SkcfTington, F. M 840 

Skeffington. Michael JS2 

Skinner, R. M 935 

Skoglund, O. H 172 

Smith, B. I B18 

Smith, D. II 878 

Smith. D, P 420 

Smith. II. C S12 

Smith. James .\ 701 

Smith. J. 11 782 

Smith. John M 765 

Smith, J. W 880 

Smith, Eisle P 841 

Smith, Paul J 431 

Smith, S. 1 478 

Smith. W. II 800 

Smith. William R 8fll 

Smith. Zimri 880 

Soverhill. S. G IM 

Spl.iiu, J. C 426 

Spooner, A. A 779 

Spraguc, Dr. Theophilus lOS 

Springer, Joseph 208 

Stabler. Charles 883 

Stabler. Henry 848 

Stabler, K. J 862 

Stadler, I.ouis (" 'JS 

Steele, A. L. 76 

Steele, George 1'09 

Steele, Dr. H. D 048 

Stein. F. B »8» 

Stier, Friti 824 

Stiver. M. A 277 

Stoodley. G. F J 889 

Story, Dr. R. W 787 



968 



PAST AND PRESENT OP BUREAU COUNTY. 



Stotliard, J. E 903 

Stiidlcy, C. C 319 

Studley, K. L 376 

Sulton. William 388 

Swanson. A. C 907 

Swanson. C. G 45S 

Swanzy, Andrew 302 

Swarts, H. S 332 

Sweeney, John J 505 

Taylor, M. V ao4 

Tcllkamp, J. -M 717 

Tenipleton, J. W 750 

Terpening, M. U 293 

Thackabcrry, F. C 083 

■ Thackaberry, Henry 539 

Thackaberry, M. R 895 

Thompson, E. G 484 

Thompson, L. K 163 

Tliompson, T. G 432 

Thomson, Jacob T 168 

Tibbctts, j. H 418 

Tinley, Edward 554 

Tomlinson, Charles 439 

Timkinson, Frank 417 

Trhiible. H. M 607 

Trimble, W. K 903 

Tncker. Fred L 235 

Umhoiz. A. R fill 

Van Ormcr, D. II 716 

Van Sickle, William A 755 

\'auRhn. J. A 353 

\'aunlin, Thomas C 392 

X'au^hn, Thomas E 086 

\irden, E. K 272 

N'room, J. L 376 



Wade, Albert W 823 

Wagner, J. F 964 

Walrath, Sylvester 844 

Ward, Frank 74S 

Warfield, Jacob, 11 213 

Warfield, John 206 

Warkins, Valentine 880 

Warner, W. H 387 

Washburn, E. A 159 

Waterhouse, G. W 793 

Waterhouse, J. E 775 

Watson James 453 

Waugh, James 664 

Webb, R. E 6711 

Wedding, C. W 798 

Weeks, Dr. MacClarey 629 

Weise. Dr. G. 1< 927 

Weller. G. G 322 

Wells, Henry G 509 

Weissenburger, J. H 603 

Westover, F. S 315 

Whaley, Louis A 537 

Whaples, W. E 929 

Whipple, W. M 252 

Whitaker, Robert 825 

White, C. 889 

White, Dr. J. C 569 

White, John W 742 

White House Store 839 

Whiting. H. L 763 

Whitver, Harry 495 

Wickersham. Dr. L. L 442 

Wiggim, .\dams J .' . 334 

Wiggins, C. T 480 

Wilkinson, Orrin 200 

Williams. B. F 670 



Williams, B. S 222 

Williams, Charles 818 

Williams, (i. P 287 

Williams, M. E 784 

Williams, William 512 

Wilson, Allison 872 

Wilson, G. C 371 

Wilson, William 780 

Wilson, W. S 164 

Wiman, Dr. L. H 871 

Winser, S. E 570 

Winter, S. B 181 

Winter, W. H 850 

Wolfersberger, Philip 354 

Wood, Charles 483 

Wood, Ellis B 398 

Wood, Fred 475 

Wood, H. L 459 

Wood. Jasper 454 

Wood, Thomas E 668 

Woolley, E. A 209 

Wright, F. P 261 

Veater, Mary E 293 

Young, Edwin M 409 

Young, Pierson 361" 

Young, W. J 505 

Y'ount, David 924 

Zearing, L. F 342 

Zearing. Martin 543 

Zink. tieorge 776 

Zink. George E 779 

Zink. John 592 

Zink, T. A 616 



^f. Lya^ 



